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The Hudson Valley cities are a quick, easy escape from New York City that are bursting in rich history, local charm and the beauty and serenity of nature. The downstate New York region is a haven of hamlets, villages, great farm-to-table dining and incredible architecture, including the home of a famed literary legend. We’ve curated the perfect 48 hour Hudson Valley itinerary filled with the best Hudson Valley things to do, see, shop and explore. 

Day 1 in the Hudson Valley Itinerary

Stay At Hasbrouck House

History meets luxury at Hasbrouck House. An expansive 18th century Dutch colonial stone mansion nestled in the hamlet of Stone Ridge, NY, it might be a stately estate but the boutique hotel evokes a sense of home the moment you step through its beautifully restored doors. There are 25 intimate guest rooms spread across four historic buildings, all preserved to honor the property’s history with expansive windows, reclaimed wood floors, vintage furnishings, brick accents, and cozy fireplaces. Set on 50 lush green acres, other highlights include the 100-year old landmark pool, private lake, and Frette linens and Aesop products in each of the chic soft grey guest rooms.

Eat + Drink: Be sure to make a reservation at The Butterfield. The intimate farm-to-table restaurant has a timeless vibe with leather cushioned banquets and duck egg blue bar with distressed metal benches. As for the menu, it resolves with seasonal delights and our pick is medium-rare sirloin topped with wild mushrooms and creamy polenta, finished with a red wine glaze.  Pair it with a new world local wine.

Spa + Wellness: The hotel can book you a private massage or yoga session with Hudson Valley beauty and wellness therapists. Hasbrouck House also offers complimentary hiking passes through Mohonk Passage where you can explore the natural wonders of the Hudson Valley on their many hiking trails. 

Hudson Valley Coffee Shops: Rise and Shine

Take a scenic route to get your caffeine fix at Big Mouth Coffee Roasters, a favorite local cafe in Beacon, NY, serving an incredible selection of roasted brews in a trendy industrial style setting. A cup of the Congo’s Mpumbi, which has delicious notes of tart tangerine and blackberry will prime you for a day of exploring.

Hudson Valley Painters: An Artful Experience

Art lovers will enjoy losing themselves at Dia:Beacon, which houses an expansive collection of modern art from the Dia Art Foundation. Wind through the halls of what was once Nabisco’s old box-printing factory turned gallery to immerse yourself in unconventional art and sculptures dating back to the 1960s. Right now, Detroit-based famed techno DJ and producer Carl Craig has a sound installation showcase (through summer 2021) in the basement. Be sure to pack a high-quality camera to capture yourself alongside your favorite works and installations. 

Hudson Valley Distillers: Hudson Whiskey

This 230-year old Tuthilltown Distillery (aka Hudson Whiskey) is a local institution that celebrates New York’s whiskey and bourbon legacy. Visit this must-see Hudson Valley Distillers to discover the secrets of how New York made whiskey post the prohibition era with the 90 minute Bourbon Renewal Tour then head straight to the tasting room to sample the good stuff. FYI, Hudson Whiskey uses high-quality grain from local farmers to produce its bold flavors which come inspired by the big apple.  

Hudson Valley Dinner with Water Views

A recent arrival to the Hudson Valley restaurant scene, Hudson Taco is considered a waterfront culinary hotspot. So naturally that means, it’s a first come first served scene. Be sure to request a table in the backroom to enjoy epic Hudson River views as you indulge in the elevated Mexican fare. Or perch yourself on a red stool at the bar to immerse yourself in the hip industrial space, people watch and throw back a classic cocktail (margarita, mojito, sangria) or their signature handcrafted creations like ‘Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire’ made with tequila, mezcal, mango, lime, ginger, and habanero bitters. Wash those down with a couple of rounds of their street-style tacos —we love the ahi tuna and cola pork. Finish the night with brown sugar and cinnamon coated churros dipped in chocolate or local berry preserve. Delish.

Day 2 in the Hudson Valley

Stay at The Abbey Inn & Spa 

This beautiful restored convent and chapel aptly named The Abbey Inn & Spa sits on Fort Hill, a key lookout where George Washington had his army stationed during the Revolutionary War. Today the luxury brick and sandstone historic boutique hotel in Peekskill, NY (which occupies over 62 acres), has 42 elegant guest rooms all offering sweeping views of the Hudson River Valley from their high arched windows. Other highlights include the hotel’s farm-to-table restaurant, luxe spa, English garden, and traditional porch where you can retire for a glass of wine after a long day exploring. 

Eat + Drink: Apropos has an expertly curated farm-to-table seasonal menu created with meat and produce from the many local farmers and purveyors in the Hudson. However, it’s the flavors of Bologna, Abruzzo, Valencia, and Seville that the menu takes its culinary cue.  Order the Lorighittas with salty fennel sausage mixed with the subtle bitterness of broccoli rabe. 

Spa + Wellness: The luxe Abbey Inn Spa is a cozy refuge with an extensive treatment menu that focuses on rejuvenating massages, facials and invigorating body wraps. Try their signature Vitamin C Brightening Facial blended with apple stem technology and alpha hydroxy acids. Or the Abbey Inn Cornerstone Massage which incorporates traditional Swedish massage and hot lava stones to release tension and provide relaxation. We also wouldn’t say no to finishing your day with a sauna or whirlpool session.

Hudson Valley Hikers: A New Kind of Nature Walk

There are endless picturesque Hiking Trails along the Hudson Valley, but if we had to nominate a fave – try Walkway Over The Hudson. The high standing pedestrian bridge spans from the Town of Lloyd in Ulster County to the City of Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County and has nine exploration walks to choose from. Each offering their own taste of the historic Hudson Valley and its hidden gems, quaint shops, restaurants, and historic sites. You can also bike the scenic two and a half-mile trail through Franny Reese State Park

An Architectural Homage

Embark on a historic tour of Van Cortlandt Manor. The post-revolutionary home once owned by the influential Van Cortlandt family gives a glimpse of what life was like in the years following the American Revolution. Stroll through the stone manor and brick ferry to discover the impressive collection of colonial and federal furnishings and wander acres of gardens to reach the stone path overlooking the Croton River. Tribe tip:  The best time to visit the house is September thru November when the Great Jack O’lantern Blaze is on to see 7,000 illuminated hand-carved, lit jack o’ lanterns along the 18th-century path. 

A Haven for Bibliophiles

Take in the glorious scent of decades worth of novels at Bruised Apple Books. Spend the day at the iconic waterfront store sifting through over 50,000 titles including maps and stories about the region, rare paperbacks that will inspire you to start your own curated collection, and vintage records. 

Romantic Farmhouse Dining

With its well-earned reputation as one of the most beautiful restaurants on the waterfront, Harvest on Hudson has a Mediterranean and Italian influenced locavore menu that celebrates ingredients and produce ingenious to the Hudson Valley region. Modeled after a Tuscan villa with rustic romantic farmhouse vibes, marble-inspired walls, high arched windows, and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, the restaurant is nestled away from main roads for a quiet, intimate experience. Order the Hudson Valley Rabbit Scarpiello or brick oven pizzas (we went for Shrimp and Fennel) which come charred to perfection. 

The Hudson Valley is just an hour from NYC, so if you are planning to head to the big apple or need some foodie, fashion, culture, or hotel inspo, check out our ultimate New York Travel Guide.