Growing up in New York City, I was always either a "city girl" or a girl who traveled to far away places for vacation. But, this past weekend I did something a bit different...I didn't hop in a cab to go check out a new place on the Lower East Side, I didn't get on a plane to jet set to some exotic destination, instead...I got in my car, drove for a little over an hour, and wound up in a place that is charming and quaint. I went to a place that has good restaurants, shopping and things to do, but when I looked around I wasn't in the city or in another country...I was in
Cold Spring, New York! I kept on saying to myself, "Who Knew?"
Cold Spring is located on the Hudson River. It is a very walkable town. Mostly all of the antique shops, chic boutiques, restaurants and cafes are located right on Main Street. I think it is a perfect destination if you live in the city (1&1/2 hour drive or a little over an hour train ride on Metro-North's Hudson Line) for a little weekend getaway. I'll admit it was a bit chilly this time of year (due to it's proximity to the water), but that's all the more reason to snuggle up to the person you are with. However, I would really like to go back in the summer when things are in bloom and you can sit outside at one of the cafes, or in the fall when the leaves are changing. For those who like adventure...Cold Spring has hiking trails, and there are kayaking tours along the Hudson that you can easily arrange as well.
Where to Stay:
There are not too many options in this department, so if you want to stay right in town, you have to act fast because rooms do book-up quickly.
Hudson House River Inn (where we stayed): This Inn is located right on the water, so its a little bit more of a walk (I really do mean little) to where the action is on Main Street.
But, if you are a person who doesn't like B&B's, then this is where you should stay.
Your breakfast is included in the morning, and it's served in their restaurant.
You must order their Blueberry pancakes...they are delicious! They are light and fluffy inside, with a nice crispy crust around the edges.
The rooms are a bit small, but they all have bathrooms.
I would honestly have to say that the rooms in this place are in need of a makeover...some of the carpets are stained, and the bathrooms aren't the greatest, and I did think to myself, "boy the potential for what this place could be is incredible." That being said, that would probably also raise the prices to be more comparable to what you would expect to pay for a place in the Hamptons. It was good enough, and would I stay here again? Yes. The rates here start at $179 a night.
Pig Hill Inn (where I want to stay next time) A charming B&B that features nine cozy bedrooms, some with fireplaces, stoves, and whirlpool tubs. Breakfast is served in their Victorian glass conservatory, and their is a boutique in the lobby that sells great jewelry and handbags. Rooms start at $170 a night.
The Kittleman House (only open from May 1st-October 31st) Another charming B&B right on Main Street. The place has a lot of history- in 1850, The Kittleman House was a small hotel catering to Cold Spring's foundry workers and their friends. Rates start at $175 for a weekend night.
Where to Eat:
Cold Spring Pizza and Deli- Great Sicilian and Regular Pie
Le Bouchon- Classic French Brasserie cuisine. The Chef/Owner is Pascal Graff, formerly of Les Halles in New York City (Tony Bourdain's restaurant)
Silver Spoon Restaurant- Casual spot that's good for lunch or dinner
Foundry Cafe- They are supposed to have really good soups (like their navy bean with andouille sausage), good sandwiches, and yummy breakfast food.
Hudson House Inn- Inside of the Hudson House Inn is a great restaurant. If you go for dinner, make sure to try their popovers with strawberry-honey butter and dry-aged steaks.
Cathryn's Tuscan Grill- Supposedly one of the greatest restaurants in this town!
Cupoccino Cafe- Cute little spot for a cappuccino and a pastry, they also have homemade ice cream.
Cold Spring Depot- This is a former train station that's a popular spot especially in the summer months.
McGuire's On Main- Irish pub that's supposed to serve a great, juicy ten-ounce burger
Riverview- Good brick-oven pizzas, and the pasta is made in house. Generally the menu is sort of eclectic with lots of fish dishes and Asian flavors. They are supposed to have a great creme brulee for dessert!
Listen up New Yorkers! Want a great weekend trip getaway idea? How about checking out the town of Beacon. It's only about an hour and twenty minute drive from the city, and it's a cute place to check out for an afternoon. I've told you before about the town of Cold Spring (very close to Beacon)...click here if you didn't read my post on it. Last weekend, I met some friends for breakfast in Cold Spring and afterwards, decided to see what Beacon was all about. If you take Metro North, Cold Spring is the stop right before Beacon, so my recommendation is to check out both towns when you head up north. There are restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries and boutiques up and down Main Street in both Beacon and in Cold Spring.
Or you can try the Swann Inn (120 Howland Ave; 845-234-3204, $157–$187.50 per night).
You can also stay at one of the places I recommend in Cold Spring instead.
