12 Best Things to Do in Hudson, NY

July 1, 2020 - Updated

A popular weekend getaway from New York City, Hudson is a charming town located on the Hudson River in the Hudson Valley. Visit Olana State Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark which features beautiful architecture and stunning valley views, learn about the history of firefighting through many excellent exhibits at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting, visit shops, art galleries and great restaurants. Here are the best things to do in Hudson, New York.

1. Olana State Historic Site

Olana State Historic Site is the location of what was once the home and grounds of famous landscape artist, Frederic Edwin Church. One of the few intact artists' home, studio and estate complexes in the United States, Olana State Historic Site showcases the landscape and working farm that was designed by the artist, as well as the eclectic villa with breathtaking valley views that takes center stage in the compound.

Designed by architect Calvert Vaux, the villa is a fusion of Victorian, Persian and Moorish styles and intricately stenciled inside and out, making it an architectural masterpiece which attracts visitors from around the world. Olana State Historic Site is one of the best Hudson, NY attractions. The site is a National Historic Landmark and guided tours of the house are available between November and April, beginning at the visitor center and exploring the Frederic and Isabel Church’s bedroom suite, the Evelyn and Maurice Sharp Gallery and the lovely surrounding grounds.

5720 NY-9G, Hudson, NY, Phone: 518-828-0135

2.FASNY Museum of Firefighting, Hudson, NY

The FASNY Museum of Firefighting is dedicated to showcasing the history of firefighting in New York. Set among the beautiful hills of Columbia County, the museum exhibits a range of firefighting equipment, items, and vehicles, from rare Viking axes and vintage firetrucks to primary tools of the trade such as fire extinguishers, speaking trumpets and life belts.

The museum also houses a personal collection of firefighters' gear worn by brave firefighters of the past and present, including helmets, turnout coats, self-contained breathing apparatus and fire boots. Visitors can go on self-guided and guided group tours through the museum, as well as interactive educational tours that explore the history of the firefighting though immersive activities and displays.

117 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson, New York, Phone: 518-822-1875

3.Hudson Cruises

Hudson Cruises Inc offers a variety of public and private cruises on the Hudson River and in the beautiful Hudson River Valley. Featuring three different vessels, including the 100-foot luxury yacht, ‘Marika’ for special events, Hudson Cruises offers a variety of scenic and adventure tours for every taste, including the popular Friday evening Murder Mystery Tour and the Weekend Hudson Valley Sightseeing Tour.

Tours can be customized to cater for special occasions and events, such as weddings and birthdays and scenic tours show visitors the beauty of the area, including The Sleeping Giant of the Catskills and the Wall of Manitou in the Hudson River Valley.

Water Street, Hudson, New York, Phone: 518-822-1014 or 914-388-2949

4.WM Farmer and Sons

WM Farmer and Sons is a charming inn and restaurant in Hudson, opened in 2015 by married duo Kristan and William Kirby Farmer. The restaurant is named in honor of the lineage of the Farmer family and their culinary legacy, paying homage to William's father, an important force in helping to open the business. Guests can enjoy delicious seasonal farm-to-table fare at dinner Tuesdays through Sundays, choosing from high-quality entrees such as jerk North Carolina quail, barbecue king prawns, and black rice bibimbap. Craft cocktails are also served up, along with a selection of gourmet bar bites which includes a full raw oyster bar. After dinner, guests can stay the night at the Merchant House or the inn's historic 1830s-era Mansard building. Next door, the Mercantile serves up espresso-based beverages throughout the day and excellent rum drinks by night.

20 S Front St, Hudson, NY 12534, Phone: 518-828-1635

5.Swoon Kitchenbar

Swoon Kitchenbar lives up to its name and has diners swooning over the contemporary menu of innovative cuisine created by owner-chefs Jeffrey and Nina Bachinsky-Gimmel.

Served in a casual ambiance with modern décor and a convivial atmosphere, the daily-changing dinner menu features appetizers of bacon-wrapped dates, smoked salmon mousse and roast cauliflower salad, entrées of spice-rubbed skirt steak, grilled swordfish, and pan-roasted bluefish served with an array of sides of shoestring fries, creamy mash, and freshly made salads. Sip on a delicious martini from the bar made with boutique vermouth or a crisp white wine from France or Spain.

340 Warren Street, Hudson, New York, Phone: 518-822-8938

6.Farm to Glass Tours

Farm to Glass Tours presents a variety of tours that showcase the beauty and agricultural richness of the Hudson Valley by visiting farms and wineries throughout the valley. Established by Kelley Slagle in 2012, Farm to Glass Tours was created to inspire, educate and delight visitors about the food and wine that local farmers in the area produce, such as the Distillery + Brewery + Winery Tour from Rhinebeck.

The all-inclusive tour includes visits to three farms, with generous samples of food and wine, water, snacks, and a souvenir tasting glass. Guests also get to meet the owners of the farms and enjoy the genuine hospitality of the Hudson Valley.

518-945-8611

7.Cafe Le Perche

Drawing inspiration from the Parisian-style bistros of France, Café Le Perche is an inviting little slice of French heaven in the heart of Hudson. Housed in a former bank building on Warren Street, this quaint French bakery & bistro is well known for its freshly baked bread and pastries that are served in a tranquil courtyard setting. Slender baguettes with dark, crisp crusts, melt-in-your-mouth croissants, and chunky rustic loaves are baked by Mrs.

Brickman and in the early hours of every morning in a great oven from Percheron in France. Tuck into an array of sweet and savory pastries, bread, eggs and pancakes for brunch with freshly brewed coffee and squeezed fruit juices. The café also serves a menu of light meals for lunch and dinner, including sandwiches, salads, soups and entrées of steak, salmon and pasta, alongside a selective list of cocktails, wine, and beer.

230 Warren Street, Hudson, New York, Phone: 518-822-1850

8.Red Dot Restaurant

The Red Dot is the oldest restaurant and bar in Hudson, serving a menu of international and all-American cuisine in a fun, relaxed environment. Cuisine is made from locally-sourced ingredients and combined in a variety of innovative and inspiring ways to create dishes that take diners on a culinary journey around the world.

Appetizers of hummus and baba ganoush, Maine cod cakes and black bean quesadilla whet the appetite while entrées such as fish and chips, chicken pot pie, sirloin steak and Thai vegetable curry offer a flavor for every taste. End the meal with a classic dessert of tiramisu, crème brulee or cheesecake and enjoy a delightful brunch on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

321 Hudson Street, Hudson, New York, Phone: 518-828-3657

9.Stageworks Hudson

Stageworks/Hudson's is a community theater dedicated to bringing adventurous theater productions and programs of high artistic quality to the people of Hudson. The 99-seat theater presents a series of Principal Programs throughout the year with the aim of encouraging, inspiring and engaging audiences and theater-goers with the entertaining arts.

Past productions include Tomorrow in the Battle by Kieron Barry while highlights of this year feature the new play, Turquoise by Debbie Margolin.

41 Cross Street, Hudson, New York, Phone: 518-828-7843

10.Grazin' Burger

Located on Reade Street, Grazin’ is a casual burger-centric diner that focuses on farm-to-table fare featuring ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers. The world’s first 100% Animal Welfare Approved grass-fed and finished burger joint, Grazin’ is owned by Andrew Chiappinelli and serves the ‘cleanest’ burger in town.

The plain Grazin' burger is a good way to taste the multiple nuances of the grass fed meat while adventurous combinations like the "Uncle Dude", which boasts bacon and local cheddar cheese with layers of jalapeno relish and house-made chipotle mayo.

717 Warren Street, Hudson, New York, Phone: 518-822-9323

11.Fish & Game

Fish & Game is a rustic-chic restaurant co-owned by Zak Pelaccio that serves a menu focused on sustainably sourced meat and seafood from local artisans and producers. The restaurant features an elegant lounge with plush chesterfield sofas, comfy seating areas, and an ornate wood-burning fireplace, with an ambiance akin to a Victorian country lodge.

A private wine room boasts a beautifully restored 150-year-old farm table, black walnut and mahogany furnishings and an antique Persian carpet, making it an ideal spot for special gatherings. The main dining room serves a set menu of five courses in length, featuring dishes like wood oven roasted pork belly, confit and smoked carrots, torn pasta, and raclette while the bar menu features small plates of oysters, caviar, crostini, and bread.

13 South 3rd Street, Hudson, New York, Phone: 518-822-1500

12.Carrie Haddad Gallery

Located on Warren Street, the Carrie Haddad Gallery was established in 1991 as the first fine art gallery in Hudson and represents well-known and emerging artists’ works across a range of media from painting and sculpture to drawing and photography. Named after Bard College alumnae, Carrie Haddad, the gallery holds an annual exhibition on the main floor of the building, as well as a rotating selection of photography throughout the year.

The Carrie Haddad Gallery also collaborates with architects and design professionals from around the country to procure works for corporate collections and private residences.

622 Warren Street, Hudson, New York, Phone: 518-828-1915

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