TOWN PROFILE: Cold Spring, New York 

In the heart of Hudson Highland mountains and along the Hudson River, this quaint but fairly touristy town is about an hour drive from NYC and easily accessible by trains.  The center of town is full antique and novelty shops, the outskirts full of hiking and sight seeing and in the summer it is a great place to canoe in the hudson river.  Truly a delightful day trip.  Stop off on your way north to Beacon, or incorporate a trip to Storm King Art Center  or a less cultural trip to Woodbury where you’ll find the outlets and other chain stores like Home Goods.

Find out more here and here

I came across some of my favorite antique/ flea market / better than junk shop here in Cold Spring. 

The Garrison in Garrison, NY

http://www.thegarrison.com

Close to NYC, NJ and CT, the property of The Garrison is simply phenomenal in the Fall.  I cant even find a picture to do it justice. Whether you are enjoying locally grown food in their two restaurants, playing golf on their 18-hole par 72 champion golf course, or staying in their four room inn, you are doing so for the 360 degree views of the Hudson River and Highlands. This time of year it is more than likely that the property is rented out for weekend weddings, but you can usually still play golf during the day and dine in the Valley.  If you plan to make a weekend out of the trip, there are plenty of inns and hotels near by.   Honestly, if nothing else, on one of your day or weekend trips upstate,  just pull off the highway and take a quick stop - eat lunch, or have a drink and look down into the colorful Hudson Valley .  Your car compatriots might complain at first, but the view is really worth the hassle of being persistent.