A Weekend Guide to the Hudson Valley: Stone Ridge, Accord & Kerhonkson
We’ve outlined the perfect weekend itinerary to discover this precious region of the Catskills & Hudson Valley.
The Hudson Valley is full of unique small towns and villages, each with its own character and offering. South on Route 209, you’ll find Ulster County, where you will find Stone Ridge, High Falls, Accord, and Kerhonkson - one of the most special areas of the Hudson Valley. These tucked-away hamlets border the Minnewaska State Preserve to the south and are laid down on the shores of the Rondout Creek. It’s a serene piece of the Valley, and the farmland on either side of everywhere you look will instantly transport you to a world away. And, all this within an hour and a half drive from New York City & Jersey City
“To escape, discover, and renew.”
Where to Stay
Hasbrouck House
Named as America’s’ Most Romantic Retreat, Hasbrouck House is centered around an 18th century Dutch Colonial stone mansion in the historic hamlet of Stone Ridge, NY. A modern luxury featuring twenty-five thoughtfully-designed bedrooms across four historic buildings, a 100-year old landmark pool, and over 50 park-like acres with private lake.
Discover more about Hasbrouck House.
Upon arrival you’ll want to check out Hasbrouck House’s various onsite restaurants and food options.
Intimate and Special: Butterfield - Surrounded by lands so rich, they’ve been compared to fields of butter. Butterfield pays homage to Hudson Valley Cuisine.
During warm summer months: Butcher & Bar - Dine alfresco under the sailcloth tent or bring a blanket and picnic on our great lawn! Butcher & Bar is located next to the Hasbrouck House Pool on the bluestone patio.
Bar at Butterfield - Cocktails, bar snacks and more. Dine at the bar, in the sitting room or outside on the patio.
The Gray Barn
If you’re looking for a place to stay in the Hudson Valley that is surrounded with a little more farm and wildlife, The Gray Barn is not just your average bed-and-breakfast. Tucked in between Stone Ridge and Accord, the farm is laid out along the dirt-packed Rescue Road of the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary . You drive in and the sounds of the Rondout Creek and happily mooing cows greet you as you make your way through to the Gray Barn, the Farm’s on-site accommodations. Belying its name, the Gray Barn is an ultra-modern, darkly painted, chic two-story building tucked into the working animal farm. It’s beautiful and totally unexpected.
The dogwood trees out front (planted by Earth Designs Cooperative, a worker-owned business in the Hudson Valley) attracted all kinds of birds and beetles. In the evening, the fireflies light up the night under a sky of stars.
Inside the Barn, the white walls, high ceilings, and beautiful decorations will transport you to what feels like another world. The mountain air will relieve you of all stress and tension and immediately put you at ease.
Day 1
Breakfast
Egg’s Nest in High Falls, is a sun-filled and artsy gem that serves as a nexus for the community. Don’t be intimidated by it’s completely - out - there avantgarde decor - it’s Huevos Rancheros are worth the trip.
Hike
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is a long, meandering path that is frequented by bikers and pedestrians alike. The trail is well-kept and easy to access from the various country roads that criss-cross it. Easy to follow, you simply turn around to get back to wherever you parked enjoying the Shawangunk Ridge views along the way. There are multiple places to park depending on where on the trail you want to hop on and how long of a hike you’re looking for. Make sure to check out the Wallkill Valley website before heading over, they will be under construction and closed to the public September 8 through the end of October on weekdays.
Afternoon
Looking for an afternoon of picking seasonal fruits, vegetables and flowers? Kelder’s farm is one - in - a - million and extra fun for families with kids. Their a a favorite of the area for Fall Apple Picking and Pumpkin Picking during the Fall months with Hay rides, corn mazes and more to entertain all ages.
Kelder’s Farm over the past 200 years of business has grown into one of the Hudson Valley’s most unique experiences. With over 100 acres of seasonal produce to pick, Farm animals to visit and a Farm Market Shop, Kellers is an award winning sustainable farm with activities for all ages including mini golf, a jumping pillow, hayrides and more. All located right in Kerhonkson, NY.
After Kelders Farm you’ll be wanting a snack to energize for the adventures ahead. Right across the street you’ll find Helena’s Specialty Foods, a a family-owned Eastern European restaurant specializes in all different types of Pierogies. This off-the-beaten- path business has been around for nearly 25 years, and the kind of flavors that come along with such an authentic experience is not to be missed. From traditional savory to contemporary sweet (the seasonal strawberry pierogies demand to be eaten!), it’s no wonder that Helena’s has been in business since 1995. If you have a cooler, fridge or freezer buy extra to take home - TRUST US.
Into Evening
When you get to the Orchard, don’t let the rustic charm fool you- the tasting room menu is exceptional food on any level. The pizza is fresh, the pasta is made on-site, and the menu changes with the season.
Borrowing from European cider traditions, Westwind Orchard is fully immersed in making some of the most distinctive ciders in the US. Housed on 32 acres, the aesthetic curation of Westwind Orchard is perfectection. Spend the afternoon sipping their homemade cider, enjoying their fresh farm to table menu featuring one of the most incredible pizzas in New York. Where new trend makers meets old school charm, Westwind Orchard is a perfect window into the different facets that make up the Hudson Valley. Get ready to spend hours sipping, eating and relaxing - we promise, you’ll never want to leave.
Day 2
Breakfast
Hash is beautifully situated in Stone Ridge, NY Serving simple american style dishes with ingredients sourced from local farms. An excellent place to being your day in the Hudson Valley. Hash is a modern take on a traditional cafe serving scratch-made breakfast and lunch using local and organic ingredients. Beautifully situated in Stone Ridge, Hash uses many local farms, organic ingredients, and creative ideas.
Hike
Caffeinated and well-fed, head out to Minnewaska State Park via the northern entrance. Located in Ulster County, NY Minnewaska State Park Preserve is situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge, which rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by rugged, rocky terrain. The park features numerous waterfalls, three crystalline sky lakes, dense hardwood forests, incising sheer cliffs and ledges opening to beautiful views, clear streams cut into valleys, 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of footpaths on which to bike, walk, hike and simply enjoy. Spend a few minutes or a few hours by the watering holes or watching the water rush down the creek.
Visit
Wrap your visit at Arrowood Farms where the beer fresh, bright, and exceptionally well-crafted. Visit this unique brewery committed to cultivating, sourcing, and brewing with local New York ingredients. Walk the grounds, sit out and enjoy the beautiful laid back Hudson Valley air.
Dinner
Located in historic High Falls, New York, Ollie’s Pizza is the Hudson Valley’s new standard for old-school, wood-oven and Roman-style pizzas with a full bar and outdoor seating. Started by a group of life-long friends, Ollie’s was created to host good times over delicious food.
Enjoy an incredible and remarkably tasty weekend experience. Each place along Route 209 has its own character and charm. There’s a lot of heart in this stretch of the Hudson Valley, and we can’t wait for you to come and explore.
