Eileen’s Local Favorites

My parents moved to Hillsdale in 2003, and despite my initial skepticism, I really came to love Columbia County. Here are some of my personal highlights. Many of these pictures are straight from my camera roll!

North Star at the Alander Hotel

7519 State Route 22

Copake, NY 12516

This is a new restaurant with contemporary American cuisine and a full bar.

The Greens Restaurant at Copake Country Club

44 Golf Course Road

This is my number one local spot. I’ve had more meals at The Greens than I can count! It’s a great place that is super close to my house, I’ve walked there many (many) times. If you happen to be there on a Wednesday, say hi to Gabby, my favorite bartender!

Copake Lake Boat and Ski

281 Lakeview Rd, Craryville

This marina is just a few blocks from my house as it has a snack bar and live music on summer Saturdays from 6-8:30. It’s a super fun local crowd and I always have a great time when I go.

Random Harvest

1785 NY-23, Craryville

Random Harvest is a worker-owned neighborhood market, cafe, and community space that: provides food and goods sourced directly from farmers and producers; brings together diverse community for shared work, sustenance, and learning; and uses models of exchange, pricing, and ownership to reflect the needs of workers, producers, and community members. On top of that, they’ll also deliver to Robin Road!

Cooper’s Daughters Spirits at Olde York Farm

284 NY-23, Claverack NY 12513

Olde York farm is a woman-owned and family operated distillery and cooperage located along the Claverack Creek. Grain and fruit used for distillation are grown right in the Hudson Valley to make seasonal batch spirits. The distillery is part of the historic Jacob Rutsen van Rensselaer House & Mill complex. On weekends, they serve cocktails, local beer, wine, and cider in our Cocktail Garden. Tours of the distillery and cooperage are also available on weekends by reservation. They just added a “cocktail barn,” I haven’t seen it yet but I can’t wait!

The Maker Lounge

302 Warren St, Hudson

This is the place to go if you want a fancy cocktail! It’s a good choice for a proper night out.

High Falls

High Falls are the tallest waterfall in Columbia County, and while that’s not saying that much, the conservation area is a great place for hiking.

Carrie Haddad Gallery

622 Warren St, Hudson

I had my first show at Carrie’s in January of 2009. There was a true blizzard that day and basically the only people there were Carrie and my parents, but despite that inauspicious beginning, I’ve been showing there ever since.

Olana State Historic Site

5720 State Route 9G, Hudson

I know, I know— everyone recommends Olana. But there’s a reason for that! It’s really great. The mansion is incredible but the landscape is even better, and it has inspired generations of painters (including me).

The Rip Van Winkle Bridge Walkway/ Hudson River Skywalk

This is a beautiful walk over the Hudson. I’ve actually walked from Olana to the Rip van Winkle. There aren’t protected walkways between the two places so I don’t recommend that people do that, but you can definitely take in one after you check out the other.

Greenport Conservation Area

This conservation area is beautiful and has some nice easy trails that are relatively flat for the region.

Our Daily Bread

116 Hudson Ave, Chatham

Our Daily Bread is an artisanal, family owned and operated bakery. They have both traditional and gluten free options, as well as breakfast all day!

Bartlett House

2258 NY-66, Ghent

A restaurant located in a national historic site. Great brunch!

Fix Bros Fruit Farm

215 White Birch Road, Hudson, NY 12534

A great spot to pick your own fruit!

Morningstar Farm Store

5956NY-NH
Hudson, NY

A great farm store that is open year round

Hudson Chatham Winery

H1900 NY-66, Ghent NY

Hudson Chatham Winery was Columbia County's first winery. It focuses on hybrid varieties ideal for growing in upstate New York. Grown on the 15 acre property is Seyval Blanc, Baco Noir, Chelois, Chambourcin, Dechanauc, Burdin and Le Colonel.

The Chatham Berry Farm

2309 Rte 23, Chatham NY

The Chatham Berry Farm is a local, family-owned and operated farm and farm store. Specializing in natural, organic and local produce and products as well as no spray, pesticide-free greens and vegetables from our greenhouses throughout the year. Visit the year-round specialty farm store or check out the Greenhouse Cidery taproom.

Catamount Mountain Resort

Hillsdale, NY

Full disclosure: although my parents lived three miles from Catamount for fifteen years, I have never been there. This is because I don’t ski or snowboard and I am not interested in experiencing the longest zipline in the United States, which is what you will find at Catamount. But my sister has brought her family there many times and they love it! There are different activities for every season so it’s definitely worth checking out if that’s your thing.

Columbia Land Conservancy

The link above will take you to a list of the protected areas in Columbia County. Each is more beautiful than the last, and many have well-maintained trails and beautiful vistas.

Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary

225 Cambridge Rd, Hillsdale

Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Sanctuary and Center is a 1,039-acre sanctuary located in the southeastern corner of Columbia County. It provides habitat for many at-risk climate-threatened bird species, such as Wood Thrush, Veery, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blue-headed Vireo, and warblers such as Ovenbird, Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Blue, Black-and-white, and Blackburnian. It is also a habitat for White-tailed Deer, Coyotes, Bobcats, and Black Bears.

The Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Sanctuary and Center is a great place for birding, nature walks, and hiking. Hundreds of visitors enjoy the beauty of the sanctuary each year.

Rodgers Book Barn

467 Rodman Rd, Hillsdale

The book barn is not super easy to find but once you get there, you can browse 50,000 used books. It’s a Hillsdale institution and destination.

Vine Gate Floral Farm

134 Whippoorwill Road

Hillsdale, NY 12529

A family-owned local flower farm.

Shadow 66

47 Old Post Rd
Ghent, NY 12075
(518) 320-8566

This French restaurant opened in March 2023 and is now Al Roker’s favorite place to eat in the area. What more is there to say!

Zinnia’s Dinette

1843 Rte 23 Craryville, NY

A super cute place, very close by. They do a ton of great work in the community so please support!