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Introducing Auberge Insiders Slow-Food Advocate Pierce Abernathy’s Guide to Hudson Valley

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Experience a quintessential upstate summer in Hudson Valley, New York, ideated by cook, recipe developer, and passionate adventurer Pierce Abernathy. A true enthusiast of the region, Pierce has curated the ultimate itinerary to immerse you in the best of Wildflower Farms and beyond—from charming riverside towns to cozy fireside meals.

"The longer I live in New York, the more important for me it is to get out of the city regularly and experience some nature. Driving a few hours upstate every couple of weeks has become a ritual I now can’t imagine living without." - Pierce Abernathy

Day 1

“It is a special treat to stay on a property that lets you so easily unplug while still enjoying a luxe experience with a next-level spa and amenities. Not to mention, a restaurant serving food grown on the property’s very own farm.”
  • 11:00 AM | Art & Coffee in Beacon, New York

    Ease into your Hudson Valley retreat with a visit to Beacon, a riverside town known for its vibrant arts scene and local charm. “Dia Beacon is a can’t-miss museum. Check out Storm King as well—it’s just a quick drive across the Hudson,” says Pierce. If you’re up for a short hike, he also recommends Beacon Overlook, where you’ll discover the ruins of an old railway gear house and panoramic valley views.

  • 4:00 PM | Arrival & Unwind

    Arrive at Wildflower Farms and settle into your private cabin, embracing the serene surroundings. 

  • 5:00 PM | Sunset Dip

    Ground yourself in nature after a day of exploring at Wildflower Farms’ poolside oasis. Watch the sun set from a lounge chair, with a refreshing bite from Dew Bar and your favorite book.

  • 6:30 PM | Fireside Cocktails 

    Savor a botanical cocktail crafted with seasonal ingredients as you gather in the Clay Lounge for a moment of connection. “For me,” Pierce shares, “it’s a Negroni or a Martini—sitting by the fireplace at Clay, maybe with a deck of cards or a story to share, winding down after a day of exploring.”

  • 7:30 PM | Dinner at the Chef’s Table

    Pierce recommends heading into the resort’s signature restaurant, where an ever-evolving menu highlights the bounty of the Hudson Valley. Witness the magic come to life at the Chef’s Table.

Day 2

“Regan + Smith have an incredible collection of vintage, one-of-a-kind pieces. The owners are great to chat with and can give great backstory on the furniture. Last time I went, I brought back a massive 19th century French chaise and my favorite lamp ever in the back of my old truck.”
  • 8:30 AM | Feed the Animals

    Step outside and start the day on the farm, where you’ll greet the Icelandic sheep and donkeys. Take part in their morning feeding while learning about their essential roles in the farm’s regenerative ecosystem.

  • 10:00 AM | Prana & Plunge

    Pause, breathe, and reset through guided breathwork and an ice bath plunge with a certified Wim Hof Method instructor. Pierce recalls an “incredible breathwork session led by a great teacher and guide, helping you master breathing techniques and the coldest water you’ll ever experience.”

  • 12:00 PM | Antiquing in Hudson, New York

    Spend the afternoon at Pierce’s favorite spots, starting with Regan + Smith, his go-to for vintage finds. Next, visit The Antique Warehouse, another of his must-stop destinations, packed with unique furniture, collectibles, and décor.

    For lunch, head to Café Mutton, which Pierce calls “the perfect lunch spot,” adding, “everything feels home-cooked, and the menu changes constantly.”

  • 6:00 PM | Dinner at Casa Susanna

    Head to nearby Casa Susanna in Leeds, New York, for a cozy yet elevated take on Mexican cuisine. With its warm, inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for sharing plates with friends and enjoying bold, seasonal flavors. Pierce notes that it’s “modern and cozy,” adding that it’s “great for a group.”

  • 9:00 PM | Fireside S’mores & Stargazing

    Return to Wildflower Farms for a relaxed evening by the campfire. Roast s’mores, gaze at the stars, and immerse yourself in the summer sounds of chirping crickets and crackling firewood.

Day 3

“There may not be a better way to spend a summer afternoon than to get in your car, put on a classic track, and cruise through the winding backroads.”
  • 9:00 AM | Breakfast at Clay

    Start your day at Clay, where a seasonally inspired menu sets the perfect tone for the morning. Indulge in olive oil pancakes or a smoked salmon tartine, each crafted with the freshest local ingredients.

  • 10:00 AM | Forest Immersion

    Before setting off, enjoy a guided walk through Wildflower Farms’ serene landscape. Moving slowly along a winding path, you’ll pass through areas of forest, meadow, and stream, letting the natural world awaken your senses.

  • 11:00 AM | A Scenic Drive to the Catskill Mountains

    For Pierce, no summer day upstate is complete without a scenic drive, often leading to one of the region’s most breathtaking sights.“Kaaterskill Falls is one of my favorite views in the upstate area,” he says. “It’s as stunning covered in snow as it is in the full bloom of summer.”

  • 3:00 PM | Explore Farm Markets & Festivals

    Follow in Pierce’s footsteps and immerse yourself in the Hudson Valley’s vibrant farming and artisan community. “I love visiting the annual Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck,” he says. “It’s a sprawling expanse of wool vendors of all kinds, plus some exciting competitions and demos showing off some stunning sheep!”

  • 5:00 PM | Botanical Mixology

    Wind down back at Wildflower Farms with an on-property cocktail class. Learn to elevate classic cocktails with fresh, foraged ingredients while mastering bar techniques and discovering the history behind the spirits.

  • 7:00 PM | Farm-to-Table Dinner at Clay

    Wander inside Clay for one final, lingering meal featuring ingredients sourced from the property’s very own farm.

Day 4

“I love to stop by Rosie General on my way back down to the city after a weekend getaway. It is the coziest cafe in Kingston slinging killer sandwiches with their own bread program, prepared goods, and exceptional coffee. I highly recommend making the stop for breakfast or lunch.”
  • 11:00 AM | Checkout & Depart

    Savor a slow morning before saying farewell to Wildflower Farms. As you set off, take a final taste of the land with you—a harvest bag filled with fresh, seasonal bounty from the farm.

  • 12:00 PM | Brunch at Phoenicia Diner

    Capture the classic summer upstate diner experience with retro charm and hearty fare at Phoenicia Diner. Pierce calls it “an iconic diner and a great way to start your last day upstate before you head back to the city.” His pro tip: “Order the pancakes.”

  • 2:00 PM | A Café Stop in a Storied Town

    As you head home, stop by Kingston, New York, to soak in its timeless charm—linger in historic streets, shops and galleries. Make a final stop at Rosie General, as Pierce describes it, “a delicious lunch spot in a warm, wood-filled setting.”


New York Magazine, Matthew Leifheit

About the Insider | Pierce Abernathy

Pierce is a cook and recipe developer known in the food world for bringing accessible plant forward food into the limelight Pierce (he/him) is a cook, recipe developer, content creator, fashion model, and slow-food advocate currently based in New York. Through his seasonal, plant-forward recipes, he shares popular vignettes of his cooking in the hope of inspiring others in the kitchen. Pierce encourages people to play an active role in their food systems. Through knowing your food, Pierce hopes people can care more about what they eat, how it’s grown, where it’s from, and its journey from seed to plate to bin.
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Curated Summer Destination Guides

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Auberge Insiders

Introducing Auberge Insiders, a curated collection of Summer Destination Guides crafted in collaboration with notable tastemakers deeply connected to each Auberge destination. Designed to offer an unparalleled blend of exclusive insider experiences both on and off-property, the bespoke multi-day itineraries provide a highly curated roadmap for exploring the best of each locale through the lens of those who know it best.

Please note this is a sample and advance booking is required for most experiences. This destination guide is designed to be fully customized based on the guest's individual preferences and availability at the time of booking, or self lead. Speak with one of our itinerary designers at 855.472.3188 to arrange activities ahead of your stay.