Look Home for the Holidays

Main Street in Chatham, NY

As we head into another holiday season, there’s no better time to turn your gaze inward—to the rolling hills, quaint villages, and hidden gems of our own Columbia County. Why brave the crowds in the malls and outlet centers when you can uncover one-of-a-kind gifts right here at home? Our local boutiques, makers, and artisans are brimming with handmade treasures: think hand-forged jewelry, artisanal soaps, custom pottery, and cozy textiles that tell the story of our community. Supporting these creators isn’t just shopping—it’s sustaining the heartbeat of Columbia County.

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The Ultimate Guide to Columbia County Wineries

Nestled between the Hudson River and the rolling foothills of the Berkshires, Columbia County is home to a quietly thriving wine scene. From pioneering vineyards to fruit-forward upstarts, each winery here brings something distinctive to the table—whether it’s heritage, terroir, innovation, or pure hospitality. Here’s a curated guide to Columbia County’s most remarkable wineries and one exquisite detour for spirits lovers.

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Your Guide to Brunch in Columbia County: Five Unforgettable Spots

There’s something truly special about a leisurely weekend brunch. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of good food, good company, and the perfect start to a relaxing day. Here in Columbia County, where stunning landscapes meet charming towns, we believe we’ve perfected the art of brunch. From cozy, mountainside lodges to chic cafes with scenic views, we’ve got a brunch spot to suit every craving and occasion. So, gather your favorite people and prepare to indulge! We’re sharing five of our favorite brunch destinations that you simply cannot miss.

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Seven New Restaurants in Columbia County

Columbia County’s dining scene is thriving, with a diverse array of new restaurants opening over the last several months. From refined wine bars and innovative fusion cuisine to bold brasseries, these seven newcomers reflect the region’s growing culinary creativity. Whether you’re exploring for the day or live nearby, check out these exciting new restaurants across Columbia County, NY.

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10 Things You Didn’t Know About Columbia County

How well do you know Columbia County and Hudson? We bet there’s plenty of locals who don’t know some of these factoids! Here is our list of the Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Columbia County! 

1. First Incorporated City – Before it was known as “Hudson”, it was called “Claverack Landing” and on November 14, 1784, it became the first city to be incorporated in the brand-new United States of America. 

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Recharge with a sustainable weekend in the Hudson Valley

Home to a diverse group of artists, chefs, and outdoor lovers, the Hudson Valley – located about two hours north of New York City – provides the ideal backdrop for a quick weekend away. And unlike farther-flung destinations, a recharging trip here (even with a few indulgences) can come with a low carbon footprint. The Hudson Valley train line from Manhattan’s Grand Central is a great, sustainable option for non-drivers, though I had access to Volvo’s new XC40 electric car, making the trip upstate even easier. I simply jumped in, told Google “to take me to the Hudson Valley.” and voila, I was on my way. In addition to feeling like you’re doing something good for the planet (you are), charging stations are becoming more readily available – keep scrolling for more on where I charged in my destination, the town of Hudson – making driving electric a convenient way to plan a road trip sans gas. However you choose to travel to this pastoral paradise, here’s what to do once you arrive.

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Why a Visit to Hudson, New York Is Better Than Ever

As New Yorkers and Bostonians try to remain close to home, New York’s Hudson Valley is as popular as ever. Thankfully, the town of Hudson hasn’t rested on its laurels one bit. The past few months have brought a gorgeously designed boutique hotel, a stellar bakery that excels in sourdough, and a slew of new shops to browse. Hudson is often referred to as the Brooklyn of the Hudson Valley, but it has so much more to offer (although if you’re looking for that Brooklyn vibe, you can definitely find it here). Fall is the ideal time to plan a weekend (or longer) getaway to Hudson—here are some exciting new spots to add to your list.

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Best 15 Engaging Things to Do in the Mid-Hudson River Valley

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HUDSON NY
Go uphill for the riveting views, and stay for the house tour at Frederick Church’s home, Olana. Church, a significant artist in the Hudson River School of Art movement, built his Persian-influenced style home overlooking his beloved river. Posthumously, Church became an important player in the Hudson River conservation movement, when one of his paintings was employed in the effort to ban a nuclear power plant within view of here. Protesters in the 1970’s used one of Church’s winter landscapes to show exactly how an industrial facility would mar the perfect scene. The ploy worked and the plant was put elsewhere. You’ll see this landscape and a number of Old Masters on a fascinating tour of Church’s home and studio.

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Five Arty Upstate New York Towns To Check Out

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If you’ve hopped around all the galleries the city has to offer, you can head out of the five boroughs and see what the more bucolic upstate towns have to offer in the way of art. From touring a former school that’s now a gallery in Columbia County to a day trip to Peekskill, there are many ways to sneak in some culture during a weekend escape.

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A Hotel with a Sense of Place: Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, NY

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On a quick trip upstate a couple of weeks ago, we dropped in on the newly opened Rivertown Lodge on Warren Street in Hudson, NY. Located in a 1920s movie house, the hotel (and soon to be dining spot) is the first venture of Ray Pirkle and Kim Bucci, two friends and hospitality veterans who work under the name Ramshackle Properties. Rivertown Lodge solves the vexing neighborhood problem of where to stay on a visit upstate, beyond the usual hotels and Airbnb offerings, according to Ray, who relocated to Hudson a couple of years ago as a “full-time guy,” as he says, drawn to the sense of community: “It’s a different mentality.”

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