The Best Weekends are Spent with Best Friends
Recharging your personal "batteries" are even more important than charging your iPhone. This past weekend, I headed to Hudson for some much needed perspective. Unlike my typical intense planning prior to a trip, I (uncomfortably) took the play-it-by-ear strategy, hedged with awesome recommendations from Michelle (thank you!)
Like the two pigeons (trapped?) in Penn Station, Aish and I were ready to escape Manhattan!
Cliche train pic? Check.
I made reservations at The Croff House, a wonderful bed and breakfast owned by proprietors Duncan and Russ. The five bedroom B&B is located on a quiet cul-de-sac that is conveniently located to the main street in town with restaurants and shops (Warren Street). Russ kindly picked us up at the train station (it would have been a short walk but I brought way too much luggage) and brought us to the B&B. We asked for some advice on restaurant options that cater to vegetarians (Aish!) and things to do (Farm to Glass Tour...more below!).
The Croff House: A welcome refuge from a dark and cold night!
The B&B During the Day
The breakfast featured at the B&B was delicious! Each day we got: coffee (refills were constantly offered!), fresh orange juice, and chilled water. Additionally, Duncan baked fresh muffins (one day they were sweet with raspberries and the next day they were savory with sundried tomatoes), yogurt parfaits and an entree (quiche on Saturday and French Toast Sunday). I advised them that Aish is a vegetarian and they baked a meatless quiche for her and offered meatless bacon/sausage (to me, the fact that this exists saddens me). I highly recommend staying here if you find yourself in Hudson :)
The Croff House pays attention to detail.
Raspberry Muffins!
Pineapple, Crystallized Ginger and Vanilla Yogurt = YUM
Ham, Egg and Cheese Quiche with Roasted Potatoes
The highlight of the trip was the Farm to Glass Tour recommended by Russ. On Saturday, we had a four hour tour of Hudson that brought us to a distillery, brewery and winery. When Kelley (the owner) picked us up, I was surprised to see Jessica, one of the bartenders that works at the Diageo bar! What a small world. It turns out that Kelley is close friends with Lynnette, who I work with on Zacapa Rum!
On our first stop, we visited Harvest Spirits and I fell in love with the Applejack. It doesn't count as cheating on Diageo if we don't make the product, right? The products are incredibly high quality and delicious, distilled from homegrown apples. The Applejack is made from distilling fermented hard cider twice in small batches; it is then aged for two years in ex-bourbon casks. It drinks like a bourbon whiskey more than a brandy. It is splendid.
Inside the Distillery!
Founder Derek Grout (in white jacket) sharing his passion for his products
Adorable 50 mLs of all the varieties
Beware: Guard Dog on Duty
On our next stop, we made it to Chatham Brewing to learn (read: drink) about local beers. I loved the Maple Amber and Raspberry Wheat (shocker - the least hoppy beers make me happy!). Although I'm don't consider myself a beer geek, I'm always interested in learning more about it...and sampling it too!
A canning machine!
Beer Sampler
As our final stop, we went to Hudson-Chatham Winery for wine education and sampling. I loved learning about the Sistema Solera process used on the Sherries - just like Zacapa! I picked up a bottle of the Port to bring home - so delicious!
In addition to growing grapes, this vineyard grows vintage sports cars
Barrels!
I highly recommend this tour! At each stop, Kelley served us a hot cocktail made with ingredients from where we were visiting (spiked cider, a beer beverage and mulled wine). This was an awesome touch and I greatly appreciated it...since I love cocktails! This was certainly worth the $125 price. Kelley picked us up/dropped us off, provided snacks and water and took us to incredible local producers. I loved it!
I've put together a list of restaurants and bars I'd like to recommend if you find yourself in Hudson:
DINNER: Italian at Ca'Mea
BEER: enjoy local brews and locals in general at Spotty Dog Books & Ale
CRAFT COCKTAILS: Fish & Game offers crafted cocktails to Manhattan expectations. There is also a delicious tasting menu that is $$$$
WINE: PM Wine Bar offers many options by the glass and has a funky vibe
LUNCH: Baba Louie's for DELICIOUS Pizza! I highly recommend the Dolce Vita (above)
GIFTS: Gorgeous Turkish plates at Otto
LOCAL FOOD GIFTS: Olde Hudson serves up yummy cheeses
MASSAGE/SPA: Bodhi Holistic Spa & Yoga was a treat!
I had an incredible weekend with Aish in Hudson, NY. If you're looking for a quick trip away from Manhattan, I highly recommend coming here! You can take the Amtrak from Penn Station and get off directly at the Hudson stop. You can enjoy a weekend away without a car rental.
Cheers,
Liz