This Adorable Upstate NY River Town Has Only 1,000 Residents — And Its Name Backward Is ‘I-L-O-V-I-T’

New York’s Hudson Valley is elite this time of year thanks to the countless charming escapes that are possible. Between the fall foliage, fairytale small towns, and majestic train rides, there’s fewer spots in the U.S. that can truly compete. Especially Tivoli, New York , a Hudson River village that packs as much culture, history, and natural beauty into just a few blocks as anywhere else in the country. Nestled along the eastern banks of the Hudson River, this tiny 1.8-square-mile village feels like a curated secret: a walkable stretch of streets lined with historic homes, artisan shops, and world-class eateries, all framed by the Catskill Mountains in the distance . With a population of roughly only 1,000 people , Tivoli manages to feel intimate while offering experiences that rival much larger destinations. The village’s name is no coincidence either—it was inspired by the famed Italian town near Rome , and local lore playfully notes that spelled backward, Tivoli reads “I-L-O-V-I-T.” That sentiment captures the spirit of the place: small in size, but bursting with heart, creativity, and charm. Tivoli’s story begins in 1795, when a Frenchman named Pierre de Labigarre dreamed of creating a grand settlement that could rival European cities . Though his ambitious plan never fully materialized, the name stuck. The village later incorporated in 1872, combining the river port of Upper Red Hook Landing with the inland hamlet of Madalin, which had grown around local mills. Over the centuries, Tivoli thrived as a Hudson River port and small industrial hub , supporting ice harvesting, fishing, and milling. Walking through Tivoli today, visitors can admire 19th-century architecture, from Victorian-style homes to farmhouse-like properties , all beautifully preserved. Historic houses line quiet streets, many still adorned with period details, while artist-run galleries and boutique shops infuse the village with a bohemian energy. Longtime residents and creative newcomers have kept Tivoli’s charm alive, transforming spaces like the old St. Sylvia’s Church into cultural venues and studios. A tiny village with a shockingly big arts scene --------------------------------------------------- For a village of just over a thousand people, Tivoli is astonishingly rich in cultural experiences. The crown jewel is Kaatsbaan Cultural Park , a 153-acre sanctuary and performing arts center that doubles as an incubator for international dance, music, and theater projects . Set among restored barns and open fields, Kaatsbaan hosts everything from intimate black-box performances to large outdoor festivals , all framed by the Catskills’ scenic backdrop. The Tivoli Artists Gallery (TAG) anchors the local arts scene, showcasing rotating exhibits from over 30 Hudson Valley artists. Here, visitors can find paintings, pottery, photography, and sculpture that feel entirely unique—a reflection of Tivoli’s ethos of creativity and craftsmanship. Small shops like Available Items, ilovit Studio, and Tivoli Mercantile make strolling through downtown an experience in itself, offering museum-quality furniture, artisan objects, books, and curiosities for visitors to browse at leisure. Big-city dining energy in a tiny river town ----------------------------------------------- Tivoli may be tiny, but its culinary offerings are mighty! The Corner at Hotel Tivoli is a Mediterranean-inspired, farm-to-table hotspot, run by celebrated artists Brice and Helen Marden. Here, dining is as much about the surroundings as the menu, with inventive cocktails, locally sourced ingredients, and art-filled interiors that set the scene for an unforgettable night out. Traghaven Whiskey Pub offers cozy charm alongside the largest Irish whiskey selection in the United States . The even pub doubles as a performance venue, with live jazz, trivia nights, and Americana music events adding to the village’s vibrant social calendar. For a lighter daytime experience, Fortune’s Ice Cream rotates inventive flavors inspired by local dairy and seasonal fruits, while Tivoli General serves up morning coffee and breakfast sandwiches that locals swear by. Additional gems like Santa Fe Tivoli, Club Sandwich, and Bad Times Bar round out the village’s eclectic, high-quality food scene. A nature lover’s paradise just off Tivoli’s main street ----------------------------------------------------------- The end of Tivoli’s main street opens onto Tivoli Bays , a protected estuarine preserve with over two miles of shoreline along the Hudson River . Hiking trails like the Wendy’s Way Trail and North Bay Trails and South Bay Trails provide serene walks through wetlands and forests, while kayakers can explore the tidal bays and tributaries, including the hidden waterfall along the Saw Kill. Nearby farms, community gardens, and horse-riding facilities also allow visitors to connect with Tivoli’s agricultural past, while Olana State Historic Site and Staatsburgh Mansion are just a short drive away for a dose of Hudson River Valley history and design. Tivoli, NY is roughly 2 hours from Manhattan and New York City by car . If traveling by train, Amtrak service to nearby Rhinecliff takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, with a short car or rideshare connection to Tivoli. Source: https://secretnyc.co/tivoli-ny-small-town-upstate-new-york/