A Fall Escape: 48 Hours in New York’s Hudson Valley

Minnewaska State Park Lake hike

Someone said "I go to nature to be healed and have my senses put back together" Fall in the Northeast has that effect on me. It soothes something in my soul and reassembles my sometimes scattered senses into peaceful order. From farm-fresh brunch to ridge-top trails, this weekend (or weekday) itinerary captures breathtaking nature, local flavor, and the easy rhythm of the Hudson Valley. You just might rearrange your own senses on this 48 hour escape!

Sunday Morning: Blooming Hill Farm, Monroe

📍 1251 Route 208, Monroe, NY 10950 bloominghill.farm~1 hr 15 min drive from NYC

Start your escape at Blooming Hill Farm, a pastoral dream where farm-to-table isn’t a trend—it’s a tradition. On Sunday mornings, the farm hums with energy as locals wander through the farmers’ market, picking up still-dewy greens, jars of local honey, and fresh-baked bread.

Stay for brunch at their restaurant on the property— Expect wood-fired pizzas, Creative egg dishes , and plates that look like a still life of the season’s harvest. Sit surrounded by plants and dappled sunlight from the beautiful rustic windows, sip a mimosa, and linger. Reservations are highly recommended.

Don’t miss: Wandering the grounds of the farm- Wildflowers rustic antique trucks and view abound!

Sunday Afternoon: Wandering New Paltz

~45 min drive from Monroe to New Paltz

After brunch, wind your way north to New Paltz, a small town with big charm—equal parts creative, collegiate, and comfortably quirky. Park along Main Street and explore the boutiques, bookstores, and antique shops that spill onto the sidewalks.

Then walk down to Historic Huguenot Street (huguenotstreet.org), where seven original 17th-century stone houses sit beneath centuries-old trees. Stroll and be reminded of the Hudson Valley’s deep roots.

Sunday Evening: Dinner at Mountain Brauhaus

📍 3123 Route 44/55, Gardiner, NY 12525 mountainbrauhaus.com~10 min drive from New Paltz

End your day with a hearty dinner at Mountain Brauhaus, a local landmark that’s been serving German comfort food since 1955. Beneath its sloped roof and wood-paneled walls, you’ll find friendly chatter, clinking steins, and plates big enough for two.

Order the jaeger schnitzel, a side of housemade spaetzle, and a pint of crisp local lager. If you’re plant-based, you’ll be pleasantly surprised—the kitchen often features creative vegan and vegetarian specials.

Pro tip: Weekends are busy—book ahead, especially in fall. Reservations can be hard to snag, so if you cant get a seat enjoy the yard and food truck on the property offering a limited but impressive small menu

Monday Morning: Local Flavors & Orchard Stop

Breakfast: The Bakery, 13A North Front St., New Paltz

Orchard: Jenkins–Lueken Orchards, 69 Yankee Folly Rd., New Paltz

Fuel up with a cappuccino and croissant from The Bakery, a local institution that feels like it’s been part of New Paltz forever. Then drive five minutes down the road to Jenkins–Lueken Orchards for fresh cider doughnuts still warm from the fryer. They will be your perfect snack for our next stop!

The view of the Shawangunk Ridge from the orchard alone is worth the visit.

Monday Midday: Minnewaska State Park Preserve

📍 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446🌐 parks.ny.gov/parks/minnewaska a 20 min from New Paltz

Your next stop is the Minnewaska State Park Preserve, where crystal lakes and rugged cliffs stretch across 24,000 acres. Start with the Lake Minnewaska Loop Trail—a breezy, 2-mile circuit around the lake with spectacular views and plenty of photo ops. Stop on the stony viewpoints and enjoy one of those delicious cider donuts as a reward for a successful hike!

If you crave a bit more adventure, drive 15 minutes to Stony Kill Falls Trailhead (62 Shaft Rd, Wawarsing, NY 12489). The 1.8-mile round trip leads to a dramatic 87-foot waterfall—a quieter, lesser-known gem just outside the park boundary.

Trail Tip: Arrive early for easy parking, and bring water and snacks. The park fills up fast on weekends. Also light rain this season has this waterfall feeling more like a trickle than a fall! It's still well worth the visit as the hike is beautiful. Note there are lots of steps so proper pacing and footwear is a must!

Monday Afternoon: Light Lunch at Wildflower Farms, Gardiner

📍 2702 Main Street, Gardiner, NY 12525 aubergeresorts.com/wildflower-farms ~10 min from Minnewaska

After your hike, unwind with a light lunch on the great porch at Wildflower Farms, an Auberge Resort that embodies rustic elegance. Their restaurant, Clay, celebrates the Hudson Valley’s seasonal bounty—grilled trout, heirloom vegetable dishes, and wood-fired mains that pair beautifully with local wines. But the great Porch is the winner in my opinion, seats are first come first served here and the views are spectacular-Light bites like charcuterie and fries are the perfect guilty pleasure while sipping on local cider or craft cocktails and mocktails and marveling at the view,

Important note: Both Clay and The Great Porch are open to the public only on weekdays. On weekends, these spaces are reserved exclusively for overnight guests.

If you can plan your trip for Sunday–Monday, you’ll get the best of both worlds—fewer crowds at Minnewaska, and full access to Clay’s and The Great Porches serene weekday lunch service.

Optional Detour: Beacon Before Home

45 min from Gardiner to Beacon

If you’re not ready to head back just yet, make a final stop in Beacon, the Hudson Valley’s artistic heartbeat. Explore Dia Beacon, browse modern galleries, or simply stroll Main Street with a coffee from Big Mouth Coffee Roasters.

End your trip with dinner at The Roundhouse, a stylish spot overlooking a waterfall—because even the end of this journey deserves a little drama.

Practical Tips

• Timing: A Sunday–Monday itinerary offers lighter crowds and weekday access to Clay and The Great Porch at Wildflower Farms.

• If visiting on a weekend: Arrive early for hiking and brunch, and book all meals in advance.

• Reservations: Recommended for Blooming Hill Farm, Mountain Brauhaus, and Wildflower Farms (Clay). The great porch is first come first serve

• Park Access: Check Minnewaska updates before you go—parking lots fill quickly.

• Best Souvenir: A bag of Hudson Valley apples and a loaf of Blooming Hill bread to bring home.

As the light fades behind the Shawangunk Ridge, the scent of apples still in the air, legs the best kind of sore from your hike and your senses reassembled you can't help but make this itinerary a fall tradition.