New York's 'Friendly City' Is A Charming, Laid-Back Getaway Near The Catskill Mountains

Though New York has a reputation for being an unwelcoming state, not all of its cities received the memo that they are supposed to remain indifferent to visitors. Hudson certainly didn't. The city, in Upstate New York's Columbia County, is so easygoing and delightful that it was nicknamed "the Friendly City." Its gorgeous river and mountain views only add to its appeal.

Hudson sits along the east side of the Hudson River in the Hudson Valley, a great spot for a fall family getaway. The small city, which is home to fewer than 6,000 people, lies 120 miles north of New York City. Amtrak trains to Hudson depart from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station numerous times a day. In about two hours, the train comes to a stop alongside Henry Hudson Riverfront Park. Warren Street, the city's main road, is just a short walk from there. The Catskill Mountains stand to the west across the river.

The city was originally known as Claverack Landing. Following the Revolutionary War, the rural farming community became a whaling port after the British blocked harbors along the New England coast. As it grew, it became the first United States city to be both chartered and planned in a modern grid. This is also when its name changed to Hudson. It, like so many other spots (including the river, the valley, and the riverfront park), was named after Henry Hudson, an English navigator who explored the area's waterways in the early 17th century.

The center of Hudson is still filled with buildings from centuries ago. Its architecture boasts a mixture of 18th-century Nantucket townhouses, turn-of-the-century Federalist and Victorian-style buildings, and early 20th-century Arts and Crafts houses. Many of these structures have been meticulously restored and are now occupied by more than 200 independently owned businesses. This gives Hudson both a historic vibe and a creative spirit that is utterly charming.

Hudson's businesses include antique stores, art galleries, locally sourced restaurants, and specialty food markets. A 19th-century factory has been transformed into Basilica Hudson, a solar-powered arts center. On Warren Street, you'll find more than 50 antiques dealers, selling everything from furniture to vintage clothing. Cafe Mutton and Swoon Kitchenbar are among the numerous eateries helmed by James Beard-nominated chefs, and have helped to make Hudson a foodie destination. Many of Hudson's artisanal food shops are stocked with products grown and made nearby.

Boutique hotels, which are perfect for long-weekend escapes, have opened inside Hudson's old buildings, as well. Wm. Farmer & Sons (from $199 per night) was renovated by two New York City weekenders who turned into Hudson locals. The Wick, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (from $191 per night), is a converted candle factory. Rivertown Lodge (from $239 per night) took over an old movie house. There's also the splurge-worthy Maker Hotel (from $553 per night), which has a gorgeous restaurant in a glass conservatory.

Though there is plenty to keep you occupied along Warren Street, you must leave the center of Hudson to find the prettiest spots in the city. To the north, the Greenport Conservation Area spans 732 acres, with six miles of hiking trails, and beautiful views of the Hudson River and the Catskills. To the south, Olana State Historic Site, the former home of landscape artist Frederic Edwin Church, provides tours of the hilltop Victorian mansion and the estate's 250 acres (from $12 per person). Whitecliff Vineyard, a family-owned winery, sits just below the historic site (tasting flights start at $16). Both destinations face the Rip Van Winkle Bridge spanning the Hudson River. 

Along the riverfront, you will be greeted with options for getting out onto the water. Hudson Paddles offers canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals (from $45). The Hudson Ferry Co. connects Hudson with Athens, across the river, on the M/V Haendel (one way $5). Seasonal sightseeing and sunset cruises (from $35) are also offered.

Hudson is not the only place in the Hudson Valley worthy of planning an escape to. Tivoli, another village along the river, combines vintage charm with hip cafes and scenic trails. Amenia, closer to the Connecticut border, is a quiet New York village nestled among lush woodlands and peaceful countryside. While both spots are picturesque getaways, you may not find either quite as welcoming as Hudson. Only one is called "the Friendly City," after all.