Wikimedia Commons | Photo by Acroterion
The Hudson Valley village charms with walkable streets 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, both the Village and Town of Kinderhook remain relatively inconspicuous. Nestled between riverside Stuyvesant and central Chatham, the pint-sized village is much more reminiscent to Dutchess County’s Hyde Park. Not only is it packed to the brim with historic sites, monuments, and places to explore art and culture, but it also houses eateries that entice with eclectic menus (with more to open in late 2021). 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,” which comes with egg, mozzarella, tomato, and prosciutto. They’re just the thing for a burst of energy in the morning. Plus, its new companion bakery next door—Focaccia Italian Bakery—serves up Sicilian pizza, Brooklyn tomato pies, and old-world Italian breads.
1 Broad St, Kinderhook
518.758.8084
10 a.m. – Explore the Area
Though small, the Village of Kinderhook has a charming collection of shops, businesses, and experiences, from Pilates at Julia Jayne Pilates to historic walking and biking tour. In 2021, The Kinderhook Knitting Mill project will launch several brand-new businesses. Plus, pick-your-own fruit farm Samascott Orchards is a seasonal favorite. Nearby Valatie, only a quick drive away, brings vintage clothes at The Attic, toys at the Cross Eyed Owl Gift Shop, and antiques at JGA Antiques and Collectibles.
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 sculptures from Fernand Léger, Nick Cave, and Hank Willis Thomas. Admission is completely free.
25 Broad St, Kinderhook
518.758.1628
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12:30 p.m. – Munch on Lunch at Saisonnier in Kinderhook
A family-run beer and 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, which comes equipped with a selection of cheeses, salamis, fruits, and nuts. Beer fans will never tire of their brew list, with over 125 options.
11 Chatham St, Kinderhook
518.610.8100
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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
While in the area, you can never go wrong with a visit to Art Omi. This unique park, more intimate than a similar venue 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
6 p.m. – Try a flight at Chatham Brewing
One of the region’s longest-running craft breweries has an inviting tap-room just a quick drive away from the Village of Kinderhook. This hotspot delights 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 in Kinderhook
When the hunger pangs hit, head to Dyad for a glass of wine and tapas with a twist. Indulge in the stuffed acorn squash with sweet sausage and apples. Of course, the Dyad burger is always a winner, and the arugula salad is topped high with peaches, feta, and balsamic.
16 Hudson St
518.610.8511
9 p.m. – Stay at a Kinderhook Airbnb
This charming Village boasts more than eight quaint Airbnb stays. Check out gorgeous properties with outdoor seating, rustic interiors, and atmosphere to boot. An overnight staycation puts visitors within walking distance from all the dining and shopping destinations that Kinderhook has to offer.
