Staycation at Wm. Farmer and Sons in Hudson, NY

Since our daughter was born, my wife and I don’t get out as much as we used to. This is both an understatement and the most universal truth about parenting I could possibly write.

That’s why, the moment my mother-in-law came to town, I seized the opportunity to hatch a plan: our very own staycation. Our daughter is still too young to be apart from us for more than a night, so where could we go that felt like an escape without being far from home? Only to the bright lights of the big city of Hudson, of course.

Our destination: Wm. Farmer and Sons. I’ve sung its praises before—gorgeous atmosphere, unforgettable food—but always for other people. Planning a staycation felt indulgent, a splurge I’d never considered. Now that I’ve done it? I’m here to tell everyone: it’s absolutely worth it.

First stop: dinner. It’s the perfect, cozy restaurant for a romantic dinner. The lighting is warm, the decor impeccably curated without feeling overly polished—it’s like slipping into your most stylish friend’s home, where every corner tells a story. I kicked things off with their New York State Martini, featuring the revelatory Listening Rock Gin (where has this been all my life?). That martini alone could have been the highlight, but then came a glass of Pinot Noir so good my wife abandoned her perfectly fine Cabernet to join me. Yes, it’s that good.

The magic of Wm. Farmer and Sons lies in the details. They don’t just meet expectations; they elevate them. Take the bread and butter, for example. Sure, it’s fresh, warm, and carb-worthy. But then they let you customize your butter and salt pairing. We opted for the aji amarillo butter with ramp salt—a combination so delightful it turned “just bread” into an event.

The rest of the meal was an adventure in flavor. The caramelized romanesco wedge was a palate-awakening masterpiece, each bite layered with texture and taste. But my unexpected favorite? The roasted king trumpet mushrooms. As someone who’s typically indifferent to mushrooms, this dish was a revelation. My wife savored the farm trout, fresh and delicately prepared, while I indulged in the dry-aged New York strip steak. I try to be mindful about meat consumption, but knowing it was sourced from local farms (listed right there on the menu) eased any hesitation. It’s a level of transparency that feels both ethical and personal—like dining with friends who know exactly where their food comes from.

Worried about cost? Here’s the hidden gem: Wm. Farmer and Sons offers budget-friendly indulgences. Monday nights feature a $20 burger-and-beer deal alongside a dollar oyster happy hour. Prefer cocktails? Tuesdays are your best bet with dollar oysters and $10 martinis. Luxury without the hefty price tag—a rare find.

After dinner, we checked into our room, curious about what a local hotel could offer. It was, in a word, enchanting. Spacious yet cozy, with thoughtful touches everywhere. My favorite detail? A record player with an eclectic stack of vinyl. We queued up the Shaft soundtrack (a surprising find), dimmed the lights, and reveled in the rarest of luxuries: uninterrupted time together. With our daughter peacefully asleep, we exhaled fully for the first time in weeks. It was bliss.

So, whether you’re child-free or blessed with a visiting mother-in-law willing to babysit, do yourself a favor: book a stay at Wm. Farmer and Sons. It’s more than a night away; it’s a chance to reconnect, indulge, and be beautifully, effortlessly cared for. Trust me—it’s worth every moment of a staycation.