We used to go to The Depot often, largely because they allow dogs in the outside area.

The Depot was a Hudson River line station from 1893 to 1954. After spending 18 years as a car dealership, the Restaurant opened in 1972 and has been there ever since. Nowadays The old train station at the bottom of Main Street has two fireplaces for cozy indoor dining, a large outdoor garden area for drinks, dinner, or parties. It also has a large, inviting bar. Oh, and it’s also haunted:

According to legend, on Wednesday nights, the main dining room has one extra guest, who did not make a reservation. In 1898, a local woman learned that her husband planned to kill her. The unfortunate lady rushed to the train depot to catch the 10:15 train to Poughkeepsie, but was apprehended by her husband, who stabbed her on a bench in the waiting room two minutes before the train’s arrival. Today, the former waiting room serves as the restaurant’s main dining room and locals claim that at 10:13 on Wednesday nights, a cold draft wafts through the section of the room where she was killed. (USA Today)

Taken with a Sony RX10 IV.

By this time, I was getting rather hungry, so I finally went to my ultimate destination: Brasserie Le Bouchon

In an earlier post I mentioned that I went to this restaurant because I wanted to have their cassoulet. However, when I got to the restaurant, I realized that I would still be walking around for a while. I’d had their cassoulet before and its quite substantial. It occurred to me that if I had that I’d probably be semi-comatose afterwards and wouldn’t want to walk any more. So, reluctantly I ordered something lighter: a Frisée Salad (with croutons, lardons and an egg) and a cream of cauliflower soup. I also had a Crème Brûlée for dessert. Everything tasted great and didn’t feel particularly full.

Seeing a camera around my neck, the guy in the fourth picture started talking to me. It turns out that he also has the same camera I was using, and we chatted for a while about cameras and photography while he waited for his lunch partner to arrive.

Taken with a Sony RX10 IV.

I had a bit of time to kill before heading to Le Bouchon, so I took a few pictures along the waterfront, starting with the Hudson House, another wonderful place to eat. It’s located right next to the river in an historic building. It’s one of a number of historic houses west of the train tracks.

According to its website:

Hospitality has been the hallmark of the Hudson House for over 175 years. With an eye toward preserving its unique historic character, we are setting standards for comfort and convenience. The 2 large guest suites and 11 rooms — many with balconies and views of the Hudson River — features luxurious linens, period furnishings, private baths and modern amenities. Everything is designed to assure a tranquil, restful atmosphere.

Built in 1827 and operated as a hotel since 1832, the Hudson House River Inn is truly a part of Hudson River history.

Originally named the Pacific Hotel and later the Hudson View Inn, the building is located on the serene waterfront in the village of Cold Spring, where the famed Civil War Parrot guns were produced. One of the largest inns on the river, the Hudson House has undergone several transformations, though many original details remain.

The building in it current form was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It has the distinction of being the second-oldest continuously operated inn in the state of New York.

Our two main dining areas — the River Room and the Half Moon Tavern — redefine the term “inn.” Lunch or dinner in the River Room may include fresh seafood, New Zealand rack of lamb, veal and regional specialties, accompanied by our award winning wine list. The casual Half Moon Tavern, complete with fireplace and period dècor, serves cocktails and informal fare. Both dining rooms are open to the public year-round.

We welcome you to our quaint village of Cold Spring and hope you and your guests enjoy your visit.

I’ve eaten there many times over the 25 years I’ve been back in this area and it’s always been excellent.

Taken with a Sony RX10 IV

My first stop wasn’t Cold Spring though. I’m compulsively punctual. I’ll get to a particular location an hour early, rather than risk being 1 minute late. This means that, when I’m taking a train, I often get there very early. Luckily there’s a small place next to the Ossining Metro North station where you can have coffee and/or snacks while you wait for your train. They also have a great selection of craft beers, which since it was fairly early in the morning I skipped, tempted though I was.

It’s called Here Coffee + Beer

While there I was particularly impressed by these large, metal, machines. I assume they are some kind of commercial coffee roaster. Very picturesque.

Taken with a Sony RX100 MVII