Weekend Getaway To New York's Hudson Valley
Jennifer Probst is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of contemporary romance fiction. Searching for Perfect, her second book in the Searching For series is out on April 29 and available everywhere books are sold.
Jennifer Probst, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance fiction, writes about a little upstate river town named Verily in her Searching for Series (Searching For Someday, Searching For Perfect). The real town of quirky, quiet Cold Springs, New York, inspired Jennifer and she has provided a weekend getaway guide.
Many readers have asked if there was a specific place that inspired Verily. My answer? Yes. Cold Springs is one of the places where I've been inspired to try and recreate the same type of feel and fun of an upstate town. Want to visit?
Here are some of the main spots and aspects of Cold Springs.
From Manhattan:
Hop on the Metro-North Railroad -- Hudson Line -- from Grand Central Station and stop directly in Cold Springs. The trip is about an hour and 10 minutes.
Driving Directions From Westchester County and New York City:
Henry Hudson Parkway North to Saw Mill River Parkway. Take Saw Mill River Parkway to the Taconic State Parkway North. Exit at Route 301 heading west toward Cold Spring. Follow Route 301 for 8 miles into Cold Spring where it becomes Main Street
Highlights:
Nestled on the bank of the Hudson River, enjoy the view of the sprawling Storm King mountain, and look over the famous US Military Academy of West Point. A combination of historical sites, recreation, cafes, shops, and the Hudson river make it a worthwhile destination for the weekend or longer. Outdoor activities include cycling, hiking, boating, or kayaking. Leisurely activities include well maintained parks and lounging by the river to enjoy extraordinary views.
Little Stony Point State Park
3011 New York 9D
Cold Spring, NY 10516
(845) 265-0058
http://littlestonypoint.org/
A gorgeous park with a trail that opens up to a small sandy beach. Looking over Breakneck Ridge (hiking trail) in the distance, this park is between the Hudson River and the train tracks.
Bandstand and Dock
1 Main Street
Cold Springs, NY 10516
Sit on a bench and watch the gorgeous scenery play out, or enjoy a variety of local entertainment at the bandstand. Located on the River across from Hudson House.
Stonecrop Gardens
81 Stonecrop Lane, Route 301 between Taconic Parkway and Rte 9
Cold Springs, NY 10516
(845) 265-2000
http://www.stonecrop.org/index_cal_view.php
Hidden gem adjuncts to Fahnstock Park and visitors are enthralled by these twelve-acre gardens displaying a large variety of wildlife, woodlands, water gardens and special displays.
The Cold Spring Trolley
Step back in time and ride the trolley from the Cold Spring Visitors Center to the Garrison Landing. Running Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the trolley makes stoops at the Foundry Museum and Boscobel
Main Street
There's nothing like a row of quaint shops filled with antiques, used books, artsy cafes, and patrons strolling, eating ice cream, and walking their pets. Follow the paths and discover small treasures while nibbling on a pastry and sipping a cappuccino!
Where to Stay:
Pig Hill Inn
73 Main St.
Cold Spring, NY 10516
(845) 265-9247
http://www.pighillinn.com/
Individually decorated guest rooms within walking distance of Main St and Train Station. It has a wonderful gift shop full of treasures.
Hudson House
2 Main St.
Cold Spring, NY 10516
(845) 265-9355
http://www.hudsonhouseinn.com/
A nationally registered historic landmark! A restored 1832 landmark building with nine rooms and two suites. Close to shopping, antiques, cafes and train station. Dine in the elegant River Room with exquisite views or the more casual Half Moon Tavern.
Where to Eat:
The Depot
1 Depot Square
Cold Spring, NY 10516
(845) 265-5000
http://www.coldspringdepot.com/
Step back in time with an amazing Sunday brunch and listen to Dixie band music while you sit outside and soak in the sights. A former train station, situated right near the railway, great food and great times await. An outdoor beer garden, raw bar, fireplaces. Open for brunch, lunch, dinner, and of course, ice cream!
Plumbush Inn at the Parrot House
1656 Route 9D
Cold Spring, NY 10516
(845) 265-3904
http://plumbushinn.com/
An elegant dining experience, along with three spacious rooms for overnight guests. Dine on the veranda or inside the plush restaurant with fireplaces for a gourmet experience.
The Foundry Cafe,
55 Main Street
Cold Spring, NY 10516
(845) 265-4504
Enjoy delicious desserts, natural foods, specialty beers, and treats at this quaint cafe.
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