Upstate New York
Mid-Hudson Valley | Orchards & Hiking
Orchards
Fishkill Farms - This orchard features beautiful fall foliage views, pick your own apples and pumpkins, live music on some weekends, and a cute farm store. They have amazing cider donuts too!
Lawrence Farms Orchards - This orchard features incredible views everywhere you look, but especially behind the pumpkin patch. They have pick your own apples and pumpkins, a cute farm store, cider donuts, and farm animals!
Transportation
Take the Metro North Hudson Line to Beacon. You can get off at this stop for either orchard. When you get to the train station, take a cab or Uber/Lyft to Fishkill Farms or Lawrence Farms Orchards. If you’re calling an Uber/Lyft, I’d recommend calling it a couple minutes before you get off the train to beat the rush of people doing the same thing (believe me, you’ll be stuck waiting for a while)!
Food Nearby
After a day at one of these orchards, head into Beacon for dinner at Cafe Amarcord or The Vault before taking the Metro North home. Don’t forget to pick up some pumpkins to make into fresh pumpkin bread when you get home!
Hikes
Breakneck Ridge is a beautiful hike and a great workout! The beginning of the hike is a steep rock scramble, and the hike features scenic views of the Hudson River at numerous stopping points. At the end of your hike, head back down in the direction of Cold Spring (you can Uber/Lyft to rest of the way). Bear Mountain is another great hike if you have access to a car and can drive from the city.
Transportation
Take the Metro North Hudson Line to Breakneck Ridge. Your hike begins as soon as you get off the train! If you stop in Cold Spring afterward, take the Metro North home from Cold Spring.
Food Nearby
Cold Spring is a cute Hudson Valley town not far from Breakneck Ridge with lots of restaurants, treats, shopping, and a beautiful waterfront. Check out the Cold Spring Cheese Shop and grab a bite at Cold Spring Depot.
The Catskills | Winter Ski Trip
Mountains
Hunter Mountain - Hunter Mountain is a fun mountain with a range of trails as well. The mountain is a bit less crowded than Windham, even on holiday weekends. Hunter also has a bit more of a casual feel than Windham.
Windham Mountain - Windham Mountain is a beautiful mountain with a range of trails for all levels. The views from the mountain are beautiful as well. This was the more crowded of the two mountains, so I’d recommend going on a non-holiday weekend.
Lodging & Transportation
Will and I have gone on an annual ski trip in the Catskills for the past few years. We’re lucky enough to be able to stay at his relatives’ house, but there are plenty of options for lodging in the area, especially on Airbnb! We always drive so we can bring all of our ski gear and explore the local area. There are bus options that can take you to either mountain, but I would recommend driving if you have the option.
Food Nearby
Gracie’s - comfort food and boozy milkshakes
M&J’s - grab a bagel and coffee across the street from Hunter Mountain before a day of skiing
Jagerberg Beer Hall - German food and drinks perfect for apres ski by Hunter Mountain
Log Cabin Cafe - breakfast
Twin Peaks Coffee & Donuts
Don’t forget to grab a waffle at the mountain!
Hudson, NY isn’t far and is a great stop for food and shopping! Grab coffee at Moto Coffee/Machine or Olde Hudson, do some shopping at Lili and Loo or Hudson Home, go antiquing, grab a drink at Spotty Dog Books & Ale or The Maker Lounge, and then grab a bite at American Glory for dinner!
