Source / OlegAlbinsky – Getty Images
We’re still soaking up the last licks of summer here in NYC, especially with this beautifully warm August weather that’s practically begging for a beach day. But even though we have a few weeks left of our sunniest season, it’s hard not to start looking ahead to fall getaways.
After all, who doesn’t love riverside foliage, crisp afternoons and a cozy cup of warm apple cider? Even if we’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer, our East Coast seasons are a pretty wonderful reminder that there’s always something beautiful on the horizon.
And when it comes to living in New York City, one of the best parts is having so many incredible escapes practically at our doorstep, and next up on the agenda? Planning some autumn adventures.
As per a recent Travel + Leisure feature, the magazine asked multiple travel experts to name their favorite getaway from NYC—and every single one pointed to the same riverside town: Hudson, New York.
Just about two hours from Penn Station by Amtrak, Hudson offers a scenic escape with a walkable downtown, independent shops, galleries, antiques, restaurants and cafés, all set against the backdrop of the Hudson River and nearby mountains.
And come fall, the whole place gets an especially dreamy makeover, with colorful foliage, cozy accommodations and plenty of opportunities to get outside.
Source / Oleg Albinsky – Getty Images
If you’re wondering what makes Hudson such a standout escape from the city, the experts have plenty of reasons. From its easy train ride to its charming main street and endless opportunities to get outside, here’s what makes this riverside town worth the trip:
🚆 It’s an easy escape from NYC: A roughly two-hour Amtrak ride from Penn Station takes you straight to Hudson, with scenic views of the river along the way.
🌊 You get a true change of pace: Experts describe Hudson as relaxed and stylish, with small-town charm that feels worlds away from the city.
🎨 It has a surprisingly strong creative scene: Warren Street is packed with independent shops, galleries, antique stores and design-forward boutiques.
🍽️ The food scene punches above its weight: There are excellent restaurants, bakeries, cafés and specialty markets featuring products from nearby farms.
🌲 Nature is never far away: Forest trails, river access and historic estates are all within roughly 10–15 minutes of town.
🥾 The Catskills are right there: Nearby waterfalls, hiking trails and seasonal outdoor activities make it easy to turn a small-town weekend into an outdoorsy escape.
🏛️ There’s plenty of history to explore: Experts specifically recommend Olana State Historic Site, the former home of artist Frederic Church, and the Hudson Athens Lighthouse.
🏨 The hotel scene is cute, boutique-y and elevated: The Maker gets a recommendation for its design and cocktails, while nearby Wylder Windham offers a more rustic, adults-only summer-camp feel.
🍂 It works year-round: From hiking and waterfalls to skiing, snow activities and cozy cabins, there’s something to do in every season.
🚶 You can actually slow down: Perhaps the biggest selling point is that you can spend the morning hiking, browse antiques in the afternoon and have a great dinner at night without getting back in the car.
Source / NewYorkUpstate.com
🍲 Where to Eat and Drink in Hudson
Hudson’s food scene is renoqwned, heavily fueled by local Hudson Valley farms.
Wm. Farmer and Sons: A cozy, rustic tavern serving incredible farm-to-table comfort food alongside an inventive craft cocktail menu.
Lil’ Deb’s Oasis: Vibrant, colorful, and wildly creative, this spot serves up tropical, Latin American-inspired dishes in a fun, art-filled setting.
The Maker Lounge: Housed in a restored 19th-century carriage house, this intimate, velvety lounge is the ultimate destination for an late-night cocktail.
Talbott & Arding: Stop by this artisanal cheese and provision shop to curate the ultimate fall picnic before heading out for a scenic walk.
Kitty’s Market & Cafe: Located right across from the train station, it’s the perfect first stop for morning coffee, freshly baked pastries, or a hot breakfast sandwich.
🍁 Where to Get the Best Fall Views
You don’t need a heavy-duty hiking setup to experience peak foliage here:
Olana State Historic Site: The former estate of Hudson River School painter Frederic Edwin Church sits on a hilltop offering sweeping, postcard-worthy views of the Hudson River ablaze with autumn colors.
Promenade Hill Park: Located right at the end of Warren Street, this historic park overlooks the river and is the best spot in town to watch the sunset over the Catskill Mountains.
Art Omi: Just a 15-minute drive from downtown in nearby Ghent, this sprawling 120-acre outdoor sculpture park lets you wander among massive contemporary installations surrounded by rolling, leaf-peeping landscapes.
Greenport Conservation Area: Offers over five miles of easy, quiet walking trails through meadows and woodlands with dramatic vantage points over the water.
Source / Olana State Historic Site
How to Get There from NYC
One of Hudson’s biggest perks is that you don’t even need a car:
By Train (The Best Option): Hop on Amtrak’s Empire Service line out of Moynihan Train Hall / Penn Station. The ride takes just two hours, hugging the eastern bank of the Hudson River the entire way—offering front-row seats to the changing autumn trees right from your window. The Hudson train station steps right into downtown, making Warren Street a simple 5-minute walk.
By Car: If you prefer driving, it’s roughly 120 miles north via the New York State Thruway (I-87) or the scenic Taconic State Parkway, taking around 2.5 hours depending on city traffic.