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his historic New
York river town has a rich and colorful past.
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Once a prosperous
whaling
capital, favored for its deep harbor and safe distance from New York
harbor, Hudson has continued to be a thriving community.
The lively streets are lined with
beautiful examples of 18th and 19th century architecture; a diverse mix
of styles. The Federal, Victorian and
Greek Revival facades on Warren Street look much they did in the 1800s.
Hudson is surrounded by the fertile farmland of Columbia County enjoys commanding views
of the Catskill mountains and Hudson River panorama.
Over the last few years Hudson has undergone
wonderful transformations. It is a center for
antiques, art galleries, as well as interesting restaurants and boutiques. A
few of the many art galleries in town are John Davis, Carrie Haddad, Richard Sena, and Art Design Digression LTD. A great
place to have lunch is Earth Foods,
other popular restaurants Swoon, Babloui's, and Red Dot.
The Hudson Opera House, formerly the
City Hall is a nonprofit
cultural center for group art
shows, readings, and music events. which
hosts theater, cult movies, art shows, readings, and a summer camp
program for neighborhood children.
There has always been a special connection to
this area for artists, writers photographers, and willdlife and nature
enthusiasts. Newer transplants are filmmakers, actors, and savvy people from
larger cities.
Just outside of town is Olana, National Historic Site, the
former home
of Hudson River Artist Frederick
Church.
This impressive example of Moorish architecture, sits high above the
river. One can walk
throughout the beautifully landscaped grounds and appreciate the
magesty of nature.
Across the Rip Van
Winkle bridge is Cedar
Grove, The Thomas Cole
National Historic Site. There stands the original house and
garden and
the large outbuilding that was Cole’s workroom. It is considered th
very first artist’s studio in America, and the birthplace of the first
American Art movement, The Hudson
River School.
The neighboring town is
Catskill; a burgeoning art center,with a
revitalized main street, and recently opened galleries and restaurants.
Living here one can take
advantage of all of the great things that the
outdoors offers. Aside from water activities like kayaking, there are
great hiking
trails and cross country skiing, at lease 9 golf courses, skiing and
riding.
Amtrak Hudson Station is in easy walking distance from anywhere in town.
The NYS Thruway and Mass Pike are nearby, making traveling to Albany
NY, or Boston easy.
Getting Here
Hudson is just over two hours north of New York City, by train on
Amtrak or by car via Interstate 87, or via Taconic Parkway
Web links
www.thomascole.org
Cedar Grove 218 Spring St., Catskill;
518/9437465; $7
adults, $5 seniors and students.
www.hudsonoperahouse.org/
Hudson Opera House 327 Warren St.; 518/8221438.
www.olana.org
Olana 5720 Rte. 9G; 518/8280135; entrance on guided tours
only, reservations recommended: $7 adults, $5 seniors and students, and
children under 12 free.
www.timeandspace.org
TSL 434 Columbia St.; 518/8228448;
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