Cold Spring

Living in a big city can feel at times claustrophobic especially after a really hectic day at work. New York City for sure is already hectic as it is, with an energy that seems unabated no matter what time of the day. When you add a little breaking news like that stupid would-be bomber in Times Square, you get the idea that a nice quick get-away is all we need. My European trip may have been messed up by an erupting volcano last month but this one at least doesn't involve any flying close to Iceland. Just a little more than an hour by train from New York City is Cold Spring.

Cold Spring is a little village nestled on the banks of the Hudson River. It's one of those quiet, slow-paced American communities brimming with art galleries, antique shops, quaint cafes and plenty of 19th-century houses. One word says it all: charming. The main drag is Main Street - as American a name as hamburger, isn't it? We walked the few blocks and found ourselves instantly enamored by its artisanal feel. Our stress level dived down as we took a late lunch al fresco and watched the world go by slowly. Really slowly. Feels like a thousand miles away from Manhattan!

Iceland taunts me aboard the train

village hall

a traffic-free Main Street

one of the coffee shops

care for other's oldies ?

old suitcase for sale

old gasoline pumps

Cold Spring's skyline doesn't go up any higher than this church