ONE of America's most stunning and quaint small towns lies less than 50 miles north of its biggest and most bustling city. The idyllic village of Cold Spring , New York , nestled along the Hudson River, is just over an hour by train from Grand Central Station but feels a world away from Manhattan. As the train snakes along the east bank of the Hudson, the noise of the city disappears and the pace of life slows down.
Getting off the train you are deposited onto Cold Spring's beautiful Main Street, lined with cafes, antique stores, bookstores, and B&Bs. I stayed in the charming Cold Spring Hotel, run by local character Jimmy. When I arrived, and after learning I was from London, he asked which soccer team I supported, and although he hadn't heard of my team - Fulham - on learning they had won that day, he quickly gave me a free gin and tonic "to celebrate.
" READ MORE TRAVEL EXCLUSIVES It was that same mix of charm and friendliness that I experienced throughout my stay in Cold Spring. Split Rocks Bookstore is one of many wonderful and distinctive independent stores on Main Street. Doug's Pretty Good Pub is the only bar on the street and offers a welcome respite to weary hikers after a day up in the hills above Cold Spring.
I had the Nutty Hog burger with a patty, bacon, cheese , and peanut butter, which sounded like it shouldn't work but did. Most read in Travel A round-trip ticket on the Metro-North train from Grand Central will cost about $30. But depending on when you travel .