If you’re not in the mood to go out to the beach in Long Island or Connecticut, then maybe this list of things to do in Cold Spring, NY is what you’re looking for.
Cold Spring, NY is a great destination for a weekend getaway that has it all—hikes and a cute and historic town directly on the water with views of Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. Cold Spring is known for having an abundance of hikes just a stones throw away from the town. Whether you’re looking for a casual stroll through the woods, views of the Hudson, Bannerman Castle, the State Park and Storm King Mountain, or a birds-eye view of Cold Springs, there’s plenty of things to do in Cold Spring, NY for everyone (not just outdoor enthusiasts). That’s what makes it such a popular destination in the spring, summer, and especially fall.
Hiking Cold Spring, NY: Breakneck Ridge Trail
My mother and I drove to Cold Spring for a day trip and took on what was an arduous and unexpected experience hiking Breakneck Bypass and Ridge Trail during Memorial Day Weekend. I highly recommend you read my post before attempting to hike or “rock climb” this trail without any prior knowledge. Following this fun yet thrilling hike, we drove our sweaty and dirty selves into Cold Springs, NY for some well-needed hydration and a quick afternoon pick me up.
About Cold Spring, NY
Cold Spring is located at the deepest point of the Hudson River directly across from West Point. The main village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its well-preserved 19th-century buildings. This old world look was so charming, I couldn’t help but take pictures of almost every building’s architecture.
We parked at the entrance of the historic village of Cold Spring. Although I had hiked in a red Nike sports bra, black Nike spandex shorts, black Nike sneakers, and my pink Mason DIFF Eyewear, I had brought a quick change of clothes for when we’d go for a stroll through town. I cleaned myself up real quick, threw my geometric backless maxi dress over myself, swapped my shoes and voilà! I had a transformative Cinderella moment. You would have never guessed I had just come from a hike aside from a few dirt marks on my skin here and there. I highly recommend you bring an easy set of clothes to change into if you decide to spend sometime in town. First things first, I was thirsty and hungry. We walked through the entire town and made our way to the Lower Village of Cold Spring.
Cold Spring Village: Upper Village vs. Lower Village
Cold Spring is small, but divided into two sections: Upper Village and Lower Village. The two sections are divided by the Metro North Railroad (MNR). The position and way Cold Spring made use of the MNR reminds me of a lot of Italy. Rather than turn it into just a regular, plain, unattractive railway station, they turned it into what almost looks like an old school Railway station. There are bars and outdoor seating areas filled with people and enjoying cocktails just steps from the tracks. As the Metro North train pulls up, people flood the bar and stay enjoy a few drinks with friends before heading into town. An underground passage takes you from Upper Village, under the rail track, to Lower Village. Lower Village is on the Hudson River and is marked by a cute Gazebo on the river boardwalk at the end of the street.
Lunch in Cold Spring, NY: Eat at Moo Moo’s Creamery
We stopped by the highly rated Moo Moo’s Creamery on the boardwalk in the Lower Village right on the Cold Spring waterfront. We ordered a cup of strawberry and a scoop of sugar free vanilla in a sugar cone. We waited in line for 20 minutes, but it was worth it. The texture was icy yet creamy, but not too creamy, and the flavor was the perfect sweetness. It didn’t leave me parched for water and was easily digestible. I highly recommend that everyone go grab some homemade ice cream from this family run ice cream shop!
Shops in Cold Spring, NY and Antiquing
We walked back to the Upper Village browsing through Main Street’s stores. Today, a lot of the shops are antique stores selling second hand clothing, furniture, memorabilia and more. But this antique scene is quite new to the Cold Spring area. Until 15 years ago, the town was full of local stores. But with real estate prices increasing and the main convenience stores and banks moving out of the main village, locals began to spend less and less time down by the water. That’s when the antique dealers attracted by Cold Spring’s beauty and historical appeal swooped in and set up shop. Now Main Street is dotted with them. Aside from antique dealers, art galleries, and second hand shops, you’ll also come upon a ton of cute outdoor cafés and restaurants.
The Shoppes at Historic Palen’s Drug Store
One of the shops I happened to stop by was called “The Shoppes at Historic Palen’s Drug Store.” It was an entire main floor filled with 10 completely different and unique stores. It reminded me of a smaller version of a similar concept store I explored near my university, Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania called Street of Shops. Street of Shops had over 375 stores inside of a restored Historic Woolen Mill! If you’re ever in the area I highly recommend you take a peak. This one was much smaller in size. but still interesting. One room had old school DVDs, CDs, tapes, and records. Another sold just pins. If you know me, I’m a huge pin collector so that was my favorite store! Another sold small action figures, comic books, soaps, honey, marmalades, and the list goes on. The place remains fresh and only sells local brands mixed with eclectic one-of-a-kind pieces you can’t find anywhere else. If you’re looking for a unique piece of Cold Spring to take home with you, look no further.
Yes, Manhattan is beautiful and great and all and there is so much to do. But when the weather gets nice and it’s too hot to be in the city, an escape to the suburbs is always in order. Just a train ride away, there are a plenty of things to do in Cold Spring, NY for a perfect day trip or weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking for some fresh air, unique stores, cozy restaurants, and outdoor activities on the water or in the mountains.
How to Get to Cold Spring, NY from Manhattan
Metro North Railroad drops you off directly in the heart of Cold Springs. The train ride is only an hour and 10 minutes away from Grand Central Terminal.
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2 comments
These pictures are so so beautiful 😍 I am definitely bookmarking this article for one I get to Cold Spring.