A Whale of a time...

My husband and I enjoyed a retreat this weekend outside of all five boroughs (an extraordinary feat), and highly recommend every New Yorker do the same (at least annually) to regain their humanity. The historic Hudson Valley- home to the Hudson River School artists (painters like Thomas Cole and Frederic Church)- lends itself to a reinterpretation of the daily grind. A panoramic view of the Catskills and the Hudson River can be seen from almost any vantage point in Hudson, N.Y., but are most breathtaking from Promenade Hill in town and atop the crest of Olana Historic Site (Frederic Church's home and studio). 

This sleepy town is overflowing with folklore (the legend of Rip Van Winkle originates here) and scholarly examples of well preserved architecture, from Federal to Second Empire to Nantucket. Once a booming seaport (Hudson was chartered in 1785 and by 1788 had become a commercial city) with an economy based on everything from whaling to cement factories, and twice the residents, a depressed economy has since thinned out the business boom and the robust residential cycle. 

Although the main strip of Warren Street is largely a collective of antique dealers, (with pricetags a little higher than most plan for on a short weekend getaway) there are some secret bargains and plenty of nicely placed foodie options sprinkled along the stroll. Overall, the combination of quiet nights and starry skies fell into place perfectly with our agenda of peace and quiet beyond the boroughs....

sweet dreams/