My cousins, with spouses, and I (all baby boomers) want to meet for some sight-seeing, shopping, and good (not expensive) dining--but mainly to enjoy each other's company. Someone suggested Hudson, NY and area for it's antique shops. Any recommendations or comments?

Hudson does indeed have antique shops and restaurants. I don't know about hotels or inns b/c I have friends with a weekend house nearby. Olana, home of Frederick Church (Hudson River School painter) is very worthwhile.
http://www.hudsonrivervalley.com/ind...d=6&page_id=67


Here's 2 previous posts on the area.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34986687

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=35087011

I think there may be more to do a bit further north in Stockbridge or Lenox, Ma.

Hudson is just up the pike from Rhinebeck, a neat little town with good restaurants, and itself is just up the pike from Hyde Park NY and the Roosevelt home, really worth a visit.

We used to go to Rhinebeck, Hudson and into the Berkshires all the time when we lived in NY.

The one time we stayed the weekend in Hudson, we stayed in the St Charles Hotel.
It has been a while, but I know they are still there, probably busier than when we stayed there.

The main street - Warren St-goes downhill towards the River and it is lined with antique shops and some nice cafes.
You can definitely spend a day just browsing the shops, which are for the most part, completely over-priced to a ridiculous degree, but still fun to look. Some places have beautiful things..I wanted a Biedermeier cabinet once..it cost more than my car lol.

Definitely visit Olana!
Go to one of the farms on Rt 9 .. Greigs Farm is a good one, bring home fresh pies, breads, fruit and veggies.
Now I have made myself homesick

hi mclaurie~

hi ms. Scarlett.