A Day in Hudson, New York

So a friend and I took a trip to Hudson, New York and spent some time walking up and down Warren Street which is Hudson's main shopping and dining district.  The fine, early 19th century Opera House, the brick houses along Warren Street and many of the side streets have been --or are in the process of being--lovingly restored. Interesting and colorful shops: bookstores, clothing and furnishing shops have moved into the eight blocks from Front Street up to Route 9. There are over sixty antique shops and art galleries in this compact area giving Warren Street a focused and stylish appeal.  I've been told that a nightime stroll down Warren Street is like a walk through a period stage set.  


Cannot forget to mention all of the wonderful restaurants!  We had a hard time choosing but decided on Mexican Radio, Hudson's version of the popular Lower Eastside (Manhattan) restaurant.  The black bean and butternut squash soup was a work of art!!  I do, however, have the Wall of Voodoo's song stuck in my head!! :)

The migration of artists to this area and the revitalization of the town of Hudson itself--complete with sophisticated restaurants, B&B's and galleries--reached critical mass within the past five years. As the area flowered, so did the arts community.

Roughly 5 miles northeast of Hudson to the left off Route 66, is a large property that is home to artists' colony Art OMI. Its informal grounds include many pieces of large-scale sculpture sited outdoors and offer a pleasant venue for a stroll featuring sculpture in the wild. 

Considered one of the most important artistic residences in the US, Olana, the moorish-style villa of Frederic Church on Rte.9G south of Hudson also has paths for hiking; the house is open to tours year round, but check their schedule for the abbreviated winter schedule.

Every autumn, the Columbia County Council on the arts sponsors Artwalk an event in which local merchants display local artists' works in their shop windows along Warren Street.  Each year this event grows in participation and quality!

A great day in Hudson!!  I feel inspired!!