Green City Guide: Hudson Valley

Enjoy this EV-friendly destination in upstate New York.

New Yorkers: looking for a socially distanced, picturesque weekend escape close to home? Consider a quick trip or staycation in the Hudson Valley, a pastoral paradise and convenient upstate getaway.

Located between the scenic Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River, this National Heritage Area is best known for its bucolic backdrops, farm to table cuisine and vibrant arts scene. In addition to exploring the great outdoors, New Yorkers can eat at some of the region’s best restaurants and participate in many socially distanced outdoor activities.

Here’s a one-stop guide for New Yorkers who want a fun, food-filled weekend escape not far from home, complete with recommended stops to Destination Electric businesses that promote environmental sustainability and are within walking distance of an electric car charging station. So, pack up your electric vehicle and get ready to bask in all the serenity and vibrancy the Hudson Valley has to offer.

Editor’s Note: We understand that travel is complicated right now and restrictions vary state to state. Check out the state’s COVID page for up-to-date New York guidelines. If you plan on visiting any of the below destinations, we recommend wearing a mask and checking their official websites for possible closures, limited access announcements, and general safety guidelines.

Friday:

6 P.M.
Dinner

Nestled alongside the Catskill mountains, the Emerson Resort and Spa is the perfect place to eat and unwind if you’re looking for a place to stay in the Hudson Valley. Named after writer and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, the 20-acre property features reproductions of Emerson’s handwritten papers throughout the premise and has pet-friendly amenities including a dedicated dog park.

After checking into your room, head to the bright, open air eatery, Woodnotes Grille, for a fresh, farm to table comfort meal. For starters, order the Wild Rhode Island Calamari and the Charcuterie Board, which is assembled with local cured meats and New York cheeses, honeycomb, whole grain mustard and crostini. For your main meal, you can’t go wrong with their East Coast Halibut or Prime New York Strip Steak. Don’t forget to pick up one of their delicious, homemade chocolate chip cookies for dessert!

Saturday:

9 A.M.
Breakfast

Grab a breakfast bite at Bread Alone, a family-owned organic bakery that has served Hudson Valley residents since 1983. The shop is best known for their breakfast sandwiches, pastries and breads, all of which are made in house using fresh, local ingredients and organic grains. Regulars love their Avocado Toast and Breakfast Burrito. In addition to composting all food waste at each of their cafes, the bakery is powered by solar panels and a member of 1% For the Planet, meaning they commit a minimum of one percent of annual revenue to environmental causes. Call ahead to order your food and eat it on their outdoor patio while your EV charges up in their parking lot.

11:30 A.M.
Sweet Treat

Pop in at Peace Love & Cupcakes for a tasty afternoon treat. The cupcakery’s head baker Janice Hardgrove-Kollar won two Food Network competitions, including “Best Cake in the Country.” The store’s musician-inspired cupcake flavors change regularly, but keep your eyes peeled for “The Who”, a vanilla cake filled with Nutella and topped with Nutella frosting, or their “Signature Woodstock,” a vanilla cake filled and topped with tie dye buttercream frosting. Gluten free and vegan guests can also satisfy their sweet tooth with options, including chocolate fudge cheesecake.

1:30 P.M.
Lunch

Snag a seat outdoors and get takeout at Huckleberry, a no-frills, affordable cocktail bar and gastropub. Try their Vegetarian “Pulled Pork” or the Asian Chicken Salad Lettuce Wrap. They also offer a variety of frozen drinks, beer, wine, and specialty cocktails, like the Lightning Bug (bisongrass vodka, lemon, sage, lemongrass, sparkling wine, and grapefruit bitters) or the Spooky Lady Sideshow (mezcal, aperol, lavender, honey, grapefruit, lemon and lavender bitters).

3:30 P.M.
Distillery Tour

Spend the afternoon at Tuthilltown Spirits Farm Distillery, New York’s first whiskey distillery since prohibition. The distillery sources organic ingredients for their spirits from local farmers, including corn for their whiskey and apples for their vodka. They also handcraft their own bourbon, gin, vodka, liqueurs, and bitters. Call ahead for an appointment to tour their facility or for a tasting of their prized concoctions as capacities are enforced to respect social distancing measures. The distillery embraces a sustainable growth model and has its own EV charging station on site.

7 P.M.
Dinner

Tuck in for the night at the 75-acre Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa overlooking the calming Hudson River. After checking in, dine at Henry’s Restaurant on Buttermilk Inn’s tented patio, a farm-to-table restaurant featuring country-style food. They support local farms that embrace environmentally sound agriculture and sustainable farming, and incorporate their seasonal items into their menu items, including raspberries, strawberries, sage, basil, honey, eggplant and fresh eggs. Enjoy sweeping views of the Hudson River as you feast on eats like the Rack of Lamb, BBQ Pork Shank or their Lasagna al Forno.

Sunday:

9 A.M.
Breakfast

On your way home, stop by Rough Draft Bar & Books for breakfast pastries and savory hand pies in a relaxed and inviting cozy environment. Locals love their weekly trivia nights and citywide reading groups. Grab a cup of their Counter Culture coffee, a specialty coffee roaster, and a book for the journey home.

Charging:

Driving an electric car has never been easier in Hudson Valley, with public charging stations all conveniently located near the listed Destination Electric businesses:

Emerson Resort & Spa*
5340 NY-28
Mount Tremper, NY
845-688-2828
Available EV plugs include Tesla.

Bread Alone
3962 NY-28
Boiceville, NY
866-816-7584
Available EV plugs include J-1772.

Town of Woodstock Municipal Parking
10 Rock City Road
Woodstock, NY
Available EV plugs include J-1772.

Tuthilltown Spirits*
20 Grist Mill Lane
Gardiner, NY
845-419-2964
Available EV plugs include J-1772.

Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa*
220 N. Road
Milton, NY
845-795-1310
Available EV plugs include J-1772.

*This location also has a Tesla charger onsite, which will only work with Tesla-manufactured vehicles.

Interested in purchasing your first or next EV? Check out these Hudson Valley dealerships to find your ideal EV match.

Healey Chevrolet
1960 S. Poughkeepsie Road
Poughkeepsie, NY
845-765-9106
Available EVs include the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV.

Kingston Nissan
140 Route 28
Kingston, NY
845-213-2127
Available EVs include the 2017 and 2018 Nissan LEAF.