About five years ago I was sitting in my office and realized I was well over due for an out of the city adventure and I began searching online for a quick weekend escape that wasn’t too far out of the city and more importantly would not require a car to get there. After coming up with numerous options, I narrowed it down to one, Cold Spring, New York a little town on the Hudson River that had everything I was looking for, charming shops, nature hikes and was just a hop skip and a jump off the Metro North. Well that very next weekend, I dragged a few of my reluctant coworkers to the little town of Cold Spring, New York for a fall foliage hike and some antiquing and I immediately fell in love with the tiny town and have been returning at least once if not twice a year ever since.
Cold Spring, New York is located a little over an hour outside New York City and is a perfect little getaway for any city dwellers looking for some fresh air and relaxation time. The quaint little town is on the National Register of Historic Places due to its numerous 19th century buildings and there is a myth that George Washington drank from a local spring and declared it to be refreshingly cold and resulting in the town’s namesake, Cold Spring. On the weekends there are often people dressed in 19th century clothing giving tours of the town and performing historical reenactments regarding the war of 1812 along Main Street and on the lawn in front of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. The antique stores are plentiful; there are many novelty shops and ice cream parlors as well as several great restaurants where you can grab a light bite or a delicious dinner with friends.
My very favorite thing about Cold Spring though, hands down, is its close vicinity to some of the best hiking trails along the Hudson Valley. Just a few minutes walk from Main Street down 9D there are wonderful trails, some more challenging then others, that will lead you up and around The Hudson Highlands. Although I have yet to do the full 4 hour hike to the top of Mt. Taurus, I have hiked up to the overlook several times with family and friends in all different kinds of weather and I would highly recommend anyone who enjoys hiking to check it out. Although the first 45 minutes are pretty strenuous as you ascend the side of the mountain on the White Trail the views are well worth it. You will eventually come upon several spots overlooking the Hudson River and another overlook that is a view of all of Cold Spring with the enchanting Hudson River behind it. This past weekend I brought my mother and her husband along with me on the hike and we had an amazing time. Although the hot temperatures made it a little more strenuous then in the fall, it was still a breath taking and memorable experience for us as we stood on the overlook, enjoying the beautiful views. Here are a few pictures from our latest weekend adventure in Cold Spring, New York.
