WLLW’s Location Guide: The Hudson Valley
Exploring the world’s most vibrant destinations through the lens of health, wellbeing and sustainability.
WORDS Elissa Rose
In this special installment in WLLW’s series of location guides, we've shifted our gaze away from cities to the Hudson Valley. This is an area that interweaves pastoral beauty, creative communities and thoughtful living, where fresh air, changing foliage and seasonal festivities set the tone for a slower pace. Here you'll find farm-to-table dining, boutique stays, wellness retreats, independent design shops and nature escapes, all encouraging a more intentional pace away from urban life.
Stay Well
Retreat into nature and let the foliage deepen your sense of calm. From cedar cabins to riverside saunas, these places bring health and design into perfect harmony.
 Photo courtesy of Inness |
InnessAccord, NYSet on 225 pastoral acres, Inness (Accord) is a modern country retreat that balances quiet luxury with grounded simplicity. Guests stay in cedar-clad cabins or a farmhouse filled with vintage pieces, custom lighting by Roll & Hill, and views that stretch across rolling hills painted in fall color. |
 Photo courtesy of Wildflower Farms |
Wildflower Farms, Auberge CollectionGardiner, NYWildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts (Gardiner) also stands out. It’s a luxe eco-resort boasting energy-efficient cottages, orchards, on-site spa and outdoor courts for tennis or pickleball – all managed through solar and water recycling systems. |
 Photo courtesy of Piaule |
PiauleCatskill, NYFor something a little bit different, Piaule (Catskills) is a minimalist landscape hotel with glass-walled cabins that dissolve into the trees. Thoughtfully designed with natural materials and a low-impact ethos, it also features a spa with sauna, steam and plunge pool, inviting deep rest and connection to nature. |
 Photo courtesy of Hutton Brickyards |
Hutton BrickyardsKingston, NYHutton Brickyards (Kingston) is a 19th‑century brickyard reimagined as a riverside retreat. Adaptive reuse preserves industrial heritage and reduces new build impact; private cabins sit within 73 acres of meadow and woodland. Seasonal menus, yoga, and outdoor spa services reinforce nature‑led restoration. |
 Photo courtesy of Wally Farms |
Wally FarmsAncram, NYWally Farms (Ancram) is more than a working farm – it’s an experimental incubator for regenerative agriculture. This community-driven collective blends traditional farming with innovative, tech-forward practices that prioritize soil health and climate action. Carbon-negative hempcrete cabins offer accommodation under dark skies and bright stars, perfect for admiring the heavens on crisp, clear fall nights. |
Eat Mindfully
Restaurants here focus on nourishment in every sense. From regenerative kitchens to low-intervention wine bars, each meal tells a story of care, craft and community.
 Photo courtesy of Rosie General |
Rosie GeneralKingston, NYSwitch off your phone (by request of the management) to savor every moment at Rosie General (Kingston), a lively cafe and deli known for its stacked sandwiches, house-baked sweets, and shelves lined with pickles, pasta, and pantry essentials. |
 Photo courtesy of Aroma Thyme |
Aroma Thyme BistroEllenville, NYAroma Thyme Bistro (Ellenville) takes sustainability seriously – it was the first Certified Green Restaurant in upstate New York. The menu is globally inspired but locally grounded, with standout vegan options, an extensive organic wine list and a kitchen ethos centered on transparency, traceability and flavor. |
 Photo courtesy of Universal Cafe & Bar |
Universal Cafe & BarGermantown, NYFor a welcoming blend of comfort and craft, Universal Cafe & Bar (Germantown) is run by chef Leslie Carr‑Avalos. Housed in an elegant tavern-style space, the menu showcases seasonal, farm‑driven dishes paired with creative cocktails, which are ideal for a relaxed meal that still honors local producers. |
 Photo courtesy of Casa Susanna |
Casa SusannaLeeds, NYCasa Susanna (Leeds) reimagines mid-century charm with modern Mexican cuisine. The menu features dishes such as tetelas, birria and tamales, crafted from Hudson Valley ingredients and heirloom corn. From a historical perspective, Casa Susanna pays tribute to a Catskills home for transgender people in the 1950s and ‘60s. |
 Photo courtesy of Klocke Estate |
Klocke Estate(Near Claverack), NYPerched atop a 160-acre hillside farm, Klocke Estate (Near Claverack) crafts brandy and vermouth from 43 apple varieties and nine grape types grown on-site. Its timber-framed barrel-aging ‘chai’, French-sourced still, and vineyard-to-glass philosophy showcase a regenerative, low-impact approach to spirits. Tours, tastings, and a farm-to-table restaurant complement the immersive experience. |
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Hudson and Kingston Farmers' MarketsLastly, don’t forget the farmers’ markets. Hudson Farmers’ Market (Columbia County) is renowned locally and has been bringing growers, producers, and artisans together for 25 years. Kingston Farmers’ Market is another excellent choice, where you’ll find fresh seasonal produce, particularly at the peak of harvest season. |
Photo courtesy of Hudson Farmers' MarketShop Consciously
Shopping in the Hudson Valley is a chance to support local makers and values-driven businesses. Expect thoughtful design, slow processes and a commitment to sustainability.
 Photo courtesy of Made X Hudson |
Made X HudsonCatskill, NYMade X Hudson (Catskill) supports emerging designers and small-batch makers through its own in-house atelier. Expect hand-sewn garments, reworked vintage pieces and a strong focus on regenerative and upcycled materials – all crafted just up the road. |
 Photo courtesy of Ravenwood |
RavenwoodKerhonkson, NYA celebration of seasonality where food, farming and design converge. Set in a restored 1850s barn, Ravenwood (Kerhonkson) hosts rotating art exhibitions, a café and farm stand, and community gatherings that reflect the rhythms of the Hudson Valley. Expect warmth, creativity and a strong sense of place. |
 Photo courtesy of FØLK |
FØLKKingston, NYA zero-waste pioneer in Kingston’s historic Stockade District, FØLK offers bulk pantry staples, refillable personal care, environmentally- friendly home goods and locally-made items. You’re encouraged to bring your own containers, making each purchase an act of thoughtful consumption. |
 Photo courtesy of Field + Supply |
Field + SupplyKingston, NYField + Supply is a seasonal ‘modern makers market’ held twice a year at the Hutton Brickyards. Featuring over 275 curated vendors spanning furniture, homeware, textiles, art and artisanal food, there’s also live music, workshops and curated local fare. The fall edition lands in October 2025 – a highlight of the region’s creative calendar. |
 Photo courtesy of Le Jardin |
Le Jardin Flower FarmAmenia, NYLe Jardin Flower Farm (Amenia) is a regenerative, no-till flower farm, creative studio and shop rooted in biodiversity and sustainable practice. Seasonal, chemical-free blooms are grown with care, while Le Jardin’s hands-on workshops invite visitors to explore farm-to-vase creativity. More than a flower source, Le Jardin Flower Farm shows how cultivation and conservation thrive together. |
Connect With Nature
Outdoor adventures in the region go beyond the scenic. They offer opportunities to move, breathe and re-center, whether on water, forest trail or farm.
 Photo courtesy of Wild Earth |
Wild EarthNew Paltz, NYSince 2004, Wild Earth has been offering year-round outdoor learning and adventure programs tailored to all ages. From its Art Camp for kids and teen wilderness expeditions, to adult workshops and seasonal community events, it blends creativity, nature immersion, and climate awareness. It fosters hands-on exploration and connection across generations, rooted in a gratitude for our planet. |
 Photo courtesy of Catskills on the Fly |
Catskillls on the FlyCatskills, NYNestled in the heart of fly-fishing country, Catskills on the Fly (Catskills) offers guided walk-and-wade excursions along storied rivers like the Beaverkill. With expert instructors, hand-tied local flies and stunning mountain backdrops, the experience blends tradition, mindfulness and an intimate connection to the rhythms of the river. |
 Photo courtesy of Storm King Adventure |
Storm King AdventureCornwall-on-Hudson, NYPaddle out with a Storm King Adventure (Cornwall-on-Hudson) guided kayak tour on the Hudson River while soaking in views of Storm King Mountain and Bannerman Island. Led by certified guides, tours include beginner-friendly routes, sunrise, sunset, full-moon options, and themed explorations like Moodna Marsh and Fishkill Creek. |
 Photo courtesy of Fishkill Farms |
Fishkill FarmsHopewell JCT, NYFounded over 100 years ago and still family-run, Fishkill Farms (Hopewell JCT) offers organic apple picking with views over golden hillsides. Wander the orchards, sip hot cider, and explore the on-site farm store stocked with local produce, jams, and wildflower honey. A peaceful, hands-on way to savor the changing seasons. |
 Photo courtesy of Minnewaska State Park |
Minnewaska State ParkKerhonkson, NYIn fall, leaf-peeping hikes in Minnewaska State Park (Kerhonkson) offer one of the region’s most breathtaking seasonal rituals. Wander toward Lake Minnewaska or up to Castle Point for panoramic views of the Shawangunk Ridge ablaze in color. Bring a thermos, take your time and breathe in the crisp, pine-scented air. |
See Design With Purpose
Art, architecture and landscape come together here with intention. These cultural landmarks invite quiet reflection and offer inspiration for living with more care.
 Photo courtesy of Innisfree Garden |
Innisfree GardenMillbrook, NYFor a contemplative experience, head to Innisfree Garden (Millbrook). Influenced by Chinese and Japanese landscape design, its trails loop around a glacial lake, weaving through mossy knolls, stone sculptures and carefully framed views that slow your pace and still your thoughts. |
 Photo courtesy of Dia |
DiaBeacon, NYLocated in a sprawling former Nabisco printing plant on the Hudson River, Dia (Beacon) houses one of the country’s most significant collections of 1960s–’70s art. It's a striking fusion of industrial architecture and should not be missed. |
 Photo courtesy of Omega |
OmegaRhinebeck, NYOmega (Rhinebeck) is a leading nonprofit retreat center promoting holistic wellbeing since 1977. Visitors can enjoy inclusive stays with daily wellness classes. Its centerpiece, the Omega Center for Sustainable Living, is a LEED-platinum ‘living building’ weaving yoga, ecology, sustainability and community learning. |
 Photo courtesy of Manitoga |
Manitoga / The Russel Wright Design CenterGarrison, NYManitoga / The Russel Wright Design Center (Garrison) is the former home and studio of designer Russel Wright, transformed from a ravaged quarry into a living example of living in harmony with nature. Its trails, house, and gardens reflect Wright’s vision of sustainable design while the center continues to celebrate his enduring legacy. |
 Photo courtesy of Storm King Art Center by Richard Barnes |
Storm KingNew Windsor, NYLastly, Storm King (New Windsor) is a sprawling, 500-acre outdoor museum where monumental sculptures by artists like Alexander Calder, Maya Lin, and Richard Serra sit amid rolling meadows, forests and hills. |
Whether it’s the crunch of leaves underfoot, the crispness of the air, or the warmth of shared meals made from the season’s harvest, the Hudson Valley invites a slower, more grounded way of being. Its rhythms feel restorative – reminding us to breathe deeply, move gently, and stay present.
Feature Image: Wildflower Farms
