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Wikimedia Commons | Photo by Acroterion
The upstate town charms with a walkable Main Street and heaps of historic sites in the quiet countryside of Columbia County.
Want to know a secret? Kinderhook is the hidden gem of Columbia County. Unlike Hudson, the county’s Instagram-famous destination for New York City weekenders, Kinderhook remains relatively inconspicuous. Nestled between riverside Stuyvesant and central Chatham, the pint-sized town is much more reminiscent to Dutchess County’s Hyde Park. Not only is it packed to the brim with historic sites and monuments, but it also houses eateries that entice with healthy takes on comfort food. Whether you plan a visit as a side trip on your way to Albany or venture upstate just because, you’ll soon realize that there’s more than enough to do during a full day in town.
9 a.m. – Grab breakfast at Broad Street Bagel Company
Go for the many affordable variations on classic breakfast sandwiches, which range from cream cheese or lox to “the Tuscany,” with egg, mozzarella, tomato, and prosciutto. They’re just the thing for a burst of energy in the morning.
1 Broad St, Kinderhook
518.758.8084
10 a.m. – Explore Main Street
Though small, Kinderhook has a charming collection of shops, with antiques at JGA Antiques & Collectibles, vintage clothes at The Attic, and handicrafts and home decor at the Cross Eyed Owl Gift Shop. Nearby Valatie, only a quick drive away, brings second-hand clothing, sporting goods, and toys.
11 a.m. – Visit Jack Shainman Gallery: The School
This 30,000-square-foot extension of the NYC and DC gallery hosts large, rotating exhibitions from world-class contemporary artists. Recent installations include work from the mixed-media artist Radcliffe Bailey and solo shows from sculptor Valérie Blass and photographer Gordon Parks.
25 Broad St, Kinderhook
518.758.1628
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12:30 p.m. – Munch on Lunch at Saisonnier
A family-run beer & cheese bar, Saisonnier specializes in craft beer and local artisanal provisions for dine-in or takeaway. Everything is made fresh with locally sourced, quality products. The gourmet eatery offers a delicious selection of sandwiches and cheese boards. Try the Chevre & Honey, a baguette filled with fresh goat cheese, honey, arugula and apricot jam. If you’re extra hungry, you can’t go wrong with the Landlord’s Board –– equipped with a selection of cheeses, salamis, fruits and nuts.
11 Chatham Street, Kinderhook
518.610.8100
2 p.m. – Take a walk and visit the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site
A hidden gem of the Hudson Valley, the Van Buren Historic Site contains both the former president’s grave and the house he occupied until his death in 1862. Once you’ve taken a tour, make sure to put on your walking shoes and, across Route 9H, take in the nature trails and other grounds, with streams, fields, and a view of the Catskills from the north.
1013 Old Post Rd, Kinderhook
518.758.9689
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4 p.m. – Wander through Stroll The Fields Sculpture Park, a.k.a. Art Omi
This unique park, more intimate than a similar installation like Storm King, provides a calming environment for visitors to take a stroll through the many world-class artworks on display. Walking the fields, you’ll come upon artists-in-residency completing works to be installed permanently on the grounds featured in the attached gallery.
1405 County Rte 22, Ghent
518.392.4747
Fields are open to the pubic daily from dusk to dawn
6 p.m. – Try a flight at Chatham Brewing
One of the region’s longest-running craft breweries has an inviting tap-room with snacks, live music, and, of course, flights of its many indelibly-named brews like the Infinite Zest (a Belgian wheat ale), Shilelagh Lager, and the Farmer’s Daughter, a classic take on a rye IPA.
59 Main St, Chatham
518.697.0202
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7:30 p.m. – Savor dinner at Dyad
When the hunger pangs hit, head to Dyad for a glass of wine and tapas with a twist. Indulge in the beef tenderloin topped with parsley butter, or the grilled salmon served with a spicy honey-pecan glaze. For smaller, tapas-style dishes, try the free-range scotch eggs and the hand-cut fries with rosemary and truffle oil.
16 Hudson Street
518.610.8511
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9 p.m. – Stay at The Van Schaak House
This late 18th century building, reputedly New York’s first law school, has four rooms, ranging from $150 to $210 a night and filled with antiques and period furniture, right on the main street. Breakfast is provided by coupon to a restaurant within walking distance.
20 Broad St, Kinderhook
518.758.6118