I Traded NYC For Hudson Valley—These Spots Make Me Feel Like A Local

It takes a lot to get someone who lives in New York City to consider leaving. It's the only place in the world where anything you want is available at your fingertips (thank you, Uber Eats!) But, what NYC has in restaurant variety, it lacks in nature and fresh air. And sometimes, city dwellers just need to touch grass.

For Ella Rose McFadin HW, founder of SBE Beauty, that's how her love of Hudson Valley began. “Working from home in an apartment in Brooklyn just started to feel really cramped, especially with our golden retriever," she shares. "We were ready for a change, and after exploring a bit, we really fell in love with the area. The town we moved to was completely by accident, and we are in heaven.”

And in McFadin's new hometown, there's a plethora of fresh air and space, plus a wide array of farms, markets, restaurants, hotels, and stores that have made the transition to post-city life feel equally as robust. "Yes, it’s quaint, quiet, and peaceful, but there’s also so much going on. There are so many cool restaurants up here, so many brands are doing events, and we have friends visiting almost every weekend,” she says.

If you've been looking for a sign to take that trip to Hudson Valley this fall, take this as one. And luckily, McFadin has already done all the scoping out for us, so you can trust the below as a local-approved itinerary.

The Maker: “The Maker is such a special stay. It has this intimate, boutique feel right on Warren Street in the heart of Hudson, with beautiful interiors and incredible food. I also love that you can step outside and spend the day wandering some of my favorite shops and restaurants in town.”

Inness: "Inness is a personal favorite of mine, and somewhere I find myself going back to all the time. The property is absolutely stunning and feels so peaceful and expansive you can spend long afternoons just walking the grounds. It’s also an incredibly beautiful setting for a wedding or a weekend away.”

Wildflower Farms: “Wildflower Farms is definitely one of the more elevated stays in the Hudson Valley, and the property is absolutely beautiful. It feels really special and immersed in the landscape, while still having that polished, luxurious feel. There’s a reason it’s become such an iconic Hudson Valley destination.”

Ollie's: “Some of my favorite pizza in the Hudson Valley. It’s casual, cozy, and always worth the trip.”
Quinnies: “Such a charming spot for lunch just outside of Hudson. It’s only about eight minutes from town and always worth the quick drive. They have the best sandwiches."
Feast & Floret: “One of my favorite spots for Italian in Hudson. The food is delicious, and it’s equally lovely for a long lunch or cozy dinner.”
Cherries: “My favorite ice cream stand in the Hudson Valley. A must during the warmer months!”
Upstate Taco: “One of our go-to spots in Stone Ridge for really good Mexican food. Easy, casual, and consistently delicious.”
Bklyn Sour: “The sweetest little bakery and such a welcome addition to the area. Definitely worth planning a weekend morning around.”
Little Goat: “A lovely little spot in Rhinebeck for coffee or a bite to eat. Perfect for popping into while you’re spending the day in town.”
Rosie General: “The sweetest café and general store in Kingston. Such a great stop for coffee, something to eat, and a little browsing.”
Goomos: “Such a gem at Tributary Farm. Come for the café, but definitely plan around their pizza nights on Wednesdays and Saturdays.” The days here were incorrect. 

Antique Warehouse: “One of my favorite places to hunt for vintage furniture in the Hudson Valley. It’s huge, so you can really spend an afternoon wandering and finding one-of-a-kind pieces.”
Nina Z: “One of my favorite vintage clothing shops to pop into when I’m in Hudson. It’s beautifully curated and always has really special finds.”
Routine Pleasure: “A beautiful curated boutique in Woodstock with a well-rounded and unique selection. There is something for everyone! I always love popping in when I go to Woodstock.”
Hudson Wildflower Co: “Such a fun Hudson Valley experience. You can wander through the fields and pick your own flowers to create a bouquet to take home.”
Saunderskill: “One of those quintessential upstate stops. It’s a family-run farm where you can pick up local groceries and garden supplies, plus they always have fun seasonal activities.”
The Farmer's Market: “The Hudson Farmers’ Market happens every Saturday and is one of my favorite ways to spend a morning in town. Definitely worth stopping by for local produce, flowers, and other finds.”