What Guests Are Saying About Their Columbia County Stay
“If there was a rating higher than a 5/5 i would leave it. Every detail of this house brings joy, warmth, and comfort. For a group that likes to cook and play games, I’m not sure I’ve ever been in a better spot with more amenities: the pizza oven, the kitchen packed with appliances, swings, games, and more. It was my 30th birthday, but Graybarn provided me with such childlike whimsy. Whoever designed this house has impeccable taste and simply must keep sharing it with patrons around the area. would absolutely book again and will never forget our stay!”
“Our Red Cottage stay was everything we could have asked for and more. The home is architecturally stunning with so much personality. We made great use of the stacks of games, records and beautiful kitchen ware and stocked pantry. The property was extra magical in the snow. Cannot recommend more highly!”
“This house was really nice for a relaxing week away from home. The kitchen is well stocked with pots, pans, etc. so we could cook anything we wanted. We loved the steam shower and heated floors in the primary bath too. The area has some cute farm stores and co-ops that were fun to explore.”
“A truly beautiful home in a peaceful setting. The owners have done an extraordinary job renovating this classic Hudson Valley house, and Red Cottage made checking in and out a breeze. The kitchen was ideally set up for a family holiday, and the living room is the most serene place to sit back, relax, read and unwind from city life. I was also very impressed that Red Cottage responded quickly when we had a concern, even sending out a professional on a holiday to get it fixed. We’ll be back!”
“This was our second stay at the Rye House and we felt right back at home in this luxurious and comfortable home. We were traveling with a three year-old and my parents, both above 65, and no one wanted to leave the house. The kitchen has everything we needed for cooking dinners, we got to go sledding on the expansive property, and were only a 25 minute drive from all the shopping and dining in the town of Hudson. Such a special place, we’ll be back soon!”
“We had a beautiful few snowy nights here between Christmas and New Years. Highly recommend! Lots of comfortable couch zones, very generous kitchen to cook in, lovely lighting throughout, cosy fireplace, incredible views in every direction. The beds were very comfortable. This is a lovely space to come to with friends as you can really stretch out and relax. This is a special place. Can’t wait to return!”
Discover Columbia County
Columbia County rewards the kind of traveler who likes to explore without a rigid plan. From the walkable streets of Hudson to quiet country roads and lakeside mornings, there’s always something worth finding around the next bend.
Hudson is the county’s cultural anchor, and Warren Street is where you’ll spend most of your time. This walkable stretch runs through the heart of the city’s historic district, lined with antique dealers, independent galleries, design shops, and restaurants that have helped put Hudson on the map. Start at one end and let the afternoon unfold: browse vintage furniture, stop for coffee, and circle back for dinner. The scene here has an unmistakable creative energy, but it never feels overdone. Most of our Columbia County rentals are within 15 to 30 minutes of Warren Street, so a spontaneous evening in town is always on the table.
For a real outdoor reset, Taconic State Park on the county’s eastern edge is hard to beat. The park spans miles of forested trails, including routes that lead to Bash Bish Falls just over the Massachusetts border, one of the most dramatic waterfall hikes in the region. Closer to Hudson, Olana State Historic Site offers panoramic views of the river valley and the Catskills from trails that double as an art-and-nature experience. On warmer days, Copake Lake and the surrounding countryside are ideal for swimming, kayaking, or just sitting by the water with a book. After a full day outside, the best part is coming back to a well-stocked kitchen and a quiet deck to let the evening settle in.
Olana is a must, and not just for the art. The Persian-inspired mansion, built by Hudson River School painter Frederic Edwin Church, sits on a landscaped hilltop with sweeping views that feel like you’ve stepped into one of his paintings. Pair it with a stop at Art Omi in Ghent, an open-air sculpture park ideal for a relaxed afternoon walk, then make your way to one of Hudson’s galleries for a more intimate look at the area’s creative side.
Between plans, let the county’s smaller towns set the pace. Chatham is a reliable pick for a walkable afternoon of local shops, a movie at the Crandell Theatre (one of the oldest continuously operating cinemas in the state), and a good meal. Kinderhook has a quieter, more historic feel, with Colonial architecture and a connection to Martin Van Buren that gives the village its distinctive character. Hillsdale is popular with weekend visitors for its general store, easy access to the Berkshire foothills, and a pace that makes even a short visit feel restorative. For a change of scenery, swing through Germantown’s waterfront for a scenic picnic along the river.
Columbia County’s dining scene punches well above its weight, and Hudson is the center of it. BackBar on Warren Street is a neighborhood favorite for creative cocktails and shareable plates in a laid-back setting. Lil’ Deb’s Oasis is one of the most talked-about spots in the region, combining tropical-inspired fare with a vibrant, art-filled interior. In Chatham, The People’s Pub is a go-to for a casual, satisfying meal after a day of exploring. Or skip the reservation entirely, stock up at a local farm stand, and cook in your rental’s kitchen. Every Red Cottage home is set up for it.