For historic charm, picturesque scenery, beautiful locations, and attractions such as shops, restaurants, and even a castle, Cold Spring, New York, is a must-visit village in the Hudson Valley around 50-60 miles north of Manhattan. Surrounded by mountains, and butting up against the stunning Hudson River, Cold Spring was historically a thriving village for the selling of military goods. Nowadays, the hamlet is home to other stores, including vintage clothing outlets, antique stores, and quaint gift shops, as well as some breathtaking areas of natural beauty to explore on your travels.
Here’s a guide to some of the top sights and attractions to take in while you’re visiting.
Eating and drinking
Whether you want a gourmet meal, you’re keen to stop for coffee, or you want to grab a delicious ice cream, Cold Spring has plenty of luxury options to satisfy you. Hudson Hil’s Cafe is the place to go for a bite to eat on the charming porch. With breakfast and lunch options available all day, there’s something to suit all tastes, whether you’re hankering for burgers, pancakes, or salmo that’s cured in-house.
For coffee and a snack, Cold Spring Coffeehouse has sweet and savory pastry and pretzel options with some unique feelings sure to get your mouth watering. And no trip to Cold Spring is complete without an ice cream from Moo Moo’s Creamery, known as “the world’s best ice cream shop.” The freshly churned treats come in such a variety of flavors you won’t know what to choose as you overlook the river and delight in the quaintness of walking through a tunnel to get there.
Shopping
For shopaholics and window shoppers alike, forget the New York department stores and enjoy the Hudson Valley choices available in Cold Spring. For a spot of antiquing, a visit to Cold Spring Antique Store on Main Street is a must. This store is a repurposed 19th-century bank that’s as full of history as it is quirky, and it offers a multitude of vintage items to buy. Main Street, which faces the riverfront, is lined with many other shopping outlets, too, delivering small-town charm and unique architecture.
The General Store is well worth a visit, too, for its handmade gifts and pantry items, feeling like a step back in time — in the best way! After you’ve taken in the array of stores, make sure you stop off at Waterfront Park to wander along the river, enjoy listening to the birds, and take a walk around the gazebo.
The Great Outdoors
For the outdoorsy types, hiking fanatics, or simply those who enjoy admiring the view, Cold Spring has plenty of natural beauty spots that you would expect from a Hudson Valley town. Breakneck Ridge, is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Northeast — for good reason! Though the trail is short, it is a strenuous hike that will reward walkers with stunning views of the mountains and, of course, the Hudson River. For the less adventurous, Bull Hill offers a number of different trails to explore, each with stunning viewpoints, and finishes with a good view of the historic Cornish Estate.
Whatever your interests, Cold Spring, New York, has much to offer on your travels, perfect for exploring while you enjoy a luxury vacation, no matter how active you’re feeling.