Here's How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Hudson Valley

It's just under a two-and-a-half hour drive from New York City to Kingston, where our weekend begins. Drop off your bags at Hutton Brickyards, a charming collection of luxury cabins and cottages along the Hudson River that's also home to dining and spa facilities inspired by the farmers and makers that make this area so special.

If you're lucky enough to visit during one of the bi-annual Field + Supply fairs that take place in the spring and fall, you're right in the middle of the action, as the fair takes place on-site. Nearly 200 makers set up shop for the weekend at this event, so you'll want to save plenty of room in your suitcase for souvenirs. Plus, there's always phenomenal live music, food, and craft demos to keep you busy for hours.

When Field + Supply isn't going on, we recommend checking out Hutton Brickyard's incredible list of guest programming from sunset cruises along the Hudson River and golf lessons to archery and wellness experiences.

While Ford says there is a wide variety of dining options throughout the valley, he is especially fond of Gaskins in nearby Germantown for an intimate meal that reflects the best of this beautiful region.

"Their food features exceptionally fresh ingredients from local farms and the space acts as a true gathering place for the surrounding community," says Ford. Leave plenty of room to enjoy this lovely restaurant to the fullest from cocktails to appetizers, dinner, and dessert.

Finish out the night back in town with a glass of wine and Chocolate Budino at Brunette Wine Bar before cozying back up in your cabin at Hutton Brickyards.

Join Ford and friends for a glorious morning at Rough Draft Bar & Books to kick off your first full day in the Hudson Valley. This Kingston staple serves up coffee, savory hand pies, and an assortment of breakfast pastries to enjoy while you browse the shop's incredible book selection.

From there, it's time to get shopping. Kingston is full of eclectic studios and shops to peruse but make sure you pop into Clove & Creek for fine art and home goods, Jay Teske Leather Co. for exquisite, handmade gifts and accessories, as well as Rebecca Peacock for beautiful jewelry and Blue Cashew for kitchenwares.

Hop in the car and take a quick 40-minute drive to the town of Hudson for your final evening in Hudson Valley. Check into The Amelia, which is housed in a 19th-century Queen Anne-style home in the heart of the town.

If you're in town during the warmer months, be sure to take advantage of a sunny afternoon by the hotel's pool with a good book. But if you're seeking something a bit more adventurous, lace up your hiking boots for hikes at High Falls Conservation Area or Stissing Mountain Trail for admiring fall foliage and gorgeous views of the Catskills. Art aficionados will love Art Omi, a 120-acre art and sculpture park in nearby Ghent that also hosts a variety of events from poetry readings to concerts.

Rustic yet luxurious ambiance and cuisine driven by seasonal produce are paramount at Wm. Farmer & Sons, a cozy dinner spot that also houses a mercantile, coffee shop, rum bar, and accommodations on the Hudson River. Enjoy the best vegetables, fish, and meats the Hudson Valley has to offer along with a fabulous wine list.

If you're not ready for the night to be over quite yet, pop into The Maker Hotel's leather-clad lounge for cocktails and incredible atmosphere. Sonder, which is inspired by the natural wine bars of Paris and Brooklyn is another fun choice to cap off the night. (They're just a few blocks from each other if you have the stamina for both).