A Hudson, NY Guidebook That May Be Better Than Vogue’s…
There’s been a boom in Upstate New York travel, and it’s no mystery why. More and more, city-dwellers (and social media influencers) are trading their skyscraper views for mountains and farmland. From YouTubers snagging country homes to TikTokers taking the scenic three-hour Amtrak from NYC, everyone’s craving a taste of the Hudson Valley lifestyle.
And, yes, I got influenced too! Hudson is, simply put, cool. Known affectionately as the "Antique Gay City," it has the vibe to match: eclectic, stylish, and laid-back with endless vintage and antique shops lining the streets. Hudson felt like a slice of New York City tucked into the mountains and countryside. Walking down Warren Street, I felt the familiar urban buzz mixed with the slower, inviting pace of small-town life.
With my background in retail buying, I’m always drawn to beautifully curated shops that create an immersive experience, and Hudson delivers. Out of all the places I’ve explored, this is the one that’s left a lasting impression. If you're looking for a mix of inspiration, vintage finds, and great food, Hudson's got it all.
When I travel, I’m all about finding the hidden gems, those tucked-away pockets that make you feel like a local, even if just for a weekend. Hudson, NY, left its mark, inspiring a creative energy that followed me home
When to Go: Hudson’s main street, Warren St., is the heartbeat of downtown, but be aware that during the off-season, a lot of the town shuts down from Monday to Wednesday. If you’re planning a trip, aim for a Thursday-Sunday getaway for the best experience.
Where to Shop: I don’t want to gatekeep my Hudson faves, so here’s the full list of spots I fell in love with:
The Shop – a beautifully collected store owned by two older woman.
Freaks – Loved the design aesthetic of this shop! It’s in the name, quirky and full of treasures.
Red Chair on Warren – All of my pinned vintage furniture pieces in one shop.
Made X Hudson Shop – Beautifully upcycled clothing crafted in the owner’s local Catskills factory. I still can’t stop thinking about a handmade quilt jacket I tried on there.
Proprietors Vintage and Handmade – Thoughtfully sourced vintage items - something for everyone.
Jamestown – Unique, hand-picked pieces character.
Grapefruit Wine Shop – Perfectly curated for wine lovers with the coolest labels + branding.
Finch – An eclectic mix of vintage and modern. 2 floors — there’s so much to see.
Antique Warehouse – Just a bit off the main strip but worth the visit! This 40,000-square-foot space is filled with SO many antiques.
Gardenheir – A cozy mercantile full of utilitarian clothing and cozy gardening supplies. Their window displays were stunning.
Arenskjold Antiques, Art and Modern Design – A must-visit for modern, artistic finds.
White Whale Limited – Affordable vintage, with random but delightful finds.
Colonia – Quaint shop owned by an old Italian man. They had the best vintage light pendants.
The Second Show – A small thrift boutique where I scored three silk tops for $6 each!
Markets:
Olde Hudson - Produce market & cafe.
Forts Ferry Farm Shoppe - Produce, pantry, and curated dining Antiques!
Kitty’s - cafe + well branded snacks.
Food I Loved:
Yummy Kitchen – An Asian food truck that’s cash only but worth every dollar.
Mel the Bakery – Freshly baked goods in the park.
Stissing House – My favorite restaurant of the entire trip—the space was dimly lit, with candles on each table, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere. Most ingredients were sourced from their own local farm and prepared in a wood-fired stove. It was incredibly cozy and left me feeling inspired to bring a similar warmth into my own home.
Feast & Floret – Amazing atmosphere and amazing olive oil cake.
Restaurants (For Next Time): These places are high on my list for a future visit:
Manor Rock
Matilda
Bovina Fermentory
Fletcher & Lu
Westerly Canteen
Current Cassis
Casa Susanna
This won’t be the last time you’ll find me in upstate NY—I promise. I hope this guide inspires you to visit Hudson, and if you do, I’d love to hear if you tried any of these recs!
Best,
Lily, Co-founder of Estro Studio
