The Hudson

The Hudson Valley is peppered with sleepy towns simultaneously eager and fearful of being discovered by New Yorkers. While it is true that the Catskills is becoming evermore frequented by city dwellers looking for a more tranquil second residence, the surprise to all (NYC inhabitants included) is they come for the weekend and end up staying permanently. The trips to Brooklyn become more occasional, as the calmer, organic sensibility of the Valley takes hold.

One city in particular is experiencing a rebirth no one believed possible. Kingston, the original capital of New York State left an indelible mark on the nation. While more recently known as the forgotten former home of a major electronics conglomerate, the city is making a comeback. Coldwell Banker reported back in 2016 a 13% rise in the average sales price, while concurrently experiencing a 10% decrease in inventory. The real estate analytics have only become more impressive over the past two years.

The Millennial generation is undeniably coming up in droves, but those of an older demographic are right on their heels. What is making this resurgence so spectacular is that for the first time, in a long time, multigenerational communities are bonding and taking shape. Age is less of a construct, with drive, passion, and creativity being the more pressing requirements.

New inhabitants are immersing themselves in the community. There is such tremendous opportunity and room for new ideas the possibilities are limitless. Trailblazer, Tamara Ehlin, the welcoming innkeeper of The Forsyth Bed & Breakfast has seen this occur quite often, as visitors become residents. Guests come to spend the weekend at her B&B in Kingston, looking forward to fresh Mid Century styling within a storied 1800’s home. They fall in love with the Casper mattresses and luxurious baths. By the end of the scrumptious three-course breakfast, they are ready to make the move. Ehlin has won countless awards since opening her doors two short years ago, with the #1 Trip Advisor rating for accommodations in Kingston as a noteworthy accolade.

Kingston is a strikingly enigmatic city in its juxtaposition of grittiness and deep aspirations to evolve. Surrounding areas like New Paltz offer more of a natural symmetry, boasting some of the best bike trails in the country and organic farmer’s markets. Beacon, most known for the modern museum Dia Beacon,also offers opportunities for those seeking adventure outdoors.

Mount Beacon is a formidable challenge, with the scenic reward of structural ruins and mountainous expanses to behold at the top.

While towns such as New Paltz and Beaconoffer the more classic Hudson Valley experience,Kingston embraces its avant-garde edge. Businessowners are willing to take big risks for big rewards.Travelers reap the benefits of these creativeendeavors. Locales such as Rough Draft exemplifythis notion. A bookstore, café & bar hosting weeklyevents for a diverse crowd.

“ SURROUNDING AREAS LIKE NEW PALTZ OFFER MORE OF A NATURAL SYMMETRY, BOASTING SOME OF THE BEST BIKE TRAILS IN THE COUNTRY AND ORGANIC FARMER’S MARKETS.”

T he Arts & Design scene is booming in the Hudson Valley. Kingston Consignments, newly opened at the end of 2017, a two story shop in the center of Uptown has quickly become the mecca of vintage. Co-owned and operated by Craig McElroy & Eric Savolainen, the duo has selected the most discerning vintage dealers to showcase their wares. Since the doors opened less than a year ago, the shop has been packed with visitors from all over the Northeast.Featuring sought after collectibles like WestGerman art pottery and Mid Century furniture the most educated collector will find unparalleled discoveries.

The Woodstock Film Festival has taken holdas a must-attend event. Attracting mega-talentslike Alec Baldwin, Uma Thurman, and Paul Rudd,the Festival is now established as an importantvenue for independent films. The Festival has alsohelped to cement the Hudson Valley as a rapidlydeveloping film center. Directors, producers andset designers frequently come to the area searchingfor locations and props. Two major films have beenshot in Kingston within the last year alone.

The Culinary Institute of America is firmlyestablished in the Hudson River Valley, breedingtalent that often takes root in the surroundingareas. There is an unrivaled amount of

impressive restaurants, featuring innovative cuisine. On the CIA’s website they have listings of alumni who have opened top-notch restaurants in the region.

If looking for a meal that is more classically American without foregoing atmosphere, the Hoffman House is quintessential for the idyllic blend between Old World charm and nouveau American cuisine. As the “leaf peeper” season sets in, Hoffman House offers a sprawling fireplace from the 1700’s. Stop in to learn about the full story of how the city joined together to rebuild this historic landmark.

A weekend in the Valley is not complete without apple picking. While the Hudson Valley is replete with u-pick apple trees, Philip Orchards in Claverack offers the most authentic experience. Upon entrance, a delightfully photogenic barn greets you. Unlike many orchards growing only a few varieties, Philip Orchards has expansive acreage sectioned with every apple imaginable. The orchard even posts a seasonal schedule on their website, detailing which week is ideal for picking each type of apple.

With this influx of New Yorkers, so too has come the trend of Hudson Valley destination weddings. The newest player in the game caters specifically to the discerning set. With amenities abound, Estate Seventeen in Kingston is set to be the premier wedding & event venue for bespoke experiences.

The four-story, seven bedroom mansion & two-tiered carriage house with stage becomes the betrothed couple’s for the weekend. The kitchen is a caterer’s dream, featuring the most innovative component for any chef - The Galley workstation. The multiple workstations located in both the kitchen and terrace bar convert from sink to cutting board to prep station, offering all the essentials for event chefs, mixologists, and florists alike.

Inside, the gallery-like walls are that of an art lover’s dream, displaying the work of established and emerging artists alike, thoughtfully curated by Nantucket Blu Contemporary Art Gallery. The interior is refreshingly modern, showcasing a marriage of antique and contemporary pieces, sourced through the Manhattan & Kingston-based design firm, Autumn Elise Vintage.

While prospective guests & curious onlookers will gain a sneak peek at the upcoming Design Show House, Estate Seventeen is now accepting reservations for the 2020 season. Only four wedding bookings are accepted for the entire year. The proprietors embrace the exclusivity without concern for its impact on revenue.

“My partner and I rebuilt this mansion with our own hands, pouring our hearts & souls into its restoration. Each wedding deserves that same level of thoughtfulness and attention to detail.” So with these words, the attitude of Kingston is encapsulated, a commitment to growing new ideas and with it a meaningful environment. ¨