Cold Spring

One of the smallest villages in the region, Cold Spring occupies less than a square mile of waterfront real estate. On the widest stretch of the Hudson River, the westerly views of Crow’s Nest and Storm King Mountain are truly breathtaking. Thanks to past residents who had the foresight to preserve the area’s industrial-era architecture, much of the village is on the National Register of Historic Places. Because the rocky terrain prevents new development, most homes in the area have been here for years.

A stone’s throw from the train station, Main Street has the quintessential village feel. Its Neo-Classical and Victorian-era storefronts are filled with quaint shops and eateries. For a view of the river, head downhill to Dockside Park, where half the town turns out for fireworks on the Fourth of July. For more of a workout, opt for the well-known hiking trails at Breakneck Ridge or Bull Hill.

What Locals Recommend

Start your morning at Cold Spring Coffeehouse for a cup of joe and some house-made pastries. If you’re looking for something more filling, the other not-to-be-missed breakfast and lunch options include the Foundry Rose and Hudson Hil’s. Weekends generally require a wait. Cold Spring is steeped in history. The West Point Foundry Preserve, an outdoor museum, tells the story of an ironworks that played a key role in the Civil War by manufacturing much-needed ammunition for a type of cannon called the Parrott rifle. It’s a fascinating look into the region’s proud past.