Inside: Discover Extraordinary Living
History buffs, foodies, and outdoor enthusiasts are equally at home in Kinderhook, a picturesque Hudson Valley town brimming with charm. Comprising two villages and a small hamlet, the community is the birthplace and home of President Martin Van Buren and is the most populous town in Columbia County. Just north of the booming town of Hudson, Kinderhook is also thriving with many new residents, a popular weekend farmers’ market, a handsome village green, and a spate of new restaurants and shops, including the restored 1870s textile mill known as The Knitting Mill. Outdoor adventures are always at hand, with plentiful trails, parks, and scenic destinations nearby.
Here are some of the best things to eat, see, and do in Kinderhook.
Parks & Recreation
The Martin Van Buren Nature Trails
2408 Rt. 9H, Kinderhook
Located across the street from the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, this nature area boasts three trails, including a 1.4-mile outer loop trail. The serene environment also includes a mowed meadow with two outhouses, a glen with a small stream and overlook benches, and well-maintained paths ideal for hiking, bird watching, or enjoying a peaceful walk. The Martin Van Buren Trails have been designated as a Hudson Valley Greenway Trail and a National Recreation Trail.
Dining
The Aviary Kinderhook
8 Hudson St, Kinderhook
This stunning local favorite combines farm-to-table fare with big-city urban styling—think concrete and marble accents and sleek, stylish furniture—under a dramatic, soaring cathedral ceiling. Its seasonal menu includes options for hearty brunches and elegant dinners, focusing on locally sourced, globally inspired cuisine. The Aviary’s bar is also a standout, with a curated wine list and creative cocktails. The restaurant is one of a trio in the Knitting Mill: The Nest is an intimate lounge space, while The Morning Bird serves up coffee and breakfast fare.
Isola Wine & Tapas
16 Hudson St, Kinderhook
For a taste of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, head to Isola Wine & Tapas. This charming spot offers a variety of tapas, along with an impressive selection of coastal Western European wines. A laid-back vibe permeates as the owners seek to replicate the “seaside eateries of the Old World.” (Isola means “island” in Italian.) The restaurant is also devoted to environmental causes and is entirely plastic-free.
Historic
Martin Van Buren National Historic Site
1013 Old Post Rd, Kinderhook
Known as Lindenwald for its abundance of linden trees, the 19th-century home of former President Martin Van Buren is today a national historic site well worthy of a visit. Take a tour (you must register in advance) of the Federal and Gothic Revival style home to view historic touches like pointed-arch doorways and ornate painted murals in the formal dining room and see how the 8th U.S. president lived in his retirement. Visitors can also explore the grounds and the three-quarter-mile trail that traverses the property.
Must Visit
Samascott’s Garden Market
65 Chatham St, Kinderhook
Whether shopping for fresh-picked seasonal fruits or the perfect plant for your garden, Samascott’s is a family-owned one-stop shop: food market, garden center, ice cream stand, corn maze, and bakery are all included. Samascott’s greenhouse offers more than 30 varieties of perennials, 60 varieties of annuals, and 30 different vegetable and herb plants, plus a full range of garden supplies. Be sure to indulge at the market to stock up on prepared foods like grain bowls, soups, salads, and sandwiches plus fresh produce, local jams, cheeses, and chocolates.
The School | Jack Shainman Gallery
25 Broad Street Kinderhook
Art lovers should not miss The School, a contemporary art gallery housed in a beautifully repurposed, 30,000-square-foot 1929 school building. The surrounding five acres of land also host year-round sculptures and installations. Operated by renowned gallerist Jack Shainman, The School features rotating exhibitions of works by both established and emerging artists. Its most recent exhibition focused on Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol.
