Hudson is the perfect weekend destination or day trip out of the city. A scenic two hour train journey from New York city along the Hudson River, it’s a journey that is stunning in all seasons. Hudson’s rich history – a former whaling town and active port in the eighteenth century – is evident in its architecture and buildings that have been lovingly restored by independent business and home owners over the last few decades. The train arrives into Hudson’s waterfront, where everything in this guide is easily accessible on foot (or you can always avail of one of the waiting taxis). The mile-long Warren Street is lined with historic buildings that have been transformed into a vibrant array of shops, from antique stores and art galleries, to interior design shops and eateries. This vibrant community of shopkeepers have created a truly unique experience, each shop a joy to discover, here are a few of our favourites…
Red Chair
Red Chair is home to a wonderful assortment of French, Belgian and Swedish antiques. Founded by Jocelyn Sinauer, the store is famed for its selection of white ironstone, French linen, silver flatware, and glassware. Jocie sources everything herself, often traveling to France and Belgium, but also Brimfield – a bit closer to home. When time allows, she loves to drive around local towns to see what she can unearth.
IG: @redchair_hudson
Minna specialises in ethically sourced textiles and home goods. The brightly-lit shop displays a range of cushions, rugs, and throws that are designed in the studio at the rear of the shop and produced in Central and South America in collaboration with master artisans.
IG: @oh_minna
A former bank houses this classic French bakery and bistro that bakes its baguettes and sourdough loaves in their wood-fired brick oven imported from France.
IG: @leperchehudson
Hawkins
A home goods store where country and city living intersect. The overall look is modern with an emphasis on colour and texture. Hawkins work with small scale producers to create their namesake products as well as other designers and makers around the globe.
IG: @hawkinsnewyork
Finch
Finch is a wonderful mix of modern and vintage goods for the home. A variety of styles that reflect the owner’s personal preference for their relaxed Hudson Valley lifestyle, and their love of entertaining and gardening.
IG: @finchhudson
Flowerkraut
Flowerkraut is a sister-owned flower shop offering a local, seasonal selection of fresh flowers, succulents, and gifts and stationery from a range of local makers.
IG: @flowerkraut
Paula Greif
Ceramicist Paula Greif has a petite shop with a studio to the rear of the space. Inspired by American and Mexican folk art, her pieces are organic and unique, often decorated with delicate lines or painterly brush strokes.
Rivertown Lodge
A former early 20th century movie theatre has been converted into Rivertown Lodge, a 27 room independently-owned hotel. The owners worked with New York design studio Workstead and a local community of craftsmen to bring the space alive. The open plan lobby area is book-ended by wood burning fireplaces and a small retail shop offers a collection of locally-sourced gifts.
IG: @rivertownhudson
Rural Residence
Rural Residence was the first home furnishing store on Warren Street, opening in 1999 amongst 60 plus antique stores. Custom wooden cabinetry line the walls of the interior lending a refined, understated atmosphere to the shop, and offer a range of stationery, glassware, tableware, bed and bath textiles.
IG: @RuralResidence
The Secret Gardener
The Secret Gardener nursery is located between a break in the historic storefronts on Warren Street, tucked behind large iron gates. Owner Ben Easton dismantled three burnt-out buildings by hand to create this urban oasis. Ben has a collection of antique toys, with a fondness for little trucks, which are artfully displayed in the shop and make an appearance in the garden, often planted with succulents.
Check out The Shopkeepers Going Places feature for even more places to check out in Hudson.
