The Mountains_Winter 2024

WALTON GOGGINS TAKES OVER

Who’s ready for this overnight success decades in the making?

BY SEAN MALINDIN

AND SO IT GOES… LINDA ELLERBEE THEN & NOW BY HAL RUBENSTEIN REVEALED! AMERICA’S BEST RESORT BY MARCO MEDRANO LOVE & CRAFT A WEDDING IN THE BERKSHIRES BY SARAH CARPENTER NEW YEAR OLD LIST BY MARTHA FRANKEL + GREAT BARRINGTON’S FUN SURPRISING ‘TOWN SQUARE’ BY RICHARD PÉREZ-FERIA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DORI FITZPATRICK

NAIL IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME WITH HOLIDAY GIFTS FROM

Rhinebeck | Hudson | Hopewell Junction | Tannersville | Red Hook | Pleasant Valley | High Falls

While barely having time to recover from the autumn drought, winter came barreling through these parts with the subtlety of a sledge hammer. Luckily, we’re built tough and, even be er, your favorite magazine, The Mountains, is here to get you through the chill since every story in this issue is definitely worth a read. Now, that’s one way to thrive in frigid conditions. Remember, spring, as always, beckons.

You are here. We are, too.

index | our towns

Accord ..............................................................60

Annandale-on-Hudson ....................................90

Austerlitz..........................................................36

Bantam ..............................................................61

Beacon........................................................88, 94

Bearsville..........................................................22

Cairo .................................................................64

Callicoon ..........................................................94

Catskill........................................................28, 89

Chatham...............................5, 31, 34, 36, 74, 90

Chester.......................................................58, 59

Cold Spring ................................................24, 25

Cornwall ............................................................61

Cornwall-On-Hudson ......................................94

Craryville..........................................................65

Croton-On-Hudson .........................................94

East Durham ....................................................63

Egremont..........................................................42

Fishkill...............................................................95

Freehold ...........................................................95

Goshen ..............................................................61

Great Barrington ....21, 22, 25, 59, 89, 90, 94, 95

Hillsdale................................................36, 59, 65

Hudson .16, 20, 59, 60, 62, 63, 74, 76, 90, 94, 95

Hyde Park........................................78, 79, 94, 95

Kingston ..................16, 61, 89, 90, 92, 93, 94, 95

Lagrangeville....................................................23

Lee ....................................................................95

Leeds ................................................................95

Lenox .....................................................73, 74, 94

Marlboro...........................................................88

Milan .................................................................62

Millbrook ...........................................................21

Monterey..........................................................57

Montgomery ....................................................88

New Lebanon ..............................................76, 77

New Milford ......................................................61

New Paltz..........................................................95

Newburgh .........................................................94

Norfolk .............................................................89

North Adams....................................................65

Otis ..............................................................57, 67

Pawling..............................................................88

Peekskill ...........................................................95

Philmont ...........................................................58

Pine Plains........................................................95

Pi sfield .....................................................94, 95

Poughkeepsie.................................58, 90, 94, 95

Rhinebeck .............................................73, 74, 94

Round Top ........................................................95

Salisbury............................................................61

Sheffield ................................................21, 23, 94

South Egremont...............................................59

Southbury.........................................................95

Spencertown....................................................73

Staatsburg ........................................................95

Stockbridge......................................................90

Tannersville ......................................................20

Tivoli ...........................................................21, 90

Torrington....................................................61, 95

Tuxedo Park ...............................................52, 53

Walden..............................................................94

Williamstown..............................................65, 90

Windham ..........................................................22

Winstead ..........................................................95

Woodstock ....................22, 71, 88, 90, 91, 93, 94

Art by Jan Kallwejt exclusively for The Mountains

Boston

Albany

New York City

Alan Katz FOUNDER | CEO

Richard Pérez-Feria EDITOR IN CHIEF

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kathleen Gates

MANAGING EDITOR James Long

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Erika Phenner

SENIOR EDITOR | RESEARCH DIRECTOR Sarah Carpenter

DESIGN EDITORS Eduardo Rodríguez, Herman Vega

DIGITAL | SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Isabella Joslin

DESIGNER Linda Gates

EDITORS AT LARGE Martha Frankel, Jane Larkworthy, Marco Medrano

Hal Rubenstein, Kevin Sessums, Tara Solomon

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Toni Gerunda

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Greg Calejo, Kate Doyle Hooper, Anthony Giglio

Rebecca Hardiman, Bill Henning, Isabel Hochman

Sean McAlindin, Simon Murray, Todd Plummer

Jack Rico, Mitch Rustad

WRITERS Abbe Aronson, Jonah Bayliss, Bill Cary

Renee Jermaine, Dan Koday, Sandy MacDonald

Mira Peck, Robyn Perry Coe, Terry Rosen

PHOTOGRAPHERS | ARTISTS Quentin Bacon, Fahnon Bennett, Natalie Chitwood

David Cowles, Bryan Derballa, Dori Fitzpatrick

Douglas Friedman, Jan Kallwejt, Daniella Murray

Robert Risko, Mike Ruiz, Beth Schneck

Amy Smith

EXECUTIVE SALES DIRECTOR

ACCOUNT DIRECTORS Barbara Bank, Libby Hall Abeel

ACCOUNT MANAGER Livi Perrone

FINANCE AND OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Caryn Whitman

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Betsy Low

MARKETING DIRECTOR Bill Gibbons

MARKETING STRATEGIST Randi MacColl

TEXAS SALES DIRECTORS Ellen Lewis, Michael Stafford

LEWIS STAFFORD COMPANY, INC

CANADA SALES DIRECTORS Lori Dodd, Bob Dodd

DODD MEDIA GROUP

PRODUCTION Digital Workflow Solutions

Chatham

DeWayne

THE team

Dori Fitzpatrick

Born and raised in the South, Dori Fitzpatrick is a portrait photographer who moved to New York City in the 1990s. After living in Manhattan and Montauk, she eventually settled in Saratoga Springs, NY launching her photography business in 2016 following her career as a model. She’s worked for Saratoga Living, photographing celebs including David Ortiz, Ariana Rockefeller, Dorinda Medley and many more.

“Walton Goggins is just how you would imagine him—cool, charismatic and gentle,” says Fitzpatrick about the actor on The Mountains’ cover. “I loved chatting with another fellow Georgian, talking about our roots and love for photography. He’s a creative through and through. Photographing Walton was electric, just like his smile.”

Dan Koday

Dan Koday is a lifestyle writer and brand content consultant who splits his time between homes near New York City and the Catskills. His work has been featured in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Forbes and across brands from Josh Cellars to Samsung. He’s husband to Yves, dog dad to Simon, an avid skier and hot tub enthusiast. Dan was inspired to further his regional exploration by interviewing ‘makers’ for The Mountains and to try out a few new restaurants in the taste-bud friendly area.

Sean McAlindin

Sean McAlindin is a contributing editor at The Mountains from Collinsville, CT who can often be found exploring the wild places of Northeast and making music with his friends. After interviewing Walton Goggins for this issue’s cover story, he now keeps this quote from the celebrated actor close to heart: “Thank you for your sincerity in asking that question, and for the simplicity with which you asked it.”

Sarah Carpenter

Sarah Carpenter is a writer, editor and researcher who’s been with The Mountains from its inception. She’s grateful to feel closer to her family in western Connecticut through this magazine while living on the other side of the country in Portland with her husband and toddler. “I loved getting to know the makers for this issue—each person is so inspiring; I wanted to write pages and pages on them.” Her work has also been featured in Bay News Rising, The Oakland Post newspaper, Cannabis Now and PDX Parent

WE’VE JOINED COMPASS

After 17 years helping clients in the Berkshires, Columbia and Litchfield market, we’ve joined Compass, a technology-driven real estate company. With innovative tools and exclusive programs, Compass empowers us to redefine the buying and selling experience for our clients.

We’re still here to help you buy and sell now with the help of cutting-edge tools and a national referral network of the nation’s best agents.

the s u mmit

#5Things2Live4

about eight years ago, I started writing (and posting on social media) a weekly e-mail blast I dubbed 5THINGS2LIVE4 (Five Things To Live For) to some of my closest friends that consisted of an image and a short paragraph about the five people, places or things I was excited about and looking forward to that week. Mind you, the range was enormous on purpose—from the reality drama on Love Island to powerbrokers in presidential politics. Come to find out that a lot of people, places and things really matter to me. And, as with most things I’ve done creatively for the past several decades, Kathleen Gates (The Mountains’ design genius) came up with the perfect aesthetic for my titillating side project. As a kickoff to the revival of 5THINGS2LIVE4 (look for it in 2025), the following things are piquing my interest right now. Fun, no?

Wicked, Parts One & Two

OK, yes, of course I’ve already seen Wicked, Part One twice; and, yes, of course, it was mind-blowingly fantastic. But I’m convinced that when Wicked, Part Two premieres Thanksgiving 2025, it’ll rival The Godfather and The Godfather II for the greatest two-part films in Hollywood history. Wicked is, simply, a movie musical spectacle for the ages. And, because we knew them, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have changed us all for the better—and for good. #IYKYK

TayVis

The imminent, (almost) definite engagement/ wedding/baby announcement(s) from my favorite—and everyone else’s—couple du jour, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, is competing for the epic pop culture news of 2025. Go ahead and eye roll if you must, but in this moment, I’ll take the utter goodness pouring out of these two super talented lovebirds at the very top of their respective fields. America, we couldn’t have chosen a better king and queen of the prom. And, no, they are never, ever, ever breaking up. Like, ever #TaylorSwiftTravisKelce

Great TV

These are the ten TV shows that have me on the brink until their release (in no particular order): The Bear (Season 4, Hulu); The White Lotus (Season 3, HBO); Stranger Things (Season 5, Netflix); Suits: LA (Season 1, NBC); Hacks (Season 4, Hulu); Alcaraz, The Docuseries (Season 1, Netflix); The Traitors (Season 3, Peacock); The Night Agent (Season 2, Netflix); The Morning Show (Season 4, Apple+); Wednesday (Season 2, Netflix).

#MustSeeTV

Miami Dolphins

Either at the tail end of 2024 or definitely the next NFL season, my beloved, hard-luck Miami Dolphins are bound to finally put all the pieces together for a legit run at winning the Super Bowl for the first time in more than half a century. So, yeah, we’re due. #FinsUp

gaga for goggins Red-hot actor Walton Goggins stars in the new season of HBO’s The White Lotus, one of the can’t-miss shows that made the cut along with The Traitors, Wednesday, The Morning Show, Stranger Things, The Bear, Hacks and more.

Kelly Clarkson

Indisputably, Kelly Clarkson, the inaugural champion of American Idol (22 years ago!), has unquestionably joined the jaw-dropping, short list of single-name icons who comprise the very best female singers of all time: Ella, Judy, Barbra, Donna, Whitney, Céline, Mariah.

Within a two-week period, this impossibly nice Texas girl tore the roof off The Kelly Clarkson Show by slaying these familiar anthems in head-exploding ways. Kelly’s two-minute versions of Céline Dion’s “All By Myself” and “My Heart Will Go On;” Taylor Swift’s “Lavender Haze;” Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club;” Judy Garland’s “If I Only Had A Brain;” and Lady Gaga’s “I’ll Always Remember Us This Way” left no doubt whatsoever: Kelly Clarkson may just be the very best singer in the world. Oh yeah, American Idol indeed. #Kelly

overarching all of the five decidedly lighthearted people, places and things I’m looking forward to, I’ll, as always, remain steadfast on all gravely serious fronts as well, including important issues impacting our civil liberties, the planet, injustice and a civil political discourse. For me, even as I eagerly await the latest season of some entertaining television series, remaining vigilant and alert about our country isn’t a contradictory exercise. One feeds the soul, the other saves the world.

Some of the items featured in the 5THINGS2LIVE4 on my list are fast approaching. So, with a touch of excitement for that, I’ll also remain optimistic as ever in the face of daunting adversity. Love will win, friends. It always does. Now, that’s something to live for, isn’t it?

—Richard Pérez-Feria EDITOR IN CHIEF

greet and treat You won’t be able to resist the locally famous gluten-free treats found at

in

NY baked by

Delectable baked goods served with a smile. What could be better?

Toko Provisions

Catskill,

Toko herself.

Photography by Katie Hartsough

Androgynous Fashion Thrives In Kingston

GIRLBOY features Morgan Hoffman’s stylish creations.

By Abbe Aronson

as part of kingston’s ever-changing next wave, Morgan Hoffman’s GIRLBOY delivers devastating style, but with a wink and whisper, not a shout. The Upstate native, who made Brooklyn her home as a

fashion designer, knew that when it came time to open her own shop, the location was a no-brainer.

“After living in New York City for almost a decade, I was ready for a change and wanted to get back to my roots,” Hoffman says. “The Stockade District uptown especially appealed to me, since I knew I would be in good company among the shops and restaurants that have opened there in recent years. I also love the charm and intimacy of the Stockade, and its unique combination of a warm, small town feel and a chic, creative and vibrant energy.”

In browsing the apparel and accessories at this airy, modern atelier on Uptown’s Wall Street, it’s clear that GIRLBOY’s design inspiration comes from strong feminist icons with legendary androgynous style,

including some of Hoffman’s favorites: Louise Brooks (1920s), Katherine Hepburn (1940s) and Diane Keaton (1970s)—women who played with gender roles and broke barriers when it came to what images they presented to the public.

“To be your own muse, that’s the guiding light of the brand,” Hoffman says, adding that her customer base is “somewhat ageless, with dewy twentysomethings shopping alongside sophisticated sixtyyear-olds. Modern classics look great on everyone.” Here’s looking at you, kid.

GIRLBOY

311 Wall Street, Kingston, NY 12401 girlboy.com

SHOP

gender neutrals “I love the charm and intimacy of the Stockade District,” Hoffman says of the Kingston, NY location of her chic store, GIRLBOY.

Hungry Hudson

Olde Hudson, Warren Street’s OG gourmet food market, charges ahead.

opened a veritable lifetime ago in 2001 by maverick merchant Dena Moran in what was once the unassuming town of Hudson, Olde Hudson has led the charge for epicurean food purveyors ever since. Moran was the first to stock global gourmet products at a time when they were scarce to non-existent in the community, propelled by a dearth of ingredients and imported items that she favored when she cooked and entertained at home.

Now, a quarter-century later, Moran’s impeccable taste and tireless dedication to the highest standards continue to wow neighbors and friends who appreciate her ability to cull the finest in cheeses (more than 100 varieties), butchers’ fresh cuts and prime meats, poultry, dock-fresh seafood, produce and specialty groceries. Her summer expansion to an entire floor of her building on Warren Street is gaspworthy. And who doesn’t enjoy a little gasping in the fresh produce aisle?

OLDE HUDSON

449 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534 oldehudson.com

Step into the enchanting atmosphere of the annual Holi ay Bazaar, where a worl of thoughtful gifting awaits you!

Shop a curate selection of clean beauty, wellness, an luxury lifestyle items that will bring cheer to you an your love ones this giving season.

olde hudson gets new Olde Hudson’s recent expansion speaks to the gourmet food market’s increasing popularity.

Gift Wraps

For comfort, these luxe options throw down the gauntlet.

By Mitch Rustad

Renna Throw

Amidst a vast array of superb European and American antique furniture at Foley & Cox, you’ll find this luxurious cashmere Renna throw, which is sure to indulge the senses with its distinct, double-faced design and classic to vivid color palette. Renna’s incredible softness feels just right for a warm night at home.

$680 at Foley & Cox 317 Warren Street Hudson, NY foleyandcoxhome.com

Hudson Throw

This brushed woven reversible bi-color throw, a baby alpaca/wool/nylon blend with border, is a standout from alicia adams alpaca, a family business which specializes in the design and production of textiles and clothing utilizing the natural and sustainable characteristics of one of the rarest and most luxurious materials—alpaca wool. alicia adams alpaca raises and manages a herd of more than 200 Suri alpacas at their sprawling farm in Millbrook, NY.

$795 at alicia adams alpaca 3262 Franklin Avenue Millbrook, NY aliciaadamsalpaca.com

Marble Faux Fur Throw

Woven in lustrous fabrications in a sophisticated range of colors, patterns and finishes, the Hudson Park Collection luxe linens perfectly marry the ultra sumptuous comfort with classic style. Elegant and timeless. Comes in grey, ivory and tan. $280 at bloomingdales.com

Now You Can See Around Corners

Greene With Envy

The Tannersville summer home of Maude Adams, Broadway’s first Peter Pan, goes on the market. | By Bill

it’s hard to imagine a better or more classic Arts and Crafts home in the Catskill Mountains than the one crafted in Tannersville in 1903 for Maude Adams, Broadway’s original “Peter Pan” and the highest paid actress of her day, pulling in more than $1 million a year at her peak.

The all-wood and aptly named great room is simply spectacular, with walls of antique windows, gleaming oak floors and a grand stone fireplace (one of eight) as its centerpiece. Ditto the adjacent dining room.

Other standout features include a pond, a billiards room and home theater, a gym, a cozy bar, a wraparound deck with mountain views and hiking trails and streams that meander through the 31-acre property.

Adams, who lived in the 8,500-squarefoot house until her death in 1953, first

Cary

played the titular role in J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, Or, The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up on Broadway in 1905. After she retired in 1919, she worked with General Electric to create improved and more powerful stage lighting that became the industry standard in Hollywood in the late 1920s.

The six-bedroom home sells for $3.45 million with Nadine Bechle and Sharon Knudsen of Coldwell Banker Village Green.

not good, great The 1903 classic Arts and Crafts Greene County home features a spectacular all-wood great room and is listed at $3.45 million.

Adams named it “Caddam Hill” after a house in Barrie’s The Little Minister, her first collaboration with the playwright. The house was once part of the storied Onteora Club, a Catskills retreat for artists and writers that was founded in 1887.

Real Estate Quick Hits:

• While Westchester and Putnam counties have begun to see an uptick in available homes for sale, Dutchess continues to have inventory constraints, according to a third quarter report from Houlihan Lawrence. But overall sales and prices in Dutchess are up, with the average sale price climbing 15 percent, to $588,319, compared to last year.

• The Ulster County market continues its upward trend, with an average sale price of $420,922, up 8.2 percent year over year, Zillow reports. Interestingly, 38 percent of sales were over the list price.

• It’s a mixed bag in Berkshire County, with overall sales down 5 percent compared to a year ago and the average price up 3 percent, to $475,598, according to a Q3 report from the county’s realty group.

escro w

Barn Burner

Titillating in Tivoli, scenic in Sheffield.

The Barn in Tivoli | $1,990,000

33 Broadway, Tivoli, NY

4BR | 4BA | 3,300 SF | 4.45 Acres

“The Barn in Tivoli is a one-of-a-kind village compound on more than four acres along the banks of Stoney Creek. This home features a stylish late-1800s barn, modern two-bedroom cottage, beautifully sited in the desirable village of Tivoli, NY and designed by the team at CB Design/Build.”

ANTHONY D’ARGENZIO  FOUNDER + ASSOCIATE BROKER THIS OLD HUDSON TEAM AT HOULIHAN LAWRENCE

‘Very Unique Duplex’ | $549,000

1068 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA

4BR | 2BA | 1,634 SF | .5 Acre

“Built in the 1800s, this charming home features updated interiors and an deck overlooking the spacious backyard. With two separate two-bedroom apartments, the property offers unique flexibility: live in one and rent the other, as an Airbnb or combine both as a single-family residence.”

DAN ALDEN

HOLISTIC TRANSACTIONAL REAL ESTATE BROKER ACRES - ALDEN COUNTRY REAL ESTATE SERVICES

‘Your Forever Home’ | $1,495,000

1166 Rannapo Road, Sheffield, MA

3BR | 3BA | 2,510 SF | 17 Acres

“Perched atop a hill in picturesque Ashley Falls, this inviting 17-acre home overlooks valleys, rivers and mountain peaks. Expansive windows frame everchanging views, a horse barn and nearby trails.”

ANTONIO M. SEGALLA REALTOR LANCE VERMEULEN REAL ESTATE INC.

Stitch

Cheer up! We ’re going to

. One minute in the presence of

co-owners Jess Garb and Judy Bates and you quickly realize how appropriately named this screen printing and stitching studio in the heart of Great Barrington really is. Widely acclaimed for their original Berkshiresbranded goods, this creative shop on Main Street takes pride of home to a whole, um, happier place.

gorgeous

Wicked Cool Collab

Convenient. Indulgent. I like it.

Marco Medrano

| By

Beekman 1802 teams up with the biggest film of the season for good.

a luxury brand alliance from the juggernaut film event that Wicked is means the ultimate vetting. How cool is it that Beekman 1802 and Wicked are beauty partners? Did you know goat’s milk is very close in pH to human skin and that’s why it absorbs and hydrates so perfectly? And, yes, witches love it, too. So, defy gravity with deluxe anti-aging products and you too can become po-pular beekman1802.com

ow does one describe the indescribable? How does one share an experience that is as close to perfection as anything possible in this special corner of the planet? Windham Mountain Club, reimagined by Sandy Beall and his partners, achieves the improbable feat of being both an elevated haven of luxury while being a decidedly robust outdoors-focused experience. Whether you’re interested in amazing winter (and year-round) adventures as a guest or have a permanent residence in mind, Windham Mountain Club really has something special for everyone in the family. And to think it’s just down the street in gorgeous Windham, NY. See you on the slopes.

HStudio City

Todd Rundgren’s music HQ, Utopia Studios , hits a high note.

The historic Utopia Studios in Bearsville, NY near Woodstock, originally built by Albert Grossman for rock god Todd Rundgren, has reopened and it’s better than ever. The recording studio and podcast center boasts cuttingedge equipment to complete all music, podcast and film production projects. Utopia Studios is owned and managed by Sarah McLachlan’s former music engineer, Pete Caigan.

The Pass Never Fails Sheffield dispensary and cannabis grow huffs and puffs to success. The Berkshires has become the East Coast Mecca for cannabis. The Pass, also owned by Berkshire Mountain Distillers’ Chris Weld, is a dispensary in Sheffield, MA, that takes pride in its flagship store being adjacent to their grow. As The Pass faithful are fond of saying: “The distance from harvest to processing and sale is measured in footsteps, not miles.” And that is not smoke and mirrors.

divine duo Fr. Adam Bucko and Kaira Jewel Lingo are the new proprietors of the local monastery.

happiest hour

The Thirst Is Real

Bourbon! Whisky! Gin! Oh my! Bottoms up at

By Richard Pérez-Feria

|

Berkshire Mountain Distillers .

Chris Weld is an enterprising genius. As owner of Berkshire Mountain Distillers, on S. Main Street in Sheffield, MA, he has made it an authentic, regionally focused maker of small-batch, award-winning craft spirits. BMD is also widely-regarded as being, in a word, terrific. They have guided tours, and the whisky is next-level. Who’s thirsty? we want font Cinthya Font’s products include flower essences, bath blends, scented oils, teas and more.

Resurrection Monastery by bringing their own vocations and traditions to try to grow and expand it into a true spiritual sanctuary in Lagrangeville, NY. First order of business was to repay the outstanding taxes on the property via a successful crowdfunding effort. To find out more, follow Jewel Lingo on Instagram @kairajewel —RPF

Our Lady Of The Resurrection Monastery in Lagrangeville is almost all the way back.

Benedictine community, later to be run by Brother Victor, an advocate of nonviolence. Now, Brother Victor gifted the monastery to Kaira Jewel Lingo and Fr. Adam Bucko, a Buddhist-Christian married couple, who have devoted their life to not only re-establish but revive Our Lady of the

to help navigate my winter dormancy. My favorite herbal products to use come from Cinthya Font whose products include flower essences, bath blends, scented oils, teas and single origin cacao for use in meditation and ceremonies. It’s beautiful and nurturing to take time to connect with plants during winter. Check out cinthyafont.com for more.

This Winter’s Beauty Bounty

The case for Cinthya Font ’s plant-based products. | By Mira Peck

As the crescendo of autumn finally fades, bare trees in the landscape carry a powerful and stark beauty. Winter is here, friends. Some gardeners grow restless and find winter long and tortuous, but not me. As an expert horticulturist, I love wintertime. Crisp air and white snow cleanse my gardener’s palette. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the past season and receive inspiration for the future. Plants, as always, are my allies on this journey. Herbs and flowers harvested and preserved at their peak now become supportive ingredients

Our Lady of the Resurrection is nestled on a secluded hilltop in Dutchess County. The monastery was founded by Victor-Antoine d’Avila-Latourrette, a French monk who first entered monastic life at the age of 17, apprenticing in the kitchen of a

say what? Don’t Bring Home The Bacon, Kevin!

“I no longer eat goat and I no longer eat pig, because I have goats and I have pigs,” actor and Litchfield County resident Kevin Bacon told People . “My wife [Kyra Sedgwick] is like, ‘We can’t get any more animals here, because you’re going to stop eating everything.’”

read this

Cold Spring, Hot Pics

Alissa and Will Malnati’s new book is a revelation in black and white.

By James Long

it starts subtly: A favorite Adirondack chair outside the General Store, ascendent ivy over a centuries-old inn, the timeless grace of sunflowers recruited as pasture fence, a cacophony of tree boughs weighted by winter’s snow. Over time, the charm of the locale seeps into your heart. The landscapes, the architecture and the people bind together in community and inspire a deep connection.

Such is the affection and their desire to share it from Alissa and Will Malnati, whose Cold Spring, NY (Heimisdottir Publishing), is a coffee table book of more than 50 black-andwhite photographs taken from 2021-24 with an iPhone. The Malnatis’ photos, each fresh

shutterbugs Will and Alissa Malnati’s book of iPhone images of Cold Spring, NY exudes beauty; (opposite) just another day at juju’s! the coolest hot spot in GB.

and professional, capture Cold Spring’s soul, peeling away its distinction as the weekend retreat 60 miles north of Manhattan along the Hudson’s eastern flank and distilling its essence, revealing raw emotion, texture and contrast, allowing you to see the village’s familiar surroundings with fresh eyes: the dramatic interplay of hills and clouds along the Hudson River, the timeless expression of a market vendor or a bear’s paw prints indicting its recent garbage bin foray.

Cold Spring, NY is a testament to the close relationship between the Malnatis and their community. It invites others to see what they see, to feel the heartbeat of the town and its surrounding areas brought to life in shades of black and white. It’s a celebration of their home, captured and shared with the rest of us. A true delight.

Is juju’s! Great Barrington’s Legit Totally Tasty Town Square?

The impossibly popular Railroad Street eatery gets everything right.

By Richard Pérez-Feria

Could it be that juju’s! has cracked the code? The Great Barrington hot spot with a very limited menu (ten items last time I checked) somehow still manages to pack a punch for everyone: Caesar salad? Check. Popcorn chicken? Check. Cauliflower gyro(!)? Check. Ice cream sundae? Check. I mean, what?!

Founder Josh Irwin’s charming, colorful eatery, located at The Triplex Cinema on Railroad Street, has become GB’s unofficial town square. It certainly was for me recently when Dorinda Medley, Greg Calejo and I went to The Triplex to see our mutual friend’s—and recent Berkshires transplant, the amazing actor Elizabeth Perkins—screen her classic film, Big, co-starring Tom Hanks. After the movie, it suddenly struck me how perfect a spot this actually is: Like my movie buddies I was with that day, juju’s! is a little glamorous, a little colorful and a whole lot of fun.

the spot

THE CITY

NYC Is For Lovers

From hidden tea salons to candle-lit baths, warmth and romance awaits in Gotham. | By

Jack Rico

winter in new york city feels like it was made for romance. As the crisp chill of the season sets in, Gotham reveals its coziest corners—picture brownstone tea salons, hidden dining spots and candle-lit spas—all inviting you to escape the cold and cozy up with that special someone. Whether you’re dreaming of a postcard-perfect afternoon or craving something more exclusive, it’s all about experiencing those wintry hideaways that bring you closer together.

TEA Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon

Tucked away in a 19thcentury Georgian brownstone in Gramercy, Lady Mendl’s offers a Bridgerton-style tea experience steeped in vintage charm. Enjoy an elegant five-course afternoon tea, nibbling on savory finger sandwiches or freshly baked scones while sipping on

a classic Earl Grey. The cozy Victorian atmosphere makes it the perfect winter escape for a romantic tea for two.

wellness

AIRE Ancient Baths

For those seeking the ideal winter hideaway, AIRE Ancient Baths in Tribeca offers a candle-lit sanctuary in a restored 1883 textile factory. Soak in Roman and Ottoman-inspired thermal pools, enjoy a romantic couple’s massage or indulge in their signature red wine bath. You’ll leave relaxed, restored and ready to take on the winter nights in style.

cocktails

The Nines

For a winter evening laced with old Hollywood glamour, head to The Nines in NoHo. This 1940s-inspired piano bar exudes pure romance, with plush red velvet interiors and intimate corners for cozy couples. Sip on their signature Golden Era cocktails as soft live music fills the air— perfect for a timeless, slow-burn night out.

Hidden behind a painting in a chic Greenwich Village gallery, Frevo is where art and dining intersect. This Michelinstarred restaurant, with just 16 seats, offers a private, luxurious escape from the cold. Dishes like Madai with guajillo chile are presented with the precision of an art installation, perfect for couples seeking an exclusive, romantic night out.

dining

Frevo

true romance (opposite) The healing AIRE Ancient Baths; Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon beckons; (top) The Nines sexy vibe; the creative soul laid bare at Frevo, an art gallery in Greenwich Village.

| life, a little bit at a time

heaven in a handbasket

The author at her specialty basket store in Catskill, NY, Kaaterskill Market.

5 p.m. COCKTAILS

Unwind with your drink of choice at Left Bank Ciders, Chemistry Wine Bar or at Hemlock for a fantastic libation.

8 p.m. DINNER & A SHOW

Check out the bands playing at The Avalon Lounge and enjoy Korean food at the bar before the show.

Sunday

8 a.m. HIKE

RamsHorn-Livingston Audubon Sanctuary is a must.

9:30 a.m. BREAKFAST

Gracie’s Luncheonette has all your delicious diner favorites— made from scratch with the best ingredients. Sit in the back window for a picturesque view of the stunning cliffs and creek.

Hiding In Plain Sight, Catskill More Than Charms

An artsy weekend in a town with impeccable taste. | Pictures + Words by Katie Hartsough

situated on the Hudson River and at the base of the Catskill Mountains, our town is full of makers, creatives and artists who make up the business community and offer a welcoming and vibrant environment for an inspiring weekend visit. Saturday, December 21 brings our annual Winter Solstice event when we close Main Street for pedestrians and celebrate with bonfires and performers. Book a room or cabin at Camptown, a cozy spot, impeccably designed.

Saturday

9:30 a.m. BREAKFAST

Start your morning at Willa’s and try the mouth-watering cinnamon buns with your coffee while you take in the view of Catskill Creek. The menu includes pancakes and breakfast burritos, and the baked goods are not to be missed.

11 a.m. BASKETS

Walk up the alleyway from Willa’s and find me at my store, Kaaterskill Market We specialize in baskets from all over the globe and feature locally made products including candles, textiles and skincare. We partner with the artists at Cone Zero Ceramics so you can always find the perfect handmade mug or vase. Bouquets of dried flowers are a favorite gift and look beautiful in your new basket.

noon SHOPPING

Walk along the vibrant Main Street and pop into each of the shops. At Made X Hudson you’ll find stylish clothing made in a small sewing factory upstairs and yarn from local farms. At Peyton’s you can pick up perfect host gifts. At Catskill Collectibles discover regional antiques and rare Catskills Milton Glaser prints. Corduroy Shop is for fabric enthusiasts who want handmade furniture and pillows made with recycled storied textiles.

Other can’t-miss stops on your retail adventure must also include the herbal shop Stinging Nettle Apothecary, High Rock Home for one-of-a-kind home goods and the exquisite furniture-grade cabinetry at Catskill Woodworking

1 p.m. LUNCH

Stop in Toko Provisions for a take-away sandwich and don’t miss the gluten-free treats baked by Toko herself.

2 P.M. DIVINATION

Book a tarot reading or astrology consultation with Derek at Constellation (trust).

11 a.m. SUPPLIES

Pick up a sketchbook, colorful pens and playful artsy gifts at The Little Art Shop

noon COFFEE

Pop in one of these coffee shops for a hot drink and something extra. Catskill Chocolate Co. feels like Paris with housemade chocolate and pastries. Café Joust serves plant-centric juice and food and Citiot has fun T-shirt designs and books alongside great coffee.

2 p.m. VIEW

Wander the grounds at BeattiePowers Place and see the largescale sculptures by Tristan Fitch, and the sweeping views of the Hudson River with Olana perched on the hill across the water.

It’s Time for a Color Refresh

When the temps are cool and the humidity is low, it’s the perfect time for an interior home color refresh. Visit Williams Lumber and Home Centers for all the inspiration and support you will need.

INSPIRATION FROM BENJAMIN MOORE

Benjamin Moore gets your creativity flowing with its Color of the Year and Color Trends 2025. Benjamin Moore’s 2025 Color of the Year is Cinnamon Slate a color balanced between Heathered Plum and Velvety Brown (pictured here). At a time when so many are yearning for calm and comfort, Cinnamon Slate is a sophisticated color that is both understated and nuanced. Combined with the Color Trends of 2025, Benjamin Moore offers a palette of familiar and quiet colors that will get you thinking about truly making your home a reflection of your style.

Perfecting Your Painting Projects featuring

PAINT’S FAVORITE SEASON

Lower temperatures and humidity are an advantage when refreshing your interior. Cooler weather allows paint to dry at a better rate ensuring a smooth and even finish, eliminating brush and roller marks. Also, the cooler temps help Benjamin Moore paints adhere to surfaces better, preventing chipping and peeling. And lower winter humidity will help prevent blistering and cracking. All making your home color update look better and last longer.

MAKE THE WEATHER WORK FOR YOU

Comfortable temperatures make painting your home less demanding. With lower temperatures and less humidity, this potentially strenuous activity is much more pleasant later in the year.

A PARTNER IN YOUR PROJECT

Williams Lumber is your project partner—with personalized advice around colors, products and project planning. Williams’ sample testing helps you make the right color choice before committing your time and money. And with seven locations Williams Lumber’s trusted support is just around the corner.

Williams Lumber & Home Centers will help you Nail It Right the First Time! Visit us in High Falls, Hopewell Junction, Hudson, Pleasant Valley, Red Hook or Rhinebeck. Or on the web at williamslumber.com

DESIGN THE ART OF

makers

matinee idols Moments after the poster for Nadia Conners’ film, The Uninvited, was placed at the Crandell Theatre in Chatham, NY, the movie’s writer-director celebrated with her husband, actor Walton Goggins, who also co-stars in the buzzy film.

genius, in human form

Photography by Dori Fitzpatrick

exclusive welcome to the Walton GoGGins eRA

LOVE, TRUTH AND TALENT TAKE CENTER STAGE FOR THE NOW LOCAL ACTOR ON THE VERGE OF A GARGANTUAN HOLLYWOOD BREAKTHROUGH A LIFETIME IN THE MAKING. ARE YOU READY FOR IT?

BY SEAN McALINDIN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DORI FITZPATRICK exclusively for The Mountains

moment of truth “I’m ready for this moment,” Goggins says. “I’m focused on this moment and on the people around me. I don’t want to let anyone down and, more importantly, I don’t want to let myself down.”

small screen, big dreams Goggins’ impact television roles include (from top) 2025’s The White Lotus (HBO); The Righteous Gemstones (HBO) with co-star Danny McBride; Fallout (Prime Video); The Shield (FX) with co-star Michael Chiklis; (opposite) “When I saw her for the first time, I was just so taken with her,” he says of his wife, Nadia Conners. “We have a deep, deep friendship and love and respect for each other.”

I’d only just returned from a morning trail run in the southeasternmost corner of the Berkshires when I got a call from our editor-in-chief.

“Goggins can do it, but only today... at two.”

Could I have expected anything less from one of Hollywood’s soon-to-be hottest leading men? Definitely not. And when Walton Goggins says go—you go.

After catching my breath, I still have six hours before my daughter’s school bus arrives. Plenty of time for a sunny October drive up scenic Route 7 to the picturesque Columbia County village of Chatham, NY. What would he be like? I wonder in between peeks at the rolling sea of fall color. How does one act when he’s on the verge of the biggest breakthrough in your three-decade acting career?

As I arrive on Main Street at the historic Crandell Theatre, a dark-haired woman in a flowing dress welcomes me. It’s Nadia Conners—celebrated screenwriter, director and Goggins’ absolutely stunning wife. She recently released her first feature film, The Uninvited, about an aging stranger who crashes a Hollywood party with unexpected results (her husband co-stars).

“Walton’s upstairs,” she says, her bright red lipstick revealing an openhearted smile.

As I ascend the narrow side staircase into the antediluvian upper chambers of the throwback theater, the first thing I notice is Goggins’ voice. It comes wafting down the hallway—deep, gravelly. He’s cutting through the small talk with one of our team members when I turn into the doorframe.

“Sean!” he says, smiling. “It’s so good to meet you!”

He takes my hand and gives it a proper Southern gentlemanly shake. When Goggins talks, you tend to believe him. After a momentary pause for the grooming to finish, the photo shoot begins. At the drop of a hat—or more like an invisible bolt of lightning— Goggins goes to action. Like all the best ones, he’s simply self-possessed. He is, undeniably, himself. The looks, the grace, the effortless expressions. A lifetime’s worth of faces. His sly smile is quizzical, pondering. His mind moves a mile a minute and there’s a slight appealing bizarreness about him that’s hard to pin down.

Set between a sharp jawline and slicked-back hair cresting his high forehead, Goggins’ subterranean green-brown eyes possess a penetrating quality that’s been there since his first role as Lyle in the 1990 civil rights television movie Murder In Mississippi His au naturel Esquire energy is belied only by the smell of fresh popcorn emanating from the theater café.

“Honey, this is fucking insane!” Conners says. “That looks so good!”

When the set-up starts to lose steam, Conners quickly injects energy and steers it to the next frame. From free-spoken compliment to candid critique, Goggins and Conners never stop communicating. They get each other, clearly and intimately.

“She’s one of the smartest, most interesting people I know and certainly one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever met in my life,” Goggins says of his wife. “Her mind and her heart are singular.”

Inside the theater, FilmColumbia is playing Canadian drama Universal Language, one of 55 films they’ll screen throughout the ten-day festival. I peer beyond the velvet curtain into a darkened auditorium, the audience utterly mesmerized by 24 frames per second.

After the extraordinary photo shoot, we head back upstairs to the skunkworks Crandell office. A few hours later, Goggins will be on a plane to Los Angeles to film season two of Fallout, the Emmy-winning, post-apocalyptic Amazon Prime drama based on an über-popular video game. He was nominated this year for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his dual role as classic Hollywood actor Cooper Howard and his future self, a demented remnant of the once-great man known simply as The Ghoul. In 2011, he was nominated in the same category for his role as bank-robbing white supremacist Boyd Crowder in FX’s neo-Western crime drama, Justified

After growing up with few means in Lithia Springs, GA, a one-stop town outside of Atlanta, Goggins says he arrived in Hollywood in 1991 with $300 in his pocket. He set up a valet parking business with friends to make money while taking acting classes with legendary coach Harry Mastrogeorge. After a number of bit parts (including

one on Beverly Hills 90210), he got his first big breakthrough in 2002 as corrupt police thug Shane Vendrell in The Shield.

Released just months after 9/11, The Shield portrayed law enforcement in a critical light at a time when that was seen as sacrilegious. The risk paid off and the gritty, compelling drama remains a standout from TV’s aughts golden era. It was the first in a long history of scene-stealing, boundary-pushing roles the talented actor would soon come to be known for.

For a long time, Walton Goggins was the person whose name you didn’t recognize, but whose face you definitely did—the perfect combination for a character actor. On the big screen, he brought to life indecisive senator Clay Hawkins in Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln and sadistic racist Billy Crash in Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained He starred alongside Samuel L. Jackson as Sheriff Chris Mannix in The Hateful Eight While the leading-man stardom hadn’t quite beckoned as

Crandell Theatre Gets Gorg

AFTER A CENTURY OF EXCELLENCE, CHATHAM’S ‘JEWEL OF MAIN STREET’ READIES FOR ITS CLOSE-UP.

When Walton Goggins saw his first film at Crandell Theatre, he was taken away by the feeling of being there.

“It was the idea that this is one screen on one small street in America,” he says of the structure in Chatham, NY. “It wasn’t the opportunity to see five screens. You go to this place to see one movie. That is event viewing at its core.”

The soon-to-be century-old Spanish Renaissance theater is one of only 144 historic single-screen movie theaters remaining in the nation. Long known as the “Jewel Of Main Street,” the 534-seat theater has remained largely unchanged since it opened on Christmas Day 1926 with a Jules Verne photoplay. The first feature to be shown was Viktor Tourjansky’s silent Russian masterpiece, Michel Strogoff, followed by The Black Pirate starring Douglas Fairbanks in an early twotone version of Technicolor. The talkies arrived in ’29.

“You go in and something changes,” says communications manager Beth Marchant. “You’re time traveling a bit. It’s part of our American heritage.”

In November, the Crandell closed for a $4 million renovation project that promises new seating, remodeled bathrooms,

of yet, he went on a tear of blockbuster villain roles in Maze Runner: The Death Cure, Tomb Raider and Marvel’s Ant-Man And The Wasp.

Then came the comedy with hysterically unpredictable turns alongside Danny McBride as the conniving Lee Russell in absurd Vice Principals and foul-mouthed, clog-dancing preacher Uncle “Baby” Billy Freeman in The Righteous Gemstones.

As Chappell Roan might say: he’s your favorite actor’s favorite actor. Of course, Roan herself adapted that line from drag queen Sasha Colby—which is curious considering Goggins played trans sex worker Venus Van Dam in Sons Of Anarchy in another standout role. He famously prepped for the role by walking in high heels for hours on Bourbon Street’s cobblestones after shooting all day for Django In the words of Venus, didn’t your daddy ever tell you to never judge a book by its penis?

“The thing that I know is a recipe for success is waking up with gratitude in your heart and doing the best job you can,” Goggins says. “Listen to the people around you, listen to the world around you and listen to the voice within... and probably the voice without.”

In 2021, our hero left Los Angeles after three decades. He, Conners, their 14-year-old son Augustus and Lucy, a black Labrador, drove cross country in a converted van. Their destination: a 200-year-old hunting cabin on the Hillsdale-Austerlitz line.

an expanded lobby, an updated café and a state-of-the-art, digital audio-visual system. The theater is expected to reopen by fall of 2025, hopefully in time for the 25th annual FilmColumbia which presents more than 50 feature, documentary and animated films throughout the ten-day festival.

“You’re seeing movies the way they’re made to be seen—on a big screen,” says Marchant. “When you’re laughing and experiencing emotions with other people, it gives you a better perspective on the comedy or drama. You go for the energy and to lose yourself in the film.”

As FilmColumbia’s 2024 honoree, Goggins roused the crowd at a kick-off party at Jack Shear’s Spencertown home. The widower of late abstract artist Ellsworth Kelly donated $1 million toward the restoration of the theater which has also just received a $40,000 grant from the New York State Council on the Arts for 2025.

“Cinema has always had such a sacred place for humanity,” Goggins says. “It’s the place we come together to have a communal shared experience. That’s truly how I feel every time I come to this theater.”

—SEAN McALINDIN

“That move was filled with so much hope and so much regret and so much anticipation and so much surrender and so much openness,” Goggins says quietly, and they arrived the night before the movers, sleeping on a shared mattress on the floor.

“We were in so far over our heads,” he says. “It was snowing the day we showed up and it was freezing, man! It was so cold, and the doors were opening, and this is everything we had. We were there and we had a fire in the fireplace. I remember looking at my family and saying, ‘Wow. We did it, y’all. It’s peaceful. It’s quiet... It’s really quiet... Maybe we should turn on a radio. Should we turn on a radio, man? This is way too quiet. I mean, it’s freaking me out! I don’t know how to deal with this.”

A man of the people, Goggins is naturally funny, and he seems to genuinely want to make a connection with me. What does this place mean to you now, three years later? I ask the soon-to-be superstar.

“Serenity,” he says. “Peace. The absence of man-made visual stimulation has been replaced by nature. I’m reminded there are rhythms to this world that are seen and unseen. And for me and my family, I think we’d just become disassociated with those rhythms. Not that there’s anything against an urban lifestyle. I absolutely love it. But after 30 years of living in LA, it was time for something radically different in our lives.”

He, especially, didn’t take to the hinterlands at first.

“I think I had a harder time than anyone because I just didn’t understand who I was in this world,” Goggins says. “I don’t know how to work heavy equipment. I don’t have a machine shop. I don’t have a work bench. And I don’t want to, to be quite honest with you. You know, when I got there people said, ‘So you have this land. What are you going to do with it? Are you going to get animals? Are you going to do stuff?’ And I said, ‘No, I don’t want to do anything!’

a river runs through him “There’s no great plan,” Goggins says. “I’ve just kind of let the river dictate my flow in life. And it’s always been in stages.”

out of character

“I don’t believe in playing a character,” the Emmy-nominated actor says. “Becoming other people? What does that even mean, man? My job is to make the characters as real as possible.”

What’s wrong with just looking at it? What’s wrong with just observing it and letting it penetrate? I just want to walk around. I want to walk around with no shirt on and I want to walk around with a sweater on and I want to walk around with a hat as the seasons change.”

And how about your neighbors? Do they see you as a movie star or just the guy down the road?

“I have the philosophy in my life of how I live my life,” he starts. “Maybe it’s because I come from the South where I was raised the way I was raised. I never meet a stranger, ever... Once we really landed, we began to open ourselves up to something we never had in Los Angeles, which is community—real community. I hang out with plumbers and painters and construction workers and farmers and restaurateurs. It’s just nice to have neighbors that you talk to and need in your life—that you depend on and who, in turn, have come to depend on you. It feels good to be part of a larger social organism. At the end of the day, acting is a job, isn’t it? It just so happens to be a job I’m quite passionate about.”

We talk birthdays. A Scorpio, Goggins turned 53 in November. He gets genuinely excited when he finds out our kids are both Capricorns, but I turn the conversation back to him. Tell me—how does it feel to be having your breakout moment now, at this point in your life and career?

“LOOK, AT THE END OF THE DAY, ACTING IS A JOB, ISN’T IT? IT ALSO JUST SO HAPPENS TO BE A JOB I’M QUITE PASSIONATE ABOUT.”

“I’ve never planned anything in my life,” he says. “I’ve always gone out on a limb whether it be buying my first house or even leasing my first car. I don’t come from means at all, so there’s no great plan. I’ve just kind of let the river dictate my flow in life. And it’s always been in stages. I’m eternally grateful that I’ve been given the opportunities that I’ve been given at a time in my life when I felt like I was ready for them. If it would have happened a year earlier, or God, five years earlier, that might have been the end of my journey as a storyteller. I’m ready for this moment. I’m focused on this moment and on the people around me. I don’t want to let anyone down and, more importantly, I don’t want to let myself down.”

He asks the next question himself.

“With that comes what? How do you not let yourself down? Just come from your heart and do the best you can do. It’s really no more complicated than that. And so, that’s what I’m doing.”

Funny story. Goggins and Conners first met on a blind date planned by a mutual friend, though he didn’t actually realize it was a setup until months later. I want to know more about their relationship.

“She’d kill me! She’s so angry that that story’s even out there,” Goggins says. “It’s a bone of contention between the two of us, but I don’t understand how contentious it is because the truth is when I saw her for the first time without knowing this, I was just so taken with her. And two minutes into the conversation, it’s been the way I’ve felt about her 20 years into the conversation. We have a deep, deep friendship and love and respect for each other. God, what more do you want out of a union than that? Again, what are the doors that we walk through? Why do we walk through them? I’m just happy this door presented itself to me and I was smart enough to turn the handle.”

So, it’s timing?

“Everything happens in life at the time it’s supposed to happen,” he affirms. “Like meeting my wife, having my child, any job that I’ve gotten or any job that didn’t go my way. The people around me or the spirits, whatever that is, however I’m moving through this universe, it just feels like somebody was looking out for me.”

He goes deeper into his Southern accent on that last line. It’s a clear tell that he really means it—in a spiritual sense. More than almost anyone else I’ve ever interviewed, Goggins takes each question to heart. He repeats them to himself. He lets them roll around in his mouth, as “Uncle Baby” Billy would say. As he takes off his glasses, his heady eyes search the outerverse. He hesitates and thinks about his words carefully and shares them with the tenor and cadence all his own. He’s witty, thoughtful and surprisingly honest. You can hear his thoughts unfolding in real time. Most of all, he’s fully present.

he’s been on the brink of for decades: The White Lotus, arguably the hottest show on television today. He joins the HBO black comedy drama for season three, adding fuel to an already volatile storyline about the guests and employees of a fictional luxury resort chain whose interactions are twisted by psychosocial dysfunction. It’s absolutely brilliant and truly must-see TV.

After filming, Goggins says he wandered through Southeast Asia for a month, exploring Cambodia and Vietnam, spending time with locals and melting into the flow of life. Ever the intrepid traveler, Goggins and his son are planning an 18-day horse packing trip across the Mongolian steppe this coming summer.

What’s the secret to a happy, healthy relationship between two artists? I ask. “I hate to say this, but probably time away, y’know what I mean?” he says, laughing nervously. “That’s a big part of it. There’s real truth in absence makes the heart grow fonder. It allows you to understand the position this person has in your life and how integral they are to your journey on this planet. And we’ve had that for a very long time. More importantly, there’s no one who believes in my wife the way that I believe in her. No one respects her as a writer or as a director the way I respect her. I feel that way as an actor. Nobody sees me the way that my wife sees me. No one’s seen my struggles and successes and failures, right? We’re both repositories for each other’s history, our evolution as people.”

Then he paraphrases a quote by Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke. “We’re the guardians of each other’s solitude... And I believe in that wholeheartedly,” he says. “Relationships that can withstand infinite closeness and infinite distance simultaneously are the strongest.”

This makes sense considering Goggins recently spent considerable time in Thailand shooting what will surely be the fame cannon

“Growing up in Georgia, the thing I wanted more than anything was to see the world, to get out of the place I was in and be in control—and out of control—in the world,” Goggins says. “You become a conduit for the exchanging of ideas or information. You come back changed in some way or with something of value from that experience that you’re able to share with your community. You’re exposing yourself to the way other people think. How can that not fundamentally affect the way that you live your life at home and in front of a camera?”

Considering the breadth of roles he’s played; I have to ask before we’re done: how do you play a believable character? I mean—are the roles you portray real to you?

“Simply, I don’t believe in playing a character,” he says firmly. “I’m really more interested in turning yourself over into an imaginary set of circumstances and seeing where it takes you. And making the expression of that experience as easy as possible to attain with as little interference between me and the person that is in this story. Becoming other people? What does that even mean, man? Is my child when he’s four years old who decides that he’s a Viking, is he becoming another person? Is he consciously thinking ‘I’m going to become another person. I’m going to play pretend now?’ I don’t think people fuckin’ do that, man. My job is to make the characters as real as possible. I’m really looking at it and thinking about it without looking at it or thinking about it. Do you know what I mean?”

I do. And I also know that every time Goggins says “fuck,” he’s had yet another mind-blowing epiphany.

At the end of it all, Walton Goggins still feels like a kid against the odds—wild, reckless, audacious, authentic, clever and earnest. He steps outside to smoke an American Spirit in the alley next to the theater. Between two brick walls, he fixes his gaze to the heavens. Seeing what? I don’t know. Maybe it’s simply the wild, uninhibited look of a beautiful, loving, discerning mind, searching for its next breakthrough.

Yeah, Walton Goggins is so ready for his moment. Or, rather, his era.

direct tv Ellerbee didn’t sound, look or behave like any newsperson on air at the time. Unquestionably, she made for riveting television.

Great News

BEFORE RACHEL MADDOW, THERE WAS LINDA ELLERBEE : SMART, TOUGH, HONEST.

By Hal RuBenstein

PHOTOGRAPHY: LUCKY DUCK PRODUCTIONS

Almost four decades ago, I was a contributing editor to Interview magazine. I’m also an insomniac. Consequently, I routinely wrote at night and went to bed late. That is, until NBC launched a live hourlong program called Overnight at 1:30am, and then I went to bed even later. Overnight may be the smartest television news hour ever produced, because it did what other newscasts didn’t. It assumed by this time of the evening/morning you already knew what had happened that day. Overnight zeroed in on the why and how certain events had transpired, delivering enlightening and sometimes revelatory, in-depth stories with clarity, passion and just enough humor or irony to sustain interest.

However, Overnight’s most galvanizing facet was the woman delivering the news. Co-hosting with colleague and friend Lloyd Dobyns, Linda Ellerbee didn’t sound, look or behave like any newsperson I’d ever seen on the air. She wasn’t blonde. She wasn’t girlishly decked out in a boatneck sheath with demure false eyelashes. And she sure as hell didn’t read the news with the then customary opinion-free, oh-you-know lilt in her voice designed to soften the blow of international conflicts and domestic disasters.

Ellerbee boasts a strong, declarative Texas twanged alto, abetted by a wry salty edge and just enough rasp to imagine her singing jazz in a cocktail lounge. Her button-down shirts and crew neck sweaters may have denied the viewer one more distaff reporter on display as eye candy, but her forthright delivery and wicked smarts, combined with the realization that she wasn’t just reading the copy but was personally invested in telling these stories, made for riveting television. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. When the show’s run ended, Ellerbee published her first book, an instant bestseller, whose title was lifted from her trademark sign-off— And So It Goes I had to interview her.

Despite all the bold-faced names I’ve sat down with over the years, I rarely, if ever, feel the need to continue the conversation once I’ve said my goodbyes. But speaking with Ellerbee was as invigorating as cannonballing into a freshwater mountain stream in August. I left her so turbo-charged and wide-eyed I could feel wind against my corneas. l also left

talking heads “I haven’t watched an evening newscast since 2016,” Ellerbee says. “There’s no reason to watch the news if you’re just going to talk.”

Linda kicking myself for not giving her my number or getting hers in hopes of seeing her again. Two months later, just as the article was coming out in Interview, we unexpectedly met again at a cocktail party on a boat. To my delight, the feeling was mutual. We’ve been close friends ever since.

After Ellerbee left the major networks, she made an unplanned sharp left, started her own production company, created, co-produced (along with her life partner, Rolfe Tessem), wrote and hosted Nick News, the groundbreaking program for kids that was the first to tackle such formerly taboo subjects as racism, war, homophobia, AIDS, physical disabilities and our legal system (in light of recent events, maybe everyone should watch that episode), winning a

second coveted Peabody Award to go alongside a shelfful of Emmys.

After more than four decades in television, Ellerbee and Tessem retired in 2015, spending half the year at their rambling home in Egremont, MA and the other half in her condo in Puerto Vallarta, México. It’s impossible to ignore the timing of our meeting, which occurred on Monday, November 4, 2024, less than 24 hours before Election Day, so the banter wasn’t as quicksilver clever as usual, because there was literally an orange elephant in the room.

There are so many talking heads on TV these days, everybody analyzing, theorizing, criticizing and hypothesizing. You aren’t one to hold your tongue. How come you haven’t tossed in your two cents, or considering inflation, your nickel’s worth?

I do get asked to be on talk shows, but I don’t think I have anything to say that I haven’t already heard.

Do you miss being on television?

To me, it was never about being on camera. It was about making good television. I remember in school I loved geography. We had to present personal notebooks by reading what we’d written out loud in front of the class. I loved putting together my notebook on geography. Researching, collating, assembling into one cohesive package. But I hated standing in front of the room and though I grew up, my attitude didn’t really change. I loved shooting television, writing and editing it, but being on TV was just like reading the news out loud in class. Obviously, I got better at it, or no one would have seen what I had done.

You started in local news in Houston and then came to New York City to be an NBC correspondent. What do you think made Overnight genuinely stand out from other newscasts?

Well, first of all, it was a damn good news show. But some of it was the timing. Turned out we had a built-in audience of people who worked nights—rock stars, Broadway actors, waiters, hospital workers—people coming off the late shift don’t go right to sleep when they get home. The way someone who’s a bank teller got home at six and watched

“Frank Zappa called me every night after the show. Sammy Davis, Jr. would call once a week. Graham Nash called frequently. Overnight is how I got to know the Grateful Dead. They were devoted viewers.”

Dan Rather, we were the alternative for night workers. But Frank Zappa (brilliant musician and creator of The Mothers Of Invention) called me every night after the show. Sammy Davis, Jr. would call once a week. Graham Nash called frequently. Overnight is how I got to know the Grateful Dead. They were devoted viewers. The shame is that during the ’80s the Nielsen boxes that noted rating would turn off at 11pm. So, there was no way of measuring our impact and popularity.

It was notable that Overnight’s features were as compelling to watch as to hear. Reuven Frank, the president of NBC News, and a brilliant mentor, described journalism and TV journalism best. Writing, he said, is an arrangement of idea. But then he told me to turn on the news and then walk out of the room so that I can still hear it while doing something else. If I could fully understand what the broadcaster was talking about solely based on the narrative, there was a word for that: Radio. TV, however, should seek out and provide the visuals when there are no words that can describe it.

Do you think those anchors on the air now follow this ethos?

I haven’t watched an evening newscast since 2016. If I merely want to know what they’re saying I can read about it. There’s no reason to watch the news if you’re just going to talk. Why did January 6 have such lasting impact? It was covered in a variety of ways but there was one constant. There was the video. And we all saw it That may be the last time as Americans we came close to agreeing on the facts because you couldn’t deny the visual. Soon after, the facts wouldn’t stay still. Anyone who had anything to say, said it.

Is This The CounTry’s Best resorT?

By MarC Medrano PhoTograPhy By jordan MillingTon-liquoriCe

magic realm Nemacolin is a sort of an adult Disneyland— with a touch of Moulin Rouge meets Top Chef—rolled into a five-star haven overseen by a queen, Maggie Hardy.

At the I-can’t-believeI’m-here ultra luxe resort, Nemacolin, “nothing is impossible” is much more than the founder’s motto. It’s become the driving force behind every action, every decision made by this special destination that genuinely combines first-class hospitality, stunning design, up-to-the-moment technology and sheer wonderment creating excellence in every corner, everywhere you look and experience. The late founder, Joseph A. Hardy III, was really on to something. ‘Nothing is impossible’ as corporate ethos is a winning strategy to be sure. And how.

Maggie Hardy, the daughter of the late founder, has morphed Nemacolin, which started as a private, western Pennsylvania lakefront familial retreat in 1987, into a global destination of distinction. Together with her son, PJ Magerko-Liquorice, they’ve been making YOLO getaway dreams come true for more than two decades. Their love of life, the outdoors, beauty, glamour, perfection and invoking a couture wow-factor for their guests is evident— and that’s really the key to the resort’s success and magic. Technicolor wonderment is at the heart of the everchanging visual at the resort. My personal experience of Nemacolin was that of an adult Disneyland—with a touch of Moulin Rouge meets Top Chef—rolled into a five-star haven overseen by a queen. So, yes, eye candy abounds and there’s even a private air strip for the so inclined.

While a family-friendly playground has been implemented with more activities and venues than kids may have time for during a stay, Nemacolin remains an undeniably cultured adult respite from the everyday. The owners not only treat this resort as their retreat, living museum and sanctuary from their worldly travels, but dutifully bring back to the spa and wellness center, for example, first-class, cutting-edge longevity therapies and the most innovative holistic remedies that alter our exterior façades and nurture our inner peace. This 360-approach to living our best life is, in a word, wonderful—and available at Nemacolin in spades. So, what’s a day at Nemacolin like? Well, you might go from an intense workout at the gym to a three-minute Cryotherapy session; do 40 laps in the indoor/outdoor heated pools and have a transformative facial; partake in a paint lesson

first resort From the first moment you set foot inside the resort’s grounds, it’s clear the proprietors want you to relax, indulge, escape and participate in the magic they provided; (opposite) The Chateau is Nemacolin’s centerpiece with its eye-popping architecture and impressive gardens.

spa & order Woodlands Spa (pictured), The Fitness Center and The Healing Center are all individually attended to in the most maximized, every-detailmatters-oh-so-much of protocols. They all deliver a barrage of superior, resultsoriented treatments not to be missed.

and head to a scrumptious lunch. Oh, but there’s more. Let’s head to the rifle range or throw on a sport coat for Afternoon Tea in the Bleu Room or dip into PJ’s Ice Cream Parlor just in time for your Chroma therapy and facial acupuncture appointment before needing a nap in your sumptuous chambers. Mind you, this is all before the evening’s never-ceasing enchantments commence.

prior to diving into Nemacolin world, it’s important to know that there’s so much to do, to see and to indulge in, you might fear not experiencing everything you can to its max. With some organization and a well-thought-out to-do list, you can do it. A time investment on the resort’s comprehensive website (and their app) helps a lot. Nemacolin’s interactive map gives you the full lay of the land. I started my booking separating the things I wanted to do that were available before 10am and after 6:30pm (gym, pool, golf, steam) so I could select my daytime excursions and services within that time frame. Keeping in mind there could be wardrobe changes in between dining, excursions, spa, Afternoon Tea or Holistic Healing Center appointments. Time management, as always, is key when maximizing your experience at Nemacolin.

While the property has three seriously exceptional room HQs—Falling Rock, The Chateau and The Grand Lodge— three estates and eight deluxe homes (all in close

proximity via a short jaunt or club cart) are also available options. Nemacolin’s built-in amenities and venues will have you seamlessly toggling the above, intended for you to treat the entire compound like your own private fantasy amusement park.

From the first moment you set foot inside the resort’s grounds, it’s so clear the Hardy family wants you to relax, indulge, escape and participate in the magic they provided. No wonder the accolades keep coming, including the coveted five-star and five-diamond assignations from no less an authority than the luxury resort bible, Forbes Travel Guide.

A couple of venues that shouldn’t be missed are the two legendary Pete Dyedesigned golf courses at Falling Rock (one is regularly used as a PGA tour stop) as well as The Royale at The Casino—who doesn’t love cocktails and a show with a side of some blackjack fun in the same place?

Hungry? Dreamy dining concepts and award-winning chefs bring a sophisticated culinary delight to Nemacolin, from sunup to sundown. On-the-go delicacies, in-room dining, bar side, poolside or table service, everything you eat at this resort is meant to be an experience. While Fawn & Fable is your go-to, round-the-clock dining destination, it consistently impresses with steakhouse grills and delish farm-to-table fare in a modern, sustainable castle design. Aqueous serves artistic cuisine for breakfast and dinner.

an identity where mixology meets glamour. Standouts include Lobby Bar, Circle Bar & The Study, Amber Bar, The Bleu Room, Nightcap and The Hardy Room for luxe libations and cigar pairings. I mean, it’s a lot—a lot of impossibly great choices.

chakra-inducing treatments, both tried and true and cutting-edge. This is something I know a lot about, having circled the planet experiencing the very best spas and resorts for many decades now. Nemacolin isn’t messing around.

Gusto! serves up casual Italian elegance with freshly made pastas (Tagliatelle Bolognese: Oh. My. God.). Milanese’s features exceptional woodfired pizzas, amazing wines and decadent desserts (Olive Oil Cake: Oh. My. God.). Luxurious in every sense, Lautrec offers Toulouse-Lautrec lithographs and fivecourse “culinary masterpieces” with perfect sommelier pairings and a three-course tasting menu for elegant bar sides. With a handful of clubby and experiential bars and chill lounges with exquisite bites, each has

while i tip my hat to the entire Nemacolin resort family for a next-level overall experience, I’d like to call out the resort’s exceptional and extensive meta/physical wellness procedures. Cue standing ovation. The Fitness Center, Woodlands Spa and The Healing Center separately are individually attended to in the most maximized, every-detail-matters-oh-somuch of protocols—at each venue. While other places dabble with the occasional guru service, Nemacolin presents a barrage of superior, results-oriented, beautifying and

Some of my wellness faves at the resort include the $250 Wellness Pass trifecta which includes a whole-body Cryotherapy session, NovoTHOR Photobiomodulation (PBM) Therapy (a cocooned bed of red and infrared light for human cell healing and oxidative stress) and a 30-minute detox Float Therapy session in a shallow pool of super dense salt water. There’s very little fluff here. Most services are medical grade, including seaweed infusion wraps and body scrubs, head-to-toe acupuncture, exercise physiology assessments and guidance, sound therapy (very underrated) and overall curated wellness packages and prescribed apothecary (two-week supply) and review from Dr. Jerry Lin, the on-site master of traditional Chinese medicine. This healing even extends into a (half day) Golf Wellness Package that includes their mobility/range of motion assessment, medical massage and golf lesson. The extensive massage list delves into migraine relief, cupping therapy, Gua Sha contouring, energy work, reflexology and restorative treatments. All so darn good.

While an amazing selection of anti-aging skincare brands are available for purchase, for Nemacolin to be using Biologique Recherche as the premier skincare line means the resort’s facial treatments are transformative. From handheld tools, procedural devices, gemstone-infused masks and more, you’ll be purring “mirror, mirror on the wall” after every luxurious treatment.

cold play Winter is always the most festive time at Nemacolin with a seemingly never-ending selection of adventurous cold weather activities and the annual all-family events happening at Hardy’s Holiday Village, the happiest place anywhere.

I chose the Diamond Decadence and the Beyond Botox facials, with add-ons Plumping Nano Needling, Dermal Exfoliation and Sculpting upgrades, where I was tightened and lifted (and who doesn’t love that?). Need a glam blowout, balayage or color retouch? The Salon isn’t only Madison Avenue-worthy, men will also feel compelled to get a haircut, the resort’s signature Men’s Scalp Treatment or even the gamechanging CBD-infused mani/pedi. Bro Glam is on like Donkey Kong at Nemacolin.

whether you came for adventure as an adrenaline junkie, for an open-all-hours Vegaslike indulgence or endless family entertainment, there’s a lot to choose from. The nationally recognized Rod & Range Club is dispersed across some 150 acres of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands with can’t-miss activities that include fly fishing, archery, shooting lessons, sporting clays (with seasonal Cosmic Clay Crush under the stars) and so many more. There’s also skiing, snow sports and snow tubing, Jeep off-roading, a high ropes challenge, mini golf, trail rides, new golfer bootcamp, art classes, golf simulators, Italian cooking classes, cosmic bowling, ice skating, dog sledding, a Fun Zone at the Hardy Girls Gym (tumble track, laser tag, ninja warrior course) and on and on. Best Part? The service— well, not the service exactly, but the people who perform the service—are beyond friendly and helpful, they become an integral part of your Nemacolin experience. It’s perfection, really, but what else would you expect from a resort that has their own in-house school for teaching how to become a butler? I mean…

Just an hour outside of Pittsburgh, the drive to Nemacolin is both scenic and quick (the resort offers an airport car service pickup option). So, if you just need to get out of town, step outside of yourself or get in tune with your Ohm, Nemacolin is the absolutely perfect all-around indulgence that’ll have you creating memories filled with countless experiences and escapades. That unfamiliar feeling overtaking your soul after spending time at Nemacolin is bliss. Pure bliss. And yes, while there may be moments of dress up and black tie, you can also feel at ease getting a little dirty in the chicest of ways. When you hear references to “town and country,” they must have had Nemacolin in mind.

Your seasonal destination of surprise and awe awaits you. So, does Nemacolin fulfill its ‘nothing is impossible’ credo? Without question, yes. A million times yes.

THE REGION’S LARGEST SELECTION

five questions

BABBA RiVERA LETS HER HAiR DOWN

THE INNOVATOR BEHIND THE BRAND CEREMONIA FINDS INSPIRATION FROM TUXEDO PARK BY TODD PLUMMER

babba with the good hair

“My hair brand Ceremonia was born out of the idea of giving people the tools to embrace the natural beauty of their own hair.”

Having it all isn’t a myth—just ask Babba Rivera. The Tuxedo Park, NY resident, mother of two, wife and founder somehow finds time each day to do school drop-offs, shop the local farm stands, run a successful startup and still manage dinner on the table. An Upstate transplant by way of Chile, Sweden and Brooklyn, Rivera is the brains (or rather, the flowing locks) behind Ceremonia, an award-winning clean hair brand rooted in Hispanic heritage. Her heavenly-smelling formulations benefit from active ingredients derived from Latin American fruits such as guava, papaya and pequi. And while there’s no shortage of creatives and entrepreneurs who have decided to call Upstate home since the pandemic, there are few that make it look as good (or as easy) than Rivera—just ask her nearly 200,000 Instagram followers.

What brought you to Tuxedo Park?

My husband and I grew up in Sweden, so having access to nature has always been very dear to us. We were living in Brooklyn and loved the vibrance of the city and the creativity but were really craving nature. We wanted something not too far from the city, so we condensed our search to a 1.5-hour driving radius, and that’s how we found Tuxedo Park. It’s a gated community and such a hidden gem. The first time we came here, it felt like driving into a different world, almost like the South of France or something—inside the gates there’s so much nature and many hiking trails. We bought our home in 2020 and started spending time here. Then after not using our Brooklyn apartment enough we decided to move here full-time.

How did Ceremonia come to be?

I was running a brand marketing agency working on brands such as Glossier, YSL Beauty and Hermès, getting my foot in the door with beauty and doing all this research about the new generation of consumers and their expectations. I started to notice this huge urge for ingredients transparency and a stronger emphasis on hair health. For the longest time, the hair category was predominantly focused on styling—celebrity hair stylists and toxic hair sprays that would last all day, and the equivalent of makeup for your hair as opposed to the care of your hair. There was also a time in my life when I was bleaching my hair, using a hair straightener, and the result was that my hair got extremely damaged and really dry and prone to breakage and wouldn’t grow beyond shoulder-length anymore. I hit a point where I thought, “Who am I doing this for and why am I treating my hair like this?”

Where do you find inspiration for your products?

I am Latina, and I grew up with a hairdresser father. We’re from Chile but grew up abroad, and his approach to hair was always about using his own oil tinctures and remedies using natural ingredients— fruits and plants that I had never heard of but were active during his upbringing in Latin America. I grew up with these beautiful rituals. So Ceremonia was born out of that idea of giving people the tools to embrace the natural beauty of their own hair.

your perfect day in Tuxedo Park.

My perfect weekday is when I get to merge my personal and professional lives in a very idyllic way. I can be very present with my kids without having to give up my career. I usually do school drop-off and then I’ll take a Pilates class, and then come back to my desk and work from home. When the kids come home from school, I’m able to open my backyard door and we can just roam. Nature is so accessible here. The perfect weekend day is about immersing myself in the family aspect of life. We start by eating breakfast together in our sunroom that overlooks our backyard, and then we usually go out and visit one of the many farms in the area to pick berries or pumpkins or pet animals. I love All One One All Farm (AOOAF)— it’s French owned and they do pick-your-own wildflowers and everything is so beautiful and thoughtful.

So, tell us, Babba... What does success look like to you?

The million-dollar question! Success is more a feeling than an end destination. It’s feeling like I have a life in flow without friction or irritation. I’m really trying to optimize myself toward that state of flow—my professional life, my creativity, my family life and my personal wellness. And I think I’m on my way.

Describe

presents makers 2025

hen The Mountains premiered its first list of what we dubbed (as so many do) “makers”— artists, chefs, designers, photographers, farmers, bakers and other talented artisans—a misconception arose that we were honoring the definitive list of the very best at their craft. Hardly. How we view our now annual list of deserving makers is simply this: We’d like to introduce you to these fascinating people who live in the same corner of the globe you do. Smiles all around. For this makers 2025 list, we’ve identified 20 of the most eclectic, diverse, quirky, undeniably gifted humans who are all thriving and loving creating their particular brand of magic in this generous, creative and bucolic region we all call home. Another way to view the newly anointed makers is how I’ve come to think about it: This curated roster is populated by some of the people we all should be inviting to our homes to elevate any and all social gatherings.

reported by

SARAH CARPENTER

ISABEL HOCHMAN

ISABELLA JOSLIN

DAN KODAY

SEAN McALINDIN

MITCH RUSTAD

Because we all know one thing to be certain: our local makers are always incredible storytellers as well. And who doesn’t want mellifluous raconteurs at our celebratory events? (Say that three times fast).

And even as we celebrate the latest worthy makers to make this year’s list, I’m excited with the knowledge that when it comes to makers, we’ll never—ever—run out of incredible deserving candidates. In fact, I argue that we’re all currently living in the country’s unrivaled makers Mecca. So, that’s pretty cool, yes? Now, it’s time to get to know our soon-to-be favorite party guests. –RICHARD PÉREZ-FERIA

Jamie Nadler & Madison Warren

“Every day I gasp with how beautiful it is living here,” says Jamie Nadler, who founded Dancing Greens Farm—a women-owned, no-till farm in the southern Berkshire mountains where they grow organic vegetables, herbs and flowers—with partner Madison Warren and a third cofounder, Madi Taylor. “And literally at every time of year it’s so amazing.”

obsession: “The Roadside Store & Café in Monterey, MA. My partner and I try to go as much as we can. The food is incredible, and the staff is so welcoming and kind. It’s the perfect spot.”

Barbara Klar

Barbara Klar is my favorite jeweler. Her artisanry is dynamic and strong, sexy and mystical. I permanently wear six of her pieces because their nearly pulsating power goes beyond mere ornamentation. It’s adorable that ‘every kiss begins with Kay’ but if you’re bold enough to reach for mythic romance, Klar’s gleaming artistry will light the way.

— HAL RUBENSTEIN

obsession: “I’m obsessed with vibrations: the subtle shaking of the wind rustling the autumn leaves, or the memories of a precious stone held in my hand that whispers a tale of its journey through time.”

Ken Packie

Ken Packie might’ve never landed in the Berkshires or given full-time art a chance. What was meant to be a two-year pit stop in Otis, MA changed everything. “We fell in love,” he says. Here, he saw a carver using a chainsaw, getting way more detail than he’d thought possible, and it changed the way he made art. With his family’s support, he quit his job installing high-speed telecom networks to carve full time. Now he has a steady stream of commissions, does chainsaw carving for entertainment at events and competes with chainsaw carvers worldwide.

obsession: “I’m obsessed with John Stanmeyer, a National Geographic photographer whose work is incredible and a totally different medium from mine. Also Dai Ban, who does a lot of funky abstracts—all my work comes from nature, but when I see his work, it’s like, ‘How? Where did this come from?’”

Kristin Nelson

“I love the Hudson Valley’s strong community of artisans and makers who prioritize quality and creativity,” says Kristin Nelson, founder of The Ardent Homesteader and creator of CaraSel, handcrafted, small-batch salted caramel sauce made in New York’s Hudson Valley. “It’s inspiring to work alongside people who are as dedicated to their craft as I am.”

obsession: “I’m obsessed with the incredible Thai food served up by NeeNee’s Kitchen when they pop up at my favorite local brewery, Rushing Duck, in Chester, NY.”

Benjamin Bruckenthal

Benjamin Bruckenthal is the chef, baker and owner of The Farmers Feast Inc. and Lightforce Bakery. Both businesses are housed in The Philmont Cooperative located in Philmont, NY. “I made the Hudson Valley my home years after attending college at Marist College in Poughkeepsie. I fell in love with the landscape and the fall foliage. It wasn’t until I became immersed in the local agriculture and food world that my affinity for the region became a foundation to my happiness and wellbeing. The Hudson Valley has inspired my creativity because of the sheer abundance of fresh raw ingredients available during the growing and harvest season, comparable to an artist’s extensive color palette and mediums.”

obsession: “I’m completely obsessed with Café Mutton, Rivertown and Rev Coffee.”

Karen Washington

“Coming from New York City and all the skyscrapers, it was a totally different experience,” says Karen Washington of her 2014 move to Chester, NY to co-found Rise & Root Farm, a QT+BIPOC centered farm, founded on love, chosen family and commitment to social justice. “Being on the farm, in the Black Dirt region has been absolutely incredible, experiencing that soil, that gift, I appreciate it every single day. It’s been a blessing for me.”

obsession: “Rushing Duck, a local watering hole where beer is brewed, the atmosphere is festive and full of joy, family friendly, with great music, and after a hard day it’s so great to relax and enjoy the best beer in town.”

Francesca DiMattio

Francesca DiMattio and her partner, artist Garth Weiser, live on a 17-acre tree farm in Hillsdale, NY, where they both have studios. DiMattio, an interdisciplinary artist, reimagines decorative motifs, transforming everyday domestic objects like dishware into towering porcelain sculptures that challenge traditional views of femininity. Recently, she renovated her childhood home and presented an immersive exhibition at Pippy Houldsworth Gallery in London. Despite her busy schedule, she finds time for gardening, which she describes as physical, creative and grounding.

obsession: “Oh, the Goodwill in Great Barrington and Hudson; I also love the new Hy’s Fried Chicken in South Egremont, MA for the dancing on Saturday nights.”

Josh Blank & Emily Rosenberg

When Great Barrington husband and wife Josh Blank and Emily Rosenberg founded Papar Watch Co., they say they were inspired by the Brutalist architecture of their second home in México. A marvelous first run of classicyet-new, section dial, GMT dive watches came to life in November 2024. “I think there’s an amazing beauty that feels simultaneously heavy, yet whimsical... serious, but somehow fun,” says Blank. “People don’t need to wear a watch. There’s an intentionality to it. It’s a tool of emotional connection.”

obsession: “The first responders who fought the Butternut Fire, and the local community that’s supporting them. We’re also obsessed with music at The Egremont Barn, cocktails at Mooncloud and giant plates of fries at Prairie Whale in Great Barrington.”

Melina Hammer

As a cookbook author, food stylist and photographer, Melina Hammer strives to make her audience feel as if they’re right there at the table with her.

Alongside her husband, she runs Catbird Cottage, a bed-andbreakfast in Accord, NY where you can get a taste for her cozy hospitality and hear the birds sing, too. “We invested in the landscape upon moving to the country—with it has grown a very active bird ecosystem,” she tells us of her latest passion.

obsession: “Feast & Floret, an Italian eatery in Hudson, where I find new inspiration each season.”

Richard Selesnick & Nicholas Kahn

“Kingston has a vibrant, diverse community and is close to a lot of beautiful areas for exploring on both sides of the river,” says Richard Selesnick, who teams with fellow collaborative artist Nicholas Kahn to create photography and installation art. “These landscapes are varied, which appeals to us and is great for the kind of work we do.”

obsession: “Rough Draft in Kingston! We love the coffee, pastries and book selection. They have a lot of events that engage the community, and all the staff are amazing.”

Danielle Mailer

Danielle Mailer had a colorful childhood, to say the least. One of nine children of legendary American writer Norman Mailer, whispers of maternal Peruvian heritage come alive in the Goshen, CT painter and sculptor’s decorative surrealism imbued with complex patterns, mixed metaphors and hidden symbolism. One thing she learned from Dad: “When the muse arrives, don’t be late. Put your art first.” Mailer’s installations and murals can be found throughout Litchfield County in Torrington, Salisbury, Bantam, Cornwall and New Milford.

obsession: “White Hart Inn in Salisbury. I love the wait staff, the owners, the beautiful environment, the coffee, the food and the community. It’s a treasure. Also, Sweet William’s Coffee Shop and Bakery for their lattes and epic apricot scones.”

As a young woman, Nadine Robbins was admonished by a teacher who claimed realism isn’t an artform. Since relearning to paint in the footsteps of classical masters, her innate sense of color, composition and concept shines in the compelling, subversive, beyond lifelike oil paintings created at her Milan, NY studio. Robbins’ hyperrealist portraits and defiant nudes surpass mere likeness on their way to a harmonious blend of humor, poignancy and truth. “I see the world differently,” she says.

obsession: “I’m obsessed with oysters—sexy, briny, delicious and sustainable. I used to paint them.”

Sergio Guadarrama

Sergio Guadarrama (front) moved to Hudson from New York City because a trusted intuitive from his home state of Texas told him that’s where he’d be successful. Good call. Guadarrama, who placed third in season 18 of Project Runway, runs Celestino, a successful couture line that’s garnered attention dressing celebrities (Google Billy Porter’s 2019 Tonys red carpet ensemble) while aligning with Guadarrama’s political heart. Through Made X Hudson, Guadarrama, together with Kade Johnson and Eric De Feo of Hudson Community Incubator, collaborates with small local companies to offer sustainable fashion that uplifts local artisan-made goods.

obsession: “I’m obsessed with the creative energy in the Hudson Valley and the Catskills, where people are doing things at such an exceptional caliber. There’s something here that makes you want to be only your best self and to create beautiful things responsibly.”

(Robbins)

Nadine Robbins

Josie Moon

“As a Catskill Mountain native, born and raised in the Black Head Mountain Range, these lands have always been very sacred and magical to me,” says Josie Moon, co-creator of Mighty Moon Medicine. “My initial inspiration for this work came from spending time with the plants, listening to them, being called into the woods by medicinal mushrooms, and learning how to make medicine with them. My main message is to empower people to trust themselves in taking their health into their own hands.”

obsession: “Oh, the Reishi cacao at Café Joust and a croissant from The Maker Hotel in Hudson—pure joy!”

Jimmy DiResta

Jimmy DiResta considers himself a fabricator—“I use all materials to design and create anything,” he says. His popular YouTube channel exemplifies this, where various instructional videos can be found on everything from barn doors to Dopp kits, an ax and even a treasure chest. Based in East Durham, NY, DiResta takes it one step further by making and selling his own tools and makewear clothing. He says he’s actively bringing several makers to live full-time in his corner of the Catskills, where he’s a contributor to the classes at Blackthorne Resort. If you attend in person, expect to make friends and learn a skill.

obsession: “I’m obsessed with my sawmill Cooksburg Lumber in Cooksburg, NY—I’m constantly thinking of reasons to go and buy fresh cut lumber. Not something you can get downstate simply.”

Hanoux

Hanoux (hah-NOO-ks) is the nickname under which Hannah Ross creates small-batch, naturally dyed textiles and workshops at her homestead in the Hudson Valley, not far from where she grew up in Litchfield County, CT. She was the fabric dyer for the New York City Ballet, which would’ve been a dream job but for the hazmat suit she had to wear while handling toxic chemicals. Cue the move Upstate. She says life here is abundant—in natural resources, yes, but also with a supportive community that’s more interested in localized and sustainable systems than in scaling for a profit.

obsession: “I’m obsessed with The Fix-It Picnic. It’s a fully-funded and sponsored event hosted by Elise McMahon of LikeMindedObjects, and because of organizations like this lifting independent artists up and supporting us, I’m able to offer things like indigo dying as a free service at this event.”

Chrissy & Ben Traore

Chrissy & Ben Traore are the chefs behind See & Be Kitchen in Cairo, NY. “We love the community we’re able to serve with our long, slow fermentation sourdoughs,” say the cooking power couple—Ben has more than a decade of experience as a baker, Chrissy has him beat by a few years in experience as a chef. “Using local grains, milk, butter and seasonal ingredients is key to our philosophy. It is our firm belief that when the tide rises, all boats go up, and this is shown in how we’ve structured the business. Partnering with local farms ensures our work aligns with the seasons.”

obsession: “We’re obsessed with the Snickers brownies from Delightful Bites by Nina and cider by Left Bank.”

Irwin Feld

Hillsdale’s “Design Coach,” Irwin Feld says his interactive approach to design has made him a better designer. “Coaching is a novel approach because it really involves the homeowner.” With his wife Marcy, he renovated the 18th century farmhouse they now live in, which he says allowed him to blend his modern aesthetic with “the practical side of country living.” Living in Hillsdale, he says, has played an integral role in his design approach. “Moving here was a total sensory reawakening.”

obsession: “I’m obsessed with Tommy B’s pizza in Craryville—a mouthwatering delight.”

Phil Sullivan & Gwen Benjamin

Phil Sullivan and Gwen Benjamin are the owners of Your Neighbor Studio in North Adams, MA, where they offer unique, high-end, second-hand items they collect from all over the country. After 12 years in New York City and one year living in their Ford Travel Master RV, they’re now settled in Williamstown in a converted elementary school. Phil and Gwen chose the Berkshires because Phil grew up here and, as Gwen notes, “there are few places we have been that feel this special. The people, the nature and the amount of art we’re surrounded by is unmatched.”

obsession: “Our local wine shop, Provisions Williamstown, has an incredible curation of wine, cheese and tinned fish.”

self-made LOVE MARRiAGE JOY

SALLY GIROUARD CRAFTS HER WAY TO HER DREAM BERKSHIRES WEDDING TO RYAN HAMILL ALL HANDS ON DECK

BY SARAH CARPENTER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERiC LEGER

wedding wows “I bought a cricut machine and it changed my life,” Girouard says of the many crafting creations she made for her wedding weekend at Camp Lenox in Otis, MA.

For Sally Girouard and Ryan Hamill, a summer camp wedding was a no-brainer. “We wanted to have two full days with our guests,” Sally says. “Like a big reunion with a wedding in the mix.” The newlyweds were once campers themselves and when they toured Camp Lenox in Otis, MA, they were sold on the idea that the camp wedding allows your guests to break the ice a whole day before the wedding.

Once the venue was chosen, a creative spark ignited within Sally. “I bought a cricut machine and it changed my life,” she says, laughing. For months leading up to the wedding, Sally was a school principal at Brooklyn Excelsior Charter School by day, a wedding décor crafting fiend by night.

She was determined to make the wedding experience feel personalized for her guests, and to handmake as many details as possible.

Fostering guest camaraderie was top of mind, she says. When guests entered the campsite, they found a display board (Sally used the cricut to handmake this) with the names of all the cabins and guests, each guest’s name accompanied by a silly photo. Definitely a conversation starter. Signage (cricutted, you better believe) then encouraged guests to find their wedding favors: personalized trucker hats (the Flanagan family’s said, ‘The Flanagan Crew’ and the— yes, multiple—guests who owned bike shops had bicycles on their hats). If you weren’t mingling before, you’d be mingling by now.

Long before the wedding, inspired by a friend’s mom’s use of colorful yarn ball poofs

yarn burner Girouard made garlands from yarn balls, affixed to twinkly fairy lights, which she strung from trees creating a magical and colorful ambience in the woods. The weekend festivities ran the gamut from lake and sporty shenanigans to a perfect wedding eve dubbed “Hootenanny” at Camp Lenox.

as backyard wedding décor, Sally decided she wanted to make those. Her friend’s mom sent her a box large enough to fit a small refrigerator. It was filled with yarn balls. But she was going to need even more. She started to get together with Ryan’s mom and sister, making yarn balls and gossiping. After a long day at work, wrapping yarn balls became almost therapeutic for her, and gave her a chance to focus on the joyful days ahead.

She made garlands from the yarn balls, affixed to twinkly fairy lights, which she strung from the trees of Camp Lenox, creating a magical and colorful ambience in the woods. She put yarn balls on long skewers and stuck them in the ground to mark a path that would become her wedding aisle. She bought big wooden block numbers from the Dollar Store and wrapped them with yarn in her wedding colors for the table numbers. And it wasn’t all yarn.

Of course it’s dark at night in the woods, so some functional crafts were essential: mason jar lanterns placed along the paths.

Sally handmade huge flower centerpieces out of inherited foam parts, which she says were inspired by a foam rose she discovered going down a YouTube crafting rabbit hole. This rabbit hole is also how she discovered a Pinterest idea to display pictures of the bride and groom’s parents’ weddings at the reception. Sally loved this idea. But of course, since this educator (whom I can neither confirm nor deny may be considering a career change into wedding décor) seems to never tire, she found the time to track down photos of every married guest’s wedding to have on display.

Sally says the wedding was everything they wanted it to be, and for her, every piece of décor held memories of spending time with the people who were willing to help her make about a million colorful balls of yarn. ’Til death do them part indeed.

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Photography by Shervin Lainez

rubble trouble Woodstock’s Bearsville Theater is preparing for the full impact of indie-pop duo Rubblebucket with Hannah Mohan when they hit the stage in December.

No Fuss Feasts

Sometimes all you want is an honest meal and Dan’s Diner, Governor’s Tavern and Blueberry Hill Market Café are honestly good. | By

Hal Rubenstein

I’ve always enjoyed dressing up. It’s never been an occupational requirement as much as a gratifying choice. But life Upstate is a helluva lot more casual. Well, everywhere is after COVID, but this region’s pervading informality predates the pandemic.

In fact, when we bought our first home in Spencertown, NY two decades ago, the first thing my husband would say when people asked what was so different about living here was that “Hal will still be wearing on Sunday what he’d had on Friday night.” It’s not that style is no longer a priority in these parts; it just doesn’t demand constant reinforcement. In Manhattan, it’s not unusual to make costume changes several times a day. Upstate, however, I often seek out places happy to accommodate me in whatever I’ve pulled over and zipped

up to trim hedges, sweep out the garage or decorate for Christmas. Happily, the landscape boasts a roster of treats.

DAN’S DINER

There are dozens of eateries in Rhinebeck. Church Street in Lenox, MA can claim its own Restaurant Row. But I reside in a virtual gastronomic desert. Though the New York State tourist board labels Spencertown “a pastoral hamlet,” it’s barely a town at all; just a Presbyterian church, Town Hall, Post Office, the obstruse Spencertown Academy, one perpetually vacant motel and a fully renovated General Store that’s been empty for the last five years. Other than Sunday

love is love Dan’s Diner’s short order whiz Austin McComb’s chicken sandwich is a jaw widening filet, far juicier than Chick-Fil-A and served without the dispiriting homophobia.

churchgoers, street traffic is as nonexistent as Democrats at an Elise Stefanik dinner party. However, just a mile east of this dilatory “downtown” is an unassuming epicurean roadside Valhalla.

Dan’s Diner is a modest, yet lovingly refurbished 1925 dining car, transplanted from Durham, CT, boasting handsome wood cabinetry, a vintage black and white tile floor, an impressive, arched wood slatted ceiling and an impressive short order whiz named Austin McComb. When skilled and focused, short order cooks are as mesmerizing as watching percussionists during a performance of Aaron Copland’s Fanfare For The Common Man Dan’s all-counter seating puts McComb center stage, and though his back is usually toward his audience, you can’t take your eyes off of his fluidly choreographed focus, at least not until your food arrives.

But when it does, McComb’s griddled fare is equally distracting. It’s both

bountiful, ridiculously priced (way too affordable) and disarmingly original. A perfect pancake topped with a spiral of cinnamon glaze. The Mountain is a daunting heap of breakfast: two fine biscuits, buried under a pair of lean, tasty sausage patties, 3 thick strips of bacon, and a towering mass of scrambled eggs, topped by sausage gravy and cheddar cheese. It sounds almost vulgar, no? Tell me that after you lick the plate clean (for those fainter of heart, the Molehill is half the size). His chicken sandwich is a jaw widening filet, far juicier than Chick-Fil-A and served without the dispiriting homophobia. Onion rings are fresh, french fries even better, the crisply seared smashburger outranks more upscale and complex gourmet versions at twice the price. Though the coffee is fairly weak, the fruit infused lemonades that arrive in small buckets are irresistible, the milkshakes even more fun.

In this compact space, service is friendly and efficient. However, for those socially skittish, be forewarned that because seating is tight, Dan’s Diner often serves as

an impromptu, yet convivial town meeting. I’ve yet to eat there without engaging in a spirited conversation with another local sitting at the counter. If you prefer to disengage from strangers, there are plenty of accommodating places in Rhinebeck and Lenox. But I happen to like my neighbors, so score one for my hamlet.

DAN’S DINER

1005 Route 203 Chatham, NY hours: 7 days a week. 7am-2pm 518.392.3267 dansdinerny.com

GOVERNOR’S TAVERN

Trendy bars in Hudson have become more plentiful than antique stores. The Hereafter was cited in our last issue, but there’s also the sleek new Return, Hudson

and Union Street Breweries, the midcentury appointed Bar Bene, the expansive Suarez Family Brewery and more coming in the future. But a block west of Warren, Hudson’s Main Street, on 7th Street, is a pub that’s been around for more than 150 years, yet still maintains a chic-resistant, divey hangout vibe with pride. Governor’s Tavern is where you drop in when you’re in no mood for the airs of The Maker or Farmer & Sons and your parched throat would sooner be soothed by an $8 draft beer than a $22 artisanal cocktail.

On the site of the original State Grill, which opened in the late 19th century, renamed The Iron Horse in the 1990s, Governor’s current owners, Renee Ortega and Brian Dykeman, have stayed true to the location’s heritage by offering a dozen beers on tap and at least that many options in bottles and cans, plus a few spiked ciders. I like beer fine, but the more portent allure of the Tavern is its knowing and sometimes novel twists on bar food. If you’re looking for a fine passel of chicken wings, come right in, but first decide

if you want them liberally spiced with old bay seasoning, Cajun style, with garlic and parmesan or in a mango habanero glaze. The pretzel is as crisp and salty as (and far superior to) Auntie Anne’s. Popper Roulette (five jalapeños and one habanero) is very clever and very scary. The rich clam chowder is so dense with chopped mollusks, bacon

and potatoes, it’s more like a stew. I’ve always considered nachos tasty slop, but Governor’s reimagines them as wonderfully crispy wontons, delivered in an immense portion, buried in ground beef. Don’t believe its menu placement under “Bites.” This is a main course you’re unlikely to finish unless you share it with others or if you’re coming

burger king You absolutely can’t beat Governor’s Tavern’s The Dirty Bastard, a spiced coffee rub hamburger, with barbecue sauce, a crunchy spray of fried onions and, of course, fried pickles.

off a two-day fast. There are six ways to savor a damn fine fried chicken sandwich, but the house favorite is rightfully the briskly spiced Nashville Hot with pickled jalapeños. Its only drawback is the portion of buttermilk coated thighs is so thick there’s no way the Texas Toast can stay intact until the last mouthful. There are also six ways to savor the as-good-as-a-bar-burger-gets burger, but you can’t beat ‘The Dirty Bastard’ with its spiced coffee rub, barbecue sauce, crunchy spray of fried onions and fried pickles. A Beyond Burger is also available but is that really why you came here?

The Tavern isn’t a big space, but they’ve made room for a massive, slightly faded black and white vintage photo of 7th Street hanging at the back of the bar, as well as three flat screens, each tuned to a different sport, so cheering and cursing is frequent

and to be expected. Also, no matter how much you eat and drink, expect a bill so reasonable you’ll think the house miscalculated. But also, expect a side effect. The next time you show up at one of those impossible-to-get reservations you finally snared on Resy and order two of the hot spot’s $22 artisanal cocktails, don’t be surprised if those signature libations taste a little bitter, because how do you overlook that, for that price, you could have had two brews and pigged out to bliss at Governor’s.

GOVERNOR’S TAVERN

14 South 7th Street, Hudson, NY hours:

Sunday, Monday & Thursday 12 PM-12 AM

Tuesday & Wednesday Closed

Friday & Saturday 12 PM–1 AM

Tel: 518.697.5609 governorstavernny.com

BLUEBERRY HILL MARKET CAFÉ

When it comes to the first meal of the day, people are often creatures of habit. My husband has oatmeal every friggin’ morning. (It’s the only thing he has ever cooked). Popular food carts in Manhattan

boast extended lines of workers patiently waiting for their “usual” before heading to one of their few days a week at the office. Your favorite barista at Starbucks knows your order and scrawls something close to your name on a cup the moment you walk in the door. I get it. It’s too soon in the day to have to think. So, if it’s your first visit to Blueberry Hill Market Café, it’ll probably send you into a tailspin.

This modest building (painted blue, of course) on an otherwise barren stretch of US-20 at the north-easternmost tip of Columbia County hardly looks like any place

brunch munch What Eataly is to Italian food, Blueberry Hill Market Café is to brunch. Come hungry to this super popular New Lebanon hot spot that is sure to send you into a tailspin.

that could throw a newcomer a curve. But once you step inside and walk up to the counter to place your order, you’re likely to experience temporary paralysis because the posted menu lists a migraine inducing array of options. What Eataly is to Italian food, Blueberry Hill is to brunch. I don’t know how the kitchen doesn’t take up half an acre, because all you want, and so much you never thought of, is made fresh.

I counted more than 70 possible choices, not including an eye-darting variety of baked goods, daily specials and what to drink. While most classic, though rapidly disappearing, New York City coffee shops feature an eight-page menu with everything from BLTs to Lobster Thermidor, unlike the uniform mediocrity served at these urban outposts, Blueberry Hill excels at whatever you crave. Every time I go there, I deliberately order something else and have yet to taste a clunker. Not only is the food fine, flavorful and unfussy, portions are so generous, half the patrons leave with to-go boxes, because you want to finish their formidable breakfast burrito,

but you just can’t. Chicken and waffles or bacon stuffed waffles with blueberry syrup will satiate you for the day. Bagel and lox comes smothered with savory goat cheese. Strawberry French toast is a cheery keeper. None of the multiple variations of omelets disappoint but if you’ve had a rough night, go for eggs with the hangover hash (there’s also lamb hash, and corned beef), a sufficiently sobering alchemy of chorizo, peperonata, onion jam, gruyere and red beans. However, should you believe in hair of the dog, Blueberry Hill has a full bar, featuring a wickedly potent spicy Bloody Mary and even better bourbon/ bacon Bloody Mary.

Should lunch be what you’re hungry for, I recommend the pastrami, roast beef, chicken salad and pulled pork sandwiches, plus one called the Rachel that starts with oven roasted turkey and builds from there. Then, there’s chili, double smashburgers, house made chips, fresh onion rings, sweet potato fries, parmesan and garlic fries, mac and cheese and a roster of salads. My favorite baked goods are: red velvet

cake, the better-than-any Oreo riff, double chocolate cream filled cookie, apple tart, carrot cake, chocolate cake, chocolate croissant bread pudding. You think Starbucks’ caffeine roster is impressive? Blueberry Hill has almost two dozen different kinds of lattes, plus a similar array of coffees and teas, fresh squeezed juices, smoothies, lemonades and seven kinds of milkshakes. I rarely craft a restaurant review to read like a laundry list but it’s the most effective way to convey the staggering smorgasbord Blueberry Hill offers. If this cornucopic display of abundance has any hitch, it’s that temptation will seduce your eyes to be bigger than your stomach. On our last visit, I left with four to-go boxes. In fact, as I’m typing, I’m eating the rest of a blondie and the last half of an oatmeal raisin cookie. They’re really good.

BLUEBERRY HILL MARKET CAFÉ

515 US-20 New Lebanon, NY 12125 hours: Wednesday – Sunday 8am-4pm Closed Monday & Tuesday Tel: 518.794.2011

blueberryhillmarketcafe.com

CIA: Food HQ

The Culinary Institute of America is the place to become top chef in your very own friend group.

By Isabel Hochman

The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) is more than just a pit stop on your way Upstate. The globallyacclaimed institute offers boot camps and a multitude of classes: cooking, wine and beverage, family friendly and even holiday. Though in high demand, some of the classes have registration and waiting-list availability, with options that

hyde-and-seek The Culinary Institute Of America has six student-run restaurants in its sprawling (and beautiful) Hyde Park, NY campus.

PHIL MANSFIELD

focus on seafood, bistro, plant-powered, pastry and Mediterranean cooking. If stopping by for a unique culinary dining experience, the CIA boasts six student-run restaurants in its Hyde Park, NY campus. American Bounty focuses on the seasons and products of the Hudson Valley. Bocuse reimagines the execution of French classics. Ristorante Caterina de’

Medici delivers authentic regional Italian cuisine. If looking for a more relaxed, pop-up feel, Post Road Brew House is an elevated gastro-pub spot with the CIA’s own craft beer selections (contact CIA for scheduling). If you want something to take with you on your drive to or from home, the CIA’s Apple Pie Bakery Café is the right choice with coffee selections and

baked goods open for takeout only. The institute also has a brewery, which, though it serves mainly as a classroom, offers award-winning beers for purchase.

Whether you want to dedicate a day a week to a cooking class, attend an intensive boot camp or stop by for a delicious meal, the CIA is producing some of the highestquality food experiences from students and teachers alike right here in our midst. The Culinary Institute of America is much more than a casual stop on your way home, it’s a bona fide world-class culinary adventure.

Winederlust

What’s the next best thing to tasting delicious wine? Sipping it where it’s made. | By Anthony Giglio

I’m just back from Hong Kong where I hosted a wine tasting at a humungous outdoor fair called Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival. It was my first trip to Asia, ever, and I was embarrassed to admit to anyone who asked that it took me nearly six decades to get there. For context, I travel constantly for work, which means mostly to winemaking countries throughout Europe, as well as up and down our West Coast, with occasional detours north and east of New York City, and, surprisingly, Virginia, where they’re making some excellent wines, too. China, however, is the proverbial elephant in the room thanks to its quickly growing wine industry.

My seminar was titled “Exploring Wine: Old World vs. New World,” meant to showcase wines from traditional European (Old World) standards such as Burgundy and Bordeaux alongside relatively newer winemaking regions including California, South Africa and, despite its age, China. It was fascinating to pour a Chinese Chardonnay alongside a classic Chablis, the former—Tiansai ‘Skyline of Gobi’ Reserve Chardonnay, Xinjiang, China 2023—from a region in China’s northwest that’s larger than both California and Texas combined(!), and the latter—La Chablisienne ‘Côte de Lechet’ Chablis Premier Cru 2021—from a small region in

France’s Burgundy region that’s less than a third of the size of the Napa Valley. I wasn’t surprised, however, that the audience was pretty evenly split on which they preferred. But I digress.

Throughout the week I spent there, I kept getting texts and queries via social media asking about my next wine tour of China. My reply, for now, is I have no idea,but I did think about it while I was there, especially because I’m getting requests for—and planning more—wine-centric trips. My first one was back in 2006 when Gary Portuesi

and his husband Salvatore Rizzo, who coown DeGustibus Cooking School at Macy’s Herald Square in Manhattan, attended one of my seminars at the legendary FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, and asked me if I’d be interested in collaborating on a wine and food tour of Sicily (where Gary has a home). This was Gary’s idea, as he was transitioning out of a role at American Express where he led the Loyalty and Partnership divisions and was dreaming about starting a travel agency that focused on then-sleepy Sicily (long before The White Lotus spoiled it for the rest of us). We’ve since hosted more than a dozen tours of Sicily together, and this year, for the first time, took a group to northeastern Spain to taste our way from Barcelona to Priorat to Rioja and San Sebastían. I’m not surprised at all that Gary had to change his company’s name from Authentic Sicily to Authentic Explorations, as his enterprise has expanded throughout Europe. What’s their secret to success? Gary and I often laugh about a much-used Amex phrase, ‘Surprise and Delight,’ because his team really does overdeliver on surprises throughout the journey, whether it’s getting access to a private villa where we’re hosted by a Sicilian contessa, or hosting dinner at a long table running the length of the center aisle of an ancient church.

salute Gary Portusi, his husband Salvatore Rizzo and the author have hosted more than a dozen tours of Sicily together. Spain was added to their wine-and-dine repertoire in 2024.

Gary’s business partner Marco Palermo says that in addition to transmitting and fostering a sense of community, a big factor that’s often overlooked is the tedium of getting around. “We ensure that logistics—which are often underestimated in the industry—are always seamless and stress free.”

This year I also led a wine tour of northern Italy’s Piemonte region for the first time, this one with Chef Jeff Michaud who, with his wife Claudia, run the chef-centric tour company La Via Gaia. To be honest, I wasn’t looking to expand beyond my work with Authentic Explorations, but when Jeff called to ask me to host a trip, I jumped at the opportunity. In the early 2000s, Jeff lived and worked in the northern Italian town of Bergamo, where he fell in love with Claudia, a local, got married, and returned to the US in 2006 to open Osteria, a Northern Italian restaurant in Philadelphia. It didn’t take long for the James Beard Foundation to Award him “Best Chef Mid Atlantic” in 2010. Operating as La Via Gaia, they began taking client groups to Italy once a year, but during the pandemic they rightly assumed that there would be huge demand for travel when the world reopened. Now they’re hosting nearly a dozen small group trips a year. What’s their secret? La Via Gaia was born from their desire to connect friends and family with their friends and family in Italy. “Each journey is designed around meaningful interactions with artisans and chefs in regions we know intimately,” says Claudia, describing their off-the-beaten-path experiences, often with behind-the-scenes access to acclaimed wine and cheese makers, food artisans, and Michelin-starred chefs. Oh, did I mention we ride around on Vespas and take hot air balloons over the vineyards?

I bet you’re thinking, when are you going to lead a tour of the Hudson Valley? I’m thinking about that, too. Stay tuned.

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mode| drive

leap for jeep

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is unquestionably the most powerful Wrangler ever built.

1052 Kinderhook Street, Valatie, NY 518-660-0500

Three For The (Off) Road

SUV legends have never looked or handled better. | By

Simon Murray

Looking back, my old Jeep Wrangler never stood a chance. The first time I took it off-roading was on the winding dirt street behind Hartwick College’s campus about 100 miles east of the Finger Lakes, in the sleepy hamlet of Oneonta, NY. Adventures of any kind were hard to come by there, so my friend and I made our own. Hootin’, hollerin’ and sportin’ a couple of devilmay-care grins, we smashed headlong into an oak tree going 40 mph—the airbags erupting from the dashboard in a cloud of chalky white dust. We somehow both walked away from the crash unhurt, swearing up and down to never do something that stupid again. Unfortunately, that vow lasted about as long as our bruised egos. The allure of the trail, the freedom of the back roads and the thrill of what lay beyond the next bend pulled us back in, like moths to a porch light. That was the day I realized that off-roading is as much about the wild places you go as it is about the stories you collect along the way.

For those like me who crave dirt roads over pavement and find thrill in tackling rugged terrain, it’s all about having the right vehicle. From navigating rocky trails to cruising scenic backroads, these SUVs are redefining the limits of off-roading while adding a touch of comfort and style for daily drives.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392

$91,545

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 isn’t just another off-roader; it’s the ultimate nod to Jeep’s rugged roots paired with pure muscle. Of course, that’s all there in the name itself. Under the hood, you’ll find a 6.4-liter, 392 cubic-inch HEMI V8 engine pumping out 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful Wrangler ever built. This beast is more than just power, though—it’s designed to conquer. With 33-inch all-terrain tires, electronic locking differentials, and a 2-inch factory lift, the Rubicon 392 is built to crawl over rocky paths and wade through 34 inches of water without any hesitation.

Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road

$41,800

For die-hard fans of the “Taco,” the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road is the epitome of mid-size off-roading perfection. Built for campers, dirt bikers and any other way you want to make use of its 5- or 6-foot bed, the 2024 version boasts an all-new look literally decades in the making to go along with its 2.4-liter V6 engine with 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. While most off-roading trucks come down to personal preference (and the depth of your wallet), the TRD Off-Road can be enjoyable for all types of off-roading enthusiasts. That’s all thanks to its price and an electronically controlled locking rear differential, Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, allowing drivers to fine-tune their truck for rocks, mud or sand with a quick twist of a dial.

Ford Bronco Raptor

$90,035

When it comes to off-road domination, the Ford Bronco Raptor is the undisputed alpha. Ford’s engineers took the legendary Bronco and dialed it up with a purpose-built design that’s ready to tackle the roughest trails and dunefilled deserts. Powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque, the Bronco Raptor blends raw power with cutting-edge off-road tech. Its highperformance suspension, inspired by the Baja 1000, includes FOX 3.1 internal bypass shocks and 37-inch all-terrain tires, giving it great ground clearance and stability on gnarly terrain—no matter which side of the Mississippi you take it.

Funny Guy, Sunny Sky

For Dave Hayes, The Weather Nut, it’s not small talk for his fans in the Berkshires. | By

Sarah Carpenter

There’s nothing more magnetic than someone who loves something so much that they transform before your eyes when they talk about it. The words glow in their mouth like a wand that’s chosen its wizard. I feel grateful when I meet these people for taking the time to appreciate something about the universe that I or any other beholder might have overlooked.

This is what it’s like talking to Dave Hayes, The Weather Nut Voted “Best Local Meteorologist” for ten years straight in the Valley Advocate, Hayes (who does not have a meteorology degree) is clearly doing something magnetic. Hayes’ weather operation exists primarily on his Facebook page where he posts daily weather updates

for his 58,000 followers… for now. Hayes says he hopes to launch an early version of his mobile app imminently. “Everyone already has a bells and whistles weather app, and most people aren’t that thrilled with them,” Hayes says.

So what’s Hayes doing differently? He tells stories well beyond what a grid of highs

and lows could tell you about “the one thing we all have to deal with: the weather,” as he likes to say. He even writes weather haikus when the mood strikes him.

As a child, Hayes tells me he found himself captivated by weather anchors who’d explain why the weather is doing what it’s doing He was hooked, and he learned everything he could about the weather from meteorologists and eventually cable and online resources including The Weather Channel and weather.gov.

Hayes was blown onto the social media landscape in 2011 by the June 1 F3 Springfield, MA tornado. Many friends were looking for his commentary on the weather event, and though he’d already sworn off Facebook forever earlier that year, he did the unthinkable and started a Facebook page: Dave Hayes, The Weather Nut

Thirteen years later, after several other major weather events (Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the Blizzard of 2013) doubled his following several times over, Hayes is the most trusted and beloved self-taught local meteorologist/poet I’ve

better weather Hayes says The Weather Nut provides something different because “everyone already has a bells and whistles weather app.”

literally ever heard of, with not one, but two songs written about him.

If his readers follow him to the free mobile app and are willing to pay a small annual subscription for the paid version (expected later in 2025), Hayes can hire help for his weather reporting operation and finally take his first real vacation in more than a decade.

“I’m hoping to keep my effort as a sustainable and reliable enterprise into the future,” Hayes says. In an effort to foster community around talking about

the weather, the man’s been diligently interacting with his Facebook community on a daily basis this whole time.

While he loves a good rainy day at the vineyard or the chase of the first snowfall up

to the Berkshires or the western hill towns, Hayes says his ideal vacation weather would be partly sunny skies (he prefers the contrast to clear blue skies) with a breeze gusting 25-30mph. Of course.

Holiday Wishes Warmest

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How to Spend $100: lowe‘s

Here’s Your winter shopping List. | Pictures + Words by Robyn Perry Coe

The best gifts to get someone you love (including yourself) are those that offer potential, either beautiful or useful, from now through March. And Lowe’s is all about potential. Enormous potential! I combed the aisles for items that would materially improve your life this winter for a well-spent $100. Is this like giving you a puppy? Maybe.

hundred bucks white or

Just add water. Showstopper red, white or pink amaryllis bulbs ($12.98) are as essential as chocolate during snowy months. Nestle in a yogurt tub full of pea gravel (20 lbs., $5.28) and place in a sunny window. When the shoot emerges, cover the gravel with moss ($4.48) and pop the container in a handy bucket ($6.98) for easy, long-lasting fireworks.

Mood lighting. Speaking of bulbs, swap in brighter LEDs ($6.98 for 2) for the season, and clip on movable work lamps. Plug in motion sensor nightlights ($14.98 for 2) along the route to the coffee maker.

Hygge = Happy. A lavender oil jar candle ($10.98) is relaxing and really stands up to drafts. What?! You have holes in your walls? Give them little winter coats with light switch insulation ($2.98)

Make space. You won’t need tank tops and flip flops for a while (or if you do, pack them in your suitcase), so stow them away for the season in a breathable cloth bag ($8.23). Suddenly your closet becomes a “capsule collection,” making it easier to get dressed on winter mornings. Keep storage bags fresh with hankie sachets of cedar chips (two cubic feet, $4.08), which you can reuse on the garden come spring.

Maker’s station. I always wanted a mechanic’s tool chest to store art supplies and paper (which spread everywhere in a house full of projects). A two-drawer version ($19.99) tidies up hobby and desk supplies, makeup, jewelry or, of course, tools. Try giving this treasure chest filled with origami paper to your favorite seven-year-old for hours of making, one of the best ways to fill the dark season with joy.

City Winery Hudson Valley in Montgomery sips on “Christmas With Absolute Adele” featuring Jennifer Cella on December 19. The Falcon in Marlboro flies high with Collazo Christmas on December 20, The Ed Palermo Big Band on December 21, Orrin Evans Quintet on December 22 and Toombs Dixon on December 28.

Cold Nights, Cool Tunes

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By Sean McAlindin

As hot cocoa silently steams, snow flurries drift softly down and the winter wind moans, let’s get indoors for some soul-warming live music in the mountains. Check out this toasty lineup of world-class artists braving the cold just to perform for you. What could be better?

Towne Crier Cafe in Beacon calls for Celtic stalwarts The McKrells on December 20, The Slamblovian Circus of Dreams on December 21, reggae roots act The Big Takeover on December 28, Sharkey & The Sparks on January 11, Québécois trad trio Genticorum on February 2 and Irish ensemble Cherish the Ladies on March 6.

Daryl’s House in Pawling lets in Damn The Torpedoes on December 30 and 31, Ms. Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton on January 3, Keller Williams on January 17, Misfit Toys with Libricide on January 22, The Nerds on January 30, Marty Friedman of Megadeth on February 8, Vinny Pastore’s “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” on February 14, Eddie 9V on February 19 and Ana Popovic on March 13.

In Woodstock, Levon Helm Studios hosts jam prodigies Eggy on December 29, The Helm Family Midnight Ramble with Roche Collins on December 31, local folkie Dar Williams on January 11, alt-country crooner Chuck Prophet on January 31 and East Texas journeyman James McMurtry on March 9.

PETE SOUZA

Courtesy of Jeffrey Gibson Studio

Photo: Thomas Roeschlein

Colony assembles soulful acoustician Jeffrey Gaines on December 27, Professor Louie & The Crowmatix with The Woodstock Horns on December 28, neocountry crooner Kelli Baker alongside Noé Socha on January 1, English guitarist Albert Lee on January 16, Martin Sexton on February 7, female bluegrassers Big Richard with Appalachian alt-folkies The Shoats on February 9, rockabilly singer Robbie Fulks on March 8 and D.C. rockers Ted Leo and The Pharmacists on March 22.

Don’t hibernate on Bearsville Theater’s lineup of indie-pop duo Rubblebucket with Hannah Mohan on December 15, soul singer Lee Fields on December 31, jazz rockers Medeski, Russo and Cline on January 11, PNW folkies Blind Pilot on February 1, indie darlings Real Estate on February 15, NYC paradigm God Street Wine on March 15 and Jersey DIY legends The Feelies on March 21.

Tubby’s in Kingston welcomes cumbia guitarist Yeison Landero on January 8, Alabama songwriter Early James on February 5 and British saxophonist

march madness

Both country superstar

Blake Shelton (MVP Arena) and (opposite) rockers Los Lobos (The Egg) are in concert in Albany in March.

Alabaster DePlume on March 15. Nearby Avalon Lounge in Catskill looks for Arizona indie artist Stephen Steinbrink on December 15 and Oregon songwriter Chris Pureka on December 19.

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington invites Vivace Chamber Orchestra on December 15, Sandra Boynton on December 19, John Pizzarelli Big Band on December 21, Bach at New Year’s on December 31 and ZZ Top frontman Billy F Gibbons on February 15.

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) offers VOCES8’s “Winter Tales” on December 15, Bayou Kitchen with Melissa Martin on January 25 and Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana on March 8 and 9.

Caffè Lena features Stephen Kellogg on December 27, Los Sugar Kings on December 31, Jenna Nicholls on January 18, Ryan Montbleau February 1 and 2, Goodnight Moonshine on February 7, Yasmin Williams on February 12, Tom Chapin on February 15, Aztec Two Step on March 7 and The Chatham Rabbits on March 9.

In Albany, country icon Blake Shelton performs at MVP Arena on March 8. The Egg opens for jazz singer Samara Joy on December 16, Yonder Mountain String Band on January 24, Los Lobos on March 5 and Preservation Hall Jazz Band on March 8.

Last but not least, Infinity Hall in Norfolk, CT gets funky on my birthday with G. Love & Special Sauce on January 21. See you at the shows.

Calendar

19

Cows And Holly Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington

Sandra Boynton, the wildly creative source of childhood glee (ask any preschooler), introduces a new album of “renegade” classics-to-be, performed by The Mountains’ fall 2024 cover subject Patti LuPone, Lyle Lovett and other distinguished admirers. mahaiwe.org

20

Come Out of the Cold Fisher Center at Bard Annandale-on-Hudson, NY

Power-soprano Stephanie Blythe and Bard’s up-and-comer grad students put on a winter cabaret. fishercenter.bard.edu

20 & 21

The Sounding Joy

Levon Helm Studio Woodstock, NY

“National legends” (TBA) and community treasures such as organizer Amy Helm put on a show to benefit the local domestic violence shelter. levonhelm.com

20-22

Nut/Cracked

Kaatsbaan Cultural Park Tivoli, NY

Had your fill of murderous mice? choreographer David Parker and The Bang Group offer an eclectic bag of treats, blending tap, ballet, disco and… bubble wrap (you’ll definitely want to try this at home, kids). kaatsbaan.org

21

Ginger Bread House Decoration

The Red Lion Inn

Stockbridge, MA

Is your larder running low on gumdrops and peppermints? Kids can unleash their inner architects during the 250-year-old institution’s “Joyful Holidays” celebration, cosponsored by the Norman Rockwell Museum. redlioninn.com/joyfulfamily-holidays

21

A Celtic Christmas

Bardavon, Poughkeepsie, NY

For some, no holiday is complete without a generous helping of hyper-synchronized footwork. Expect “melodic folk mashups, acapella tap battles and heartwarming storytelling.” bardavon.org

31

Bach at New Year’s

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

Great Barrington, MA

For celebrants who skew sedate, consider the Berkshire Bach Society’s annual 6pm performance of the Brandenburg Concertos as an alternative to a midnight bacchanal—but you could always double-dip. mahaiwe.org

january 10-12

Forest Bathing

Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Stockbridge, MA

When the thermometer plunges, you can rigidly resist—or mindfully dive in. Follow Micah Mortali, author of Rewilding, into the woods to learn outdoor skills and celebrate “the stillness of winter.” kripalu.org

11

What Will Have Been

PS21, Chatham, NY

Good restless kids cooped up at home? The Brisbane-based Circa Ensemble (three circus artists plus a violinist) riffing to Bach, Glass and a bit of electronica should dispell any winter doldrums. ps21chatham.org

19

Swan Lake

Ulster Performing Arts Center Kingston, NY

You’ve no doubt seen several renditions—but not, perhaps, that of the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine, who’ll be bringing along 200 costumes and an array of hand-painted sets to dazzle audiences age 5 and up. bardavon.org

february 7-9

Finding Happiness in Difficult Times

Kripalu, Stockbridge, MA

Maria Sirois, author of A Short Course in Happiness after Loss, leads a weekend course covering “the tools and perspectives of positive psychology.” kripalu.org

8

Introvert/Extrovert: A Two-Piano Recital

Clark Art

Williamstown, MA

Matthew Aucoin (composer of the operas Crossing and Eurydice) pairs with colleague Conor Hanick for a program veering from exuberant to “mysterious and meditative.” clarkart.edu

14

Valentine’s Day Cabaret:

Marilyn Maye Hudson Hall Hudson, NY

Hailed by Ella Fitzgerald as “the greatest white female singer in the world,” the chanteuse is still going strong—and drawing SRO audiences—at 96. hudsonhall.org

march

12-13

Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny

Bardavon

Poughkeepsie, NY

This gentle staging of two kidlit classics, geared to pre-K through third grade, promises to instill “a reassuring sense of security,” via “the soothing rhythms of bunny banter.” Adults could probably use a refresher course as well. bardavon.org

For complete winter calendar listings, go to themountainsmedia.com

Happy New Year, Woodstock!

‘Celebrationist’ Chris Wells and The Silver Spaceship prepare for liftoff.

By Sandy MacDonald

His Facebook page IDs ad hoc impresario Chris Wells as an “artpreacher” and “celebrationist.”

He’s all that and. A gifted actor/writer himself, he also has a knack for spotting and fostering avantgarde talent. The ongoing “Secret City” gatherings that he began curating and hosting in Manhattan in 2007 earned him a 2010 Obie Special Award and comparable acclaim in LA.

A decade ago, Wells and his husband, artist Bobby Lucy, settled in Woodstock, a town not short on gifted eccentrics. Even there, Wells is a standout. It could be the garb—fantastical outfits commissioned from local designers—but more likely it’s his all-embracing, let’s-party attitude.

This New Year’s Eve, some 350 co-celebrants will join Chris Wells and The Silver Spaceship (billed as “The Greatest All Star Party Band in the Known Universe”) at Colony Woodstock, a reclaimed 1929 ballroom. The theme? “Prepare for Liftoff.”

“Our goal is to transport everyone into the stratosphere, which I think right now is a really good thing to do for people,” Wells says. Any political leanings can be checked at the door. Wells says he anticipates “a very ecstatic, loving, celebratory vibe. Very Woodstock—rock-and-roll happy.”

The (optional) dress code is futuristic, optimistic, silver. In other words, fabulous.

wells and whistles Chris Wells and the Silver Spaceship get ready to rock out on New Year’s Eve at Colony Woodstock.

Tmeeting cute iRL

The art of romance is alive in the mountains.

By Abbe Aronson

hey say that love connections happen when you least suspect it, and frankly, “they” are often full of shit. But this story happened and I’m still scratching my head about it, so in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Hudson Valley style, I offer up this delightful little weirdo tale of how I met my boyfriend, right here in Kingston, at the always delicious Chleo restaurant in uptown.

I’ve lived a lot of lives, with a variety of co-stars—spouses,

partners, lovers, etc. And I’m old enough to understand that when you’re single, you rarely meet anyone by sitting at home in your pajamas. So I’ve tried (and succeeded) at online dating over the last decade in which I’ve been single on occasion, and contrary to popular opinion, there are lovely people to meet virtually. However, this past summer, I was having none of that. I was nursing a bruised heart after a multi-year romance ended and, as such, was on a break. I closed the apps, called my therapist and was planning a season of being firmly benched in Loveville. When I met my pals, the musician and honkytonk maven Connor Kennedy and his charming girlfriend K., for dinner that evening at Chleo, I’ll admit,

I’d been having a bad day and considered showing up in yoga pants and the tear-stained hoodie I’d worn on my earlier forest walk, but something compelled me to go home, shower and clean up. I arrived in a dress, heels and lipstick. Good thing I did.

After we were seated at Chleo and the entire menu had been ordered (easy to do at this spot; all of the smallish plates are magnificent), I turned to my friends and, while gesturing with a head nod, asked, “Do we know that guy at the bar in the striped shirt?” He just looked so… familiar. And adorable. Connor agreed about the familiar part, but we couldn’t place the guy, so we got to the business of chowing down.

It was during the beet salad when the guy at the bar paid his tab and started to leave. He passed by our table, and we made eye contact. “Did you like the beets?” I asked, as I could see what he had ordered from my own seat. Yes, he enjoyed the beets, and then… he just joined our table, plopping himself into the empty seat at our four-top, saying only, “I’m sitting down.”

About 15 minutes later, following some rapidfire rapport (and turns out we did have friends in common), he left with my phone number and we three just stared at each other.

“Seriously… regardless of what happens, I can honestly say that I have never experienced anything quite like that introduction LOL,” wrote K. to me later that evening on our text.

A week later, bar guy and I had our first date, an A+. We were off to the races.

As I write this nearly five months later, JJ (yes, he has a name) and I are still laughing when we tell people how we met. In person? In Kingston? Just…like that? Yes, yes and yes.

In terms of Hudson Valley geography, this relationship is the joke that keeps landing; the hits keep on coming. JJ’s dad and grandfather are beloved area dentists that more than a few of my pals see and when we’re out and about, he and I are constantly running into mutual friends who say, “Wait… Abbe’s your girlfriend?” or “Hold on…this guy is your boyfriend?”

When I first moved north of the city, I was partnered for a decade after a downstate divorce, and in the years that followed, I tended to have relationships with people who were based in the NYC metro area. Meeting locally was a bit of non-urban legend—sort of like how Woodstock ’69 didn’t take place in Woodstock. Turns out, “meet cute/meet local” was in the cards, and all it took was a little eye contact and a Chleo beet salad.

your winter survival guide 2025

home weatherproofing

J Smegal

Roofing•Gu ers•Repairs

449 Pittsfield Road Suite 201 Lenox, MA 01240

413.655.7663 jsmegalroofing.com

Insulation Pro Inc.

827 NY-52 Walden, NY 12586

Serving Hudson Valley counties 845.606.6587 insulationprony.com

G’s Handyman Service, LLC

75 East Market Street Rhinebeck, NY 12572 914.639.4001 gshandymanservice.com

No matter what kind of repair or weatherproofing you need, G’s Handyman Service serves the Hudson Valley with friendliness, reliability and affordability in mind.

East Coast Air Barrier

1591 East Street Suite A Pittsfield, MA 01201 413.464.9027 eastcoastairbarrier.com

Thermo Expert 1396 North Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 413.443.2099 thermoexp.com

B Metcalf Asphalt Paving 235 East Canaan Road East Canaan, CT 06024 860.435.1205 bmetcalfasphalt.com

Morrison’s Home Improvement

25 Pittsfield Road Routes 7 & 20 Lenox, MA 01240 413.442.3001 morrisonshomeimprovement.com

Malcarne Contracting

22 East Market Street Rhinebeck, NY 12572 845.876.6889 malcarne.com

water supply

Culligan of Hudson, NY

1 Industrial Tract Hudson, NY 12534 607.225.5732 culliganwaternet.com

Primo Water Exchange

1122 Ulster Avenue Kingston, NY 12401

Located in The Home Depot 844.237.7466 shop.water.com

Premium Waters, Inc.

1505 West Housatonic Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 413.435.4014

premiumwaters.com

Located in West Pittsfield, Premium Waters has been a long-standing fixture in the Berkshires. It’s known for its stellar reputation as a quality leader in the bottling industry with strong ties to the local community.

Valley Water Services

369 NY-52A Callicoon, NY 12723 845.887.4770 valley-water.com

Binnewater Ice Company Inc.

25 South Pine Street Kingston, NY 12401 845.331.0237 binnewater.com

Gilmore Water

46 Marshall Road Hyde Park, NY 12538 845.229.7743 gilmorewater845.com

Dowser Water

1 Pepsi Way Newburgh, NY 12550 845.569.0099 dowserwater.com

TriBeCa Beverage Company

Serves Dutchess, Putnam and Orange Counties

973.913.4568 tribecabeverage.com

food banks

Food Bank of the Hudson Valley

195 Hudson Street Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY 12520 845.534.5344 regionalfoodbank.net/home-fbhv/

The Salvation Army

Community Center

40 South 3rd Street Hudson, NY 12534 518.822.1602 easternusa.salvationarmy.org/ empire/hudson

Dutchess Outreach –The Pantry

29 North Hamilton Street Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 845.454.3792 dutchessoutreach.org/beverlycloss-food-pantry

The People’s Pantry GB 5 Saint James Place Great Barrington, MA 01230 413.591.0301 thepeoplespantrygb.org

This pantry has been serving the Berkshire community since 1999.

South Community Food Pantry 110 South Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 413.464.8042 southcommunityfoodpantry.org

Soldier On Veterans PantryFood Distribution Center 360 West Housatonic Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 413.236.5644 esoldieron.org

The Salvation Army

298 West Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 413.442.0624 easternusa.salvationarmy.org/ massachusetts/pittsfield/

The Table at Woodstock 16 Tinker Street Woodstock, NY 12498 845.332.8779 thetableatwoodstock.org

Bearsville Garage 272 Tinker Street Woodstock, NY 12498 845.679.2110

Meineke Car Care Center 716 Ulster Avenue Kingston, NY 12401 845.768.3645 meineke.com/locations/ny/kingston

Hudson View Automotive Inc. 15 North Riverside Avenue Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520 914.271.6700 hudsonviewautomotiveinc.com

For more than a decade, Hudson View has been taking care of Hudson Valley cars with expertise and a special focus on friendly and honest service.

Lank’s Automotive Inc.

394 Fishkill Avenue Beacon, NY 12508 845.831.0434 lanksautomotive.com

John’s Garage & Autobody 163 Front Street Great Barrington, MA 01230 413.274.3328

Autobahn Service 1851 North Main Street Sheffield, MA 01257 413.528.2227 autobahntechnic.com

Berkshire Automotive Repair and Sales Inc. 607 West Housatonic Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 413.499.9911 berkshireautomotive.com

Monro Auto Service and Tire Centers 514 Pittsfield Road Lenox, MA 01240 413.728.4804 locations.monro.com/ma/lenox

emergency shelters

Our Friends House

292 West Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 413.499.2878 housingworks.net/program/1240

Elizabeth Freeman Center

168 Main Street Suite 4 Great Barrington, MA 01230 413.429.8190 elizabethfreemancenter.org

Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill

200 North Water Street Peekskill, NY 10566 914.736.2636 chhop.org

Every person is entitled to safe, affordable housing and healthy, nutritious food, and CHHOP’s work focuses on housing and food equity in Peekskill and the surrounding communities.

Hudson River Housing, Inc.

River Haven Youth Shelter

99 Thompson Street Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 845.454.3600 hudsonriverhousing.org

The Gathering place

21 Prospect Street Suite A Torrington, CT 06790 860.618.3455 thegatheringplaceofnew beginnings.org

Soldier On

360 West Housatonic Street Pittsfield, MA 01201

413.236.5644 wesoldieron.org

Chestnut Hill

106 West Chestnut Street Kingston, NY 12401

845.532.3137 chestnuthill106.com

Winsted Emergency Shelter

480 Main Street Winsted, CT 06098

860.489.3133 x122 nwcty.org/y-housing/

heating solutions

Ash Family Heating & Cooling LLC

Servicing western Connecticut 860.238.7212 ash-hvac.com

Hudson Heating and Cooling 6579 West Atlantic Avenue Hudson, NY 12534 518.965.8246 hvachudson.com

Hot Water Solutions, Inc.Mitsubishi Heat Pumps, HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing 2 Pearl Street Suite 1 Kingston, NY 12401 845.331.8948 kingstonhws.com

Lambert Plumbing & Heating

168 Parker Avenue Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

845.243.2772

lambertplumbingandheating.com

Provides customers with high-quality service, this family-owned and operated business has served Dutchess and Ulster Counties for more than 70 years.

All Season Experts Heating and Cooling 49 Elm Street Fishkill, NY 12524 845.285.0219 allseasonexperts.com

Robert Bradway Plumbing & Heating Inc.

Located in Hillsdale servicing Columbia County 518.755.7917 robertbradwaysplumbingand heating.com

Gennari Plumbing & Heating 305 Stockbridge Road # 2 Great Barrington, MA 01230 413.644.8988 gennariplumbing.com

Foster HB Inc 15 Bridge Street Great Barrington, MA 01230 413.528.2100

snow removal

Countywide Snow Plows 51 Center Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 413.499.5559 countywidesnowplows.info

Founded in 1998, Countywide Snow Plows Sales & Service has become a recognized name in the snow & ice control business in Berkshire County, with a very experienced sales & service staff ready to assist you with all your snow and ice control needs.

Snow Plowing By Maggio and Sons

370 Floyd Hawver Road Round Top, NY 12473 518.622.9882 maggioandsons.com

Dirty Gloves Hyde Park, NY 12538 845.235.4723 dirtyglovesjunk.com

Mow-N-Plow, LLC

Sullivan County and nearby areas 845.394.7028

Gary O’Brien Property Services 335 Forest Street Lee, MA 01238 413.281.8990

J.M.C. Lawn Care Landscaping & Tree Removal Service 94 North Chestnut Street New Paltz, NY 12561 845.303.3538

Greg’s Lawn Care & Snow Removal Litchfield County and nearby areas 203.510.6747 gregslawnandsnow.com

The Snow Plow Guys Ulster County and nearby areas 845.419.1354 thesnowplowguys.com

Catskill Mountain Generators

10057 NY-32 Freehold, NY 12431 518.369.0386 catskillmountain.com

Berlinghoff Electric

40 Myrtle Avenue Pine Plains, NY 12567 518.398.0810 berlinghoffelectrical.com

Andrus Power Solutions Inc. 690 Pleasant Street Lee, MA 01238 413.243.0043 andruspowersolutions.com

The factory-trained service technicians at Andrus will make sure your generator is working properly so you’ll never have to worry about your power going out.

The Generator Guys, LLC 522 North Georges Hill Road Southbury, CT 06488 203.405.2500 Litchfield County and nearby areas thegeneratorguysct.com

Antonio Ferrao Electric

313 Highridge Court Peekskill, NY 10566 914.521.5430 antonioferraoelectric.com

JSP Home Services 515 Albany Avenue Kingston, NY 12401 845.280.5199 jspplumbingandheating.com

Holdridge Power Systems

1189 Co Road 23B Leeds, NY 12451 518.943.3229 holdridgepowersystems.com

Protective Power Systems & Controls Inc.

2092 NY-9G Staatsburg, NY 12580 power-now.net

SI Need to Remember...

• That sisters are forever friends and to not be mad at mine and say anything hurtful. Ever.

• That I should say “I love you” to everyone I love. Every day. In five or six different languages. And still, it won’t be enough.

• That money is just a thing, neither friend nor foe, and the more you look at it impassively, the less you fear it.

• That I only need three kinds of shoes: Slides, Converse and pull-on ankle boots. Many pairs of each, many colors, but just those three styles. Oh, and a pair of Uggs for the snow.

• That I never really have to go out in the snow.

• That jiggly thighs get you to the same exact fucking place as smooth ones.

• That little dogs totally, unselfishly, absolutely adore you. And it’s not weird to wish you had four. Or seven. Or ten!

note to Self: 2025 Edition

Keep what serves you. toss the rest.

By Martha Frankel

o, I’m not nostalgic by nature. When someone says, “the good old days,” I hope they mean tomorrow. But this time of year, I find myself looking backward and forward, trying to remind myself what’s important and what behaviors I should jettison. It’s a tricky dance. What follows are some of the things I hope to remember this year…

• That some criticism makes you better. And some is just mean crap that jealous, less talented people lob your way. The real trick is knowing which is which.

• That The Incredible Shrinking Man wasn’t real. And that I’ll never be trapped in a dollhouse by a cat that’s taller than the roof.

forget-you-nots Being a forever friend to my sister and telling my loved ones “I love you”—including my husband —top my things to remember in the new year.

• That grief is like an onion, and under one layer is the same thing, but packed tighter, more compact, ready to blow up like a grenade when you so much as poke it. And that it’s OK to poke it sometimes.

• That I’m an addict, and that over and over I will find something I love, and do it ’til it almost kills me.

• That I can keep my mouth shut.

• That I can speak up more.

• That acceptance is the key to all my problems—if only I knew what my problems were.

• That I don’t know how things will “turn out.” That there really is no turning out, no ending.

• That doing absolutely nothing is sometimes an option.

• That love can be utterly endearing, awfully funny, achingly painful and ever so delightful.

VENETIAN PRINCES PIROUETTE