It's Friday. You're sitting in traffic and your patience is running thin. Wouldn't it be awesome if there was a weekend getaway right out of NYC that did not involve sitting in traffic for hours on end.

But wait! There is.

Let me tell you about a little secret.

It's called the Hudson Valley.

A Weekend Getaway from NYC

Waking up in Hudson Valley Wine Country. The sun rising over the Hudson Valley. Coffee is brewing in the kitchen. Breakfast overlooking the vineyards. Can you see yourself here?

The Hudson Valley is great for a weekend getaway or even a staycation near New York City.

Where to Stay in the Hudson Valley: Nostrano Family Vineyard FarmHouse

I am currently sitting in the kitchen drinking a cup of freshly brewed coffee overlooking the vineyard as I write this. To say this is a dream come true is an understatement. The fact of the matter is there are a number of amazing weekend getaways right outside of New York however the Hudson Valley is still a best kept secret. And Nostrano is an even bigger secret that I would love to keep to myself however it is too good not to share.

Welcome to the Nostrano Family Vineyard Farmhouse!

Located  in Milton, NY, just an hour and a half North of  of New York City, Nostrano Vineyards FarmHouse makes for the perfect home away from home.

This two bedroom two bath farmhouse is the perfect place for a romantic weekend getaway or a fun girls weekend.  As you walk into the large living area you find a comfy couch. Perfect for family game night or cuddling with a glass of wine and an old movie.

The eat in kitchen is a dream. It includes everything you need to to make your own meals. You will find a large refrigerator, gas stove and even a dishwasher. As a city girl a dishwasher is the ultimate of luxuries.

Poor In A Private Plane Tip: Cook your own meals.

Having access to a full kitchen means being able to cook your own meals. This will save you a ton of money. Let's just do the math.

Dinner for a family of four at a restaurant can easily run you upwards of $100. For $50 we were able to stock the kitchen with enough groceries for 5 meals.

Two Breakfasts,  Two Dinners and One Lunch. In case you're keeping track.

The Farmhouse has two bedrooms each with its own ensuite full bathroom.  Whether you are a family of 2 or 4 this is a great plus. No fighting over who gets to take a shower first.

Finally one of the best parts. The outdoor space. The deck overlooking the vineyards is bigger than my New York City apartment. Grab a glass of wine and enjoy the sunset.

The Farmhouse is available on AirBnB.

Sign up for AirBnb here and get $40 off your first stay.

Book your getaway at the Nostrano Vineyards FarmHouse here.

Looking for more ideas. Check out our Weekend Getaways East Coast Edition for ideas up and down the East Coast of the US.

Hudson Valley Wine

So let's talk about the most important thing. The wine.

Nostrano Family Vineyard was established in 2010 and they are already making waves with their wine. Featuring everything from Rosé to Pinot Noir, come for a tasting and stay for the weekend.

A fave is of course the Rosé however the Pinot Gris, Riesling and Pinot Noir are all equally fabulous.

Tasting are available in the tasting room or you can opt to have a glass or bottle to enjoy on the patio overlooking the vineyards. For those that don't fancy wine they also have beer on tap.

Visit Nostrano Vineyards for the most up to date information including tasting room hours.

Getting to the Hudson Valley from NYC

There are a few ways to get to this area of the Hudson Valley.

Getting to the Hudson Valley By Car

Whether you choose to rent a car or borrow one the easiest and most convenient way to get to an around the Hudson Valley is with a car.

From New York City Nostrano is just over 90 minutes North.

If you prefer to have a carless weekend or do not have access to a car you can also get there one of two ways.

Getting to the Hudson Valley By Bus

From Port Authority in Manhattan you can catch a bus that will take you straight to Poughkeepsie.

When you get to Poughkeepsie you can take a 15 minute cab or ride share to Nostrano.

Getting to the Hudson Valley By Train

It is easy to get to the Hudson Valley by train. You have two options. Take the Amtrak to Poughkeepsie which is approximately 90 minutes or take the Hudson Line from Grand Central Station to Poughkeepsie. The ride is just under 2 hours.

When you get to Poughkeepsie you can take a 15 minute cab or ride share to Nostrano.

Things to Do In the Hudson Valley

Of course you are here for the wine. However if you are looking for other things to do than taste some of the best wine New York State has to offer then you are in for a treat. The Hudson Valley offers so many options. It would be impossible to get bored.

But let's start with the most important part.

Hudson Valley Wineries

The Hudson Valley is home to 30+ wineries.  Home to the oldest winery in North America as well as the oldest vineyard in North America is a surprise that the Hudson Valley is still a hidden gem.

But enough with the facts. Let's talk wine.

Brotherhood Winery

Brotherhood Winery is the oldest continuously operated winery in North America.  Brotherhood Winery was established in 1939. It is a must visit when visiting the Hudson Valley. Brotherhood Winery offers tours, tastings and even has a restaurant on site.

Tours and Tastings are available daily and prices are as follows:

Tour & Tasting Pass: $15 per person

Tasting Only: $10 per person

Tour Only: $8 per person

Benmarl Winery

Benmarl is home to the oldest continuously cultivated vineyard in North America. Overlooking the Hudson River, Bernmarl is  great place to enjoy a tasting or a bottle out on the deck.

After tasting wine visit the bakery on site to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Tastings are $10 and bottles start at $15.

Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery

Warwick is home to the first distillery in New York State since prohibition and a great spot to visit for non wine drinkers. You can taste spirits, wines and ciders.  There is plenty to do with live bands on the weekends, a restaurant onsite and even apple picking in the fall.

Torne Valley Vineyards

If you're looking for something a bit closer to NYC then Torne Valley is your place. Located in Rockland County, less than an hour outside of NYC it is a great destination to get your Hudson Valley Wine fix.  The estate is beautiful however plan ahead. It is only open to the public on the weekends.

Hiking in the Hudson Valley

Mohonk Preserve

Take a hike in the Shawangunk Mountains. Mohonk Preserve hosts approximately  40 miles of hiking trails and it is a great spot to enjoy a day of hiking. There are a number of recommended trail from an easy 1/4 mile stroll to more rigorous 7.5 mile loop.

There are several recommended hikes on the Mohonk Preserve website however one of our faves is located on the Mohonk Mountain House Grounds.

Lemon Squeeze/Labyrinth

Located on the Mohonk Mountain House Ground the Labyrinth is only about a mile and takes about an hour to do when there are no crowds. But what you don't get in distance you will get in challenge. Crawling, climbing and hopping makes this hike a lot of fund. Towards the end you will find yourself climbing up ladders and squeezing through the rocks (lemon squeeze). After all that work you will be greeted to some of the best views of Mohonk Preserve.

This is a very popular loop though so if you are going on the weekends expect crowd. Best times to go are very early in the morning, late afternoon or during the week.

Walkway Over the Hudson

The Walkway Over the Hudson is the world's longest elevated pedestrian bridge, spanning 1.28 miles over the Hudson River. The walk itself is easy and family friends and the views are amazing.

If you are looking for more of a challenge or a longer hike the Walkway connects to a number of trails. Some of the more popular:

The Walkway Loop Trail. This trail is approximately 4.4 miles and takes you over two bridges spanning the Hudson.

Franny Reese State Park. From the Walkway Loop Trail you can connect to any of the three trails available at Franny Reese State Park. The Blue Trail is only 1/4 mile and features an amazing lookout point over the walkway and Hudson River. The white trail is 1.76 miles and also offers several amazing lookout points over the Hudson.

Kaaterskill Falls

Located an hour north of Nostrano Vineyards, Kaaterskill Falls gets a mention due to the beauty of the falls. The hike itself is rated moderate and is approximately 2.6 miles however the falls are magnificent and worth the drive north.

Bardavon Opera House

The Bardavon is the oldest continuously operating theater in New York State and one of the oldest in the entire country. Located in Poughkeepsie it makes for the perfect date night.

The theatre originally opened its doors in 1869 as the Collingwood Opera House. In 1923, the theatre was sold, renovated and renamed Bardavon.

Today the Bardavon hosts a number of productions and event. Check out the Bardavon Calendar for more information on performances.

Photo Credit: Bardavon Opera House

Catskill Mountain RailRoad

About 30 minutes north of Nostrano in Kingston, NY you will find the Catskill Mountain Railroad. From April- September you can take a ride on a vintage coach. During the fall and spring there are even Easter and Halloween themed rides.

Each excursion offers a different interactive experience making it for a great activity while visiting the Hudson Valley.

Drive In Movie

Have you ever been to a Drive In Movie?  Whether the answer is yes or no, now is your chance because there is a Drive In right in Poughkeepsie called Overlook Drive In Theatre. 

There is a double feature every night and admission is $10/adult and $7 for children. Children under 5 are free.

Storm King Art Center

With over 500 acres this outdoor museum is a must visit when in the Hudson Valley. Spend the day exploring the large sculptures and rotating exhibits.  The museum is open Wednesday – Sunday (closed Monday, Tuesday) from 10AM – 5:30PM year round however the best time of year to go is in the fall. Admission is $18/Adults and $8/Children and Students. Children 4 and under are free.

Shopping in the Hudson Valley

Woodbury Commons

Outlet shopping seems to be something that is very popular now. However what makes Woodbury Commons a great spot is the luxury outlet shopping. I am talking Valentino, Gucci and Jimmy Choo to just to name a view.

You have everything from Barneys to Old Navy. That's what makes this place a shoppers paradise.

It's one of my fave spots. I don't think hubby agrees though.

Antique Shopping

If you google shopping in the Hudson Valley most of the results are about antique shopping. And there is no wonder. You can find some of the best antique shopping right here in the Hudson Valley.  Some places that come highly recommended:

HydePark Antiques Center

Water Street Market

J & L Antiques of the Hudson Valley

Romantic Weekend Getaways from NYC

You don't have to jump on a plane for a weekend getaway.

Now while I had the pleasure of visiting Nostrano with my husband and parents this is not the first time we have visited.

Nostrano and the Hudson Valley make for a perfect romantic weekend getaway.

If you're looking for a romantic wine filled weekend on the west coast then consider spending a weekend in the Willamette Valley.

In under two hours you find yourself in what I like to call Paradise. Yeah you can drive out east and sit in traffic or you can head north with no traffic, views for miles and your very own piece of paradise.

Why spend hours flying to Napa Wine Country when you can enjoy wine country right in your own backyard.

If you're looking for another great wine adventure near New York then check out Niagara on the Lake.

Are you ready to take a trip to the Hudson Valley? If you're looking for me you know where to find me.

-Taima

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