DESTINATION: UPSTATE NY PT 2

You can’t escape the maritime feel of Hudson, NY (repeat after me: street signs with whales!). This waterfront destination is the one-stop shop for creatives of the Hudson Valley. Warren Street is lined with handcrafted furniture shops and boutiques. From candle shops to provisions, you won't leave Hudson empty handed.

Starting with brunch, you won’t want to miss Fish & Game, a local spot redefining farm to table. Fish & Game offers an outstanding tasting menu for dinner as well, should you choose to dine at any of the other wonderful eating establishments in town midday.

Walking downtown, you won’t be able to resist the urge to duck into every storefront. One store in particular had their advertising working for them with every other pedestrian sporting their shopping bag. Hudson Wine Merchants carries wine and spirits, offering a large portfolio of local libations. We left with Harvest Spirits’ Cornelius Applejack, and have been delighted to find the apple brandy in many NYC shops as well. Let your senses guide you into adage NYC, which specializes in creating diffuser kits, candles and room sprays that evoke the fragrance of any given corner of the US.

For a mid afternoon snack, Talbott & Arding Cheese and Provisions is bursting with in-house made pastries (O Meringue G), freshly cut cheeses and charcuteries. The friendly staff and patrons were gracious to recommend their must-try stops for dinner.

A 15 minute drive from Hudson lands you at the doorstep of Gaskins in Germantown, NY. A converted farmhouse caught in the middle of bright and airy, to intimate and candlelit. Husband and wife duo Nick and Sarah Suarez sling an approachable and curated menu offering the likes of Cauliflower Soup with cheddar, parsnip and porter.

Hudson is they keystone to the Hudson Valley - opening the door to countless other small towns and stops along the historic Taconic State Parkway. The hub for creatives of all kinds (crafts, textiles, agriculture), it's no wonder why New Yorkers, especially Brooklynites are drawn here. I highly encourage a trip to Hudson, and let yourself wonder past other future destinations such as Kingston, Rhineback, and New Paltz.

For a longer stay - I recommend lodging at the newly opened, and much talked about Rivertown Lodge.