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In recent years, the Hudson Valley has faced a major revamp. City-dwellers flock upstate to take in the views, fresh air, and seemingly never-ending space. Mom-and-Pop shops, eateries, and hotels have been surfacing in the cities that dot the Hudson River, products of unconstrained creativity and a sense of renewal from the bustle of city living. We headed up to seek out the spaces leading an resurgence in design and the restaurants that are redefining the farm-to-table movement. Here, just a sampling of the many points of interest you’re not going to want to miss. Take a look!
WHERE TO STAY
The Hotel Dylan
320 Maverick Road, Woodstock NY 12498
This Woodstock mainstay recently got a fresh new look in the form of an upscale addition to the previously existing wing. Vibrant and colorful, Hotel Dylan’s facelift comes courtesy of design duo The Novogratz. “The vibe throughout is a cool, fun, hip place to stay,” explains Robert Novogratz. “The original hotel is four years old and didn’t need a revamp, as the designs are fresh yet timeless.” Instead of a total overhaul, The Novogratz focused on keeping the new parts in line with the aesthetics of the old—it’s all about laid-back charm, bohemian sophistication, and, of course, a steady dosage of inspo from some of the musical and artistic greats.
Each guestroom is named after a rock legend with roots to the Woodstock Nation. Guests can pick up a vinyl record at the front desk to bring to their room, or head out to chill al fresco by the fire pits. It’s peak artsy upstate escape. Be sure to check out the neighboring towns for cool art exhibits, calming spas, and all types of fine dining (more on that below).
Rivertown Lodge
731 Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534
This former motor lodge-turned hotel has become a Hudson mainstay. Its movie theater-inspired facade features a whitewashed minimalist theme and a bold font. During the warmer weather months, a bike rack stationed at the adjacent parking lot houses pastel vintage rides, replaced by a meticulously stacked pile of firewood in the winter. Inside, a cozy lounge boasts a colorful array of furnishings, gathered around a wood-burning stove, mirroring a compact yet curated library, deep and cozy lounge chairs included.
WM Farmer & Sons
20 S. Front St, Hudson, NY 12534
One of Hudson’s newest spots, WM Farmer & Sons is composed of a series of adjoining buildings annexed to form a cluster of rooms that complete the hotel. Each room features a unique decorative scheme, all falling under the rustic-meets-farmhouse chic aesthetic. Familial heirlooms and furnishings collected over time are a reoccurring theme, present in every one of the rooms. In the dining room on the first floor of the main building, chairs salvaged from a naval academy complement the rustic scheme. The kitchen is run by none other than the founder, the establishment emulates the warmth and friendliness of the town. The hotel’s lobby comes clad with the town’s memorabilia, a cozy coffee corner, fire stove, and mini general shop filled with curated knick knacks.
Stop by during the summers, where oyster happy hours begin at 5PM, pop-up verandas come lined with cafe tables, and the empty lot across the street from the hotel transforms into a bustling biergarten, eventually turning into an outdoor movie theater, projected on the whitewashed facade of an adjoining building.
Scribner’s Catskill Lodge
13 Scribner Hollow Rd, Hunter, NY 1244Once a motor lodge in the 60s, Scribner’s has quickly become one of the most sought-after hotels in the area. Conveniently located near the Catskill Mountains Scribner’s is a minimalist’s dream! We must admit, the biggest selling factor of the hotel would have to be its massive lounge lined with wall-to-wall shelves that come filled with books, circling a cozy fireplace that’s perpetually lit.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Gaskins
2 Church Ave
Germantown, NY 12526
Situated in the quaint Germantown, Gaskins stands tall in the center square, surrounded by only a handful of picturesque shops. Its signature blue facade is a decorative force to be reckoned with, channeling the color palette that is currently taking the region by storm. Run by Nick and Sarah Suarez, Gaskins is yet another successful venture for the two, whose repertoire includes NYC’s Marlow & Sons, Gramercy Tavern, and The Modern.
Phoenicia Diner
5681 NY-28, Phoenicia, NY 12464
Consider it an upstate mainstay. No trip to the Hudson Valley would be complete sans a pitstop at Phoenicia Diner. Situated right off the interstate, the eatery’s backdrop is incomparable at best, nearly rivaling the even more scenic drive up.
Bonfiglio & Bread
748 Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534
Bonfilgio’s inconspicuous sign simply goes by “Bread”, tucked within a row of understated storefronts. Inside, the space is compact, cozy, and saturated with the warm aroma of freshly baked bread. The curated menu manages to boast a range of items diverse enough to satisfy even the pickiest of palettes. We suggest making it in before noon, to avoid missing the delectable breakfast menu which includes Mushroom toast with a chili oil and sunny side up egg.
Grazin’ Dinner
717 Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534
Disguised as a retro-diner, Grazin’s claim-to-fame is its farm-to-table model focused on serving the most delicious organic fare. Most notably known for their burgers, Grazin’s impressive menu features signature combos and even offers the opportunity to make one of your own.
Suarez Family Brewery
2278 U.S. 9, Hudson, NY 12534
This family-run spot features a delectable selection of ales and lagers, brewed in-house. Walls lined with windows and plenty of space, it’s a welcome refresh from the typically crowded bar or pub. Head over for beer tastings, trivia night, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Our favorite, little vignette at the Suarez Family Brewery.
Brunette Wine Bar
33 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401
Brunette’s whitewashed aesthetic, which comes with a slew of whimsical details, was what first drew us into the space. We stayed for the music, vibrant and delicious cuisine, and a broad selection of natural wines. The ambiance of the eatery channels the quintessence of summer, regardless of the season. Run by husband and wife duo Tracy and Jaime Kennard, the daily-refreshed menu boasts clever creations from the aforementioned, spontaneity a focus and goal. Don’t miss out on the bahn mi-inspired hot dogs, and Tracy’s clever music and wine pairings. Psst! Get a taste of it here!
WHAT TO DO
Hops Petunia
73 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401
Part flower shop, part general store, Hops Petunia features an eclectic selection of home and beauty essentials, found objects, and various knick-knacks.
Flowerkraut
722 Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534
Walk in and you’ll spend a great deal of time poring over the curated details of this charming shop. An eclectic assortment of handmade, ceramic vases cleverly hang from a grid on the ceiling, crystals, bundles of sage, and pine incense line the window ledges, while a wall of galvanized buckets houses the day’s floral haul. Psst! This charming flower shop also sells homemade sauerkraut, so don’t forget to pick a bottle up on your way there!
Westwind Orchards
215 Lower Whitfield Rd, Accord, NY 12404
Consider this a must on your next trip upstate! Westwind Orchards boasts stunning views, plenty of open space, a chic country shop, and fire pits for chilly autumn evenings that come with a live band or movie screening. Grab a freshly-made pizza at the in-house stand, sweet and savory options included!
Or Gallery & Tavern
35 South 3rd Street, Hudson, NY 12534
Bar, gallery, shop, workspace. Or finds itself within a converted garage, and features an array of cozy moments. On any given day, you may find patrons sipping coffee at the bar, working on their laptops in the corner lounge, or taking in the live music during the later hours of the day.
