Explore 85 miles of hiking trails with unparalleled views at Mohonk Mountain House. Enjoy boating, archery, fitness classes, complimentary golf greens fees, and farm-to-table cuisine—all included in your overnight rate. Indulge yourself with a nature-inspired treatment at the Spa at Mohonk Mountain House.
Enjoy dining, golf, a day spa visit, or an unforgettable overnight getaway. 877.475.6365 | mohonk.com | New Paltz, NY
scenic drives for fall colors
Come late September into early October, driving around the Hudson Valley and/or Catskills becomes a visual feast. Red, golden and orange, washed by crisp breezes, the leaves are breathtaking and poignant — having shaded us and given us the very air we breathe all through summertime, they astonish us with a last glorious gift before resting.
Photo by Patrick Tomasso.
Leaves take about two weeks to complete the cycle from green to fallen. Naturally, the various high peaks and the north end of the valley come first. Trees atop the Catskills can be fully shed while the Westchester riverbanks are still lush with green, and the peak colors in each spot last for three or four days. To help you time a leaf-peeping mission, the nice people at iloveny.com issue a foliage report each Wednesday.
Check the weather forecast too, but remember that overcast skies make
a glorious backdrop for fall colors. Plan your journey to include either early morning or late afternoon, to catch what photographers call the “magic hours” full of slanting golden light. Finally, bring the camera; a wide-angle lens is nice, but there are other techniques that can help you get good foliage shots, and pro photographers share them generously on the Internet.
Here are some ideas for planning your voyage, including the attractions you’ll find along the way.
THE SHAWANGUNK LOOP
From New Paltz (New York State Thruway exit 18) head west on Route 299. Once you’re past the village, you’re driving straight into a stunning backdrop of forested mountainside, set off by the gray of the rock faces. At the end of Route 299, take a right onto Route 44/55, and head up the mountain.
Stop at the Mohonk Preserve Visitors Center, where you can learn about the unique ecosystem you’re about to be immersed in. Look for it on the right, just as the road begins to climb. After the hairpin turn, you’ll shortly come to scenic overlook parking where you can stop and admire the Wallkill Valley spread beneath you like a gorgeous quilt.
Photo by Aaron Burden.
Come late September into early October, driving around the Hudson Valley and/or Catskills becomes a visual feast.
UP ON THE MOUNTAIN
Leaving the overlook, you pass under a footbridge and are now engulfed in Pure Gunks. You may well feel the urge to get out of your vehicle and immerse yourself even further, and this is highly recommended. Mohonk
Preserve will sell you a hiker’s day pass for $20 at the aforementioned visitor’s center or any of the staffed trailheads. After a few more swooping curves, you’ll see the entrance to Minnewaska State Park on your left. For $10 a car, you can drive in and up to a parking lot overlooking a gem of a lake.
As the serpentine drive through the mountains concludes, you’ll find yourself at yet another spectacular scenic overlook revealing the glories of the Rondout Valley with the Catskills as a backdrop to the northwest.
THE RONDOUT VALLEY
Continue down the mountain until you reach Route 209 in about 10 minutes. You are now in the middle of some of the best farm country anywhere, and it’s harvest season. Congratulations! Consider an apple- or pumpkin-picking stop, or just visit a farm stand for a good coffee
Lake Minnewaska.
Photo by JasonKrieger.
Photo by Aaron Blanco-Tejedor.
You may well feel the urge to get out of your vehicle and immerse yourself even further, and this is highly recommended.
and something freshly baked. The website of the Rondout Valley Growers Association offers a user-friendly guide to the local agricultural scene.
Making a right on 209, you’ll be headed north through lightly developed farm country with the mountains to your right. To maximize your leafy rural bliss, we suggest keeping a sharp eye out for Lucas Avenue—it will be on your right—a secondary road that runs deep through the farmlands and brings you out on Route 213 just west of High Falls. You can also stay on 209 and access 213 at a traffic light right before you come into the postcard-pretty hamlet of Stone Ridge.
Either way, heading east on 213 will take you through High Falls and onward to Rosendale. Nearing the town, you’ll be traveling along the Rondout Creek through a series of sinuous curves. Just before you run out of curves, the road passes under a railroad trestle; immediately before the trestle, take a left up the hill on Binnewater Road to find a parking area and trailhead where you can get out onto the trestle for spectacular views of the hamlet and the Rondout Creek.
The Rosendale Trestle.
That little hamlet, on whose Main Street you will be once you continue your eastward trek on 213, offers eats and drinks, unique shops, and a movie theater. Watch carefully on the left-hand side of the road, and you’ll see a sign for the municipal parking.
At the east end of Rosendale’s Main Street, you can make a right onto Route 32 and in 15 minutes you’ll be back in New Paltz—another great place to stop, shop, nosh, or just meander a bit.
INTO THE HIGH PEAKS
Route 28 slices through the Catskill Mountains from Kingston to Oneonta and offers yet another set of splendid swaths of foliage interspersed with quirky places to stop and enjoy.
Thruway exit 19 spits you out onto a traffic circle on the western fringe of the city of Kingston. Immediately, you’ll see the exit to Route 28 west. The highway is four lanes for the first few miles, but don’t get tempted to speed up; the sign says 45mph, and they mean it.
Two miles west of Kingston, you’ll see the intersection with Route 28A on your left.
This is a 20-mile loop that mostly follows the shoreline of the Ashokan Reservoir, a mainstay of New York City’s water supply, and brings you back out onto 28. Consider taking this loop, either on your way up into the hills or on your way back; it leads through deep, enchanted forest, and there’s a place where you can park and take a walk along the spillway between the reservoir’s two sides, a spectacular spot to enjoy the interplay between colorful foliage and water.
Ashokan Reservoir.
Photo by Blake83 on iStock Photo.
WEST OF WOODSTOCK
Along both 28 and 28A you will notice slightly eerie historic markers for lost towns that were forcibly relocated in the early 20th century to make way for the reservoir. The Ashokan Rail Trail hugs the reservoir’s north shore; you’ll see signs for parking and access, and it’s absolutely worth the detour.
28A rejoins 28 at Boiceville. Continue northwest. You are in leaf-peeper heaven as 28 crosses and re-crosses the Esopus Creek, winding deeper into the hills. You’ll come to Mt. Tremper, home of the Emerson Resort and the world’s largest kaleidoscope, and shortly after that you’ll see signs for Phoenicia, a terrific spot to stop and grab a bite (try the Sportsman’s Alamo Cantina), stretch a bit, or shop for Catskills souvenirs.
NORTHWEST ULSTER TO MARGARETVILLE
Back on 28, you’ll come to a worthwhile scenic overlook on the right. Shortly after that, you’ll arrive in Big Indian, named for a Munsee man of enormous size and strength. The original Big Indian was shot, supposedly for sheep thieving, but more likely because he rescued his European-American love Gertrude from the abusive piece o’ work her family wanted her to marry. You’ll see a statue intended to commemorate him beside the Big Indian post office.
Ashokan Rail Trail.
Emerson Resort & Spa.
Hungry? Big Indian is where you’ll find the Peekamoose Restaurant serving up five-star food and drink, with superb Catskills views from the dining room or deck.
Northwest of Big Indian, the road slopes into a long, steady climb. You’re approaching Highmount, the northernmost tip of Ulster County and the location of Belleayre Mountain, a not-for-profit ski center. There are nice hiking trails of all difficulty levels, whether you want a relaxing stroll or a high peaks adventure; before October 13, you can take a scenic gondola ride to the summit.
One of the most dramatic views of the entire journey awaits as you crest Highmount and begin the descent into Delaware County with the central Catskills opening before you. Soon you’ll see signs for Margaretville, another nifty and historic little Catskill town worth exploring. On Margaretville’s website, you’ll find directions for a self-guided walking tour.
Heading back down 28, take a left as though you were headed back into Phoenicia, but stay on Route 214 as it winds up the mountainside. You’ll pass charming funky properties in the hamlet of Chichester as you climb and traverse the Phoenicia Wild Forest between Hunter and Indian Head mountains.
Or seek solace and spiritual renewal at the Blue Deer Center, a Catskills retreat nestled on sacred land. Immerse yourself in nature, learn ancestral healing practices, and rediscover balance in a supportive community.
Blue Deer Center.
Belleayre Mountain.
Peekamoose Restaurant.
INTO THE GREAT NORTHERN CATS
After you’ve crested the mountain and descended a ways, make a right onto Route 23A...to drive the Kaaterskill Clove. Kaaterskill Falls is part of a jagged post-glacial ravine. Stop in at the trailhead marker and walk to the falls; you’ll see why one Hudson River School painter after another rendered this stunning spot. Cautionary note: Don’t go beyond the end of the trail. Erosion makes it an extremely dangerous hike past there, even for the experienced. But what you’ll see is plenty lovely enough.
Driving down 23A, you’re traversing some of the most dramatic and fascinating terrain anywhere in the Catskills. Devil’s Kitchen, they call it, and intrepid mountain bikers will tell you they don’t lie. You will be bombarded by a succession of gasp-out-loud gorgeous sights.
At Palenville, you can turn right onto 32A, which will take you back out to 32 and comparative civilization. Your next town will be Saugerties, a great place to stop, stretch, eat, drink, antique, and generally make merry.
For more information and things to do along these first two colorful journeys, go to visitulstercountyny.com and greatnortherncatskills.com.
Kaaterskill Falls. Photo by Guido Alizo
SULLIVAN SERENDIPITY
For a dramatic start to your Sullivan Catskills leaf-peeping mission, start from Port Jervis and follow Route 97 to Hawk’s Nest, which will provide you with an excellent, literal overview of the Delaware River. Driving down into this panorama, you’re entering the town of Lumberland and driving on what once was the bed of the Delaware and Hudson Canal. The Delaware meets the Mongaup River here. Route 97 leads you along the Delaware Water Gap — that’s Pennsylvania across the water, the onetime coal country of the Northeast. The whole area is laced with water recreation opportunities and cute hamlets like Knight’s Eddy, Pond Eddy, and Barryville.
ALONG THE RIVERSIDE
Stop for lunch in the hamlet of Narrowsburg, tiny and lovely, jammed with art, cool shopping, and great food. Stay on 97 and head northwest, up along the river through Cochecton (thought to be derived from a Lenape word for foaming water) to Callicoon, where you can visit Black Walnut, a mercantile/ homeware shop/cocktail lounge housed in a 19th-century hotel, along with some funky antique shops and the Callicoon Brewing Company.
For a truly immersive leaf-peeping adventure in this area, Landers River Trips is open until the second weekend in October for rafting, canoeing, and kayak excursions. They’ve been in business since 1955 and operate locations in Barryville, Narrowsburg, and Callicoon; you can choose a short trip or a longer one, over flat stretches or whitewater. You can even bring the dog along.
Hawk's Nest. Photo bt Albert Yang.
HIPPIE HISTORY HERE
On land, head east on Route 17B from Callicoon to Bethel, where the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts occupies the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival and maintains a nifty 1960s museum. They’ve got a blowout Harvest Festival happening Sundays through October 6.
At White Lake, you can turn onto Route 55 and head north through lake country, pond country, and west-branch-of-the-Mongaup River country. You’ll be tracing the shores of two reservoirs and passing through Grahamsville, home of the Chestnut Creek Covered Bridge, before heading up and over the mountain ridge and back to Route 209 at Wawarsing, an hour north of where you began.
This is just one Sullivan County possibility — the Sullivan Cats are laced with incredible hamlets and places to stop for a hike, a bite or a drink, not to mention four more covered bridges. The county tourism department has organized a Dove Trail, a Craft Beverage Trail, and an Arts and Culture Trail; brochures for each of these and a lot more can be found at sullivancatskills.com.
DELIGHTS OF DELCO
The fastest way to get deep into gloriously scenic Delaware County from downstate is to take New York State Rt. 17 to exit 84 at Deposit, where you can pick up Route 10. Head north on 10 along the West Branch of the Delaware River and you’ll come to, and cross, the Cannonsville Reservoir, the largest and westernmost serving NYC. You’ll also come to Hancock, which Time Out New York chose as #1 in their list of
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.
Dove Trail. Photo by rockandrollrdh. Art by Kim Simons.
Best Small Towns in the USA. (October 10 and 11, they’ll be celebrating the Harvest Festival and Tractor Parade.) Hancock is the first stop on Delaware County’s River, Road and Rail Art Trail; you’ll find the full trail map at hancockpartners.org.
IN DELAWARE'S CENTER
Continuing northeast on 10, you’ll arrive in the charming college town of Delhi, the geographic center of Delaware County. If you happen to be touring between September 21-29, consider checking out the masterworks of "Delaware County Town and Country Quilters" at the Delaware County Historical Association here, and if you’re ready for refreshments, peep the gourmet goodies at Blue Bee Cafe and/or Tay Tea.
Continuing northeast, you’ll pass through Bloomville and South Kortright. Bloomville is a great place to plan to park, stretch your legs, and get immersed — just east of the hamlet is an entrance to the Catskill Scenic Trail, 26 miles of stunning terrain originally carved out for the Ulster and Delaware Railroad.
BOOK LOVER'S PARADISE
NY.
Your next major village is Hobart, the Book Village of the Catskills. Book lovers should not and must not resist stopping to browse the eight distinctive bookstores that give it its name, open on weekends and holiday Mondays.
Then comes Stamford, a destination spot since 1870, rich in good eats, nifty retail, art and fun. There’s a farm winery, Blue Sky, and a gallery, Headwater Arts Center,
View from SUNY Delhi.
Blenheim Books, Hobart,
You’ll find nifty antique shops and the justly renowned Mount Utsayantha Fire Tower. Follow signs on 23 East to find signs that will guide you to the summit with superb 360-degree views. You can also rent bikes at Big Lug Bicycle Outfitter to check out more of that delicious rail trail.
Leaving Stamford, take Route 23 East, which crosses the West Branch of the Delaware just one mile south of its beginning. You’ll wind around two 3,000-foot peaks on your way into the justly named, peaceful hamlet of Grand Gorge, which is part of the town of Roxbury; there’s a nifty army/navy surplus shop here, Military Collection.
FUN, FUNKY ROXBURY
Turn south onto Route 30 to head into the town’s central hamlet. The Roxbury Arts Group has been keeping it lively around here for decades; in the town’s central hamlet, you’ll find groovy local crafts at the Roxbury General Store. The John Burroughs Memorial State Historic Site (aka Woodchuck Lodge) is undergoing interior renovations this year, but there are trails and picnic spots there, and Burroughs spent more time outdoors than in anyway.
Continue south on Route 30 and it will lead you over to Margaretville, worth exploring in its own right, with lots of quirky retail (check out Home Goods, Species by the Thousands, and the Happy Giraffe) and good food.
Route 30 runs into Route 28 here; head east for a very pretty hour’s drive to Kingston. If it’s dinnertime, lucky you, you’ll soon arrive at the Hickory BBQ. Of course, you’ll have to stop back up here at some point to visit Andes and maybe Bovina; check out the good folks at greatwesterncatskills.com for a whole host of other good things.
View from Mount Utsayantha Fire Tower.
Photo by Andy Arthur.
Photo by Andy Arthur. John Burroughs Memorial State Historic Site.
PEEP THE MIGHTY RIVER LIKE A MILLIONAIRE
Hudson River viewsheds are glorious in leaf season, and from Route 9 in Dutchess County you will find many opportunities to enjoy the views once coveted and inhabited by the rich and powerful, now open to the public for free. These are homes built by folks who could have built homes anywhere in the world. These are the places they chose, and you’ll see why.
First, though, take some time to explore Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie. The Walkway has swiftly become a premier leaf peeper destination and for good reason. There’s no better place from which to marvel at our mighty river, dressed in her autumn glad rags.
A COLORFUL HISTORY
Head to Hyde Park, where the opulent Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site awaits. You can take a guided tour or just enjoy the grounds, which are free and open every day. Frederic Vanderbilt’s passion for trees and formal gardens is evident in the meticulously landscaped grounds, designed by renowned architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Gaze upon breathtaking vistas of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains from this idyllic setting.
Just a stone's throw away lies Springwood , the home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt . Explore the estate, now a National Historic Site, and gain a deeper understanding of the life and legacy of one of America's most consequential
Walkway Over the Hudson.
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. Photo by Jim Cheney.
presidents. Immerse yourself in the history of the Roosevelt family and the pivotal role Springwood played during the Great Depression and World War II.
For nature enthusiasts seeking a dose of serenity, a visit to Poets' Walk in Red Hook is a must. Embark on a two-mile stroll through this meticulously sculpted landscape, a source of inspiration for literary and artistic giants like Washington Irving and Frederic Edwin Church. Breathe in the fresh air, admire the vibrant foliage, and soak in the panoramic views of the Catskills. The park remains open from dawn to dusk through the end of October, offering the perfect opportunity to experience the changing leaves at their peak.
After a day of exploring, unwind and recharge in the charming town of Rhinebeck . This delightful village boasts a vibrant main street lined with eclectic shops, art galleries, and renowned restaurants. Savor the local cuisine, sip on a glass of wine from a nearby vineyard, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality that Rhinebeck is known for.
Venture beyond the river's edge and discover the rolling farmlands of Dutchess County . Embark on a scenic drive along Route 44, a picturesque route that winds its way from Poughkeepsie to Amenia . Witness the changing tapestry of the landscape as fields of golden hay give way to vibrant orchards and charming farm stands. With its rich history, breathtaking natural beauty, and small-town charm, the Hudson Valley promises an unforgettable autumn escape.
Poet's Walk. Photo Courtesy of Hudson Valley Illustrated.
savor
Fall into autumn’s colorful countryside.
Reel in a big one. Score an eagle or watch one soar. Take a river trip. Or wander our charming, small towns bursting with food, drink, and outdoor fun.
PLAN AHEAD
Sept 26-29: Big Eddy Film Festival -Narrowsburg
Oct 11-26: Peace, Love & Pumpkins -Bethel Woods
Oct 12: Art Walk-Callicoon
Fridays in Oct: Rocky Horror Picture Show Live on Stage-Forestburgh Playhouse
Nov 29-Dec 29: Peace, Love and Lights -Bethel Woods
Autumn is Amazing at Mohonk Preserve!
Experience great healthy outdoor recreational activities. Discover a variety of plants and animals in our forests, fields and streams. Our Visitor Center is open free of charge daily 9am-5pm and the land is open daily sunrise to sunset. Memberships and day passes are available at all trailheads.
Photo: Historic Carriage Road by John Mizel
hutton brickyards
For over a century, billions of bricks from Kingston were loaded onto barges and floated downriver to Manhattan and beyond. The Hutton Brickyards, founded in 1865, helped build the Cloisters and the Empire State Building and Yankee Stadium; look around in any Hudson River city, the largest of them included, and you’ll see the classy red oblongs everywhere.
photos provided by hutton brickyards
Hutton Brickyards is still a work in progress—but one that’s abuzz with love and fun.
Hutton Brickyards shut down in 1980, and for some years, no one quite knew what to do with the sprawling industrial complex. At one point, hundreds of condominiums were proposed, but environmentalists made a lot of noise—the modern environmental movement was birthed in this valley, meaning the river’s viewsheds have a lot of battle-hardened warriors looking after them—and the project never got off the drawing board.
Now, in the hands of Karl Slovin of MWest Holdings, Hutton Brickyards is still a work in progress—but one that’s abuzz with love and fun. “This is an overnight success that was 20 years in the making and it’s wonderful to be part of it,” Slovin told us back in 2020. “The city has been tremendously supportive—they really get what we’re trying to do. We didn’t come in with a master plan; it was more like, ‘Let’s see what happens, let’s experiment and
see how people react. It’s been nice to slowly, organically build in response to organic demand, a joyful experience. We’re working with local talent—designers, craftspeople, architects—and everyone that joins our team falls in love and gets so invested, the ideas just come pouring out.”
Four years later, the sleek, luxe cabins and vast pavilions crafted from industrial space
“What we hope to keep doing is engaging with city folks and locals alike.”
– Guest Experience and Marketing Manager Lucy De Urquiza
regularly fill up with guests celebrating weddings and milestones, and the Brickyards has added a four-season showplace: Edgewood Mansion, an 1873 beauty that was once home to a prosperous Hutton partner, has been redone to add 12 lovely rooms and suites in which modern comforts are accented by antique pieces, intricately carved and inlaid and vividly upholstered. There’s an intimate restaurant serving fine local fare, a stunning oak bar for craft cocktails, a welcoming sunroom and a gazebo sited for gorgeous river views.
Down by the river, on the 100-acre former brickyard, you can stay in
a clean-lined modern cabin whose interior is a cozy luxury hotel room with superbly comfy beds, tiled baths, and all the trimmings. Riverfront King and Queen options have lots of glass facing the water; others have private decks, and guests get complimentary robes to lounge in. An Airstream trailer has been transformed into a commissary of sorts, featuring souvenirs, body care items, and goodies curated by popular uptown shop Exit 19, plus s’mores kits to relish round the firepit.
Nearby, but not intrusively close, the outdoor River Pavilion serves up wood-fired pizza and farmto-fork delicacies amid splendid
water views. The covered spaces can accommodate 3,500, making the Brickyards a perfect venue for big parties, from weddings and retreats to the Field + Supply market weekends and star-studded concerts. (Bob Dylan came here in 2017, and last June the site hosted Michael Franti & Spearhead with Stephen Marley.)
"We keep things lively with events, happy hour specials, holiday promotions, and even dance parties! It attracts a wide range of guests seeking unique experiences," said Lucy De Urquiza, Guest Experience & Marketing Manager. "Our riverside location is also perfect for weddings. The accommodations are exceptional, and the space is so flexible. We have pavilions available, which alleviates the stress of having to decide whether to tent or not in the event of rain."
Yoga and meditation sessions happen in a glorious riverfront space. Bikers and hikers have access to the neighboring Sojourner Truth State Park and the Empire State Trail; on premises, there are archery, lawn, and board games.
The ideas keep flowing. “We’ve added a Trailways stop for carfree travelers, and we’d love to offer guests a boat ride from the train station,” says De Urquiza, “so you can hop off the train and arrive by water. We have two spa treatment rooms and two cedar wood barrel saunas with panoramic views. The saunas are fantastic in winter; you can steam out all your worries gazing out at the water. We also offer seasonal kayaking and boat rentals from our ideal location for the outdoors enthusiast.”
“What we hope to keep doing is engaging with city folks and locals alike. We work closely with the O+ festival and the Queer Conspiracy. I think there may have been a misperception at some point that we were making some exclusive place here that wouldn’t be very connected to the local community. So come over, book a massage at the spa, take a Saturday yoga class, come for a drink or a meal at the Pavilion, take a walk and soak up the history. Our estimate is, there are around two billion bricks on this property—there’s a layer of brick under everything.”
hutton brickyards 200 North Street, Kingston 845-514-4853 huttonbrickyards.com
Photo by Upland Creative Co.
Meet the Owner
camp catskill
If you’ve spent any time in the great outdoors, you probably realize that having the right gear can make or break the experience—and that there are a whole lot of options to choose from. Outdoorspeople are a clever bunch, and there are things being invented all the time that can take your pleasure to the next level. At Camp Catskill in Tannersville, you can check out a curated selection of the nicest socks, packs, hammocks, gadgets, and more—while enjoying a warm welcome and loads of expert-level local lore.
“I grew up in the woods,” says
Ryan Penny, “and I’ve always found something very comforting and nourishing about being out there. Especially in the northern Catskills; that’s where my parents most often took us in the summertime. It’s an easy drive from Long Island, but when you get there you’re a whole world away.”
An Eagle Scout, he’d learned early to be a good camper, cherishing and protecting the surroundings that nurtured and delighted him. And the woods were always his happy place. “When I met my wife in 2013, we started coming back to the area to get out of the city,
and ended up getting engaged on top of Peekamoose Mountain,” he says. “We continued to return as weekenders before and during the pandemic, which made us decide to make the move full-time, settling in Windham.”
Like many entrepreneurs, Penny had another career before starting his own business. “I was running a nonprofit training program for NYC that helped low-income and unemployed New Yorkers start careers in the TV and film industry. We had a small team, and I ended up wearing a lot of different hats,”
he says. “When everything went remote, it became a different job and it felt like the right time to transition out of that role. I decided to pivot to something that I felt like I knew a lot about and always loved, hiking & camping. All the hat-wearing gave me the idea that I could run my own business, and has served me well as we've gotten up and running. And I had never worked in retail before, so when we moved to Windham, I got a job at Home Depot and sold appliances. I’m really glad I did it because it taught me how to listen and solve a customer’s problems.”
At Camp Catskill in Tannersville, you can check out a curated selection of the nicest socks, packs, hammocks, gadgets, and more—while enjoying a warm welcome and loads of expert-level local lore.
“I grew up in the woods, and I’ve always found something very comforting and nourishing about being out there. Especially in the northern Catskills.” - Ryan Penny
That problem-solving ability combined with a commitment to top-shelf customer service and passionate expertise have been keys to Camp Catskill’s success. Penny hopes his customers, “mostly busy people who need the kind of break you can only find in nature,” will consider Camp Catskill an integral part of their journey, and he aims to help them feel at home. After all, the Painted Village in the Sky makes a fantastic base camp. “Where we are in Tannersville, inside the Blue Line of the Catskill Park, is just minutes away from Kaaterskill Falls, the Crown
Jewel of the Catskills, and has some amazing restaurants and shops that make it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It was really a natural fit for our shop, and it’s worked out great,” he says.
As a relative newcomer who’d long considered the Great Northern Catskills a beloved second home, he took a thoughtful approach to moving in and setting up shop. “I really resisted the notion of coming in here with, you know, ‘my way or the highway’ kind of downstate thinking. I wanted to understand why things
“I truly love talking to people from all over the world, acting as a kind of concierge to help them explore everything the Catskills has to offer, including some of the things that are hard to find on the internet.” – Ryan Penny.
are the way they are, then try to work with whoever is trying to make things better, rather than just try to steamroll and tell people how they should live.”
Happily, many of his neighbors are on much the same page when it comes to welcoming visitors in search of outdoor adventure. “This is the 200th anniversary of the Catskill Mountain House, and it’s kind of mind-blowing to contemplate that this area has been a tourist destination for two centuries now,” he says. “It’s exciting that there’s such a growing market for outdoor recreation, and I think more is better— these are public lands that belong to everyone. Getting people to fall in
love with the beauty here and take responsibility for keeping it beautiful is what we're all about—we want them to come back again and again, to have all kinds of families grow up coming to the Catskills, including people who haven’t always felt welcome for whatever reasons. There’s so much here for people to connect with; we need to take every possible avenue to educate everyone about environmental principles and instill a sense of stewardship along with a desire to keep coming back.”
That educational aspect, says Penny, is at the core of Camp Catskill right along with unique, high-quality merch
and exceptional service. “I believe sustainability and limiting our impact on our environment is of paramount importance,” he says. “We call ourselves an ‘Ethical Outdoor Shop,’ meaning that we are conscious of the brands we work with and the products we carry, and as members of 1% For the Planet, we’ve baked that commitment into our business by pledging to donate 1% of our yearly revenues to environmental nonprofits such as the Catskill Center, Catskill Mountainkeeper, and Leave No Trace.”
In-house hiking guide Moe is
planning a series of educational events and workshops. And with an eye to promoting all-season adventure, Camp Catskill is adding snowshoe and microspike rentals for the coming season. Meanwhile, Penny is having a wonderful time facilitating fun. “I truly love talking to people from all over the world, acting as a kind of concierge to help them explore everything the Catskills has to offer, including some of the things that are hard to find on the internet. Solving a problem, possibly saving a weekend of adventures with a pair of boots or bug spray, is the best feeling.”
6006 Main Street, Tannersville 518-303-6050
campcatskill.co
camp catskill
We are located in the heart of The Catskill Mountains. We carry Minnetonka Moccasins, chimes, puzzles, local books & maps, gemstones, homemade fudge, jewelry, candy, t-shirts, games, crafts and so much more. We are packed to the rafters with fun, practical, and hard-to-find merchandise. Come visit us for a unique shopping experience. OUR HOMEMADE FUDGE IS WORTH THE TRIP!
by Jakob Owens.
Our Farms
hv & catskills
fall farm fun
Harvest season, for obvious reasons, is a great time to get to know our local farms. Apple trees are heavy with sweet, crisp fruit, pumpkin patches are alive with golden-orange globes of goodness, and many local farms invite you to come do your own picking, a great way to connect to the land and put kids in direct contact with how food happens.
But apple and pumpkin picking is only part of the adventure. Each Hudson Valley and Catskills farm has a personality all its own, from the centuries-old operations to
the newer ventures; some have all kinds of activities for guests, while at others, you’ll find simple peace amid the plenty. There are syrup and honey specialists, flower fanatics, livestock producers, and fiber farmers in the mix.
Checking the website or even calling on the day you plan to visit is a good idea—these are working farms, vulnerable to weather and a long list of other factors that can impact what’s available when.
Wear comfy shoes, pack an extra layer in case the breeze picks up, and prepare to savor the flavor at its very source.
Photo
kelder ' s farm
Kelder's Farm in Kerhonkson offers apple and pumpkin picking and a vast array of family amusement, going beyond hayrides and corn mazes with a Jumping Pillow, Combine Slide, Candy Cannon, and much more. There’s food at the Farmers Grill and adult beverages at the Loading Dock Tap Room; come during the Harvest Festival (September 21-October 21) for the full fall farm experience.
Locust Grove Fruit Farm in Milton is a seventh-generation family operation with three generations hands-on. They offer u-pick every weekend during the month of October; after you’ve got your fruit, check in at the Brewery Barn for fine house-made craft beverages to wash down the goodies from a selection of food trucks.
162 & 199 North Road, Milton | 845-795-5194 | locustgrovefruitfarm.com
ULSTER COUNTY
saunderskill farms
Saunderskill Farms in Accord offers 10 varieties of pick-your-own apples, starting August 31 and continuing through mid-November. You can also pick pumpkins, roam the free corn maze, and take a horse-drawn hayride, or make a selection from their over 4,000 mums. There’s an old-timey Tractor Pull Festival and BBQ happening October 8.
stone ridge orchard 3012 Route 213, Stone Ridge | 845-687-2587 | stoneridgeorchard.com
Stone Ridge Orchard in Stone Ridge is a 200-year-old working farm using sustainable practices and offering a wide range of pick-your-own apples in the fall, plus other local delectables at the farm stand. The Farm Bar, open till Thanksgiving, serves up cider flights and New York State beer, wine, and cocktails.
twin star orchards
Twin Star Orchards in New Paltz, home base for Brooklyn Cider House minimal-intervention ciders, welcomes you to come pick your own on weekends. Besides filling yourself a sack from the gorgeous orchard, there’s plenty to do: live music on Saturdays, superb wood-fired pizza and burgers to wash down with their cider (or authentic Mexican cane sugar soda) and the Hudson Valley Craft Beverage Festival, happening here September 7.
walkill view farm
Wallkill View Farm in New Paltz offers pick-your-own pumpkins every weekend in October, with a free corn maze and a free scenic hayride with Shawangunk Mountains views. Don’t forget to pick up some fresh-baked cider doughnuts or a pie from the onsite bakery, and maybe a hanging basket of pretty mums from the greenhouse.
155 N Ohioville Rd, New Paltz | 845-633-8657 | twinstarorchards.com
15 Route 299, New Paltz | 845-255-8050 | wallkillviewfarmnewpaltz.com
wright ' s farm
Wright’s Farm in Gardiner is a sixth-generation family farm with three generations currently involved. They welcome you to visit for apple picking from September 6 through the end of October. There’s a 453-acre farm to explore with trails for hiking and biking, and infinite picnic possibilities. The farm store is bursting with produce, baked goods, and hormone-free meats; on weekends, you can catch live music in the brewery, which is inside the renovated dairy barn.
699 State Route 208, Gardiner | 845-255-5300 | eatapples.com
DUTCHESS COUNTY
barton orchards
Barton Orchards in Poughquag lets you pick your own apples and pumpkins on their 175-acre family farm, which also offers a midway of agri-tainment attractions including a petting zoo, playground, and tap room. The Oktoberfest and Hudson Valley Apple Festival in September and a Harvest Festival in October are just a couple of the frequent festivities here with live music, a Fun Park, and hayrides, and your dog will love the Bark Park.
63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag | 845-227-2306 | bartonorchards.com
cedar heights orchard
Cedar Heights Orchard in Rhinebeck is a 150-year-old family operation on a gorgeous hillside with Catskills views, where you can pick among a wide variety of heirloom and newer varieties of apples any day of the week until October 9, and bring a picnic besides. They’re experimenting with some new high-density growing methods and cider varieties; apple-growing geeks can see the state of the art here.
Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction welcomes you to make a reservation and come pick organic sunflowers, pears, apples, and pumpkins; the farm store offers a wide range of artisanal local products and fresh baked goods, the Treasury Cider Bar is house-made from tree to glass, and there’s an outdoor grill serving farm-fresh goodies to eat at the picnic tables.
Greig Farm in Red Hook opens its PYO apple season in late August, with 11 varieties of apples available through October, when they also offer multiple varieties of pumpkins and gourds. There are trails to walk, and pygmy goats and koi fish to feed. There’s a farm market and cafe as well as an Airstream food truck, and you can wash it all down with something delicious and locally crafted from the Barn Taproom.
227 Pitcher Ln, Red Hook | 845-758-8007 | greigfarm.com
Meadowbrook Farm Apple Orchard and Market in Wappingers Falls is a third-generation family operation that offers apple picking and pumpkins for sale through October, along with their own cider and homemade goodies. You can pay a visit to the chickens, ducks and goats, then visit the market for fruit and baked goods, pre-order holiday pies and complete some early gift shopping.
meadowbrook farm apple orchard & market 29 Old Myers Corners Rd, Wappingers Falls | 845-297-3002 | facebook.com/MeadowbrookApples
Echo Orchard & Farm in Hamden is a former dairy farm on the West Branch of the Delaware River that now practices permaculture and makes cruelty-free wool products; as a no-spray orchard growing mostly cider apples, they don’t offer apple picking, but you can come pick pumpkins in September and October and meet the hens and sheep.
Hodgson Riverbank Farm in Downsville welcomes pumpkin pickers with a wagon ride out to the field, which offers over 5,000 pumpkin choices. You’ll also find mums, asters, ornamental kale, and corn stalks to inspire the perfect autumn tableau, and fresh autumn veggies—creative use of high tunnels keeps them picking late into the season.
Honeybee Herb Farm in Margaretville offers its own sweet flavor of inspired agricultural wisdom. This is the place to find out more about holistic beekeeping, organic herb growing, wildcrafting, and more. They offer consultations and workshops along with green garden design and building services and a wide variety of herbal remedies and goodies: body and skincare, teas, syrups and elixirs, and much more—they’ll happily craft you a custom blend.
farm & orchard
Maplewood Farm & Orchard in Delhi offers PYO apples and pumpkins on weekends from mid-September through Columbus Day, along with Li’l Buckaroo Rodeos and roping lessons. They’re also an ancestral maple-syrup operation with a sugar house full of outstanding syrups and maple sugar candies.
765 Main Street, Margaretville | 845-701-3091 | honeybeeherbs.com
honeybee
farm
SULLIVAN COUNTY
Buck Brook Alpacas in Roscoe is located atop one of the highest peaks in the Sullivan Cats; you can sign up for a tour or walk, meet the critters and soak up the spectacular foliage views, try your hand at gem mining, and grab your apples and pumpkins at the farm stand, which also stocks alpaca wool products. cunningham family farms
Cunningham Family Farms in Bethel offers pumpkin picking and a wide range of fall family fun: Sullivan County’s largest corn maze (with a ghost hunt option no less!), giant checkers and chutes and ladders games, hay ride, hay bale pyramid, and gem mining. The party’s on from Labor Day through Halloween.
Our Farms
a flavorful fall
Fall in farm country is a cascade of wildly practical magic, a feast of warm, hearty colors and flavors. We highly recommend immersing yourself. You don’t absolutely have to do your own harvesting, although it’s a blast to wander the orchard or the field. Local farm stands are piled high with apples, pumpkins, and squash, the finest fruits of autumn.
They start as flowers and by the time they get solid and curvy and colorful, they’re packed with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Winter squash (pumpkin is a winter squash, along with butternut, acorn, Hubbard, spaghetti, and buttercup) will keep for up to four months in a cool, dark place, and apples keep for six to
Photo by Brian A Jackson.
Photo by Brent Hofacker
hearty sides, soups, and entrees.
This time of year, look for the squash and apple dishes on the menu, because the odds are high that the chef is celebrating the harvest with gusto and that always makes for a tasty time, and most likely some new inspirations on what to do with your long-lasting, nutritious farmers’ market bounty. Just to whet your appetite, here are three of the infinite possibilities for these fabulous foods:
cocktail : applejack
rabbit
This is a drink that’s said to have its origins in the Roaring 20s. This version, cited in Liquor.com as a Best Fall Cocktail, is simply delicious.
2 ounces bonded apple brandy
3/4 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice
3/4 ounce fresh-squeezed orange juice Lemon twist garnish
• Add the apple brandy, lemon juice, orange juice, and a dash of maple syrup into a shaker with ice. Shake until well-chilled.
• Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Photography.
soup : roasted butternut squash soup
Adapted from CooksCountry.com by Adams Fairacre Farms
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
1 1/2 lbs Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored and chopped
3 medium shallots, peeled and quartered
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Salt Pepper
4 cups low-sodium chicken (or vegetable) broth
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp cider vinegar
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup heavy cream
• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Toss chopped squash, apples, and shallots with oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper, then arrange in single layer on a large roasting pan.
• Roast, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes or until vegetables are golden brown and softened.
• Add 1/2 cup broth to the pan and scrape up any browned bits with a spoon. Return to the oven and cook until the vegetables are glazed, about 5 minutes.
Photo by Cala Maffia.
• Puree squash mixture and remaining broth in a blender until smooth, working in batches if needed.
• Transfer pureed squash to a large saucepan and stir in the maple syrup, vinegar, nutmeg, and cream.
• Bring to simmer over medium-low heat, adding 1/4 cup water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
dessert : no bake pumpkin cheesecake
Adapted from Yummly by Adams Fairacre Farms
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp brown sugar 1/2 tsp cinnamon
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 cup heavy cream
24 oz full-fat cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups pumpkin puree
Photo by Nata Vkusidey.
With their delicate, delicious flavors, autumn’s fruits take well to being seasoned in all manner of ways.
• Stir together the graham crumbs, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and stir to evenly distribute.
• Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pan. Place in the freezer to chill while you make the filling.
• Place pumpkin in a paper towel and pat gently. Repeat as necessary to remove excess liquid.
• Beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
• In a separate large bowl beat the cream cheese until soft. Then beat in the powdered sugar, remaining brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.
• Stir in the vanilla and pumpkin puree.
• Gently fold the cream into the cream cheese mixture.
• Spoon the cheesecake mixture into the chilled crust and evenly spread it across the crust.
• Chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours.
• To serve, run a thin knife around the edges of the pan to release the crust.
• Cut into slices and serve. Enjoy!
Photo by Andrea of Life Made Simple..
Photo: Trisha Keeler
Owners
kingston social Meet the
photos by yellow house productions
Alongside its wealth of colonial and Revolutionary-era history, Kingston’s Stockade District is a constantly evolving tapestry. And just last spring, an essential piece of the big picture fell perfectly into place with the opening of Kingston Social, a cafe, mercantile, and gallery space located right across the street from the Ulster County Office Building.
The space is light and fragrant, the colorful art and merch as enticing as the fresh-baked cornetti and freshbrewed coffee. “Yes yes yes,” writes a reviewer on Google. “Excellent Italian coffee & pastries… lovely spot to spend a quick coffee break or the afternoon… family friendly with space for the kiddos… books, art, candles, local and handmade treasures…fun to discover & explore it all!”
Having operated Pinkwater Gallery on Front Street since 2019, Anne Sanger knows her way around the Stockade, as do her good friends Samara Daly and Helena Palazzi. The concept of Kingston Social evolved over the course of numerous heartfelt discussions, and when the 1920s Fair Street building became available, the three knew it was time to take action.
“It was offered as a lease, but when we asked about buying it, the owner said yes,” says Sanger. “I think she liked the idea of what we were planning to do.”
The team set about renovating and found unexpected treasures. “It had been an insurance office, and when we took out the dropped ceiling, the original tin ceiling was right there waiting for us. And we worked with some great local talent on the design
Kingston Social is a beautiful cafe, mercantile, and gallery space located right across the street from the Ulster County Office Building.
and build of the space.” Scott Dutton of Dutton Architecture did the plans and provided a 3D virtual reality rendering of the space, and Michele Harrington and Kris Stephenson of Chestnut Street Design & Construction, Inc. were responsible for the design and build. “We found some original paneling and hardware, and preserved what we could.” Found in the ceiling: a 1925 Kingston Daily Freeman advertising “frocks” for $18.95.
Workers from the county offices and surrounding businesses have adopted this as the best spot for a coffee break, and much of the reason can be found in the culinary vision of Palazzi, whose Italian and Swedish roots inform the selection of coffee and baked goods— and the vibes. “Growing up in Sweden, we had this pervasive tradition of fika, which involves
taking breaks together during the day for coffee or tea and something sweet,” she says.
“Then in Italy, of course, we have all the fine pastries and coffees. I’m a photographer and an artist, so during lean times, I got a lot of restaurant experience in a lot of places.”
All three owners get together to taste coffees and pastries before bringing them to the public, and Palazzi is happy with the chosen signature bean.
“People ask us what flavors of coffee we have, and we tell them, ‘We have coffee,’” she says. “Traditional Italian coffee, which means nice cappuccino and espresso that don’t really need flavored syrups added. We serve Tostini, which is a fairly young brand from Naples that’s competing well with the big 100-year-old producers. The pastries are from a bakery that
was founded in Milano in 1946—they have a distributor here in the US and we work with them to get our supply and finish off the baking here, so you get freshly baked pastries every day.”
The mercantile is Daly’s specialty. “In my sourcing and merchandising, I’m guided by thinking about the different rooms in your home— the child’s room, the playroom, the kitchen, and dining room,” she says. “I think I’m achieving the goal: a beautiful, modern mercantile full of gifts and goods. Some things are locally made, others from England and across the world. I’ve always been drawn to what I think of as classic modern, as opposed to
trendy modern: lovely things that will add value to life and stand the test of time. We have a nice cross section of things for different age groups, from the smallest children on up, with art and design sensibilities that the whole family can love. I went out of my way to curate a selection that’s complementary to our neighbors and friends in the neighborhood shops, rather than competing—I deliberately source things that aren’t already represented in Kingston.”
Wrapping it all together is the vibe: a place where you can enjoy art, warmth, and friendliness, whether you’re seeking a quiet spot to get a little work done, a casual first date,
“People ask us what flavors of coffee we have, and we tell them, ‘We have coffee.’ Traditional Italian coffee, which means nice cappuccino and espresso that don’t really need flavored syrups added.” - co-owner Helena Palazzi
or a place to meet up with your fellow parents. There’s a play area in the back with art supplies for the youngsters, so that Mom (or Dad) can focus on a friend or a work task; browse among the tableware, tote bags, wool blankets, and sunglasses; or peruse the local honey, jam, and syrup.
Surrounding it all is the art. Pinkwater, which had already been winning hearts (and a 2023 Chronogrammy award) for its life-enhancing offerings and down-to-earth sensibilities, has relocated and expanded here. Here too, the idea is to collaborate, not duplicate. “We’re offering classes
for people who are maybe thinking about enrolling at the Woodstock School of Art but find it a bit intimidating, or maybe just want to bring some creativity into their lives,” says Sanger. “You don’t have to aspire to being the next Picasso—you can come here and just get a feel for working with the materials, mixing colors, the basics. And I’ve been talking to fellow gallery owners—our idea is to band together and really elevate the reality of
Kingston as a vibrant arts destination. We have a lot to offer around here, whether you’re a day tripper, a collector from Westchester, or a local looking for art for your home.”
Art galleries, Sanger says, can feel intimidating to people who’d actually thrive in art-filled surroundings; Kingston Social is a portal to that joy, and a place to build community. “Come in for a gelato, stay and chat with a new friend, get caught up in the work on the walls,” she says. “It all goes really well together.”
kingston social
237 Fair Street, Kingston 845-202-0078
kingstonsocialny.com
TOAST THE BOUNTY OF AUTUMN
Photo by Jose Hernandez-Uribe.
cideries & distilleries Explore
local breweries ,
Making delicious adult beverages is bred into the terroir of this fine fruit-growing countryside. Cideries, distilleries, and breweries flourished here from the Colonial era up through Prohibition, helping farmers to survive and lots of people to celebrate together. The taverns and public houses they supplied were centers of community life and politics. Decades after Prohibition ended, when the art of craft
beverage resurfaced, a lot of the innovation and organization involved happened right here.
You’re in good hands visiting the beverage crafters on our list, and fall is the perfect season for it. Along with delectable beverages, you’ll find passion, expertise, and history. The beverages will warm your innards; the people will warm your heart; and on every level, these are some mighty fine spirits.
Cideries, distilleries, and breweries flourished here from the Colonial era up through Prohibition, helping farmers to survive and lots of people to celebrate together.
beverage makers
ANGRY ORCHARD makes the #1 hard cider in the United States, and a visit to their 60-acre orchard and cider house in Walden is a master class in craft beverage done right. The Cider House, which opened in 2015, serves the latest exclusive varieties. There’s a large bar overlooking the pressing room and cellar and a downstairs taproom with Shawangunk Ridge views. You can build your own flight from a long list of choices and have a glass of your favorite along with something delicious from the menu, book a specialized tasting experience or tour, and learn how the magic is made. angryorchard.com, 845-713-5180
BACCHUS RESTAURANT & BREWERY in New Paltz showed up early to the craft beer party, serving 120 bottled varieties back in the '90s. Today, the selection is close to 500, including some from their own off-premises brewery. They’ve got a full menu of mostly Southwestern-inflected snacks and entrees, two lovely patios to hang out on, and a billiards hall that’s a great place to unwind. Stop in for karaoke (First Fridays) or drag shows (Last Saturdays).
bacchusnewpaltz.com, 845-255-8636
BROOKLYN CIDER HOUSE/TWIN STAR ORCHARDS in New Paltz exists because a connoisseur of fine food and beverage happened to visit a Basque cider house on a trip to Spain and fell in love with the way natural cider and fine, fresh food combined into a whole new magic. He and his sister have been growing apples in this glorious spot since 2015, using organic, biodynamic, and Integrated Pest Management techniques to perfect the minimal-intervention miracle. You can pick your own here, and bring your leashed pup. Check their calendar for live music, workshops, and pig roasts, or come by any weekend for burgers and woodfired pizza. brooklynciderhouse.com, 845-633-8657
FISHKILL FARMS in East Fishkill was founded in 1913 by Henry Morgenthau Jr., who studied agriculture at Cornell and who later became Franklin Roosevelt’s Secretary of the Treasury. By the 1950s, Fishkill Farms was selling tens of thousands of bushels of apples every year. Today, 50 of the farm’s 270 acres produce 100 distinct apple varieties. They’re experts at pressing just the right mix of heirloom, bittersweet, and dessert ones into a selection of tree-to-bottle products served at the Treasury Cider Bar. You can do some picking, then relax with some snacks on the gorgeous porch overlooking the orchard. Check the calendar for live music and Sip N' Stretch Yoga sessions. fishkillfarms.com, treasurycider.com, 845-897-4377
GARDINER BREWING COMPANY in Gardiner is sited in a repurposed dairy barn at Wright’s Farm, founded by the fifth generation of the family and focused on making delicious seasonal beer from the farm’s fine produce. Their slogan is Beer From Here, and they mean it—check out Open Space Plan Pale Ale or Ireland Corners Red for a hyperlocal experience, or check out the selection of local wines and spirits. Live music happens every weekend. gardinerbrewingcompany.com, 845-255-5300
LASTING JOY BREWERY is a love story that came to life when a young family moved up to Tivoli from Brooklyn and built a bespoke tasting room at the end of a winding farm road with a hexagonal floating 12-tap bar seating 60, locally crafted wooden tables flanked by comfy conversation pits with couches and lounge chairs. It’s the perfect place to wash down food-truck delicacies with wildly creative choices like Heartbeet of the Hudson, Route 4 Kolsch, and Beekeeper’s Bliss (yes, that’s orange and honey you’re tasting among the New York-grown grains).
“Pairs well with love and marriage but also gets along with brunch foods like omelets,” say the Joyous Ones. lastingjoybrewery.com, 845-757-2337
LOCUST GROVE BREWING COMPANY in Milton is a legacy fruit farm on the banks of the Hudson River, creating unique ciders from things like cherries, berries, peaches, and quince, not to mention over 100 varieties of apples. The brewing company and cidery began as a pandemic pivot and has turned into enormous fun, in a yellow barn full of vintage agricultural artifacts—come drink in the views, the flavors, and the varied lineup of live events, including weekly trivia. There are food trucks, wines from nearby Benmarl Winery, and a variety of offerings from local distilleries. locustgrovebrewco.com, 845-795-4104
RIP
VAN WINKLE BREWING COMPANY in Catskill is the creation of the LoBiancos, the family that created the Hyde Park Brewing Company, Dutchess County’s first-ever restaurant brewery, along with a dozen local restaurants over the past four-plus decades. The LoBiancos know hospitality and food, and their brews win awards. There are seven in-house microbrews and a full menu of delicious Italian fare, including pizza and calzones. ripvanwinklebrewery.com, 518-678-9275
STONE RIDGE ORCHARD in Stone Ridge has been a productive and diversified orchard for almost 200 years, sited on 115 acres. The oldest trees, gathered around a majestic oak on a hilltop, have been joined by more than a thousand gourmet apple trees planted in 2000. Agricultural activist and PhD pomologist Elizabeth Ryan took the reins in 2008 and produces truly exceptional Hudson Valley Farmhouse Ciders you can try at the Farm Bar, which also offers New York beer, wine, cocktails, and wood-fired pizza. Check out the Meadowlark Fest happening the second weekend of September. stoneridgeorchard.com, 845-687-2587
STOUTRIDGE DISTILLERY & WINERY is tucked away on a secluded limestone ridge in the Marlboro hills, a spot that’s been nurturing grapes, fruit, and fine beverages for a couple of centuries. Its current owners fell in love with the abandoned farm in 2000 and set about reawakening the land, producing low-intervention wines and, since 2017, all manner of award-winning spirits: vodkas, gins, whiskies, bourbons, brandies, mastics, absinthes, orange liqueurs, and bitters—all of them made the old-fashioned way. Stop by and taste, or schedule a 75-minute session with distiller and winemaker extraordinaire, Steve Osborn, for a delicious deep dive into your chosen topic. stoutridge.com, 845-2367620
TUTHILLTOWN DISTILLERY in Gardiner began as a 1789 gristmill in the shadow of the Shawangunk Ridge. Later, at the turn of the 21st century, it was purchased by a farsighted rock climber named Ralph Erenzo who lobbied for and won the right to make whiskey there, opening the first farm distillery in the state since Prohibition. His operation was then purchased by fifth-generation Scottish distillers William Grant & Sons, and today it’s the sleek and lovely home of the Hudson Whiskey brand. The visitor center, tasting room, and craft cocktail bar are sleek and superb. Book a tour, or come hike the stunning property and picnic on the great lawn.
UNION GROVE DISTILLERY in Arkville is as pure Catskills as it gets. Owners Brian and Penny Mulder are locals who ditched construction for distilling and immediately began winning medals. Mulder has appeared on and won the competitive Discovery Channel show "Moonshiners: Master Distiller" with his Maple Ginseng Moonshine. Union Grove serves up tastings at a copper-topped bar beside a roaring fireplace. There’s a piano and musicians, and food trucks are often on the calendar. Their hyperlocal creations include Vly Creek Vodka, Catskill Mountain Maple Spirit, Drie Brook Rye Whiskey and FirGin. They’re now sharing space with another made-in-Arkville original, Calico Outlaw Brewing.
uniongrovedistillery.com, 607-287-0208
WARWICK VALLEY WINERY & DISTILLERY started growing apple trees back in 1990, creating their cidery decades before it became a "thing", and the Doc’s Cider they brought to market in 1994 is sold in 28 states and three countries today. A year later, they hosted the first of many music festivals; three years after that, they built their scratch cafe with the post-and-beam dining room, and in 2012, they added the Black Dirt Distillery. Come do some apple picking (they’ve got 65 varieties), try some double gold-winning Black Dirt Bourbon, or sample their American Fruits cordials and liqueurs, and catch a live band on the bluestone patio. wvwinery.com, 845-258-4858
3 Event Rooms for YOUR next event
• Booking for Holiday Parties
• Pet friendly inside & out
• Comedy Club
• Live Entertainment
• Lunch & Dinner
• Order with Grubhub
• Close to The Walkway Over the Hudson
• Football Sunday Tix
• Ample parking
• Located in The Poughkeepsie
Train Station
treasure hunt : a beginner ’ s guide to our antique scene
It’s fair to call the Hudson Valley a treasure hunter’s paradise. Centuries of settlement by the creative, the well-heeled, and the eccentric, to name just a few, have generated quite a stash of cool old stuff, from the odd seven-figure find to the funky and quirky, from the simply fabulous to the fabulously simple, from the meticulously preserved to the lovingly restored.
Cool old items around here come in every genre and at every price point, objects with personalities and life stories lending them a patina that mass-produced new stuff can’t match. Antique and vintage shopping is a wonderful way to make your home really yours and to find gifts for loved ones that you absolutely won’t find anywhere else.
AUCTION ACTION
Photo by Alexander Schimmeck.
If you’re looking for a higher-end statement piece, you should probably start online. Two of the Hudson Valley’s major dealers in pre-loved items, the Rhinebeck Antique Emporium and George Cole Auctions, post their finest finds as auction items. George Cole and his partner Robin Mizerak hold 12-15 estate merchandise auctions a year, selling, as they say online, “Almost Anything Of Value That Is Legal To Sell!!!” They once rehomed a 1934 Dusenberg for $1 million; among their
long list of clientele are a former president, celebrities, and government agencies, and they’ve helped charities raise millions. They deal in anything from toys to farm equipment to real property, with a lot of antique and vintage in the mix.
Jay Grutman’s Rhinebeck Antique Emporium holds an auction or two a year, featuring treasures they’ve accumulated from the Hudson Valley and their outposts in Vero Beach, Florida and Newport, Rhode Island. “We’re always coming across unique and interesting things,” says Grutman, who grew up in Larchmont in a family that collected 18th-century furniture and originally purchased his Rhinebeck store as a place to store his own collection of classic cars. “In Florida, it’s often smaller items: silver jewelry, paintings, art glass. People who’ve moved to Florida often get rid of larger items before they make the move. In Rhode Island, we get the whole spectrum—there are still a lot of huge estates there. And we still come across some very nice pieces of furniture, as well as smaller items, here in the Hudson Valley. We’re seeing a lot of Hudson River School art—there were and are a lot of prolific artists in the Woodstock area in particular.”
If you’ve never bid on an auction item before, both houses pride themselves on demystifying the process. And if you have inherited or gotten tired of something special, they offer expert appraisals, from free, informal, and verbal to in-depth and meticulously researched.
MARVELOUS MARKETS
Part of the joy of the whole game is that pretty much anyone can play, as treasure hunter or treasure merchant—and while one level plays out in the highly specialized world of the high-end collectible, there’s a wider assortment of what one might call the people’s antiques, things that won’t break the bank and may even be practical and handy to have around. That’s where many of our vintage and antique merchants fit into the scene, operating establishments as unique as they are—and they’re an eclectic bunch.
At Kingston Consignments, for example, you’ll find a vast and intriguing mix that comes in from every direction. Owner Craig McElroy had a rental spot across the river before diving in and setting up the Front Street building, now jammed with all manner of fascinations. “We don’t take everything; clear glass, for example, is a really bad market right now,” he says. “People ask me what I buy and I say, ‘I buy what you buy.’ And we try to keep the prices aggressive, so it turns over, rather than trying to bleed every penny out of things.”
George Cole Auctions
Rhinebeck Antique Emporium
Part of the joy of the whole game is that pretty much anyone can play, as treasure hunter or treasure merchant.
Along with the consignment items, Kingston Consignments hosts a number of dealer’s booths. Most antique venues are collaborations among a few dozen sellers, veteran treasure hunters who maintain a spot or two. The bricks-and-mortar Rhinebeck Antique Emporium is filled with not just the things Grutman finds but those of the 40-plus dealers under his roof. “You have all of those eyes constantly looking for things all over,” says Grutman, “and you literally never know what you’ll find.”
Antique center proprietors take great pride in both the shopper-friendly experience of the overall space and in working with vendors who “get it” and rotate their merchandise often so that you’ll always see something new
and different, keeping the adventure fresh for everyone. At the Red Owl Collective in Kingston, treasure-merchant Cindy Hoose hosts over 70 vendors, which makes for a vast variety; around 20,000 items have changed hands there since August of ‘23. “Every day folks are buying home items...pottery, decor, useful objects, vintage clothing,” she says. “We have sold not one but two human skulls! Last week I sold an outsider artist’s painting that was originally part of a set of two to the same person who bought the other a year ago at a different location. It was the first time this customer had been to the store, and it was the day I brought in the painting. Synchronicities of objects finding their new owners! Connecting people and objects is what brings me joy.”
Kingston Consignments
Red Owl Collective
FINDING THE FABULOUS
Unlike the managers of megamarts, antique and vintage impresarios can express their individuality in every choice they make. “I love having a space where people can come in and walk all around a piece, turn it upside down, lay hands on it,” says Ron Sharkey, proprietor of Maple Lawn 1843 in Stone Ridge. “I also love fixing and repairing. I do a lot of that. There’s something very satisfying about restoring an 1800s cabinet back to useful life.” Sharkey, who’s got an art degree from Pratt, has been tapped to decorate some of the region’s fanciest resorts and has brokered five-foot-diameter barrels, fancy gilded frames, and a vintage OB-GYN examining table. “I guess in the broadest sense, I’m an antique dealer,” he says. “I certainly have some. But I shy away from labels. I have things I like; some of them are gilded and fancy, and others are very simple.”
Opened early last summer, Ball & Claw Antiques, Design & Garden in Port Ewen is the project of Maria Phillipis, who’s been credited with revolutionizing the Kingston restaurant game during her tenure as owner of the wildly popular bistro Boitson’s. Now she’s opened a spot where she can be hospitable among a collective array of treasures of all sorts “in an old, winding building,” she says. “It was vacant a long time, but it’s got a nice street presence and plenty of parking—I foresee craft markets and other events. I just like spreading joy and having fun.” Given that Ball & Claw has a pastry chef and a drinks truck from the Stockade Tavern, we foresee lots of that joy.
Those delights in themselves are a high-touch mode of retail therapy, and the results are priceless, equally available to the collector of fine porcelain pieces and to folks who love digging through a stack of old vinyl or books. When you buy a pre-loved item that you love, you’re adding something very special to your daily life. “Good old things have layers of vibes, the way trees have rings,” says Grutman. "Each person that lays their hands on it and brings it home, cares for it and cherishes it, adds another layer that’s unique to them.”
Maple Lawn 1843
Ball & Claw Antiques
HERE’S A SELECTION OF TOP-NOTCH DESTINATIONS FOR AN ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE QUEST:
Antiques Barn at Water Street Market in New Paltz is a multi-dealer, two-story treasure trove that’s won both a Hudson Valley magazine best-of award and a Chronogrammy readers’ choice. Loads of beautifully presented, well-priced, and unique jewelry, antique glass, pottery, clothing, furniture, and more, curated and assembled by treasure hunters for treasure hunters. waterstreetmarket.com/antiques-barn, 845-255-1403
Ball and Claw Antiques, Design & Garden in Port Ewen features over 20 diverse dealers in a big old house, with good coffee and pastries to enhance your exploration.
Ballandclawhv.com, 845-481-4993
George Cole Auctions & Realty in Red Hook holds regular live auctions. You can see previews online, then register and bid online on a custom-built platform or attend in person for an exciting evening out. georgecoleauctions.com, 845-758-9114
Half Moon Books in Kingston and Tivoli has an eclectic, weird and wonderful selection of fine, rare, and pre-read volumes. Looking for something hard to find? Ask them. halfmoonusedbooks.com, 845-331-5439
The Shops at Emerson
Pink Clementine
Half Moon Books
Kingston Consignments in Kingston’s Stockade is a glorious two floors packed with furniture, clothing, decor, art, music, jewelry, and more. You can bring good old things here and they’ll give it three months to sell and split the take with you 50/50. kingstonconsignments.com, 845-481-5759
Maple Lawn 1843 is the name and birth-year of a gorgeous Stone Ridge home that tastemaker Ron Sharkey has refurbished and filled with all sorts of things he loves for your perusal. facebook.com/fieldandbarn, instagram.com/maplelawn1843
845-706-1070
Newberry Artisan Market is a fine Saugerties mercantile in a historic building, where you’ll find several booths focused on antique and vintage among art, pottery, jewelry, unique designer clothing, eco-friendly body care, and more. newberryartisanmarket.com, 845-247-3002
Pink Clementine Curated Consignment & Community Space in Kerhonkson is an artfully curated array of thrifted and handmade women’s and children’s clothing and accessories; all of it from women-owned businesses and arrayed amidst fine art—the shop is also a gallery with new art exhibited every three months.
instagram.com/pinkclementinellc, 917-679-0094
Red Owl Collective is a well-organized and spacious antique, vintage, and design emporium in Kingston’s Midtown Arts District with 70 indescribably varied vendors; watch their website and socials for flea markets held outdoors in the spacious parking lot. redowlcollective.com, 845-481-4675
Newberry Artisan Market
Maplelawn 1843
Red Owl Collective
Rhinebeck Antique Emporium in Staatsburg is the largest under-oneroof destination in the valley for antiques and appraisals, run by a lifelong connoisseur of all things old and wonderful. rhinebeckantiqueemporium.com, 845-876-8168
Saugerties Antiques Center is one of the area's oldest continuously running antique shops, operating since the 1970s and constantly adding fresh, expertly curated estate jewelry, vintage furniture, and historical collectibles to its vast array of just about everything imaginable: fine arts, industrial, midcentury modern, agricultural and garden artifacts can all be found here at reasonable prices.
The Shops at Emerson Resort & Spa in Mt. Tremper offers a curated selection of spots where you’ll find the antiques of tomorrow at diverse price points. Check out the Kaleidostore, the Toy Chest, and Home & Garden. emersonresort.com/theshopsatemerson, 845-688-2828
Uptown Attic in Gardiner is a consignment boutique where you’ll find fine, hand-selected clothing and accessories from the trendy to the timeless for women of all shapes and sizes, plus a children’s department; check their Facebook for live events.
uptownattic.net, 845-255-0093
Yellow Lab Vintage & Books in Troy’s antique district is a lighthearted, inclusive, and quirky destination that combines a fine selection of secondhand reading blended with curated vintage clothing, furniture, and decor. instagram.com/yellow.lab.vint, 518-203-7111
Saugerties Antique Center
Yellow Lab Vintage & Books
Uptown Attic
Shop Locally
Handmade and More is a oneof-a-kind gift bazaar. It’s been woven into the New Paltz tapestry for 50 years. Looking for a wonderful hand-crafted gift on the way to an event? The perfect mug? A lovely piece of jewelry? Adorable gifts for a newborn? Toys to excite a brilliant kid? Clothes that suit you? All of these, and more, can be yours by the simple, enjoyable act of stopping at Handmade and More. It’s a ‘hidden gem' on North Front, a side street in downtown New Paltz.
Owner Melinda Minervini an -
nounced they’ll be having a 50thyear celebration on October 6 . They will be rolling back the clothing racks upstairs and welcoming you and their employees who’ve been such a crucial part of Handmade’s story. Just as Handmade has helped form the village, providing useful and beautiful gifts for 50 years, the village, as well as its visitors, have helped form Handmade.
“I’m very proud of the mix we have and the kind of relationships we build with our customers,” Melinda says. “Our customers have
Handmade and More is a one-of-a-kind gift bazaar. It’s been woven into the New Paltz tapestry for 50 years.
made Handmade; we’ve always been very receptive to the needs of our community. Their ideas, more than our own, have spurred the growth and changes that keep us vital. The journey has been intensely rewarding. As the current owner, with a deep, long-term familial relationship with the others who’ve played that role, is intensely rewarding too: We’ve grown, we’ve added things, but there is a deep continuity at the core.”
no took over the North Front Street building. Ann focused on American Crafts downstairs while Brenda’s Dancing Theater students perfected their steps upstairs. When the Dancing Theater eventually moved on, Handmade expanded its offerings and filled the second floor with clothing and accessories styled especially for its loyal customers. Customers raved!
Handmade was established in 1974 when good friends Ann Rodman and Brenda Bufali -
Downstairs, you’ll find a wide range of speciality gifts. There's always something new and different, and the business continues to be known for its exquisite gift wrapping. You can stop in
“Our customers have made Handmade; we’ve always been very receptive to the needs of our community. Their ideas, more than our own, have spurred the growth and changes that keep us vital. The journey has been intensely rewarding.”
– Owner Melinda Minervini
on your way to the wedding, birthday party, or shower and know you will leave with a beautifully wrapped, thoughtful gift that fits the occasion.
“It’s not any one item that defines us,” says Minervini. “It’s the common thread of things that are interesting, useful, and fun. Now we have people coming in who remember being
here as children, who are bringing in their own kids and grandchildren; we’re entering the great-grandchildren stage at this point. Lots of interwoven stories.”
– Owner Melinda Minervini
“This store really works. It’s not going away because we have a multigenerational center of love and appreciation here.”
What began as a showroom for talented local artists of the 1970’s, Handmade has grown to feature highly-curated wares from artisans in the US and throughout the world while continuing to reflect the community’s tastes. Stop in anytime to shop “unique clothing and gifts that live well in your life.”
Minervini says the staff have played an important role in the magic that makes Handmade so special: “Fifty years is a long time; we’ve shared so many stories. This store really works. It’s not going away because we have a multigenerational center of love and appreciation here.”
WE IMPROVE OUR CLIENTS’ LIVES BY IMPROVING THEIR LIVING SPACES
WE IMPROVE OUR CLIENTS’ LIVES BY IMPROVING THEIR LIVING SPACES
We’re not your typical kitchen and bath company. We are a design firm that creates functional spaces tailored to the unique needs and preferences of our clients.
We’re not your typical kitchen and bath company. We are a design firm that creates functional spaces tailored to the unique needs and preferences of our clients.
WE IMPROVE OUR CLIENTS’ LIVES BY IMPROVING THEIR LIVING SPACES
We pay close attention to detail and take the time to understand their lifestyle, needs, desires and vision, ensuring that every element is both intentional and beautifully designed.
We pay close attention to detail and take the time to understand their lifestyle, needs, desires and vision, ensuring that every element is both intentional and beautifully designed.
We’re not your typical kitchen and bath company. We are a design firm that creates functional spaces tailored to the unique needs and preferences of our clients.
Shop Locally
potter brothers ski & snowboard shop
Do you love the feeling of the crisp winter air on your face as you glide down a mountainside, or is it something you’ve always wanted to try? Now’s the time to get your gear and plans in order, so that when winter hits, you’ll be ready to load the car and hit the road.
You’ll need the right gear, of course—and making sure of that is easy with a stop at Potter Brothers Ski and Snowboard Shop, where Hudson Valley snow lovers have been finding expertise, next-level customer service, and great deals on winter sports gear for 78 years.
photos provided by potter brothers ski and snowboard shop
When you need the right gear for skiing and snowboarding— it’s easy with a stop at Potter Brothers Ski and Snowboard Shop, where Hudson Valley snow lovers have
been finding expertise, next-level customer service, and great deals on winter sports gear
for 78 years.
Potter Brothers sells equipment for both skiing and snowboarding, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, along with layers and outerwear that will keep you cozy no matter what you plan to do outside—and they’re as excited about hitting those slopes as you are. “10 year customer here, I've had nothing but excellent service in all that time,” says a typical five-star review on Google. ‘Everyone who works here is knowledgeable, enthusiastic and wise.”
Kyle Potter, who’s been working in the family shop since high school and signed on full-time in 2000, says the whole team loves the fall season. “We get excited about the new gear rolling into
the shop, so we're always talking about what's new, what's coming in,” he says.
“We sell premium ski and snowboard gear, products that we 100% stand behind, products that we use ourselves.
It's premium gear; customers know that if we can trust it, they can too..It's exciting when all of the new gear starts to roll in and we start setting up the shops; there's a lot of optimism and excitement heading into the new season.
Everybody’s thinking about winter, looking forward to the good times we can have on the mountain with our friends and family. Seeing old customers back, meeting new ones, hearing everybody’s plans—it's a really high-energy time.”
Many of the staff have been there for a decade or more, and combine passion for winter sports with superior product knowledge.
Many of the staff have been there for a decade or more, and combine passion for winter with superior product knowledge. “So when you come in, you’ll usually see familiar faces here and you can trust that you’ll get great service, great products, and knowledgeable advice,” says Potter. “We’re in a very specialized industry, where a high level of service is required: tuning skis, fitting ski boots properly. Even simple things like adjusting your snowboard bindings, or finding the right stance. People know they can count on us for all of it, and we keep the vibes high and ensure everyone feels
welcome—that’s how it’s always been here, and it’ll never change.”
Their Fishkill shop, expanded and renovated in 2023, is thriving, as is their flagship Kingston shop—and if you’re headed farther north, you’ll also find on-mountain outposts at Killington, Bromley, and Jiminy Peak. Fall brings lots of sidewalk sales and promotional events that can make your winter fun far more affordable, plus their rental programs are perfect for newbies, long-distance voyagers, and growing families. “If you only get to the
“We’re in a very specialized industry, where a high level of service is required… People know they can count on us for all of it, and we keep the vibes high and ensure everyone feels welcome—that’s how it’s always been here, and it’ll never change.”
– Kyle Potter
mountain a few times a year, you may not want to invest in all-new equipment; our seasonal rental program can get you through the entire season really affordably,” Potter says. “Our daily rentals are also a great way to try out different gear, with consecutive-day discounts, the best rates around, and a simple, streamlined process: just stop in on your way to the mountain and pick up what you need.”
One thing you need is snow, which has been a bit scarce the last couple of winters—but Pot -
ter says that our family-friendly local spots, such as Belleayre, Plattekill and Jiminy Peak, do a great job of creating the winter wonderland you’re dreaming of.
“Casual skiers might look out the window and think the weather’s not that great, but conditions on the mountain are better than you expect once you get there,” he says. “Belleayre in particular has been doing a great job with snowmaking and terrain expansion. Doing this as long as we’ve been doing it, we’ve seen all kinds of winters—during the less snowy ones, we have to get
creative, like using social media to show our staff out there having a blast even when you might have bare ground in your yard. Not that far away, at the higher altitudes, you can have a fantastic day or weekend of skiing even when you might not expect it.”
With a patio furniture division that keeps the staff busy through summertime (okay, these folks really love getting us all outdoors by any means necessary) and unmatched, wide-ranging expertise, Potter Brothers is thriving no matter the weather. “We keep our fingers on the pulse and know what’s happening at the resorts and within our industry, listen to what our customers and staff are saying, and keep it fine-tuned,” he says. “We have a good reputation but we don’t let that go to our heads, we’re always working to make our shop even better. We truly care about your experiences on the mountain so we get excited about those mountain adventures you’re dreaming about—and between our own experiences, knowledge, and helping you find the right products, we’re confident we can make it turn out even better than you dreamed.”
potter brothers ski shops
Five locations, including:
57 City View Terrace, Kingston 845-338-5119
1083 Route 9, Lawrence Farms Plaza, Fishkill, 845-297-2941
potterbrothers.com
WOOD PELLETS
Meet the Owner
zephyr float , kingston
“I love that I wake up every morning to go and assist people in making self-care a priority. Watching them leave calmer and in higher spirits brings me a sense of great joy and accomplishment.” – Veronica Sedda
If you’ve never experienced the peace and freedom of floating, you’re missing out on an extremely useful delight. Free of gravity and external input, your mind and body can replenish, cleanse, and heal on multiple fronts at once. It’s proven by science to be great for reducing stress hormones, shortening the recovery time for sports injuries, and boosting access to that special state between sleep and waking.
Zephyr Float in Kingston has been a proven provider of this bliss for nearly a decade, and first-timers and regulars alike rave about the way it’s done there. “This was my very first
time and it can be a little disorienting at first in the dark and quiet, but the lights are always within reach and once I settled in, it was a very relaxing and comforting experience,” writes a beginner in a Google review.
“Highly recommend to anyone who hasn't tried this. And Zephyr Float did a great job...happy my first experience and future experiences will be with them.”
Another reviewer says the magic doesn’t get stale at Zephyr. “My float is always like a long awaited warm hug! The massage post-float is a dream! Treat yourself! You'll wish you had booked sooner, I promise!”
Zephyr Float in Kingston has been a proven provider of bliss for nearly a decade.
“I truly believe that sharing space with those who share the same intentions as you, is a major opportunity for healing. There is no pill, no quick fix, no guru. It is all about you, and those you surround yourself with.” – Veronica Sedda
This exquisite local wellness resource is now in the capable hands of Veronica Sedda, an Italian-born, New York-raised SUNY New Paltz Women’s Studies grad whose life path has been arcing toward healing from the start. “I was always drawn to helping people, and people were drawn to me for advice,” she says of her Long Island childhood. “I would spend hours on the phone with my friends, showing empathy and problem solving with them. My grandmother said that I had my own advice column, Dear Veronica. I always seemed to have the right words to say when people were struggling or in crisis, even the adults in my life at the time. As a child, I was considered to be an old soul.”
An entrepreneurial empath and a hard charger, Sedda got her first job at 12, deploying her people skills, high energy, and problem-solving chops toward self-sufficiency and a string of personal bests. In her early 20s, seeking healing and following fascination, she began a study of holism and metaphysics, delving deep into intuitive practices, Andean medicine, and energy work. “Sometime during this journey I decided I wanted more knowledge in the physical, so I could combine what I had learned with a healing modality that was more tangible and more
scientifically rooted,” she says. “So I went to the Hudson Valley School of Massage in 2010, and ever since then I have been working on combining all my studies to heal people's mind, body and spirit. “
For six years, that meant running a hotel spa down on Long Island, but when COVID hit, Sedda took refuge in her beloved college town. “I realized my heart was still in the Hudson Valley and this was my home,” she says. “That is when I started practicing massage full-time again, and one of the places I worked was Zephyr Float…Along the way meeting Olga and working at Zephyr, it all kinda fell into place. I currently reside in New Paltz and spend a lot of time in Kingston, but I am super excited to be more active in the community
here. I am a very creative person and Kingston feels like my second home. Over the years it has just become so alive with so many talented people and amazing businesses.”
She’s got a clear vision for the business she took ownership of last April. “My dream is to create a community-based wellness space. I’d looked at properties and made plans in the past, but it wasn’t the right time until now. Buying Zephyr Float was a manifestation I put into place many years ago, and thankfully one of my major lessons is patience…I would love to add more modalities, as well as workshops and healing circles. I truly believe that sharing space with those who share the same intentions as you, is a major opportunity for healing. There is no pill, no quick fix, no
guru. It is all about you, and those you surround yourself with.”
For the present, she’s set about chopping the wood and carrying the water: doing opening and closing, deep cleaning and giving massages. “The only hat I’m not wearing is maintenance and IT, and I’m fortunate to have my husband to assist; he’s super handy, computer savvy, and very supportive.” Sedda says. “Liv, our lead float facilitator, has been here for many years; she's kind, caring, warm, and highly knowledgeable. Our clients love her and I would have been lost without her these first few weeks!
Our massage therapists love what they do and enjoy working in an environment where they can express themselves and focus on what they do best. The space itself is also truly amazing, the lounge is filled with light and plants and has an airy, comforting feeling. I look forward
to being able to fill it with more events, because it was truly built for people to gather and heal.”
Before becoming part of the Zephyr team in 2021, she’d never tried a float. “I actually was very intimidated by the thought,” she recalls. “I am an active meditator, and have difficulty turning my brain off. The first time I got into the tank, I was taken to a very peaceful place I didn’t expect to be able to go to. It’s a beautiful experience; it makes you realize how overstimulated we are every day. Massage has always been a part of my life, a go-to for stress relief and muscle tension, so I was shocked to experience the same benefits after a float. Doing both in one day, you basically float out of the space.”
An Open House is planned for September 22nd from 3-6pm, and you’re cordially invited to drop
by, ask questions, see the facilities and meet the crew. But why wait for that? Zephyr Float’s New In Town package, three floats for the price of two, is a perfect chance to get your feet (and everything else) wet in the wonderful world of floating. You can also join the Z Club, currently numbering about 75 wise souls, and get discounted floats and/or massages. Veterans and active duty military personnel get discount floats on the first Wednesday of every month, there are work exchanges, a “Float it Forward” program, and corporate accounts available. Clearly, the Zephyr folks would love to see us all floating.
And why wouldn’t they? There’s no downside to healing ourselves, and it sounds as though the Zephyr way is as fun to facilitate as it is to do.
“I never thought I would have the opportunity I have today, building a space for others to heal that I can say is mine,” says Sedda. “The gratitude I have in this moment makes even the hardest days enjoyable, and when all else fails, I laugh! I love that I wake up every morning to go and assist people in making self-care a priority. Watching them leave calmer and in higher spirits brings me a sense of great joy and accomplishment.”
zephyr float
111 Greenkill Ave, Kingston 845-853-2400
zephyrfloat.com
BETHEL WOODS CENTER FOR THE ARTS
HARVEST FESTIVAL
Highlighting local farms, artisans, and flavors, this annual farmers market features live music, food trucks, crafts, special offerings, and more.
Sundays | September 1 - October 6
PEACE, LOVE & PUMPKINS
During this walk-thru experience, guests will wind through the garden trails of beautiful Bethel Woods, highlighting thousands of hand-carved jack-o-lanterns and pumpkin art.
Daily | October 11 - 27, 2024
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural organization located at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, is committed to building upon our rich history of peace and music by providing extraordinary experiences and access to the arts.
The Arts
shadowland stages
Want a superb evening of theater without all the expense and schlepping of a Broadway trip? At Shadowland Stages in the vibrant little village of Ellenville, you’ll find exactly that. This fall they present the glorious finale of their busy 2024: “The Garbologist,” called “finely crafted” and a “mustsee” by Broadway World, will be presented in the intimate black box Studio from September 13-29. The Mainstage, a vintage Vaudeville
space, will host the world premiere of “The Road to Jerusalem” from October 4-20 with an all-star cast.
When the Shadowland folks promise you the stars, expect to be dazzled. The theater in the shadow of the Gunks first opened its doors in 1920, charging patrons 17 cents apiece to sink into posh leather seats for two reels of shorts, assorted live performances and a feature film. The place was an immediate success, and was still
At Shadowland Stages, you’ll find a superb evening of theater without all the expense and schlepping of a Broadway trip.
photos provided by shadowland stages
The theater in the shadow of the Gunks first opened its doors in 1920, charging patrons 17 cents apiece.
showing movies into the 1980s, when a collective of Broadway pros bought it, grew into a passionate nonprofit, and restored it to its Art Deco glory as a live performance venue.
“Somebody showed them this theater and they went back to New York and told all their friends about it, so a group of about 25 of them came upstate to Ellenville and just moved into the theater and started doing theater there, and
here we are 40 years later,” muses Brendan Burke, Shadowland’s director since 2005, who’s just helped shepherd the addition of the new black box stage, pushing on through the “very scary existential time” of the pandemic. “We put the final touches on the sound, lighting, and seating during the shutdown, going ahead with the plan, and then used the rest of that timeout to do a full strategic plan and a close look at our policies, mission, and vision,” he says. “It was a
productive time, and I think we reopened a little better, a little smarter, with a greater focus on our community.”
That community has taken to the nifty new Studio space in a big way. The Borscht Belt Comedy Club, a collaboration between the village’s new Borscht Belt Museum and the New York Comedy Club, has been packing the house with laughter at sold-out standup shows. And in spring 2024,
something else that happens at the Studio—the Academy at Shadowlands Stages program—won the Arts in Education distinction from Arts Mid-Hudson. “For over 15 years, the Academy at Shadowland Stages has served students aged 6 -70, using the theatrical arts to foster students’ imaginations, confidence and passions. The Academy’s spectrum of services, from free masterclasses to full-scale productions, offers accessible opportunities for artistic exploration and expression, and has served thousands in the community since 2008,” reads the official proclamation.
Burke says new Academy program director Ben Williams is presiding over yet more expansion. “We make sure the Academy is accessible to anybody who wants to take it,” he says. “We do a lot of scholarships. The adult class is now a year-round offering. In the kids’ classes, we used to just have spring and fall semesters and we’ve added winter and summer. We do these week-long intensives that the kids take where they create their own shows, and the Monday of each week is Masterclass Monday; we offer a free masterclass in something intriguing—stage combat improvisation, stuff like that—to draw the kids in.”
“We do three weeks of a different holiday-themed
show in December. Opening day is the day of the Wawarsing Wassail;
we do a matinee, then there’s a really cool holiday parade, and then we have an 8 pm evening performance.” - Brendan Burke
Burke says the season will be ending on a high note. “‘Garbologists’ is a fun little piece, a brand-new play about a veteran New York City sanitation worker who gets assigned to work with this newbie who’s got a doctorate in literature, I think it is, and how they connect over exploring people’s garbage. Then ‘Road to Jerusalem’ is seven or eight short scenes, a Western, which is something we’ve never done before. It’s an exciting play—we did a developmental reading last spring with a celebrity cast, and we’re really happy to have it as this year’s world premiere. We’ve had the pleasure of working with some big names like John Cleese and Tom Hanks in our play development program—get-
ting a really nice team invested in a story and putting it up on stage for the first time is thrilling. Last spring I was in New York City watching the Off-Broadway premiere of a show we’d had the world premiere of the previous year—that was kinda fun.”
Connect with Shadowland online to get the latest on their 2024 holiday show, still TBA at press time. “We do three weeks of a different holiday-themed show in December,” Burke explains. “Opening day is the day of the Wawarsing Wassail; we do a matinee, then there’s a really cool holiday parade, and then we have an 8 pm evening performance. It’s a really special day to be in town.”
shadowland stages
157 Canal Street, Ellenville 845-647-5511
shadowlandstages.org
Saugerties Antiques Center
One of the oldest antique centers in the Hudson Valley... Established in
