Hudson Valley

Within a couple of hours drive/train of New York is the Hudson Valley. Lovely villages based along the river as it snakes up through New York state.

A lot of the villages are easily accessible by train. Or there are various routes one can drive. Here are some of my recommendations

Cold Spring
A very cosy one street village about an hour from the city. Heavy on the antiques and some interesting characters
STAY at the Pig Hill Inn – a bed and breakfast run by Vera. Prices are reasonable, location is excellent and breakfast is yum!
EAT at the the Riverview – website looks a bit naff, but the food is excellent
VISIT all the antiques stores on Main St. Particularly The Country Goose run by Leonora who’s Welsh and great fun!!

Milton
Didn’t see much in the town itself, but a great place because of where we stayed
STAY at the Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa – beautiful place on the river with cracking food, cosy rooms, a spa, gym and best of all – animals! Llamas, sheep, swans, ducks etc etc
EAT at the Artist’s Palate – a 10min drive into Poughkeepsie. Excellent new American style food

Other things to do/visit

Culinary Institute of America – one of the premier cooking schools with various onsite restaurants
FDR – Very interesting tour of the home, library and museum of FDR
Walkway over the Hudson – A purpose built footbridge giving excellent views of the river
Rhinebeck – Pretty town a couple of hours north where Chelsea Clinton got married
Storm King – Massive outdoor sculptures. Can either walk, ride a bike or take the internal bus. Take a picnic
Dia Beacon – Art gallery with some interesting exhibitions
Newburgh waterfront – Nice restaurants on the river, but little to see in the town
Dominion House B&B – Cute place to stay. Pretty reasonable price