A day trip to Hudson, New York

Drove to Hudson, New York, only to find most of the town closed on a Wednesday, and most of the main drag, Warren Street, up for sale. Alas, you know you're to late to a scene when the hipster dufuses move in, and we saw a bunch of them manning the coffee and dessert bars that were open, as well as on the streets. It's like Brooklyn, Jr.

A collectible from home in the window of a store that was closed.

One of the great Warren Street buildings for sale.

Ate at Mexican Radio, one of the few places open early in the week. This town mainly comes alive Thursdays through Sundays during summer months.

En route back to Connecticut, had to stop for a photo at Chief Martindale Diner. Not very P.C. I want to find out more about this place.

Simmons' Way Village Inn, Millerton, NY

After dining at No. 9 restaurant inside Simmons' Way Village Inn, a nine-bedroom B&B in Millerton, New York, we wandered the property and chatted a bit with innkeepers Jay and Martha Reynolds.
The inn is named after Edward W. Simmons, a businessman, educator, statesman and lawyer who built the original manse in 1854. It was transformed into an elegant Victorian residence in 1892 by Edward H. Thompson, then president of Millerton National Bank. From 1903 to 1983, the house served as doctors' offices and residences. It was transformed into an inn by Carol and Robert Sadlon in 1984, and the Reynolds purchased the estate in 2003. Learn more at www.simmonsway.com.

The restaurant is run as a separate venture by chef Tim Cocheo and his wife Taryn, with a farm-to-table philosophy.

Sebastian, with Martha Reynolds.

Inside the main entry of Simmons' Way Village Inn.

Torch for outside dining at No. 9 restaurant.

Car belonging to a friend of the chef.

Crispy black sea bass that was among dishes enjoyed at No. 9.

Fresh pea soup with mint and ricotta, and white truffle soup with Parmesan crisps and mushrooms.

Quark spätzle with wild mushrooms, black truffle, asparagus and tomatoes.

22-ounce bone-in ribeye with wild mushrooms and onion crisps.

Super recycler

In SoHo, spotted this guy picking up empty bottles and cans from vendors. Later, saw a woman with five such bags pushing a cart in traffic. It looked like she couldn't see where she was going so she was walking into traffic and drivers were honking.

Shake Shack

Chris wanted to go to Shake Shack so after shopping at Century 21, we headed to the one at Madison Square Park. There was a slow-moving line of about 100 people when we got there, but chocolate malt shakes, burgers and sweet corn frozen custard were worthwhile. Chris rested while I waited in line. Afterward, saw fireflies (identifiable by the neon green light squiggly line in photo) lighting up the grass—they're smaller than the ones we saw in Connecticut—and admired Jaume Plensa's 44-foot "Echo" statue. On the walk back to our hotel, spotted the strange ornamental lighting outside the Gershwin Hotel.

On to Brooklyn

Visited the Brooklyn Flea and afterward, its culinary off-shoot, the Williamsburg Smorgasburg.

Dinner at Fig & Olive

Another great dinner, this time at Fig & Olive, began with a Jamon Iberico degustation platter that included manchego, olives and tomato bruschetta. We were there shortly after they opened as a small olive oil tasting kitchen seven years ago, serving just crostini and salads, and my have they grown, to five locations, including California. Because we were so nostalgic, the manager, who was also there from the start, sent us home with bottles of 12-year aged fig balsamic vinegar and their signature first cold press olive oil.

Junior's cheesecake

Upon arrival in New York, we found our cab alongside a Junior's Cheesecake truck, and that put me in the mood to follow up a few days later at Grand Central Terminal, where they have two locations: in the food court or market area. Simply yummy!

At The Plaza

Ensconced at The Plaza. That's a faux bear fur throw or uber blanket! Good if you set the Thermostat at 65 or below. The bath is also nice, twice the size as any at home. There's a lot more room to the right, with tail mosaic from floor to ceiling and large windows that let in light.