12 Charming Small Towns in the Hudson Valley

• Why We Love It: college town vibes, walkable town center, shopping, dining, outdoor recreation
• Things to Do: Mohonk Mountain Preserve
• Where to Stay: Mohonk Mountain House (from $692/night); Moondance Ridge Bed & Breakfast (from $130/night); Funky Oasis Near Main Street (from $119/night)

I have family in New Paltz and have spent a fair amount of time there, so I can personally attest to the charm of this college town. Main Street is replete with fantastic restaurants, cozy cafes, book shops and boutiques, meaning there’s plenty to see and do if you want to take a leisurely stroll through the heart of town. (I recommend Apizza! for gourmet, brick oven pies and IPho for authentic Vietnamese.) There’s also a ton of nature to enjoy just steps away.

The Mohonk Mountain Preserve has numerous scenic trails that visitors can hike, bike or even horseback ride on for sweeping views of the Hudson Valley. Mohonk Mountain House also offers exclusive access to trails as well as dozens of recreational activities—and although an overnight stay at the resort costs a pretty penny, day passes can be purchased for a very reasonable price and will grant you access to all the numerous amenities.

• Why We Love It: bustling town center, scenic waterfront, dining scene
• Things to Do: Olana State Historic Site, Hudson Athens Lighthouse, Henry Hudson Riverfront
• Where to Stay: The Howard Hotel (from $180/night); The Wick, Hudson (from $191/night); Little Joe Cottage (from $118/night)

This charming town in the Hudson Valley gets high marks from PureWow’s executive managing editor Catrina Yohay who lived there for a month during the pandemic: “Hudson is such a cute town with a surprisingly lovely downtown with tons of antique shops, art galleries and restaurants that run the gamut from high end to fast-casual. Hit up the Hudson Roastery for your morning coffee before strolling along the waterfront of the Hudson River. Then, stop by Le Perche for some French Pastries.” If you’re looking for a nighttime scene, Yohay recommends going to BackBar for cocktails and late-night Malaysian bar snacks. My take? Any town that was so pleasant during the pandemic has to be a 10/10 now.

• Why We Love It: arts and culture, scenic waterfront, outdoor recreation
• Things to Do: Open Studios, Downing Park, Black Rock Forest
• Where to Stay: Hudson Overlook (from $120/night); The Little Red House (from $160/night); Chaconia House (from $256/night)

Often seen as Beacon’s scrappy neighbor, Newburgh has had a bad rap in the past—but don’t let that discourage you from visiting this charming Hudson Valley town. Newburgh boasts a beautiful waterfront, an up-and-coming dining scene and tremendous character that stems from its strong sense of community, historic charm and connection to the arts. If you walk through the heights, you will be treated to beautiful views of the mountains over the river and Black Rock Forest is an ideal place to visit for anyone looking to spend time in nature. Newburgh Open Studios, a free yearly art show, really brings the city to life, and similar programming can be enjoyed at Downing Park throughout the Spring and Summer. Need a restaurant recommendation? “Every time we pass through Newburgh, we stop at Hudson Taco for killer margaritas, beautiful river views and family-friendly dining,” says executive editor Alexia Dellner.

• Why We Love It: historic architecture, walkable town center, art galleries
• Things to Do: Ferncliff Forest, shopping, dining
• Where to Stay: Mirbeau Inn & Spa (from $435/night); The Gables of Rhinebeck (from $253/night); Acorn Hills Cottage (from $195/night)

Located in the Mid-Hudson region of the Hudson Valley, and less than two hours away from NYC, is Rhinebeck—an irresistibly quaint village with only 3,000 residents (10,000 if you count the whole town, which includes surrounding areas, such as Rhinecliff). This Dutchess County gem is a dream for history buffs, since it was once a European settlement and the plethora of historic buildings and estates have been lovingly maintained ever since. Montgomery Row, the town’s thoroughfare, boasts independent bookshops, art galleries, antique shops and gourmet eateries. There are plenty of charming shops that branch out onto the side streets too, but it’s highly walkable and hard to get lost, so it’s a great place to explore. Nature lovers should hike the 4 miles of trails in Ferncliff Forest, a 200-acre preserve and one of the most popular camping destinations in the Hudson Valley.

It’s also the second best old-growth forest in the Hudson Valley and if you visit in the fall, you will be treated to some seriously breathtaking foliage. Finally, when it comes to dining, you’ll be spoiled with choice, but no visit to Rhinebeck is complete without a meal at Terrapin—a critically acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant located in a gorgeous, historic church.

• Why We Love It: arts and culture, historic, scenic
• Things to Do: Thomas Cole National Historic Site, Hudson River Skywalk, Foreland, Lumberyard Center for Film and Performing Arts
• Where to Stay: Catskill Motor Court (from $99/night); Catskill Village House (from $80/night); Tiny Home in Catskill (from $77/night)

Home to the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, Catskill is a charming Hudson Valley town that boasts a strong association with the arts. For starters, there’s Foreland, an 85,000-square-foot space with galleries, event spaces and art studios. You can also visit the Lumberyard Center for Film and Performing Arts, which has a vibrant performance program during the summer months and acts as a rehearsal space during the rest of the year. Once you’re done exploring the town’s rich cultural offerings, I suggest you walk the Hudson River Skywalk for stunning, panoramic views of the river and surrounding forests. Then head back to town for some top-notch New American cuisine at Barnwood Restaurant and fresh, local brews at Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company.

• Why We Love It: historic sites, scenic waterfront, outdoor attractions, beach
• Things to Do: Forsyth Nature Center, Kingston Point Beach, historic sites
• Where to Stay: Hampton Inn Kingston (from $118/night); Courtyard Kingston (from $122/night); Colonel Hasbrouck’s 1735 Stone House (from $134/night)

While Kingston is not technically in the Hudson River Valley because it’s located in Ulster County, it’s in very close proximity to other towns on the list and provides a very similar Hudson Valley experience, so I would be remiss not to mention it. It also sits on the Hudson River so let’s not split hairs, right? Once the state capital, Kingston is now a vibrant and oh-so charming Hudson River town with multiple historic districts, including the Stockade National Historic District and the Rondout-West Strand National Historic district, which is the heart of downtown Kingston and sits right at the waterfront. Kingston Point Beach is a lovely place to lounge in the warmer months and there are numerous historic sites to see, such as the Rondout Lighthouse and the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site.

The Forsyth Nature Center is a wonderful preserve featuring lush gardens and a zoo with more than two dozen animal exhibits, many of which afford an up close and personal experience (think: holding a snake, feeding an alpaca, etc.). You’ll also find an abundance of dining and shopping opportunities in both historic districts. (Seafood lovers, take note: Word on the street is that the offerings at Ship to Shore do not disappoint.)

• Why We Love It: arts and culture, historic, fine dining, shopping
• Things to Do: Dia Beacon Contemporary Art Museum, glass blowing, shopping
• Where to Stay: The Dutchess Inn and Spa (from $301/night); The RED Door Suite (from $103/night); Beacon Creek House (from $240/night)

Beacon, a delightful town nestled at the foot of the Hudson Valley’s tallest mountain, has long been a hub for artists and creative types. It’s home to Dia Beacon, which is one of the largest contemporary art museums in the country, and the town center is known for its street art displays and murals, as well as the Victorian buildings that line the streets and house collectible shops, emerging art galleries, fine dining establishments and more. For a thorough guide to the art scene in Beacon check out the Beacon Art Walk, or just go downtown and explore—you’re guaranteed to stumble upon a new cultural experience. (Psst: If you have a chance, I highly recommend seeing a glass blowing demo at Hudson Beach Glass Shop, and perhaps leaving with one of the gorgeous collectibles they sell.)

• Why We Love It: outdoor recreation, small town charm, close proximity to city
• Things to Do: hiking, kayaking, dining, shopping
• Where to Stay: Hotel Nyack (from $116/night); Valhalla Home (from $200/night); Waterfront Luxury in Town (from $294/night)

This Rockland County gem in the Southern Hudson Valley (just a stone’s throw away from NYC) is situated right on the river, and has small town charm to spare. Nyack is a popular retreat for creative types and anyone else looking to escape the chaos of urban life, which makes a lot of sense, given the rich yet lowkey character of the town itself, as well as its proximity to natural attractions. For those looking to reconnect with nature, the many scenic hiking trails at Hook Mountain State Park will serve you well. As for dining, all of the many options lining Main Street are likely to please your palate, but I’m partial to Hudson House, as well as Prohibition River, which (as you might have guessed) serves up some pretty amazing cocktails.

• Why We Love It: waterfront, historic, scenic hiking trails
• Things to Do: hiking atBreakneck Ridge, waterfront parks
• Where to Stay: Cold Spring Hotel & Cafe (from $200/night); The Thayer Hotel (from $123/night); Mountain Top Retreat (from $150/night)

Just a short drive away from Beacon, you’ll find Cold Spring—a lesser known town that appears on the National Register of Historic Places and is perfectly picturesque. Cold Spring boasts multiple waterfront parks with peaceful views of the River, including Foundry Dock Park, Dockside Park and Cold Spring Pier, a fishing pier with unbeatable river views and a very enticing ice cream shop. There are also scenic hiking trails nearby that will deposit you right at the Hudson River waterfront, as well. (For what it’s worth, I recommend the Long Loop at Breakneck Ridge for a more rigorous outdoor hiking experience.) 

And for those who are just looking for a more leisurely small town stay, the cobblestone and brick laid streets of the thoroughfare are replete with charm, and there are plenty of dining and shopping opportunities to be had there, too.

• Why We Love It: hiking, arts and culture, outdoor recreation
• Things to Do: Storm King State Park, Black Rock Forest, Breakneck Ridge
• Where to Stay: Carriage House (from $249/night); West Point Academy Home (from $370/night); Historic 1800s Cottage (from $271/night)

Storm King State Park—a nearly 2,000-acre sculpture park with hiking trails and fantastic art—is the major nearby cultural attraction in this small and charming Hudson Valley town. Other highlights for outdoors enthusiasts include Breakneck Ridge, which is located just across the river, and Black Rock Forest. After a full day of hiking, I suggest you refuel at Peppettini, where the Italian food is reliably on-point and the seafood dishes really shine.

• Why We Love It: shopping, dining, college town vibes
• Things to Do: Bronx River Reservation, farmers market
• Where to Stay: Farfalla Bianca (from $109/night); Luxury in Bronxville (from $104/night); Riverside Views Apartment (from $122/night)

Home to Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville is a quaint suburb of NYC that has all the trappings you’d expect from a college town: cozy coffee shops, bookstore, fancy boutiques, etc. There’s also the Bronx River Reservation, which is the oldest park in Westchester county and a very beautiful one at that. (Psst: If you visit anytime from May through November, don’t miss the Bronxville Farmers Market, which is one of the biggest and best you’ll find and is conveniently located right off the Bronx River Reservation every Saturday.)

• Why We Love It: arts and culture, wine tasting, scenic landscape
• Things to Do: Art OMI, Hudson Chatham Winery, Little Ghent Farm
• Where to Stay: Cabin in Ghent (from $145/night); Cozy Hudson Valley Cabin (from $189/night); Hawthorne Valley Barn (from $369/night)

This Columbia County town is home to Art OMI—a fantastic sculpture garden and exhibition space featuring avant garde works of art in a beautiful landscape. That alone is reason enough to visit, but Ghent also has a couple prominent farms that are worth exploring (Hawthorne Valley Farm and Little Ghent Farm), and is home to the acclaimed Hudson Chatham Winery, which opens up its absolutely beautiful grounds and offers tastings of excellent NY wines every Thursday through Saturday.