Things to do in Upstate New York

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New York City is full of excitement, fun and possibility. But after 5 days exploring every corner of the city I was ready to venture out of town to see a different and calmer part of the state. Following the Hudson River we drove for a couple of hours and discovered the small towns of Hudson, Kingston and Beacon. Each neighbourhood was filled with charming shops, design-centric hotels and delicious culinary destinations. Here’s a few of the hidden gems we fell in love with, but I’m sure there is much, much more to discover and enjoy.

New York

To Stay

Scribner’s Catskill Lodge – Scribner’s is an effortlessly hip boutique hotel, located just outside Catskills and surrounded by impressive mountains. Each of the 38 guest rooms is unique, decorated in a simple but stylish way, with white walls and charming retro details.

Getaway House – Getaway House offers a rare opportunity to escape everyday life. Cosy cabins are found in the depths of the Catskills countryside. The natural materials of the handcrafted houses blend perfectly with the beautiful woods, and there are plenty of windows to let in maximum light from the outside world. Turn off all electronics and relish the calm, natural wonderland that surrounds you.

New York

To Eat 

Brunette – I instantly fell in love with this special little wine bar in Kingston. Owners Jamie and Tracy Kennard transformed this former barber shop into a sophisticated venue with white washed walls, a marble bar and elegant ornaments and artwork. The menu features a selection of carefully chosen natural wines and tasty plates of food.

Phoenicia Diner – If you are looking for the classic American diner experience Phoenicia is the place for you! The old school diner has been beautifully updated and maintained and serves comfort food with a modern twist. Order the Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich and a freshly squeezed juice.

Gaskins – This atmospheric eatery is always full of lively locals and hungry tourists. Gaskins was set up by husband and wife team Nick and Sarah Suarez, in Germantown after they fell in love with the area. The food showcases the best ingredients from nearby farms. Look out for their special taco and pizza nights.

Rivertown Lodge – Formerly a 1920s movie theatre and later converted into a motel in 1958, the stylish 27-room Rivertown hotel on Warren Street is also popular for their great food and drink offering. We visited the bar for strong and creative cocktails, but the carefully curated wine list also looked great.

Bartlett House – This historic building (c. 1870) was originally a railroad hotel, restored in 2016 to house a kitchen, bakery, and cafe. Bartlett House is now a serious brunch destination worth travelling for. The dining room is homely and inviting and the baked goods are truly exceptional… don’t miss the twice cooked Pistachio croissant.

New York

To Shop

Hops Petunia – In Kingston you’ll find a few lovely shops on Broadway. Hops Petunia is owned and run by Kelli, a floral designer with a creative eye. In the beautiful whimsical shop you can find flowers and garden accessories, handmade pottery and fragrances.

Clove & Creek – I wanted everything in Clove & Creek. This immaculately designed shop stocks a lovely range of gifts and objects for the home and outdoor living. They also serve very good Parlor Coffee.

Kingston Wine Co. – Friendly service and unique wines makes Kingston Wine Co. the obvious choice for picking up wine in Kingston. Owners Michael and Theresa Drapkin are passionate about the best organic and natural wines and will make sure you walk away with something special and delicious.

Otto’s Market – Otto’s Market has been a part of the Germantown community since 1927 and is currently run by four friends from Columbia County. In the vintage-chic store you’ll find abundant produce from the Hudson Valley and a variety of local products.

Hawkins New York – An aesthetically pleasing lifestyle store in Hudson, Hawkins was founded in 2013 by designers Nicholas Blaine + Paul Denoly, and together they produce they own line of homeware products which sell in store alongside other desirable brands from all over the world. I particularly like their candles inspired by travel destinations like Jaipur, Marfa and Aix-en-Provence.

Minna – This pretty shop was founded by Sara Berks. Minna works with artisans in Mexico, Guatemala and Uruguay to produce ethically made home textiles with a contemporary edge. The homeware is characterful and beautifully made, I also loved the beauty products made by small company, Berlin Skin.

New York

To Do

Dia: Beacon – When we drove into the small town of Beacon I never expected to find Dia, an epic gallery and arts foundation housed in a former Nabisco box-printing facility. The collection focusses on displaying work from the 1960s to present day, including work by artists Richard Serra, Louise Bourgeois and Michael Heizer.

Kaaterskill Falls – Kaaterskill Falls is a two-stage waterfall on Spruce Creek in the eastern Catskill Mountains with two cascades totalling 260 feet (79 m) in height, making it one of the highest waterfalls in New York. It is a magical sight and well worth visiting while in the area.

North / South Lakes – These lakes provide a wonderful backdrop for long walks. The scenery is extraordinary and the lakes are mesmerising.

The Coach, Clerkenwell

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Last week, while the snow was falling thick and fast, I trekked through London for lunch at The Coach, a newly transformed pub in Clerkenwell. The pub, previously known as The Coach and Horses, has been here since 1790.

The Coach

It has retained its charming old fashioned feel but has been given a stylish upgrade with design by Museum of Everything’s Liana Braune. You will first notice the striking wood panelled bar and glossy leather banquettes when you walk in, before reaching the impressive glass-roofed dining room. Upstairs there is a more cosy area for dinner guests, and tucked away is the grand ‘Blue Room’, available for private hire.

The Coach

The menu at The Coach is quite classic in style, showcasing bold British flavours and French culinary flair through a range of comforting dishes. Henry Harris takes the lead in the kitchen as Head Chef, many will know him as the star restaurateur behind much-loved Knightsbridge restaurant Racine.

The Coach

We enjoyed lunch in the glass dining room on the ground floor, and I was amazed to find the pub completely full on a Friday lunchtime. The main courses are meat-heavy so we both decided on vegetarian starters… a spicy but fresh Lentil and roasted pepper salad with harissa spiced ricotta and Cauliflower salad with mint and creme fraiche dressing. Light salads but with a depth of flavour, they were the perfect start to the meal.

The Coach

For main course I opted for the Onglet steak with bone marrow butter and chips. The steak was initially cooked too rare for my taste so I sent it back for a second grilling. The meat had a lovely flavour from the rich and herby bone marrow butter coating, and was accompanied with very crispy, moreish chips. The Lamb cutlets with celeriac and confit garlic puree also seemed to be successful on the other side of the table. Of the sides I liked the green cabbage best, cooked perfectly and coated in plenty of butter.

The Coach

The Coach has a short and sweet selection of desserts to choose from. The Creme Caramel came highly recommended, both from our waitress and reviews online. Soft and silky with an aromatic caramel glaze it was a French pudding lovers dream. We also tried the Lemon posset with shortbread, a simple but tasty palate cleanser at the end of the meal.

I’m sure those who work in the area can’t believe their luck having The Coach on their office doorstep. But the locals will have to fight for their tables as it seems hungry Londoners are willing to travel to try Henry Harris’ delightful new culinary offering.

More information and book a table at The Coach here.

Things to do in Amsterdam

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Amsterdam is a lovely destination year round, but from mid-March to mid-May the tulips are in bloom, making it the perfect Springtime getaway. Amsterdam airport is one of the busiest and most efficient in Europe, so it is quick and easy to reach the city from any major city. Hop on a flight after work on Thursday and enjoy three whole days in The Netherland’s capital.

Pulitzer Amsterdam

To Stay

The Pulitzer Amsterdam – This stylish hotel opened its doors in the summer of 2016, after an extensive renovation of the 25 connecting Golden Age canal houses which make up the property. The bold colour design and thoughtful touches make it a wonderful place to stay for a special weekend in Amsterdam.

The Hoxton Hotel, Amsterdam – The Hoxton brand is setting trends in every city it settles in. Affordable and fashionable this photogenic retreat is the perfect (centrally located) hotel for your romantic getaway.

Amsterdam food

To Eat

Choux – Choux was once a pop-up establishment but due to popularity opened in it’s permanent home at Spring House in 2015. The kitchen particularly excel with vegetarian dishes.

Guts & Glory – Every three months the Guts & Glory team pick a new theme for their rotating menu. I tried an inventive 3-course Dutch-inspired menu of delicious delicacies prepared and presented with care. A great restaurant for an affordable and exciting culinary adventure.

Bak Restaurant – Located in a cool industrial building, in the recently re-developed “Westelijk HavengebiedBak” area, Bak initially gained a loyal following as a pop-up before opening it’s permanent site a few years ago. With the constantly changing menu chef Benny Blisto showcases his favourite seasonal ingredients, the dishes are bold in flavour and appearance. There is also a range of great natural wines to accompany your meal.

Van Stapele – Pick up a snack at Van Stapele, the historic shop which only sells one thing… double chocolate cookies with an oozing white chocolate centre. Delicious!

Jansz – The pretty in pink dining room at Jansz is easy to fall in love with but it is certainly not style over substance at this eatery.  The classy restaurant is found in the Pulitzer Hotel, the service is friendly and efficient and the menu is filled with irresistible classic dishes. Don’t miss the meatball starter!

Breda – This modern eatery showcases seasonal ingredients and contemporary cooking techniques. Choose from the 3, 4 or 5 course menus and a mystery series of delicious food will be delivered to you at your table.

Amsterdam coffee

To Drink

Lot Sixty One – This boutique rustic cafe is located in Amsterdam West. The coffee is roasted daily and has a lovely rich taste. Sit and relax in the industrial-chic cafe while enjoying a warming coffee.

Bocca – Bocca was the first major speciality coffee company in Amsterdam, and with a big brand new flagship cafe there has never been a better time to visit. Bocca roast their own beans, supply a number of cafes and make a great range of espresso and drip coffees in their cafe.

Tales & Spirits – Sit at the bar in Tales & Spirits, one of the world’s 50 best bars. This dark and cosy bar is always full of cocktail fans. If you like a strong drink order the ‘Bartender’s Ketchup’ cocktail or let the master mixologists make you up something delicious off-menu.

Toki – Coffee Fans should not miss Toki (the word for your local hangout). The small but chic cafe has a team of expert baristas on hand to make you the perfect flat white. If you are hungry there is a delectable display of cakes and pastries.

Scandinavian Embassy – If you find yourself in the de Pijp district this small cafe is the best place to stop for speciality coffee. As the name suggests Scandinavian Embassy use a fine selection of Nordic and Swedish beans, and they also have the best cinnamon buns in town.

Amsterdam

To Do

Rijksmuseum – After an extensive 10 year renovation and restoration this magnificent museum has reopened, and should be the first stop on any cultural itinerary for Amsterdam. The huge historic building is dedicated to Dutch art from the Middle Ages to the current day. Most lovely perhaps are the Rembrandt and Vermeer paintings found in the Gallery of Honour. (Try to visit the museum on a weekday, as the weekends get very busy).

Canal Boat Tour – Some hotels have their own boats for private tours, otherwise you can book the Canal Cruise Ticket online and have instant access to the canal boat tour of your choice when you arrive in the city.

Amsterdam

To Shop

Indianaweg 10 – A retro emporium selling handpicked vintage clothing, charming homeware and quirky accessories. Indianaweg 10 is found in the trendy de Pijp area where there are a number of great shops and cafes.

Gather Shop – An aesthetically pleasing shop, with a carefully curated range of homeware, accessories and books arranged in a simple and clean way. The store Gather Shop is a great place to pick up a one-off gift.

Wildernis – A plant lovers dream shop, Wildernis stocks all kinds of pretty indoor and outdoor plants and accessories from watering cans to gardening tools, books to greeting cards.

Sukha – This beautiful shop on Haarlemmerstraat sells a range of natural, eco-friendly products such as handmade wool scarves and cardigans. The products are sourced from around the world, but you can also browse their Atelier Sukha label, sustainably made in Nepal and India.

Restored – Restored focuses on representing talented designers and small labels and offering them a platform to bring their products and visions to a wider audience. In the shop you can find are beautiful garments, accessories, and desirable books and magazines.