Exploring Hyde Park, Rhinebeck, and Hudson

Cruise up the Palisades and enjoy the views across the Hudson River as the day begins. About an hour into your drive, take exit 8E off the Palisades to West Nyack where you can stop at Ramona's Café for a hearty breakfast before hopping back on the interstate north.
Open daily except Mondays.

From the Palisades Parkway, follow signs for Poughkeepsie, then take Route 9 North until you reach the entrance to the Walkway over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie. The city's official parking area for the walkway is at 61 Parker Avenue; it's $5 for 4 hours to park, although entrance to the walkway is free.
Enter on the stairs at 129 Washington Street and walk across the world's longest elevated pedestrian bridge, spanning 1.28 miles over the Hudson River to Highland, New York on the west bank of the river. Browse the hamlet of Highland and treat yourself to a refreshment at Underground Coffee and Ales, then head back over the bridge to your car.

Head 20 minutes north to Hyde Park and enjoy an exciting lunch at Bocuse Restaurant while students from Culinary Institute of America (CIA) execute classic French classic cuisine under the instruction of top-notch faculty. Park in the CIA’s two-story parking deck located in Anton Plaza where you can also enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River from a 30,000-square-foot terrace.
Open for lunch from 11:30-1pm Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations are recommended and can be booked on their website.

About a half hour north along the Hudson you'll find the bucolic Dutchess County village of Rhinebeck. Park along the street or in one of the free parking lots throughout town and call upon the many shops and ateliers here as you soak in the fresh Hudson Valley air. Don't miss Hammertown for impeccable interiors and gifts of all sorts, and Oblong Rhinebeck for a lovingly curated selection of books, new and old. Winter Sun Summer Moon and Merriweather's are two other excellent stores, but you can choose for yourself as the town is brimming with tasteful boutiques. Easily spend hours in this beautiful town, walking, shopping, and just soaking in the loveliness.

After an afternoon of shopping, pop into the Beekman Arms for a cold refreshment at the buzzy bar. The oldest continuously operated hotel in the U.S., founded in 1766, the Beekman Arms is steeped in history. George Washington stayed in room 21 during the Revolutionary War, and Chelsea Clinton held the rehearsal dinner for her 2010 wedding here. Put your feet up and chat with the locals over a drink while you review your afternoon shopping finds.

Another 40 minutes north up the Hudson you'll find a town named, quite fittingly, Hudson. Home to many a transplant Manhattanite, Hudson's sophistication is evident in the tenor of its shops, restaurants, and inns. First check in to your boutique hotel, The Maker Hotel, and take advantage of its free parking. Set in four historic buildings, the hotel has an all-day cofeehouse inspired by the cafes of Europe and is furnished entirely with antiques. Park, check in, then down a shot of espresso and head out for a walk and dinner.

You've already indulged in a fancy French lunch, so make dinner a casual, healthy affair at Hudson Food Studio. Serving up tasty Southeast Asian food like spicy shrimp noodles and cups of ramen broth, it will be just the sustenance you need after a long day of exploring. Walk along Hudson's main street, Warren Street, and get a feel for the village before returning to your hotel.
Hudson Food Studio is open daily 5pm-9pm, except Sunday and Monday.

Head back to your hotel, The Maker, and enjoy live piano music in the Maker Lounge while nursing a nightcap before bedtime.