The city of Hudson is named for explorer Henry Hudson and is situated on the eastern bank of the Hudson River. Native Americans lived in this area for thousands of years before European settlers arrived; Dutch immigrants began to settle in this area in the mid-17th century. By 1820, it was the fourth-largest city in New York.

As you can imagine, this small city that today has around 6,000 residents and is rich in history. It's also full of beautiful natural areas and countless shops, restaurants, bars, and art galleries. Hudson is a fantastic destination for a fun-filled day trip from the Albany area. Check out these area attractions and start planning your visit to one of the best small towns in New York!

The best place to start on a visit to Hudson is Warren Street. This is the main street of this small city and you could actually spend your entire day exploring the shops and restaurants on this seven-block-long strip.

One establishment on Warren Street that is a great place to start your day is Breadfolks Bakery. It opened in 2020 and serves organic, naturally fermented breads, pastries, and excellent coffee. The food and coffee you buy here will help fuel your day!

Next, head down to Henry Hudson Riverfront Park. This small park allows you to get up close and personal with the river. There are benches and picnic tables there where you can sip your coffee and watch the boats go by.

From Henry Hudson Riverfront Park, you can see the Hudson Athens Lighthouse in the middle of the river. It was completed and first lit in 1874 and is 46' tall. A series of lighthouse keepers lived in it until it was automated in 1949.

The lighthouse is still in service today. It warns boaters about a sandy island in the middle of the river called Middle Ground Flats.

About 10 minutes to the south, you can visit Olana State Historic Site. This home, built in 1872, belonged to Hudson River School painter Frederic Edwin Church.

The 250-acre grounds are as impressive as the house. If you like Olana, you can take the Rip Van Winkle Bridge across the river to Catskill to also visit the home of his mentor and friend, fellow painter Thomas Cole.

Believe or not, the world's largest museum of firefighting is also in Hudson. The FASNY Museum of Firefighting has more than 60 engines to view. This museum is great for all ages.

The Hudson Area Library is another gem in Hudson. It may seem odd to recommend a library visit on a list of activities, but just look at it - it's like a castle! It was first an armory for many years.

The Greenport Conservation Area is the perfect place to watch the sunset. It is on 625 acres along the Hudson River and has eight miles of trails.

If you decide to stick around into the evening, you might enjoy visiting the city's many galleries like FRG Objects & Design/Art.

Or, maybe you can attend a concert or other event at Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House. The theater was founded in 1992 but the building was built in 1855 as Hudson's city hall.

If you want to get dinner before you leave, there are many great restaurants around town - especially on Warren Street. Ca'Mea, for example, serves delectable Italian cuisine.

As you can see, there's plenty to do when you visit Hudson. There's enough to fill your day and then some and it's a destination with something for everyone. You'll have a great time in this little city at any time of year. Plan a trip to Hudson today! And don't forget to take a look at these vacation rentals in Hudson, New York.

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