For our biannual gerlz trip, my friends and I came up with a bunch of solid options for single night getaways within a non-carsick distance from NYC. After determining that North Fork would be too cold to enjoy in March, the new Jean Georges Inn was too booked up, and Beacon–though awesome–was too been-there-done-that for me, we decided on Hudson, New York.

Would the destination turn out to be closer to the "Hamptons of upstate," "hipster countryside," or "serene escape," proclaimed by various online publications?

Approximately 19 hours after our car left Manhattan, we would all soon find out.

The Barlow Hotel

Our hotel-though quirky-had a perfect location right in the middle of Warren Street, the main drag in town

Helsinki Bar + Live Music Venue

First stop was drinks at Helsinki, Hudson's bar and live music venue. The place seemed well-loved by locals and staff was super nice. Too bad we couldn't stick around for the afro-jazz band playing later in the evening.

Swoon Kitchen

We got so many recommendations for this upscale farm-to-table spot that would definitely feel right at home in Brooklyn!

Swoon's menu? YUM. And way more sophisticated than we would have imagined!

A scrumptious kale salad.

...Ultra-fine shoestring fries. To follow were dishes including salmon pate in a mason jar and other delish bites that I drank too much to remember. Only con: tiny, insubstantial desserts!

The happy diners :)

Grazin' Diner

The next morning, it was off to the first place with coffee we saw, which actually happened to be the country's first Animal Welfare Approved restaurant.

They source everything from hyper-local farms.

I literally think this omelet was made with eggs that were laid 30 seconds prior. Also note that the waitress convinced this egg-white accustomed girl not to ditch the yolks, and I was very happy about it.

Valley Variety

After brunch, we took a stroll to check out Warren Street's shopping scene. This interesting spot stocked everything from Imperial Shave products to high-tech music gear to vegetarian cook books.

Verdigris Tea & Chocolate Bar

Later on, we made our way to this place, which had an impressive selection of loose teas plus a tea library where you could smell each flavor.

And the verdict is: Hudson had a little of everything.

Between the upscale furniture and antique stores, serious farm-to-table culture, quiet countryside mood, and happy/ pierced/ skinny-tied residents, Hudson was a solid Big Apple escape.

Throw in a DIA, more happening hotel, and some warm weather, and I'd definitely give it another go.