Hugging the border of the Hudson River in Greene County, Coxsackie is the sort of town that makes you fall in love with it at first glance. After all, what’s not to adore? Just a short drive down the road from Catskill and a quick cruise across the bridge from Hudson, the riverfront town tempts with an abundance of charm. It feels under the radar in the best sort of way, thanks to its delightful main drag replete with historic edifices and its picturesque waterside park that’s magnificent for relaxing with a good book.
Of course, with so much to delight in town, Coxsackie (pronounced cook-SOCK-ee) is ideal for a Hudson Valley day trip. Follow along with our guide to get started and be sure to tag us in your adventures on Instagram!
10 a.m. – Get your caffeine fix at Greater Things Roasters
Any good day trip needs a jolt of java to start, and there’s no better place to get it than Greater Things Roasters. The roastery sources beans from tropical locales across the globe, then turns them into top-tier blends like New Excelsior espresso and Costa Rica – La Magnolia, the latter which boasts sweet and floral notes. Get your coffee on its own or go fancy with one of the specialty lattes. Pair your drink with a pastry from the counter for the perfect start to your day.
10 Hope Plz, West Coxsackie
11 a.m. – Find vintage treasures at Coxsackie Antique Center
Good luck making a quick in-and-out trip to the Coxsackie Antique Center. The destination is a veritable gem for home goods and one-of-a-kind pieces in Greene County. Stop by with a few wish-list items on your agenda, but keep an open mind as you scour the seemingly endless array of collectibles and treasures on display.
12400 Rte 9W, Coxsackie
12 p.m. – Grab lunch at The Yellow Deli
Lunchtime in Coxsackie means a trip to The Yellow Deli is in order. Go for the fresh bread and rolls, then stay for the homemade desserts and soups. The Deli Pesto sandwich is a must, thanks to a medley of turkey, Swiss and provolone cheeses, onions, tomato, sprouts, pesto spread, mustard, and mayo on a kaiser roll. If you want to switch it up, opt for the make-your-own sandwich route, then pick the sides and extras of your choice. For the little ones, the peanut butter, banana, and honey sammie on a heritage roll is a real treat.
18 S River St, Coxsackie
1 p.m. – Go kayaking along the Hudson River
After a scrumptious lunch in town, work it off with a kayak ride on the Hudson. Upstate Kayak Rentals makes it easy with a self-serve rental location along the water at Coxsackie Riverside Park. Anyone interested can rent the kayaks seven days a week in three-hour intervals. Boats come with life jackets and paddles, so there’s no need to bring equipment (although people are welcome to bring their own personal flotation devices and paddles if they prefer). Just make sure to pay attention to rental return times to avoid late fees.
4 p.m. – Do a spot of shopping in Coxsackie
Once the kayaking jaunt wraps, head back into town for a browse through the shops around historic Reed Street. Pop into Shipwrecked, a hybrid bookstore-café-wine bar, to find your next great read, then venture over to The Reed Street Bottle Shop to pick up a new-to-you bottle of spirits or vino. Pilothouse Paper is a dream for stationery lovers of all sorts, and Steve’s Clothes is a delight for vintage clothing right next-door.
If you want to stretch your legs even more, stroll around the Riverside Park to admire the views of the rippling Hudson River beyond. The park is a great destination for kids as well, thanks to a play area and lots of grassy space for families to stretch out.
5 p.m. – Sip a cocktail with a side of antiques at UnQuiet
Unwind for an evening with a stroll around UnQuiet, the antiques and interiors shop that’s open Fridays through Sundays. As you meander, you’ll notice a doorway at the end of the shop that connects to Ravish Liquors, the speakeasy-esque bar at the back. Head there for a glass of wine and, if you’re lucky, catch a little live music right inside the shop while you browse.
47 S River St, Coxsackie
6 p.m. – Do dinner right at Patrick Henry’s
When your stomach begins to grumble, walk across the street to Patrick Henry’s for dinner. The waterfront tavern resides in a historic building, and its focus is on elevated pub food and signature pizzas. Acclaimed Capital Region restaurateur Dominick Purnomo leads the dining program, so expect a menu filled with approachable fare with local flair and farm-to-table ingredients. Start strong with the brick-oven confit chicken wings or the 3 Mile Salad, the latter which changes regularly based on available ingredients from Black Horse Farm. After that, do yourself a favor and opt for one of the go-to pizzas, which are prepared behind the bar for diners to see. The Magic Mushrooms pie, made with Bulich Farm mushrooms, goat cheese, and arugula, is delightful.
48 S River St, Coxsackie
7:30 p.m. – Indulge your sweet tooth at Coxsackie Creamery
No day trip is complete without something sweet, so get your fix at Coxsackie Creamery, the new-to-town (it opened in June) ice cream shop that dishes up Kingston-based Jane’s Ice Cream, along with a limited selection of vegan flavors and sorbets. The shop is just as sweet to look at as the treats it serves are, thanks to bright pink walls and nostalgic décor. As for what to order, you can’t go wrong with any of the flavors, but caramel apple spice is never a bad choice if you spot it on the menu.
12 Reed St, Coxsackie
8 p.m. – Catch a flick at the Hi-Way Drive-In Theatre
Few things are more joyful than watching a movie on the big screen during a drive-in movie night in the Hudson Valley. Hi-Way makes the experience one for the books with not one, but four screens featuring different two-fer flicks for every type of viewer. The historic theater, which was built back in 1950, is open Fridays through Sundays, and shows begin at dark around 8 p.m.
10699 Rte 9W, Coxsackie
10 p.m. – Spend the night at the James Newbury Hotel
After a fun-filled day in town, rest your head at the James Newbury Hotel. The waterfront resort is a newer addition to town and resides in a historic edifice that marries modern industrial aesthetics with Hudson Valley history. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, making them just as ideal for an overnight as they are for wedding parties celebrating at The Wire, the property’s eye-catching event venue that stretches straight to the river.
60 S River St, Coxsackie