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Day trip to Hudson from Albany

Forty minutes south for Warren Street antiques, Olana's Hudson River views, and a genuinely good dinner scene.

Guide
Day trips
Length
5 min read
Region
Madrid
Warren Street antique shop windows in Hudson New York Warren Street antique shop windows in Hudson New York

The drive

US 9 south or the faster Taconic to Route 23 west, 40 to 50 minutes from downtown Albany. Amtrak from Albany-Rensselaer is $17 and 30 minutes, dropping you at Hudson station a five-minute walk from Warren Street. Weekend parking on Warren is metered $1 an hour; free after 5pm and all Sunday.

Warren Street plus Olana

Warren Street runs a mile from the river uphill, packed with antique dealers, design shops, and coffee. Budget two hours to walk it. Then drive five minutes across the Rip Van Winkle Bridge to Olana State Historic Site, Frederic Church's Persian-style house with the best Hudson Valley view we know. House tour $20, grounds free, closed Mondays. Come back to Hudson for dinner.

Eat

Grazin' Diner on Warren Street, $16 grass-fed burger, family-friendly. Talbott & Arding on South 3rd for a $12 sandwich picnic. Dinner: Lil' Deb's Oasis on Columbia Street, Latin-inflected small plates $14 to $24; or Ca' Mea on Warren for handmade pasta around $28. Coffee at Supernatural on Warren, $5 flat whites.

Frequently asked questions

What people ask before they set off on this one.

Is Olana worth the extra drive from Hudson?

Yes. Five minutes each way and the view is the single best vista in the Hudson Valley. Do it even without the house tour.

Can I do Hudson without a car?

Warren Street yes, easily from the Amtrak station. Olana no, unless you taxi (about $15 each way) or bring a bike on the train.

When is Warren Street closed or dead?

Many shops close Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday through Sunday is the window, with Saturday busiest.

How much should I budget for the day?

About $110 per adult with train, Olana tour, lunch, and dinner. Add $40 if you buy something on Warren Street, which you will.

Where to stay

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