After living in New York City for ten years, I’d grown used to movement...fast trains, full calendars, and the constant hum of possibility. But Hudson offered something quieter, something I hadn’t realized I missed. Just a few hours north of the city, it felt like a gentler rhythm was waiting for me, one with time to breathe and space to notice things again. As I walked its streets, lingered by the river, and stepped into historic homes, I kept thinking, “This is what it feels like when a place invites you to exhale.”
Best Things to Do in Hudson, NY
Tour Artistic Splendor at the Olana State Historic Site
Perched on a hill with sweeping views of the Hudson River, Olana State Historic Site is the former home of Frederic Church, a key figure in the Hudson River School of landscape painting. The architecture itself is a wonder—Persian-inspired and eclectic, like something pulled from a dream. But the magic of Olana is how it merges art, landscape, and vision. Church didn’t just design his house—he curated the entire view around it.
As I stood on the front porch, looking out at the Catskills in the distance, I remember thinking, “He painted with everything—stone, sky, and silence.” The inside of the home was filled with global treasures, but the true masterpiece was right outside the window.
Afterward, I stopped by Tanzy’s back in town for a cozy lunch. I ordered the goat cheese salad with maple-glazed walnuts and a cup of butternut squash soup. The balance of warmth and flavor was just right after walking the Olana trails in the crisp air.
Olana State Historic Site At a Glance
- Location: 5720 NY-9G, Hudson, NY 12534
- Vibe: Artistic, serene, visionary
- Highlights: Mansion tours, scenic overlooks, walking trails
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for color; spring for blooming views
- Cost: Grounds are free; guided house tours ~$18
- Hours: Daily 8:30 a.m.–sunset for grounds; tours vary by season
Explore Heroic History at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting
I wasn’t expecting to spend so much time at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting, but once inside, I was completely pulled in. Massive antique fire engines stood in polished rows, and interactive exhibits shared stories of bravery and invention. Some of the pieces dated back over 200 years, each one a relic of resilience.
There was something deeply human about the place—equal parts grit and honor. As I read a handwritten letter from a 19th-century firefighter to his family, I thought, “Courage is timeless—and sometimes tucked into the quiet corners of museums like this.”
I left both moved and hungry. Verdigris Tea & Chocolate Bar just down the street was the perfect next stop. I ordered a cardamom latte and a dark chocolate truffle and sat near the window, watching as the town continued on its way.
FASNY Museum of Firefighting At a Glance
- Location: 117 Harry Howard Ave, Hudson, NY 12534
- Vibe: Thoughtful, historic, quietly heroic
- Highlights: Fire trucks, artifacts, hands-on exhibits
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for fewer crowds
- Cost: ~$10 adults, discounts for kids and seniors
- Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Set Sail on the Hudson with Hudson Cruises
Later that afternoon, I boarded a Hudson Cruises boat for a river tour. The wind had picked up slightly, and the water shimmered in silvery ripples. As we glided along, the views of the Catskills and the historic waterfront unfolded with grace. There’s a certain stillness that only comes from being on the water—it’s like the town softened and expanded from that vantage point.
I leaned on the railing, camera forgotten, and thought, “Hudson isn’t just a place you walk through—it’s one you watch, let in, and carry.” The captain’s narration added color to every bend and landmark, but it was the silence between that said the most.
After docking, I grabbed fish tacos from Wunderbar Bistro, where the citrus slaw and crispy cod made a perfect end to the river breeze and open sky.
Hudson Cruises At a Glance
- Location: 1 Water St, Hudson, NY 12534
- Vibe: Scenic, gentle, reflective
- Highlights: Views of the Catskills, lighthouse sightings, narrated history
- Best Time to Visit: Sunset cruises for golden hour magic
- Cost: ~$25–$35 depending on cruise type
- Hours: Seasonal; booking required
Dine and Stay in Style at WM Farmer and Sons
In the evening, I treated myself to dinner at WM Farmer and Sons, a beautifully restored brick inn with a cozy bar and a restaurant that takes its food seriously without being fussy. The dim lighting, exposed beams, and soft hum of conversation gave it the kind of warmth that lingers.
I ordered the seared scallops with lemon-braised kale and a side of rosemary potatoes. Each bite felt crafted, but not overthought—comfort food elevated. Sitting there with a glass of local wine, I thought, “This is how a town says, ‘Stay awhile.’”
WM Farmer and Sons At a Glance
- Location: 20 S Front St, Hudson, NY 12534
- Vibe: Rustic-chic, indulgent, slow-paced
- Highlights: Seasonal fare, craft cocktails, charming ambiance
- Best Time to Visit: Dinnertime for a full sensory experience
- Cost: Moderate to upscale (~$25–$45 entrees)
- Hours: Dinner daily; brunch on weekends
Admire River Views from the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse
From the shore, the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse sits like a tiny guardian in the middle of the river—a brick sentinel holding its ground against time and tide. I took a tour by boat and was lucky enough to step inside. Narrow staircases led to panoramic views, and stories of lighthouse keepers echoed through every creaky floorboard.
Standing in the lantern room, looking out over the water and the twin towns of Hudson and Athens, I felt small in the best possible way. “This was never just a light for ships,” I thought. “It’s a light for anyone who needs to find their way.”
After the return trip, I wandered over to Hudson Roastery for a cappuccino and a warm cinnamon roll. It was cozy and quiet—a perfect place to process the day’s history and river wind.
Hudson-Athens Lighthouse At a Glance
- Location: Accessible by boat; tours depart from Henry Hudson Riverfront Park
- Vibe: Historic, maritime, contemplative
- Highlights: Guided tours, river views, maritime history
- Best Time to Visit: Summer weekends for public tours
- Cost: ~$25 for tour and boat ride
- Hours: Seasonal; check local schedule for tour times
Historic Robert Jenkins House
On my final morning in Hudson, I stepped into the Historic Robert Jenkins House, a Greek Revival home that has stood since the early 1800s. It felt less like a museum and more like being invited into someone’s parlor—complete with antique books, portraits, and unexpected warmth.
The volunteer guide was full of stories about the Jenkins family and Hudson’s early days. As we lingered by the old fireplace, I thought, “Places like this remind you that history is never that far away—it just needs a willing host.”
I ended the visit with a light lunch at Le Gamin, a little French café down the block. Their croque monsieur and fresh greens made for an elegant, understated finale to my Hudson adventure.
Historic Robert Jenkins House At a Glance
- Location: 113 Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534
- Vibe: Classic, well-preserved, welcoming
- Highlights: Period furnishings, local artifacts, guided storytelling
- Best Time to Visit: Weekend mornings when tours are available
- Cost: Free, donations encouraged
- Hours: Limited hours; call ahead or check website
Travel Tips: How to Get There
- By Train: I usually take the Amtrak from NYC—it’s a scenic 2-hour ride and drops you just a short walk from downtown. You’ll love watching the Hudson River out the window as you glide north.
- By Car: When I want more flexibility, I drive. Hudson is about 2.5 hours north of the city via the Taconic Parkway or NYS Thruway, and the trip is beautiful, especially in the fall.
- By Air: I’ve also flown into Albany (about an hour away) or Stewart (around 1.5 hours). Either way, a rental car makes it easy to explore the whole area.
Where to Stay
- The Maker Hotel – I stayed here for a special occasion, and it’s gorgeous. You’ll love the luxurious rooms, garden café, and cozy library lounge—it feels like a designer’s dream.
- Rivertown Lodge – This former movie theater turned boutique hotel has a fun, stylish vibe. I’ve eaten at their restaurant and it’s one of my favorite spots in town—you’ll love the Mid-century flair.
- Wm. Farmer and Sons – When I want something historic and intimate, this is my go-to. The rooms are beautifully curated, and the food is outstanding. You’ll be just steps from the water, too.
Final Thoughts on Hudson
Hudson wasn’t a place I rushed through. It invited me to pause, to lean in, and to listen. With each stop—from artful estates and river cruises to lighthouses and little cafés—I felt more at home in the rhythm of small-town charm with big heart. “Some towns speak softly but leave an echo,” I remember thinking as I packed up to leave. And Hudson? It left a beautiful one.
Jump to a Spot...