A Day-Trip Through Time — Exploring Historic Towns in the Hudson Valley

There’s something magical about stepping into a small, historic town—like you’ve wandered into a slower, sweeter version of life. With cobblestone sidewalks, brick storefronts, and the scent of espresso or fresh-baked bread in the air, these towns hold stories from the past while offering the coziest corners for modern-day wanderers. Lately, I’ve been making it a point to explore more of these hidden gems for day-trip adventures. Not only is it refreshing to get away from the everyday hustle, but there’s something incredibly grounding about walking streets that have been around for centuries.

Recently, I spent the day exploring two beautiful Hudson Valley towns—Kingston and Beacon, New York—and it ended up being one of my favorite mini getaways of the season.

First Stop: Kingston, NY — Books, Brews, and Boats

Kingston is rich in colonial charm, being the first capital of New York State, and it still holds onto that historical gravitas in the most endearing ways. I started my visit at Rough Draft Bar & Books,a cozy little coffee shop/bar/bookstore combo—the kind of place where you can sip a pistachio latte while flipping through used copies of poetry and novels by local authors. The shop had beautiful stone walls and hand-written shelf signs, and the smell of espresso mixed with aged paper was just chef’s kiss, as was the baklava roll pastry I could not help but devour. The best part was when I discovered how dog-friendly the town and local businesses are. My exit from the café was delayed due to a giant Newfoundland who decided the best place to cool off and take a nap was on the stone floor right behind my seat at the coffee bar.

After soaking up the bookish ambiance (and resisting the urge to buy more than three books and more coffee (that was quite honestly my third of the morning, whoops), I made my way to the Hudson River, where I boarded a scenic river cruise. The boat gently glided past leafy bluffs, old lighthouses, and grand homes tucked into the shoreline. With the sun on my face and wind in my hair, it felt like time slowed down for a little while. There’s something about being on the water that makes the day feel both expansive and intimate—like you’re part of something bigger, yet perfectly present.

For lunch, I stopped at the charming local restaurant Ship to Shore in Kingston, and it turned out to be an unforgettable culinary highlight of the day. I started with a refreshing blueberry margarita, the perfect balance of sweet and tart, which set the tone for a relaxed, indulgent meal. The Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras was rich and buttery, served atop a grilled baguette with sun-dried cherries and a bourbon demi-glace that added a deep, smoky sweetness. Next came the Yellowfin Tuna Stack, which was sesame-crusted and perfectly seared in a cast iron pan—layered with creamy avocado, crisp wontons, and finished with a drizzle of sriracha and soy that brought just the right amount of heat. I rounded out the meal with the Burrata Ravioli, delicate pillows of pasta filled with creamy cheese, nestled in a pink tomato cream sauce with sweet peas, baby spinach, fresh basil, and a dusting of romano. Every bite was bursting with flavor and freshness—an elevated but comforting feast that made the afternoon feel like a true celebration.

Second Stop: Beacon, NY — Main Street Magic

From Kingston, I drove about 45 minutes south to Beacon, another historic town that’s become a haven for creatives, collectors, and day-trippers like me. I parked and strolled down Main Street, where every shop window had its own personality—quirky, vintage, artsy, or all three.

My first stop was the Hudson Valley Vinyl record store that felt like a time capsule. Rows of records, soft jazz playing, and a sense of reverence for the past in every album sleeve. I thumbed through everything from Fleetwood Mac to Miles Davis. From there, I popped into Alps Sweet Shop, a candy store filled with handmade chocolate and confections using fresh and natural ingredients. This historic candy shop has been around for over 100 years and still uses traditional family recipes! I inhaled a tiramisu truffle before leaving with a small paper bag of sweets that rustled with anticipation.

The final stop was the antique store Finders Keepers, that was part museum, part treasure hunt. I love the thrill of discovering old postcards, quirky decor, and vintage kitchenware that might just find a new life in my home. I didn’t buy much, but I left inspired by the craftsmanship and stories in each item.

Why I Love Day-Tripping to Historic Towns

There’s something uniquely restorative about these day-long adventures—especially when they involve sipping coffee surrounded by books, floating down a river steeped in history, and finding joy in the details of old vinyl records and candy jars. You don’t have to go far or spend a lot to feel like you’ve traveled. Sometimes all it takes is a map, a tank of gas, and a curious spirit.

So if you’re looking for your next little escape, consider visiting a historic town near you. Walk its streets. Talk to its shop owners. Cruise its rivers or poke through its antique shops. You might just find that the past has a way of refreshing the present.

I know I did.