When love sinks, set sail for the Hudson Navigator

It was the famed Greek philosopher, Socrates, who allegedly said, "The hottest love has the coldest end." And millennia before texting and dating apps, he told no lies.

I jumped back into the dating pool after months of hesitation, following a period of heartbreak earlier in the year. The third guy I met was polite, charming, and—for once—wasn't afraid to hold my hand in public or go out on dates. Over a few dates, we got to know about each other's interests and hobbies.

Then, one morning, silence.

At first, I assumed he was just busy. I sent off a quick text in between meetings. I saw the text bubbles start and quickly disappear. The following day, nothing. Then another day went by without a message. Then another. It's hard not to take ghosting personally, and I wondered if it was something I did wrong. Did I find myself in bad lighting? Were there too many stares on our last date? I found myself constantly thinking of what went wrong.

In my younger years, I found the solution to this ghosting epidemic in three ways: going out with friends for drinks, crying with ice cream and rom-coms, or getting under a new one to get over another. But as I've gotten older, I've tried to make more conscious, auntie-ish decisions. In this case, I headed out of town for a weekend stay in Hudson, NY, at the fabulous Hudson Navigator.

Founded in 1783 by New England whalers, Hudson is renowned for its diverse architecture, from early colonial to Victorian grand mansions, not to mention its chic boutiques strewn up and down the city's main throughway, Warren Street. Located a bit off Warren, in Hudson's historic district, this Queen Anne-style building has had a storied life as much as Hudson itself. It once served as a convent, then a community housing, followed by a bed and breakfast. Today, nine rooms are available for a quick getaway, offering a prime location to Downtown Hudson's offerings.

Hudson's maritime legacy is the heart of what makes this city’s charm, and the Navigator is no exception. Upon entering, you're welcomed by sailboat and whale light fixtures and shades of blue and gray. There's even a canoe installed in the ceiling of one of the corridors, as if gliding through the air. Whimsical? Check. Relaxing? Double-check. Breathtaking? You know it. "All the little attentions to all the little details," said one on-site attendant while exploring. "They did such a great job."

Speaking of breathtaking, the Navigator was the first to ever take my breath away, not only by aesthetics but also by the bathroom. White tiles led you not only to an LED mirror and stand-in shower but, placed underneath frosted windows, a classic claw-foot tub. If only you could imagine the number of times I've dreamed of ending a stressful day in a tub like this, with dim lights, candles, bubbles, and a glass of wine.

Sans the candles, bubbles, and wine, I did enjoy that tub the first night, not just washing away the dirt on my skin but the grime of thinking every man would be different than the previous one. And, for the first time in a few days, I went to bed relaxed and comforted without a care in the world for what I thought I lost.

The Navigator, like its sister sites, the Mariner and Whaler, doesn't include an on-site restaurant. And Navigator feels more like an Airbnb than a Hilton. But don't let that discourage you: everything—and I mean everything—is within walking range. You'll enjoy walking around Downtown Hudson.

After grabbing a croissant for breakfast at Banque, at 544 Warren, I set about exploring some of the downtown boutiques. Magic Hill (307 Warren Street) features a variety of antique furniture along with contemporary paintings, prints, and branded items from purses to scarves. There's an abundance of clothing shops to try out or find a gift for a loved one (and your Lovable Trans Auntie!), not least Hudson Clothier (443 Warren) for casual, American-made fits and Mikel Hunter (533 Warren) for vibrant, avant-garde pieces.

One of my flaws is not packing intentionally for a trip. There are times I've stuffed my suitcase in under 30 minutes before I have to head to the airport or train station, not thinking about what the weather would be like. This weekend was no different: I packed nothing but clothes befitting spring or fall rather than a hot, humid summer. I needed to find something else—hopefully, on a budget. Fortunately, Downtown Hudson has several thrift stores, including Second Show Community Thrift Shop (519 Warren). I was able to replace my bodysuit with a tangerine-colored flowy dress. Beyond relieved, I was thrilled not only with the light fabric but also that I spent only $12 on it, with the funds benefiting the local hospital.

After grabbing lunch at Governor's Tavern (14 S 7th Street), I headed back to the Hudson Navigator for a nap. Now I will forewarn folks: if you're looking for a place with a nightlife that features late, late-night cocktails, then Hudson NY may not be for you. And that's not a bad thing. Sometimes, trips may involve cocktails and karaoke into the late night. Then there are trips where you can enjoy a nice meal with delectable wine, and go back and relax at the hotel. Fortunately, I woke up in time to walk down to Half Moon Pizza (44-48 S Front Street) to grab a pie. I never thought I would enjoy a slice and wine in a claw-foot tub, but there I was, ending my stay in this gleefully charming hotel.

Lost in life? Let Hudson Navigator guide you back on your way.