As a professional travel photographer, I am always on the lookout for unique and picturesque destinations to explore and capture on camera. The Hudson Valley's Cold Spring, NY, is one such place that offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and authentic small-town charm. Just a short train ride from New York City, Cold Spring is the perfect weekend warrior destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
Cold Spring Depot: A Delicious Stop in Cold Spring, NY – Hudson Valley Restaurant Review by Travel and Food Photographer Maxwell Alexander – Presented by Alluvion Vacations
On a crisp and windy winter day, Jessica Mojica, the Hudson Valley Style Magazine's Spring 2022 Cover Girl, and I set out on a hiking adventure to explore the area. Our plan was to hike to the top of Breakneck Ridge, but the wind was too strong to make the trek, so we decided to explore Little Stony Point instead. The hike was beautiful and provided ample opportunities for my fine art nature photography collection.
After our hike, we were looking forward to a delicious lunch and the Cold Spring Depot seemed like the perfect spot. It appeared in our "5 Must-Try Restaurants in Cold Spring, NY" last summer. Located in the heart of Cold Spring, the Depot is a short walk from the Cold Spring Metro North Train stop and is housed in an old train station at the bottom of Main Street.
Walking into the Cold Spring Depot is like stepping into a fairytale. The warm and cozy ambiance envelops you as you are transported to a simpler time, surrounded by rustic charm and antique items from the historic train depot. The crackling fireplace beckons you to come closer, inviting you to curl up and let the troubles of the city fade away. The restaurant seamlessly blends the nostalgia of the past with the comfort of the present, creating a space that feels like a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It's the perfect place to escape to for a weekend of fresh air and delicious food, a true fairytale escape from the concrete jungle of New York City.
We decided to do drinks and appetizers and picked a spot by the crackling fireplace to warm up after the hike. We started with the Crispy Brussel Sprouts with maple gastrique, topped with walnut crumble and smoked mayo. The flavors were perfectly balanced and the walnut crumbles added a nice crunch. Next, I had the Steamed Mussels with tomatoes, cajun cream sauce, cilantro, and grilled bread. The bread was particularly fresh and delicious, and as a food critic, I cannot stress enough how much I value good bread to complement good food.
I indulged in the crispy calamari, which was expertly seasoned and elevated to new heights with the addition of crispy kale chips. The dish was executed to perfection, showcasing the delicate balance of textures and flavors. The calamari was cooked to a perfect crisp, while the kale added a delightful crunch that elevated the dish to new heights. The seasoning was expertly balanced and complemented the natural flavors of the ingredients. A standout dish in an already impressive culinary experience.
For drinks, I tried their special Paloma'ish which is made with Tequila, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and a delicious takin rim. The drink was particularly impressive and reminded me of a margarita, but so much more citrusy. Jess had the Pink Whitney which was the Pink lemonade vodka, triple sec, Prosecco, and fresh lemon.
For dessert, we had a warm chocolate chip cookie topped with vanilla ice cream, caramel, and a cherry on top. We had to eat it really quickly as it started melting as we were sitting by the fireplace. As our meal came to a close, we couldn't bring ourselves to leave the warm and cozy embrace of the fireplace. So, we decided to linger a bit longer and indulge in some after-dinner drinks. Jess ordered an espresso martini and I decided to try their hot cider with cinnamon, spiked with rum. It was the perfect ending to an already amazing experience. The flavors of the drinks were rich and comforting, warming us from the inside out. We sat there sipping our drinks, feeling completely content and at ease, not wanting the moment to end. The Cold Spring Depot truly knows how to make you feel at home and create an atmosphere that makes it hard to say goodbye.
In conclusion, the Cold Spring Depot is a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the beautiful Hudson Valley, whether it be through hiking the nearby trails or simply enjoying a delicious meal in a charming, historic setting. The restaurant's proximity to NYC makes it a perfect weekend warrior destination, and the menu offers a range of delicious and unique options, all expertly prepared and presented. I highly recommend visiting, whether you're a local or just passing through. And for more of my restaurant reviews, be sure to check out my other articles where I highlight the most unique and rustic, farm-to-table restaurants in the Hudson Valley, NYC, and Catskills. You won't be disappointed!
