Good eats. Good drinks. Good times.
This spring, head to the Sullivan Catskills, where the food is plentiful, the drinks are flowing, and the fun is never-ending. Our creative chefs and mixologists rule the foodie scene. Tour the Dove Trail— it’s selfie heaven. Indulge at our spas and wellness centers. Sample our maple syrup. Roll the dice at Resorts World Catskills. Make a splash at Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark.
Reserve a table at The DeBruce in Livingston Manor—a semi-finalist for the 2024 James Beard Foundation Restaurant for Outstanding Restaurant.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. SullivanCatskills.com 1.800.882.CATS
2ND ANNUAL CATSKILL CUISINE FOOD FESTIVAL: MAY 10-12
A foodie affair with celebrity and local chefs and farm-fresh seasonal ingredients at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.
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Camping is one of the best ways to connect with nature and let go of the many burdens of our high-tech, high-speed lives. The outdoors offers fresh air, wildlife, abundant trails, backcountry lean-tos, and truly breathtaking vistas. It’s healthy to head into the woods for some good ol’ nature’s medicine and let Mother Nature heal your
mind and soul for a night or two. Once you take care of the basics of shelter, food, and water, it’s just you and the stars (and maybe a few friends, a guitar, and a pint or two of whiskey). But before you head out into the night with your sleeping bag in your backpack and tent under your arm, there are a few things you should consider for a more enjoyable trip.
To fully enjoy your experience and for safety’s sake, you should plan ahead and prepare before heading out for any overnight outdoor experience. Make sure you leave adequate time for your excursion, and check the weather beforehand. Leave word with someone as to where you are traveling, and make sure you are tackling a trip within your physical capabilities. If heading far into the woods, bring a map, and know how to read it.
choosing your tent site
There are several factors that make for a comfortable and convenient camping site. Before laying your bag down for the night, know that backcountry visitors staying above 1,500 feet must camp in established tent sites or lean-tos. Ideally, your campsite will also not be too far from water—or too close.
DEC regulations require that camping is at least 150 feet from water, trails, or roads. Accessible water is crucial because you will need to purify water and refill your drinking bottles, boil water for cooking, and use water to wash your dirty dishes. Never throw the dirty dishwater back into the source; any food or waste should be disposed away from the water to make sure to not contaminate it. If you are staying a few nights, water
also helps keep your body clean, and, if it is hot, you can swim in it! So, being near water is good.
Also, shade is ideal. Tents can really capture the sun’s heat. It’s pretty uncomfortable to wake up in a pool of your own sweat with the sun beating down on you at 7am.
You will also want to find an area that is clear of twigs, rocks, and debris that may make sleeping uncomfortable. And make sure to put your tent far enough from the fire that it doesn’t risk any stray ashes landing on it and burning a hole (or worse, burning you!). Pine trees make for good spots to sleep beneath, as they are nice and shady with a soft bed of needles.
Being prepared is half the work when camping. Bring these essentials to have a safe and frustration-free experience: essentials to bring
A mess kit and camp stove can be found at camp stores like Kenco. Mess kits contain pans that double as plates and pots that double as bowls and other necessary utensils. This little kitchen in a bag will come in handy at every meal.
Found at any camping store, this lightweight gadget is important when you are going overnight away from your car. It will enable you to pump pure water into your drinking bottles from the nearest stream or river. Also, plan to bring some fresh water with you. If car camping, you can just load up with a few gallons of water.
A headlamp allows you to be more active in the dark than a traditional flashlight for things like late night cooking or last-minute tent adjustments. Go hands-free!
A lightweight folding saw will come in handy when cutting small- to medium-sized logs for your campfire. You’ll need a lot of wood if you want to keep the fire going all night. However, it is important to note that it is not legal to cut live trees, and that in some places you are not even allowed to collect dead wood. For car camping, it is best to purchase wood at the Ranger’s fee station or just outside the campground. Because of the risk of invasive insects, it is illegal in NY to transport untreated firewood more than 50 miles.
This is the perfect camping tool. It’ll cut your food for eating, it’ll whittle your sticks for hot dogs, it’ll be a wine opener or scissors or even a toothpick. You never know what amazing solutions one of these little knives will have to your far-from-home woes.
Keep the essentials, like Band-aids, first aid ointments and tapes, and antiseptic cleaners, on hand for any cuts out in nature that need cleansing and protection.
Bring a plastic bag with a lighter and matches in it to make sure they stay dry in bad weather. These will be extremely helpful when starting your fire!
This comes in really handy, and Wag bags or similar are now recommended for backcountry visitors. The use of these devices goes a long way in reducing our impact on heavily used areas. Or carry a small trowel to dig a small hole for poo. The hole should be nine-inches deep and toilet paper should mostly be burned before being swept into the hole (with your poo) and buried. TP used for pee should be placed in a ziplock bag and carried out.
fire - making tips
Bring a small bag with dryer fluff or newspaper to help you start your fire easier. Gather many sticks of different sizes—small twigs, branches, and medium to large logs. Dry, dead branches will burn best. If it was raining recently, then get creative, and look under overhangs or peel wet bark off small twigs that are dry on one side.
Make a teepee of sticks over your starter material (newspaper or dryer lint). Begin the teepee with your smallest kindling on the inside, and then create another layer with slightly larger sticks, and continue with even larger sticks. Kindling used to make your teepee should not contain any wood that is fatter than your thumb. Leave a little opening to insert your lighter, and ignite the paper.
Once the paper is lit and the teepee is burning, you can slowly add larger pieces. As a good bed of coal is formed, begin to add logs. Be responsible, and don’t make the fire any larger than you need it to be. Also, make sure it is 100% out before leaving. You can put it out with water, snow, sand, or by pulling it apart and letting it burn out. Make sure it is cool to the touch before leaving, as it can smolder underground in organic material or roots and cause a forest fire. The DEC allows use of established fire pits only. You could also avoid the impact all together and simply use a small backpacking stove.
food on the fire
Food truly does taste better when you are camping. Maybe it is the hard work that goes into preparing to camp and eat in the woods; maybe it is the simplicity of camping food ingredients; or maybe it is the taste of nature and the fire that gets into the food. Whatever it is, it’s good.
Flatbread pizza is one of my simple favorites by the fire. You can use your favorite pita and some tomato paste (since it is more concentrated, it will be smaller and lighter to carry), a ball of mozzarella, some fresh basil, and whatever toppings you like. Lay the pita on a grate and add some of the sauce, cheese, and toppings spread on top of it. Put it over a low flame. Rotate it while it cooks, and when the cheese melts—enjoy the smoked flatbread pizza.
Roasted garlic and potatoes are a super side to any camping dish. All you have to do is stick the potato and garlic right into the coals, rotate them every few minutes, and then smash them together for a hearty, healthy, smoky treat.
Dried tea and dried soup packets are great for warming you up if the night gets cool. And they are very light for carrying to a site and extremely simple. Just add water, heat, and enjoy!
There is a reason that some things become tradition—s’mores are just perfect to eat next to a campfire. Just lay your graham cracker with a square of chocolate (I prefer dark chocolate with almonds) on a stone near the fire while you roast your marshmallow on a stick that you’ve carved into a point. Once your marshmallow is ready, slide it onto your graham cracker (which now has slightly melted chocolate), using another graham cracker as the spatula to situate it properly and to top the dessert sandwich. Just be warned, you’ll want to lick all of that sweetness off of your fingers so nearby animals aren’t tempted!
When packing food for camping, plan out each meal, and think about dry foods, like instant oatmeal (since it’s light and compact). Also, don’t forget high-energy snacks, like GORP (good ole’ raisins and peanuts).
hanging a bear bag
We live and play in a wilderness that we know we share with black bears. They are typically not going to hurt you or want to go near you, but if they are hungry and smell food, you are at risk. That is why you should always have a bear-proof spot for your food and smelly toiletries that may attract this big mammal at night while you are sleeping. If car camping, you can put your food and toiletries in a locked car. But if in the backcountry, you’ll need to get your food and toiletries up in a bag suspended between trees.
Put all of your fragrant things into backpacks or cinch sacks (or purchase a bear canister or “ursa sack”) and grab your 100-foot long rope. Head about 50 feet from the campsite and look for a horizontal branch that is at least 15 feet from the ground. Look for a fist-sized rock to attach to one end of the rope. Throw the rock over the branch, pulling the string halfway over. Use the rock-free end of the rope to attach the food bags. Pull the end with the rock until the food rises. The bag should be at least ten feet high and about four feet from the tree trunk (since bears can climb). Then tie the end of the rope to a tree trunk for security overnight. In the morning, you’ll be excited to search for your bag and release it back to the ground for breakfast.
leave no trace
It is extremely important that we work together to respect our natural parks and to make an effort to have a minimal impact on plant and animal life as we hike, eat, camp, and recreate. Always pack out what you pack in, and leave plants, rocks, and other natural objects in the forest. And, for your safety and the animals’ sake, never follow, approach, or feed wildlife—only observe wildlife from a distance.
• Plan ahead and prepare
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find
• Minimize campfire impacts
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate of other visitors
a few places to camp
Whether you are looking for a short and easy hike near your car or a several-day thru-hike with lean-tos for camping along the way, the Hudson Valley is the perfect destination. There is a plethora of camping spots to suit your interests and skill level. You can camp near lakes, mountains, or caves. You can go near your car with lots of families or head to remote areas miles into the woods. If you are just starting out, you might want to try “car camping” first. That way, you don’t need to know everything in the book about preparation, as you can simply get to your car in a few steps and get anything you need. Here are just a few local recommendations:
is located in the western end of the Catskill Forest Preserve. The campgrounds, beach, boat rental, and multi-use trail system offer fun for all ages. For the horse riding enthusiast, Spruce Grove camping and trail system is a one-of-a-kind facility in the Catskill region. This region is also known for its excellent hunting and fishing.
There are 41 tent and trailer sites; picnic area with tables, grills, playground, horseshoe pits, volleyball and pavilion rental; rowboat, canoe, kayak and
paddle boat rentals; firewood sales; trailer dump station; recycling center; flush toilets and hot showers at Launt Pond Area; boat launch; sand beach; 24 horse tie stalls and horse accessible ramp; and 24 miles of multi-use trails. Reserve at dec.ny.gov/places/ bear-spring-mountain-campgroundand-day-use-area
(or Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground ) is run by the American Alpine Club and is located on the south side of Route 299 in Gardiner; it’s within walking distance to the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center (and
the Mountain Brauhaus for delicious food and beer). Located on 50 acres, campers have 50 campsites and five vehicle sites from which to choose.
Campground amenities include a central gathering and cooking area, bathhouse facilities with hot showers, and a covered pavilion for campers to hang out during rainy weather. Reservations are required at americanalpineclub. org/gunks-campground#
offers a 120-acre lake, the largest body of water in Catskills Park, outside of the New York City reservoirs. Surrounded by Forest Preserve land, the park offers hiking and snowmobiling. Large, wooded campsites, some on the lake, appeal to campers who enjoy a dense
forest environment and seclusion.
Swimming in the lake, relaxing in the picnic area, and renting boats are popular pastimes here. The park has campsites; a picnic area with tables, grills, and pavilions; pay phones; restrooms with showers; a trailer dump station; a recycling center; and a sand beach. Most park facilities are handicapped-accessible.
As you gain experience, you can use the latest New York/New Jersey Trail Conference maps to look for lean-tos to stay in off of the main trails. Leanto sites usually come with designated fire pits and a privy. These three-sided shelters also often have other perks, like extra wood, tools, grates, or a hiker’s journal—and you can hike without having to carry your tent!
The Hudson Valley is truly graced by natural beauty. Remember to take time from our busy lives to connect with our surroundings, to feel the earth beneath our feet, and smell the forest and warm breeze. Nature can renew your soul, rouse your creativity, and provide a shift in perspective. Get out there and explore! There is so much to see and discover!
Experience great healthy outdoor recreational activities. Discover reemerging 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 or join online at mohonkpreserve.org/join.
mohonkpreserve.org
845-255-0919
Photo by Karen Maloy Brady
Take a timeless escape to Mohonk Mountain House. There’s so much included in your overnight rate: farm-to-table cuisine, unparalleled views on 85 miles of trails, live music, and countless activities.
A nature-inspired treatment at our award-winning spa provides the ultimate relaxation.
Book dining, a spa visit, or an overnight getaway, and feel your stresses melt away.
877.475.6365 | mohonk.com | New Paltz, NY
Explore
Spring out. Fill your lungs with fragrant mountain air and get your blood running for a season of outdoor exploring with these especially choice springtime hikes, chosen with an eye to finding peak splendor with a moderate amount of time and physical effort. They don’t take all
day and won’t wear you all the way out.
What they will do is take you through jaw-droppingly beautiful territory to stellar destinations. These are get-your-grooveback-on hikes, and we’ve found you one in each of our beloved mountain counties.
Photo by Blake83
Get your blood running for a season of outdoor exploring with these especially choice springtime hikes.
Lost City is a moderately challenging, 2.3-mile circuit that leads you into the very spine of the Gunks. The trail is well-marked and tended, but does get muddy in spots. The sheer fun is worth it. You’ll climb a talus field to arrive at a line of glacial cliffs with majestic ridge views. There’s a fair amount of rock scrambling, but nothing too intense or requiring any special expertise. Kids of all ages will glory in the adventurous terrain.
Getting there: Park at Mohonk Preserve’s Coxing Trailhead off Clove Road in Gardiner. Your $15 fee gives you access to the whole 7,000 acres all day long; after your rock scrambling, grab the picnic you cleverly grabbed off-mountain from the car and go wiggle your toes in the Coxing Kill at Split Rock.
Lost City is a moderately challenging, 2.3-mile circuit that leads you into the very spine of the Gunks.
Allow yourself a bit over two hours to hike this 4.4-mile loop that’s seasoned with gorgeous Catskills views and water features. You’ll cross bridges over Mullet Brook and Wolf Brook, and encounter loads of fishing and bird-watching opportunities along the justly famed Neversink, each prettier than the last. Mullet Brook Falls is well worth the hike, but there’s also a short side quest, slightly more challenging, that unlocks a whole second waterfall, Denton Falls, with its own set of glorious views.
Getting there: Free parking for the Blue Trail can be found on Katrina Road in Rock Hill. If you’re hungry and thirsty when you get back to the car, check out the Rock Hill pub grub scene at Dutch’s or Brew, the pizza at Pizza the Rock, or the Tex-Mex at El Sombrero.
The Shavertown Trail is an out-and-back
3.3 miles expertly crafted by the Catskill Mountain Club on NYCDEP property.
The Shavertown Trail is an out-and-back 3.3 miles expertly crafted by the Catskill Mountain Club on NYCDEP property and takes you up a moderate grade past a pond full of waterlilies to an easy stroll among enchanting views of the Pepacton Reservoir. Take the blue-blazed Tremperskill Overlook spur to spectacular Catskills views.
Getting there: The trailhead parking is by the bridge at the intersection of Delaware County Route 1 and Route 30 in the town of Andes; you’ll find the trailhead directly across the road. Be warned: the Mountain Club has crafted this as a taste of their side of the Cats that will have you coming back for more and ultimately scaling their famed High Peaks.
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.
e April 18-21 Camping World RV Show
e May 3, 4 & 5 Rhinebeck Antique Car Show & Swap Meet
e May 25 & 26 Barn Star Antiques at Rhinebeck
e June 8 & 9 Rhinebeck Crafts Festival
e August 20-25 178th DUTCHESS COUNTY FAIR
200 + juried artists and makers ongoing craft demonstrations
beer, wine, spirits | gourmet specialties live entertainment | children's craft tent 43rd ANNUAL
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 5/25. 5/26. 5/27. ULSTER COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS NEW PALTZ, NY QUAILHOLLOW.COM
e September 7 & 8 Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival
e October 5 & October 6 Octoberfest Handcrafted at Rhinebeck
e October 12 & 13 Barn Star Antiques at Rhinebeck
e October 19 & 20 NYS Sheep & Wool Family Festival
n the mid-20th century, the Sullivan Catskills welcomed throngs of visitors from downstate to breathe fresh air, eat great food, and relax — with a side of star-studded entertainment — an era celebrated in popular movies like Dirty Dancing and Sweet Lorraine .
That era is history, but the region remains one of the most beautiful spots on Planet Earth, and it’s completely possible that visitors now head
back home more refreshed than ever before, thanks in part to the efforts of Foster Supply Hospitality, the brainchild of a Catskills man and a Hudson Valley woman whose hospitality chops are bringing the region a fresh wave of success.
Guests at their newest wellness retreat, the Hemlock Neversink, are asked to fill out a simple questionnaire about their personal preferences, which hospitality staff use to design a custom itinerary of
Foster Supply Hospitality is the brainchild of a Catskills man and a Hudson Valley woman whose hospitality chops are bringing the region a fresh wave of success.
activities and options. Choices include hiking on over five miles of trails, arts and crafts with expert guidance, yoga and aerobics, spa sessions, and stargazing from a purpose-built platform — and if you’d rather just chill, that’s very much on the menu. Welcome to the summer camp for grownups that slathers the sweet peace of the analog age in cutting-edge comforts.
“I think we all get exhausted living in a hyper-digital society,” says Kirsten Harlow Foster, half of the ownership team. “I think one of the things guests find restorative and re -
juvenating here is that we’re intentionally analog. You can’t jump on your iPad; there are no TVs in the rooms. The idea is to build real, face-to-face bonds with real people, to sit around a campfire that’s burning real wood and not gas.”
The focus is on wellness, but you’ll find a subtly different approach here. “I’m not saying we’ve found some magical prescription that fits for everyone,” says Kirsten, “but I do think we’ve created a place where people can come and find their own path, whether they’re here for the night or the week. People react very
differently; some are constantly active, others just wander around and relax and nap. But everyone seems to respond to the place. We hear, ‘This feels very special, it’s allowing me to refuel my tank and get some perspective on life,’ and that’s exactly what we hoped to do.”
The 230-acre property, the seventh Sullivan County spot reimagined by FSH, was purchased in fall 2020, “a time when we really weren’t sure whether we’d be able to continue to exist or not, so we figured if we were going to go down, let’s do it with a big swing,” says Kirsten’s husband, Sims Foster. “A real estate friend told me he was about to get the listing, and we realized that the size and the history — it was a wellness spot for decades — made it worth taking a hard look at. So we jumped in the truck and, well, we got excited right away to do what we’ve been doing — take an older place and give it a new chapter.”
“I think one of the things guests find restorative and rejuvenating here is that we’re intentionally analog....The idea is to build real, face-to-face bonds with real people.” - Kirsten Harlow Foster
Hemlock Neversink’s opening attracted a good bit of media buzz, including a mention on Conde Nast Traveler’s “Most Exciting Fall Hotel Openings of 2023” and write-ups in WWD and Travel and Leisure . “It’s humbling,” says Sims. “I grew up here, in Livingston Manor, listening to my grandparents and my father’s stories about this bustling economy almost in disbelief. You mean all that was here? Really? I got my first dishwashing job at 13 — I lied and said I was 14 — and studied music, and then I ended up in hospitality in New York City, in management roles, on a path that led through nightclubs and restaurants in the city and eventually all over the country and the world. But both sets of great-grandparents
on my father’s side moved to the Beaverkill Valley in about 1913, so this is home — I’m rooted here.”
“We’re really proud that our two little kids are fifth-generation Sullivan Catskills,” says Kirsten. “I grew up across the river, down in Westchester, but my dad grew up Jewish in the Bronx and, as one did, came up to Sullivan County. So I grew up hearing great stories. Then my brother brought me up here to go fly fishing. It was Halloween weekend, and it snowed — I didn’t fish that day, I thought they were crazy.”
Sims and Kirsten’s brother were friends, and that snowy Halloween led to a Sullivan Catskills wedding; a year
later, with their first baby in tow, the two opened the Arnold House, their first hospitality venture in the area. Six others have followed; two of the properties have been sold to enthusiastic locals. “They wanted to build on what we started, and we were excited to make that happen,” says Sims. “Different visions, but really fun to watch them take what we built and make it even better.
What once was — the vibrance of this area — will be again, albeit in a different form, which may be how that’s supposed to work.”
The 34 guest rooms at Hemlock Neversink are simple and luxurious: fine linens, fluffy Turkish robes, exclusive, custom-designed furnishings with Quaker-inspired lines, earth tones. Options include everything from the Solo Traveler to the Hemlock Grand Suite; many have private patios. The property’s restaurant, the Bittersweet, has an ever-changing menu based on the best of what their hyper-local suppliers deliver fresh that day; it’s vegetable-focused, and reviewers speak of discov -
ering and loving dishes they had never imagined. (Omnivores will find local fresh meat and dairy on the menu too.)
You can start the day off with yoga or aerobics, a farm-fresh breakfast feast, and a walk with the goats — or sleep in your comfy nest till noon. No judgment here, just helpful experts who lead classes and offer private sessions in various fitness and movement modalities. There are tennis courts, and a spa with
“Both sets of great-grandparents on my father’s side moved to the Beaverkill Valley in about 1913, so this is home — I’m rooted here.” – Sims Foster
a five-star treatment menu — not to mention the pool, hot tub, and saunas. Craft studios overseen by a friendly art director will have you making something beautiful in no time. Evening stargazing is enhanced by dark-skies-compliant lighting.
“Our goats are a hit, the yoga’s a hit, the arts and crafts program is a hit,” says Kirsten. “So as we continue to prove things out, the goal is to add more and more to the experience as we connect to passionate people who fit with our core conception of wellness. Wellness, to us, is happiness — yes, it’s about good food and exercise, but we wanted to replace the prescriptive vibes you sometimes find in that space with playfulness and fun. So you’ll find coloring books in the spa along with the serious philosophy, and goats in the field.”
They’re excited to see the landscaping come into its own. “We have an incredible director
of gardens who poured enormous passion into the property, and that all got finished right before winter hit,” says Kirsten. “So this spring, we get to see all of that come alive.”
“Hospitality is an interesting space — just look at how much buzz this got,” says Sims. “Hopefully, it helps lift the entire local economy. But you really do need to hang onto your humility and employ caution and self-awareness, not start thinking you have the magic potion. You build, you test, you get honest feedback. And when people start saying, ‘I just can’t wait to stay there,’ you know you might be headed in the right direction.”
Photos by Sasithon Photography.
h emlock n eversink
7491 State Route 55, Neversink
845-985-1183
hemlockneversink.com
Photo by Clay Banks.
Hudson Valley Yoga Experience
Come as you are!
visit our website for a complete listing of classes, retreats and yoga teacher trainings.
stonewaveyoga.com
Yoga Classes
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Yoga Teacher Trainings
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Customized Experiences
Harmony Inn
on-site studio apartment includes complimentary yoga and views of the Shawangunk Mountains STAY
80 Miles North of Manhattan
Whether you’re seeking a cozy monthly retreat or a memorable weekend stay, we are here to ensure your experience is nothing short of remarkable. Book direct and save. 646-389-6677
Soak in the healing power of nature. Escape the city and enjoy life in a mountain oasis just two hours from New York City. Create Your Own Getaway.
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Meet the Owner
Want to look and feel your best? Who doesn’t? There’s nothing like a really good massage to melt away life’s little aches and pains, or an expert facial to leave you feeling radiant and revitalized. And since 2012, locals have been luxuriating in the refreshing services offered at Birch Body Care in Kingston. “All of our services are customized to an individual’s needs, and our practitioners bring their unique skill set to each session,” says owner Ani Kaiser. “We don’t
do cookie-cutter at Birch. Our massage, reiki, and skincare sessions help you push your ‘reset button’ and feel like a better version of yourself.”
Growing up in High Falls, Kaiser was always drawn to health and aesthetics. “I was split between opening a boutique and, after reading ‘Hot Zone’ by Richard Preston, becoming a virologist or an MD,” she says. “I ended up pursuing photography and printmaking at Simon’s Rock College of Bard after I tapped into my
creative side.” (This year, she’s hoping to get back into making art after a 23-year break.)
As a young adult, Kaiser spent some time living down in the city and on Rhode Island’s Block Island; but when it was time to put down roots, she headed back to Ulster County. Her downstate experience gave her a very clear sense of what she didn’t want to do. “Right out of college, I worked in New York City with a status-obsessed fashion photography duo,” she recalls. “I saw the dark underbelly of the fashion industry circa 2001, and how grossly exploitative it was. Late-night model ‘castings’ for non-existent photo shoots, narcissism, inequality...also, it was the height of airbrush perfection, and I became all too aware of contributing to spreading a message of unrealistic beauty standards. I wanted to do something that was ultimately more helpful to the world than harmful, and after only a year, left that fashion job and went to massage school.”
Lots of locals have reason to be grateful for her principled stance. “This was my first experience getting a massage—and it entirely exceeded my expectations,” writes a Google reviewer.
Since 2012, locals have been luxuriating in the refreshing services offered at Birch Body Care in Kingston.
“All of our services are customized to an individual’s needs, and our practitioners bring their unique skillset to each session.” - Owner Ani Kaiser
“The atmosphere is serene and welcoming, instantly putting you at ease. My husband and I were massaged by Catlin and Michele, who were absolutely stellar. It was a delight to come here and to leave completely rejuvenated. Thank you!”
“They are reasonably priced and very good at what they do,” writes another happy customer. “I work in the healthcare field, so I’m on my feet all day.
To begin her journey as a healer, Kaiser trained at the Swedish Institute and then used her new skills in a variety of settings. “I learned bits and pieces from all of the different places I worked at as a massage therapist: corporate giant spas, mom and pop shops, and chiropractic offices,” she says. “It was great to learn about what works and what doesn’t from the perspective of a service provider/massage practitioner. I brought all of that to the table when I opened Birch.”
Menu choices at Birch Body
My fiancé works in the city and spends a lot of time on the road and on his feet. Brittany and Danielle both did such an amazing job at working out all of the knots in our backs and feet. My back and foot pain is currently nonexistent for the first time in many years.”
“I wanted to do something that was ultimately more helpful to the world than harmful, so I went to massage school.”
- Owner Ani Kaiser
Care include targeted and all-over therapeutic sessions and options for pregnant folks, with add-ons like soothing stones (hot or cold), aromatherapy, and CBD products. Facial treatments are customized by expert estheticians to focus on a client’s concerns and skin health, and can be enhanced with lip treatment, LED light therapy, “power peels,” and a hair and scalp oil massage followed up with hot towels, among other options.
Kaiser, who besides her ownership role operates as bookkeeper and one-woman HR department, says she curates everything from the menu to the surroundings with an overall mission in mind: “Creating a safe space for healing and self-care that posi-
tively impacts our world. We don’t let fear and greed influence our business decisions, but instead, make choices based on what is best for our staff and community…We’ve never really ‘tried’ to stand out. Our service providers are all amazing at what they do, at holding space for clients and helping them feel great. Our clients recognize that and keep coming back. We also try to keep our prices on the more approachable end of the spa spectrum.”
The Birch name, she says, has layers of meaning. “Since birch trees are the first to grow after a calamity, they are regarded as symbols of rebirth, regeneration, and new beginnings,” she explains. “They inspire us to start anew after a challenge or devastating event
in life. They also grow fast, which means that blessings and good fortune will come fast after the difficulties in life…When a flood, landslide, or fire destroys a forest, the birch trees grow immediately, as if to protect and restore the forest.”
It’s a philosophy and practice that’s built a loyal and grateful client base, and the gratitude flows both ways. “We love our clientele!” says Kaiser. “We couldn’t be here without them.
Our clients are a varied bunch, but all recognize the power and importance of self-care.”
Whether you’re looking for healing and rejuvenation or just want to look your very best for a special occasion, why not give Birch Body Care a try?
Located in the heart of Uptown Kingston (one reviewer described the place a “hidden gem”), they’re open seven days a week—and there’s never a bad time for feeling better.
birch body care
73 Crown Street, Kingston 845-331-7139, birchkingston.com
Art, Antiques, Gifts & More!
Showcasing the best in handmade and vintage, creating a diverse, ever changing retail experience.
Come visit us in the Kingston waterfront district.
Don’t be Shy!
75B Broadway Kingston, NY folkhousecollective.com
hurley ave schwenk dr
washington ave
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n front crown st wall st fairst mainst pearlst john clintonave albany ave maidenln
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broadway downsst oneilst cornellst
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Eat, Play, Shop, & Stay in
UPTOWN:
A: BEST WESTERN PLUS KINGSTON
B: BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY
C: TRAILWAYS BUS
D: HOFFMAN HOUSE RESTAURANT
E: HALTER ASSOCIATES REALTY
F: KINGSTON CONSIGNMENTS
G: BIRCH BODY CARE
H: BRICKMEN KITCHEN + BAR
I: MAGIC HILL MERCANTILE
J: FIRST CAPITAL POKE BAR
K: ESTER WINE AND SPIRITS
L: HAMILTON & ADAMS
M: YUM YUM NOODLE BAR
N: HERZOG’S
O: KINGSTON PLAZA
P: KINGSTON FARMERS MARKET
Q: FRIENDS OF HISTORIC KINGSTON
MIDTOWN:
R: MASA MIDTOWN
S: TILDA’S KITCHEN
T: ULSTER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
U: RED OWL COLLECTIVE
V: CENTER FOR CREATIVE EDUCATION
W: D.R.A.W. KINGSTON
X: ZEPHYR FLOAT
Y: KINGSTON STANDARD BREWING
broadway jansen ave broadway broadway
Kingston is a well-run, well-loved place where you’ll find a warm, intelligent welcome among loads of good food, good fun, and cool, quirky places to explore.
Kingston is home to about 24,000 people from everywhere, beloved for its blend of 21st-century hip and classic old New York, its repurposed industrial spaces and Colonial history, its many and varied murals, its warmth, convenience, and bottomless wellsprings of creative energy in an infinity of flavors.
Back in the day, Uptown was where the colonists built their fortress and The Waterfront was a brawling, bustling port where the Rondout Creek meets the Hudson. You can still catch a subtle vibe of those centuries-old histories in and around
those neighborhoods today, and they’re now connected by the emergent energetic center of the Midtown Arts District . Each of the neighborhoods is compact and walkable. Look for the free Blue Route buses operated by Ulster County Area Transit, or use the Kingston Greenline Trail to navigate the city from end to end without a car.
This is a well-run, well-loved place where you’ll find a warm, intelligent welcome among loads of good food, good fun, and cool, quirky places to explore.
One of Kingston’s many beautiful murals from the O+ Festival.
Photo by Hal Bergman
favorite eateries :
HUTTON BRICKYARDS invites you to dine in your choice of two exquisite settings, atop the hill in the elegant 19th-century Edgewood Mansion or at their openair River Pavilion down by the riverbank. Whichever you choose, you’ll find creative flair applied to the best fresh local ingredients on the menu and memorable craft cocktails at the bar. huttonbrickyards.com
OLE SAVANNAH SOUTHERN TABLE AND BAR is beloved by locals and visitors alike for their waterfront views, tasty, creative menu and fun, laid-back atmosphere. If you’re planning a picnic, indoors or out, check out the Family To Go specials of comfort food for four. Sunday Buffet Brunch is another fave, with a sumptuous selection to which you can add unlimited build-your-own Bloody Marys or mimosas. olesavannah.com
ROSIE GENERAL is a delicious cafe, bakery, butchery, and general store housed in a charming historic building on the Rondout. Try melt-in-your-mouth sandwiches from their butcher shop piled high on house-baked bread, followed by pastries from their bakery. rosiegeneral.com
stay on the waterfront
HUTTON BRICKYARDS offers cozy, luxurious, elegantly updated guest rooms and suites in a Second Empire mansion or riverfront, Shaker-style King and Queen cabins designed and furnished for maximum comfort and tranquility, with private decks and lots of glass maximizing the splendor of your personal river view. There’s a seasonal spa, an Airstream trailer selling sundries, and a lovely property to explore. huttonbrickyards.com
shop the waterfront
FACETS OF EARTH offers fine jewelry, including bridal selections, from a long list of wildly creative designers with an emphasis on fine custom and handcrafted pieces from around the globe. You’ll also find luxurious perfumes, oils, and beauty products, and cool home decor. If you’re looking to pamper someone special, or yourself, come marvel at their ever-changing array. facetsofearth.com
HOPS PETUNIA FLORAL is the creation of a multi-talented designer who found her bliss doing floral arrangements and hand-picks her blooms from the best local farms and wholesalers, displaying the results in a shop full of warm, fragrant ambiance where you’ll also find an inspiring selection of the perfect gifts to go with. Hops also offers delivery all over the Hudson Valley.
NEXT BOUTIQUE is a women’s clothing destination curated by owner-buyer Beth Petramale, who journeys frequently to NYC and to the West Coast to choose just the right mix of trendy and classic to amaze and delight her customers. There are high-quality designer pieces here for women of every age and body type, along with the jewelry and accessories to complete your perfect look. nextboutique.com
FOLK HOUSE COLLECTIVE combines vintage with unique handmade pieces by an eclectic range of established and emerging creatives. The warm, collaborative vibes of the collective business model will renew your heart, and the array of beautiful pieces, frequently refreshed, will stir your own creative juices while offering one-of-a-kind treats that bring joyful energy to your own space. folkhousecollective.com
CHICORY NATURALIST is on a mission to help us rebuild our connections to the wild beauty all around us, and offers books, gear, games, puzzles, and gifts for all ages to inform and enhance those connections as well as a calendar full of crafting workshops and educational evenings. Whether you like to garden, forage, hike, or just look out the window, Chicory has something that you’ll relish. chicorynaturalist.com
play on the waterfront
HUDSON RIVER CRUISES: Board the Rip Van Winkle for a leisurely afternoon or sunset cruise past mansions, lighthouses, and all the glory of the majestic mid-Hudson shoreline complete with expert narration, or come aboard for a party evening with live music or DJ. Either way, you’ll find comfy places to sit (there’s shade and a climate-controlled lower deck) and snacks, light fare, and beverages to enjoy. hudsonrivercruises.com
HUDSON RIVER MARITIME MUSEUM: The glorious river that ties our valley together and its history, ecology, and beauty are a deep subject, and the HRMM is the place to dive in. Exhibits range from environmental and industrial history to the travels of Henry Hudson and one of the world’s few remaining intact steam tugboats; you can take a cruise on a solar-powered riverboat, tour the Rondout Lighthouse, and take boat-building, sailing, or rowing classes. hrmm.org
ARTPORT KINGSTON is a contemporary art gallery that “transform(s) unorthodox art spaces into imaginative, user-friendly platforms that defy genre and often lend to playful, engaging relationships with the artworks,” welcoming the community to exhibitions and events in a historic steamboat building. artportkingston.org
Photo by Robert Alexander Boyle Photo by Isaac Alfieri.
TROLLEY MUSEUM of New York offers a gift shop and exhibits, including trolleys from Germany, Belgium, Sweden, and Norway. On weekends and holidays, their trolleys leave every half hour from the foot of Broadway and will take you on a scenic shoreline ride to Kingston Point Beach. tmny.org
KINGSTON POINT BEACH was an amusement park in the steamboat era. Today it’s a mellow spot where Kingstonians and visitors can picnic, play, watch the Hudson roll by, launch a kayak, or cool off on a hot day. There’s a fenced dog park and a nine-hole disc golf course across the street from the parking lot.
midtown kingston shop midtown
RED OWL COLLECTIVE is 10,000 square feet of browsing jam-packed with the constantly updated, wildly varied wares of over 50 vendors, curated by a mistress of all things vintage and design who has a gift for making a spacious, cozy, customer-friendly environment and attracting her fellow experts. Sssshhh—hear that melodious hoot? It’s a treasure at the Red Owl calling your name. redowlcollective.com
eat midtown
MASA MIDTOWN is the go-to for authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy some Turkish-style tapas in the dining room and bar; at the market and cafe, you can rev up with a Turkish coffee and a freshly made pastry, then shop a selection of specialty teas, candy, fruit preserves, oils, and spices. Chef Oz grew up cooking traditional foods at her mother’s side in Brooklyn, and she’d love to cook some up for you. masamidtown.com
TILDA’S KITCHEN AND MARKET serves up community-inspired global cuisine while serving as a vibrant energy center for Midtown and home base for our local currency, the Hudson Valley Current. Friday nights throb with great dinners and live music: You can shop some local goodies and have a bowl of soup on the house, which may well whet your appetite for the bangin’ chicken sandwich. tildaskitchenandmarket.com
KINGSTON STANDARD BREWING CO. is a creative nano-brewery and test kitchen offering fresh small-batch beers with local flair. They’d love to get your feedback on their work! Come on in, order up a lobster roll and a pint of the latest, and head out to the shaded patio to relax amid the picnic-table public house ambiance and deliciousness. kingstonstandard.com
ZEPHYR FLOAT invites you to escape from stress and tension and float into an idyll of tranquility. If you’ve never tried floating, you’re in for a treat—it’s good for a long list of aches and pains, both physical and mental, and helps you connect to your most creative self. This is a comfy, pristine float spa that welcomes one and all to its sanctuary of weightless healing; you can even opt to tack on a post-float massage. Zephyrfloat.com
play in midtown
ULSTER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER brings a tasty variety of music, film, and theater to Broadway, everything from Met Live On HD opera to hard rock and comedy. Bardavon.org
CENTER FOR CREATIVE EDUCATION has a vast menu of dance, music, and play opportunities for kids and teens and evening drop-in sessions for adults in DXF (Dance/CrossFitness) and Xtreme HipHop Step Aerobics. cce4me.org
D.R.A.W., the Department of Regional Art Workers, is a dream made real — affordable art instruction and studio space for everyone, guided by superb teaching artists and celebrating the Midtown Arts District. Come check out their wildly creative, big-hearted doings and exhibitions. drawkingston.org
shop uptown
ESTER WINE AND SPIRITS is a cozy shop with the finest selection of biodynamic and naturally made beverages, hand-chosen by an expert staff from boutique wineries and distilleries all over the world. Stop in at their new location, 34 John Street, and let the friendly, welcoming staff help you find a brand-new favorite flavor. esterwine.com
HAMILTON & ADAMS offers a distinctive selection of ruggedly elegant gear and accessories; they began with menswear, but have expanded to offer more goodies for the ladies and kids by popular demand. Their themed “Hudson Valley - Upstate & Chill” line is an extensive array of perfect local souvenirs, from hoodies, hats, and t-shirts to blankets and flags. hamiltonandadams.com
HERZOG’S is iconic Old Kingston, and a fabulous source for any project you have in mind, whether it’s an interior remodel, a major renovation project, or simply a refreshing new coat of paint. Their outdoor department is packed with grills, firepits, gardening supplies, power equipment, pavers, and everything else you need to craft a gorgeous hangout space; their gift department is stocked with locally-made gourmet edibles, nifty jewelry, and decor. herzogs.com
KINGSTON PLAZA , the only mall within city limits, defines convenience and practicality. There’s a friendly, well-stocked supermarket; there are art supplies, auto parts, CBD products, bagels, smoothies, hot yoga, haircuts, pizza, liquor, and more. With ample free parking and free bus service that will take you all over the city and beyond, Kingston Plaza is a down-to-earth, useful place to find just about anything you need. kingstonplaza.com
KINGSTON CONSIGNMENTS is a browser’s paradise, offering two floors packed with furniture, silverware, books, memorabilia, antiques, gadgets, and more. The constantly changing array offers everything from folk art and mid-century modern furniture to comics and posters, in moods ranging from classic elegance to the wildest of whimsy. facebook. com/KingstonConsignments
MAGIC HILL MERCANTILE: Besides mid-century modern furniture and home decor, Magic Hill has soaps, lotions, perfumes, fashions, and jewelry. Much of the merch is splashed with the gorgeous jewel-toned abstract art of co-owner Bruce Mishell; he and his business partner Moar Shefer curate still other things from all over the world to fill 8,000 square feet of browsing bliss. magichillmercantile.com
BIRCH BODY CARE is an inclusive and homey wellness sanctuary where you can access solid, expert massage and skincare; you can get a side-by-side couple’s massage and enhance it with aromatherapy, hot and cold stones, or CBD cream, or specify a chakra to tune up. They’ve also got personalized facials and oil treatments to pamper your hair and scalp. birchkingston.com
BRICKMEN KITCHEN + BAR is the place to fulfill your longing for some lobster dumplings, short rib pasta, or other elevated comfort foods and wash them down with a creative cocktail, like maybe a Smoked Maple Old Fashioned. The theme is pure Kingston history—bricks helped make this town in more ways than one—the vibe is intelligent and laid-back, and the patio is gorgeous. brickmenkingston.com
FIRST CAPITAL POKE BAR specializes in fast, fresh and clean; healthy poke bowls and ramen can be customized to your taste with a long list of delicious options, or try one of their yummy Signature Bowls. It’s all put together by a Culinary Institute of America grad who fell in love with Asian flavor, studied under a Michelin-starred master in Ginza, and serves it all up at a Japanese-style pub. firstcapitalpokebar.com
HOFFMAN HOUSE RESTAURANT offers fine dining in a classic 1679 stone house in the heart of the historic Stockade, complete with wide plank floors, massive stone fireplaces, and period decor. There’s a lovely outdoor garden patio and a menu full of Continental classics like half roast duckling and sliced London broil, not to mention fresh seafood and handcrafted pasta.
Hoffmanhousetavern.com
YUM YUM NOODLE BAR serves up Japanese noodle bowls, Southeast Asian street-food, and other Asian specialties, with lots of vegan and vegetarian options. Chef Erika Mahlkuch has a long and fascinating resume that includes a triumphant turn on Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen,” and keeps the vibes fresh, fun, and quirky. yumyumnoodlebar.com
stay uptown
BEST WESTERN PLUS KINGSTON is pet-friendly and multilingual with full services including a business center, free WiFi, fitness center, and heated indoor saltwater pool. There’s room service from 5 till 10 pm, a breakfast buffet each morning and a 24-hour front desk, all within easy walking distance of the Stockade district. bestwestern.com
play uptown
KINGSTON FARMERS MARKET happens on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm in the County Courthouse parking lot and welcomes vendors of produce, flowers, meat, fish, dairy, baked goods, specialty foods, and ready-to-eat. This is the place to get some of our famed local ingredients to take home—or just grab a yummy lunch while browsing the Stockade. kingstonfarmersmarket.org
FRIENDS OF HISTORIC KINGSTON offers guided walking tours of both the Stockade and Rondout National Historic Districts, as well as brochures and audio that will let you guide yourself, and tours of the Fred J. Johnston House, a nifty Federal structure full of fascinating artifacts assembled by a connoisseur of the decorative arts. There’s also a gallery with themed exhibits. fohk.org settle in
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Vintage and antique shopping is the best retail therapy there is. Vintage shops—especially multi-dealer places with lots of independent vendors— stock an unclassifiable mix of curious and beautiful things that evoke
nostalgia, curiosity, amusement, and sometimes awe. And lovers of vintage and antique got some great news in August 2023, when the Red Owl Collective opened its doors with 10,000 square feet of space.
Lovers of vintage and antique got some great news in August 2023, when the Red Owl Collective opened its doors with 10,000 square feet of space.
Red Owl’s owner Cindy Hoose spent her childhood in the tiny mountaintop hamlet of Haines Falls, came to New Paltz to attend SUNY, and settled into Ulster County life. “I don’t think I ever had a detailed plan of what I wanted to do with my life,” she says. “I knew I wanted to be happy and creative and surround myself with beauty. And I grew up going to yard sales and rummage sales with my mom.
I love unique objects and clothing and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. I have always shopped vintage, and I love buying and selling vintage.”
When her husband purchased the Wonderly building on Cornell Street in Midtown Kingston to expand his warehouse space, Hoose found herself inspired.
“Once we were inside what is now the
Red Owl, we knew it was meant to be something more than office space,” she says. “I’m a creative soul, I love to dream, but I also work to plan and execute things thoughtfully. So I widened my lens, I researched and visited as many vintage and antique malls as I could before opening the Red Owl, and I asked for help when I needed it.”
That blend of bold inspiration and thoughtful execution has her customers raving. “I love that there is a wide range of eras, prices, and styles in this vintage mall,” writes a happy guest and Google reviewer. “Every time I go to Red Owl, I meander the aisles, taking in the treasures as if in a museum. The staff are all very friendly and helpful. The history of this building is fascinating, once a roll-
“I have always shopped vintage, and I love buying and selling vintage.” – Owner Cindy Hoose
er-skating rink, a drapery factory, and a bowling alley. I have been shopping from the owner, Cindy, for decades, from the time she owned Rosendale Wares in the 90s, to her booths at local vintage markets. She is a splendid shopkeeper, designer, community collaborator, and host.” Other reviewers echo that joy at the diversity of offerings, and praise the prices, quality, layout, ample free parking, and warm welcome.
At this writing, over 60 vendors display their wares in the Red Owl Collec-
tive. “My goal is for Red Owl to become a destination shopping experience offering beautiful objects in an ever-changing environment,” says Hoose, “to provide my vendors with a solid, beautiful environment to set up their wares, and to provide our customers with an ever-changing supply of unique finds. And we’ve been getting amazing feedback: ‘Best vintage mall I have ever been to,’ ‘The curation is great,’ ‘Open and inviting.’ I think the application process has allowed the Red Owl to grow into a beautiful, fun, eclectic mix of vendors who love what they do.”
“My goal is for Red Owl to become a destination shopping experience offering beautiful objects in an ever-changing environment.” – Owner Cindy Hoose
And come back, they do, all sorts of them. “We get everyone,” says Hoose. “Locals, weekenders, young, old. Designers, artists, thrifters, junkers, anyone who enjoys shopping for vintage, antiques, home decor; anyone addicted to the thrill of the hunt.
We have a great mix of new and returning customers. Being a vintage mall with one-of-a-kind wares, there is an immediacy: You don’t want to miss out on the find! If you don’t buy it today, it might well be gone tomorrow.”
Those vendors know that Hoose, with her three decades of varied experience in vintage dealings, has them covered—the Collective’s website and social media are frequently updated to showcase their wares, and there’s a point-of-sale software system that was purpose-built for antique malls and simplifies tracking transactions and dealing with sales tax. In return, they commit to staying on top of their curation and keeping their booths fresh. “My research and my years in the business showed me that most antique malls are full, with waiting lists,” says Hoose. “And part of the vision and expectation of Red Owl vendors is that the inventory is fresh and new. Booths are restocked or rearranged often to keep repeat customers interested and eager to come back.”
Opening in August with 20 vendors, Hoose found herself with a waiting list by October, and she’s thrilled with the way it’s all unfolding. “With just a few months under my belt, I still feel like a brand-new baby entrepreneur,” she says. “I still say, to myself and others, that I’m learning something new every day.
I am stretching and growing along with the business. I have great support from my Red Owl team, and I feel very lucky.”
As the weather warms, keep an eye out for news of Red Owl’s planned parking lot flea markets. And do stop in as soon as you can—you literally have no idea what special treat
might be waiting just for you, and the nature of the business means, as Hoose observes, that it won’t be there forever. But one thing won’t change: the joyful, loving spirit of this new woman-owned collective, conveniently located in the buzzing Midtown Arts District.
“Every day is a new day,” says Hoose. “I love every aspect of my work. I enjoy watching the Red Owl grow, taking care of this new business, the building, the vendors, and the customers. I love buying and selling vintage, and I’m proud to offer this opportunity to other vendors. I deeply love helping people find their treasure.”
red owl colelctive
25 Cornell Street, Kingston 845-481-4675
redowlcollective.com
Meet the Owners
This region of ours is a wonderful place to be if you’re thirsty for beauty; it’s everywhere you turn, in many flavors. If you love the sparkling kind of beauty that comes about when humans lend their creativity to sapphire, ruby, and turquoise stones set in precious metals, you owe yourself a trip to Adel
Chefridi Fine Jewelry Studio & Gallery in Rhinebeck. “We’re primarily a design studio,” says Corinne Jacobson,
who manages the store’s dayto-day while her business and life partner Chefridi designs and crafts the pieces. “The core of this work is searching for new expressions and helping people find unique manifestations for their innermost feelings, designing and making unique jewelry pieces inspired by the intercultural heritage of the human imagination and driven by contemporary lifestyle.”
Chefridi spent his childhood in
You owe yourself a trip to Adel Chefridi Fine Jewelry Studio & Gallery in Rhinebeck.
the North African nation of Tunisia, in the seaside town of Carthage. Once the seat of a powerful empire, it’s world-renowned today for its ancient archaeological wonders. Growing up, Chefridi and his pals explored that landscape the way suburban kids in the US explore vacant lots and neighborhood woods. Tunisian elementary schools didn’t teach art, but time outside of school was spent immersed in freestyle creativity. “So when you’re a kid, you get home from school, throw down your books, and race out the door to go make stuff happen,” he says. “We didn’t have toys,
so we made our own fun with fruit and nuts, sticks and shells. The ruins were our playgrounds. There was a lot to discover there, they weren’t fenced off or anything, and as we grew older we’d start consciously treasure hunting, looking for old coins and things.”
The do-it-yourself childhood kept intact Chefridi’s connection with the infinity pool of childlike creativity that he believes should be every human’s birthright. “Creativity is the natural, healthy state of humans—not in any one form, but the creative impulse itself,” he says. “Creativity belongs to everyone. We start out swimming in
“We’re primarily a design studio. The core of this work is helping people find unique manifestations for their innermost feelings” –
Co-owner Corinne Jacobson
a sea of it, and as we get older and become more defensive, too often it gets choked off to a trickle.” At 28, without a definite plan but with enormous eagerness, the man whose early years had been spent at the ancient crossroads of civilization headed for the modern-day
“It felt different than just giving a stranger your phone number,” Jacobson laughs.
One thing led to another, and soon the pair were living together in Brooklyn. Chefridi felt
one, arriving in New York City in 1998 with a small collection of ancient coins and creative dreams as old as time itself. It was on the DeKalb Avenue subway platform that he first saw Jacobson, then a newly minted entrepreneur. “I asked for directions; it was an excuse to say hello to her,” he says. “She was lovely about it, and luckily for me she had just started her business, so she was eager to get her business card around.”
“It’s our shared connection to creativity —art, music, dance, beauty— that can truly lead us to a better understanding.”
– Co-owner Adel Chefridi
deeply drawn to gemstones and to creativity, so he began experimenting and studied at the Gemological Institute of America and at the Studio Jewelers School. His work soon outgrew their Brooklyn apartment’s kitchen table. “Corinne helped me with all the technicalities of running a business,” says Chefridi. The first showroom was in Soho, and after years at various makers’ marts, he began working with retailers in 2008. Soon after, the pair relocated upstate, opening a shop in their hometown of Woodstock, then in Kingston, and finally finding the right spot in Rhine -
beck. “Rhinebeck is the perfect place,” says Chefridi. “It’s full of people who admire and value beauty and creativity.”
Locals who visit the store become devoted regulars. “One of my favorite jewelry stores on the planet, Adel takes such wonderful care creating each piece, they are as gorgeous as they are well-made,” writes a Google reviewer. “Prepare to spend a couple of hours poring over all of Adel’s beautiful pieces,” writes another.
“I found the most beautiful ring in the showcase which I then tweaked with help from Adel and Annie (gemologist extraordinaire). They
did not disappoint and I can’t stop looking at the ring on my finger. Perfection! Thank you so much. ” Chefridi finds his bliss in discovering unique stones and prototypes of new designs; Jacobson finds hers in creating and maintaining an environment that’s inviting and respectful, where people “feel at ease as they discover and connect with jewelry and lifestyle items, whether they are treating themselves, finding a special gift, or preparing to make a lifelong commitment,” she says.
The two traveled to Jaipur, India’s jewelry capital, on a stone-finding mission early on; after that, Jacobson stayed stateside with the kids, but in the future they’d love to do some more gem-hunting journeys together, including visits to Carthage. “The world is a much more connected place than it was when I first came to New York,” says Chefridi, “and I think the potential of that is beautiful. It’s our shared connection to creativity—art, music, dance, beauty—that can truly lead us to a better understanding.”
adel chefridi
fine jewelry studio & gallery
47 East Market Street, Rhinebeck 845-684-5185, chefridi.com
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For over a quarter century, the Dreaming Goddess shop in Poughkeepsie’s Arlington neighborhood has been the premiere destination for locals and visitors who are forging their own spiritual pathways—and anyone who just loves sparkling crystals and wonderful scents. Creator
Rhianna Mirabello and her staff welcome the curious and the appreciative, the seekers and the random wandering shoppers with the same unpretentious, focused warmth that Mirabello brought to flea markets and craft shows as she traveled, discovered wonders, and honed her techniques.
Dreaming Goddess creator Rhianna Mirabello and her staff welcome all with unpretentious, focused warmth.
An ordained nondenominational minister and certified Reiki master teacher, she’s also trained in the powerful arts of herbalism, candle magic, crystal and energy healing, chakra healing, aromatherapy, divination, manifestation, and the laws of attraction, and is knowledgeable in a wide range of magical and spiritual traditions. And as the creatrix behind the Dreaming Goddess, she’s expertly attuned to sussing out what customers might need. “I drive two hours each way to shop here,” writes a Google reviewer. “She has some of the most beautiful specimens I have seen. I recently bought a blue kyanite and it is absolutely the finest I have ever seen. Love love!!”
“She tries to feel the energy of her
customers and chooses crystals based on what she feels we need,” writes another regular. “Other places with similar products just don’t have that deep level of caring like Dreaming Goddess. The staff are all so fantastic and are always around to answer questions about crystals and other products.”
The intention behind the store is the building of a spiritually empowered community, one seeker at a time. The name is inspired by the Dreaming Goddess of Malta, a priestess and oracle who journeyed deep into a trance state to bring wisdom that would guide and heal; the Dreaming Goddess of today offers lots of free ceremonies, workshops, and a Crystal Resource Library, and customers
The intention behind the store is the building of a spiritually empowered community, one seeker at a time.
can purchase in-person or remote readings for individualized guidance—and/ or, of course, just stop in at DG and let Mirabello and her helpers guide them to the perfect crystal.
Last fall, the Dreaming Goddess team launched a new line of Zodiac Wellness Kits designed to align with the essence of your sun sign and provide specific spiritual and health support. Each kit contains a seven-day candle in your sign’s elemental color, a roll-on of the right essential oils, an altar card with zodiac correspondences, and stones selected to support your practice as you strive to grow and learn. “This is about connecting to the essence of who you
are,” says Rhianna. “The more we connect to that essence, to that core of who we are, the more self-awareness we’ll have, which helps us do a lot more healing work. There are negatives and positives to each sign, so the more you become aware of your innate traits, the easier you find it to maneuver in the world.” Zodiac-specific candles, aromatherapy blends, and other items can also be individually purchased.
This spring, why not celebrate the season of renewal by aligning all possible forces in your favor? We asked Rhianna if she’d be kind enough to share a manifesting ritual appropriate to the season, and she kindly obliged.
During this season of renewal and growth, carve out time to focus on manifesting your heart’s desires.
Start by selecting herbs that align with your intentions. A good herb to include is calendula to connect you to the abundance and prosperity of the sun’s energies. Other herbs you might wish to incorporate are rosemary for clarity, cinnamon for abundance, and willow for health.
Create a sacred space where you can focus without distractions, perhaps outdoors to harness the energy of nature. Begin by cleansing the area with sage or palo santo to clear any lingering energies. Set up a simple altar adorned with fresh flowers and place a candle at its center. The candle symbolizes the fire of transformation and your burning desires.
Before lighting the candle , take a moment to center yourself, visualizing your goals and aspirations. As the flame flickers to life, speak your intentions aloud, allowing the words to carry your
And as the creatrix behind the Dreaming Goddess, Mirabello is expertly attuned to sussing out what customers might need.
wishes into the universe. As the candle burns, meditate on your desires , visualizing them coming to fruition. Utilize the herbs by sprinkling them around the candle and/or creating a sachet to keep with you as a reminder of your manifestation.
Close the ritual by expressing gratitude and releasing your intentions to the universe, trusting that they will manifest in due time. Remember, the power lies within your belief and intention.
dreaming goddess
44 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie 845-473-2206, dreaminggoddess.com
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RegionalAmericanCuisine 94 North Front Street, Kingston, NY 12401 845-338-2626 HoffmanHouseTavern.com
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Dear readers, have you explored Route 28 west of Woodstock yet? This isn’t the first time we’ve recommended the experience, for a great many varied reasons, but you really do owe it to yourself. Past the Woodstock turn, Route 28 becomes a twolane country road on which just about every curve reveals something beautiful, intriguing, or both. And there’s a wonderful reward in store for those who venture the 32 miles to Big Indian: the uniquely warm vibe and “Farm to Feast” fare at Peekamoose Restaurant. The restaurant has been thriving in these hills for over two decades, and they’ve been hard at work this
past year on renovations that will make your visit there all the more rewarding.
Owners Marybeth and Devin Mills are doing what they were born to do. Marybeth remembers playing “restaurant” incessantly as a child, and went on to earn a hospitality degree at Boston University and study at L’Ecole Hoteliere in Lausanne, Switzerland; places she’s managed include the Hudson River Club, Picholine, Remi, Mirezi, and the Atlantic Grill. Devin is a Culinary Institute of America grad who cooked at the Gramercy Tavern and the Michelin-rated Le Bernadin. On their very first date, in 1997, the two
Past Woodstock, there’s a wonderful reward in store for those who venture the 32 miles on Route 28 to Big Indian: Peekamoose Restaurant.
Ever since the Peekamoose opened its doors in 2003, the Catskills have had, as the Michelin Guide puts it, “a must-visit foodie destination.”
discovered their shared dream of owning a restaurant and talked long into the wee hours.
In 2003, the couple purchased a dilapidated farmhouse that had once been Rudi’s Big Indian Country Kitchen and set about making that dream come true, pouring every spare moment and dollar into cleaning, staining, painting, and planning.
And ever since the Peekamoose opened its doors that year, the Catskills have had a whole new culinary jewel in their crown and, as the Michelin Guide puts it, “a must-visit foodie destination.”
The menu changes daily, in close collaboration with the best local
sources of everything delicious and fresh. “All of our foods are prepared here, on site, with passion and integrity, from freshly butchered whole animals that are broken down in-house to house-made breads and ice creams that are spun fresh daily,” says Marybeth. “We despise pretense, so things aren’t plated with micro garnishes arranged with tweezers.” Besides the dining room, there’s a tavern with its own pub grub menu.
During the pandemic, the Peekamoose team stepped up to make sure everybody ate. “We kept 100 percent of the staff on board and cooked for Feed the Frontlines, serving the people that were work-
ing in the nursing homes and hospitals,” says Marybeth, “and we were a part of Project Resilience, delivering meals to homebound people. We did what was true to our value system, and we were able to continue to do what we loved. We sold takeout on the weekends and people would come to our drive-up window and be so supportive, buy a gift card, just whatever they could do to try and keep us going.”
Part of the strategy was refining their outdoor dining game, and their much-loved deck is now cozily enclosed on three sides, with string lights and heaters for chilly evenings. “All of our cooks came outside and built it themselves,” says Marybeth. “Everybody was part of it. People came in and rolled up their sleeves and said, ‘Let’s do it,’ and you had people who normally cook for a living nailing down corrugated plastic ceilings and stuff. It was a lovely time, and we’re very grateful for the way our team stuck with us. So now we have this gorgeous outdoor seating that’s much like the inside—taxidermy and mismatched oriental rugs, deep plush lounge chairs. It’s kind of a magical spot now.”
Another new space is a 1982 rumpus room complete with TV, Atari gaming console, Foosball table, fake wood paneling, stained-glass window and period furniture. “The space under the deck was going to be a
“I love being in the middle of nowhere, as this destination spot that’s surrounded by mountains—and we’re lucky to have regulars who love what we do.”
– Owner Marybeth Millsbar for the lawn, but that never quite came together, so now we have a rumpus room,” says Marybeth. “You can order drinks on your phone, and we’ll bring them right down.”
Outdoor movies on the lawn, begun during the pandemic, are too much fun to stop doing. “We just screened PeeWee’s Big Adventure, and it was packed and fabulous, with people shouting out the lines and laughing the whole time,” Marybeth says. “It’s something we really always wanted to do, and we’re keeping it going.” Other special events include
collaborations with local beverage makers: a pirate Santa and a rum expert for the holidays, a Great Gatsby evening focused on gin in summer. “We love wine and spirit dinners,” says Marybeth. “So much fun. We did a bourbon and chocolate tasting class—we just love learning and sampling and working with amazing neighbors like Fruition Chocolate Works and the amazing Catskills distilleries. We’re surrounded by great, passionate talent up here.”
Going forward, the Millses wants to host foraging walks followed by feasting on the wild
foods found, and “we’d like to do something special on Sundays,” Marybeth says. “Sunday dinners, nothing highbrow—maybe fried chicken and champagne. Something quirky.”
“I love being in the middle of nowhere, as this destination spot that’s surrounded by mountains—a lot of the people that come here do so very intentionally, which is neat,” Marybeth says.
“Then too, we’re lucky to have near neighbors who are regulars who love what we do. The hard problem can be keeping the special dinners intimate—we’ll have twenty people sign up, and then some beloved regular calls and asks, ‘Can you please squeeze in our party of five,’ and…But I guess that’s a good problem to have.”
Go taste the love for yourself. The Peekamoose Restaurant is well worth the (lovely) drive.
peekamoose restaurant
8373 State Route 28, Big Indian 845-254-6500
peekamooserestaurant.com
• Outdoor Dining on Front and Back Patios
• Spacious Indoor Dining or Take-Out Ordering
• Hundreds of Craft Beers, Full Bar and Wine List
• Billiard Hall with Ping Pong and Games
Our menu includes locally grown seasonal items along with seafood, steak, and comfort food offerings with many vegan/gluten-free options. Online ordering available.
Live music on weekends.
Serving New Paltz for 50 years!
4 South Chestnut Street, New Paltz 845-255-8636
• bacchusnewpaltz.com
One block up from the Hudson River in the quaint peaceful town of Athens.
7 ON SECOND STREET, ATHENS 838-945-0702
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Our Farms
Danica Ferrante doesn’t remember exactly how old she was when she first started helping out on her grandparents’ farm. “Although it probably started with the kind of ‘helping’ that you ask kids to do when you need to get them out
of the way,” she chuckles. “So I’ve always been around. Really, though, the whole family — all my sisters, all my cousins — this was our first job, after school and on weekends.”
Pete and Carol Ferrante founded
Pete and Carol Ferrante founded Wallkill View Farms back in 1960 with their four sons.
“We call ourselves a four-season farm, and I think we live up to that.”
– Danica FerranteWallkill View Farms back in 1960 with their four sons. Originally, they brought their produce to market; not long after, they realized that the market would come to them, and began selling from a covered wagon on their property. The first actual brick-and-mortar market was built in 1976; since then, they’ve added greenhouses, a pole building, and a bakery.
Danica Ferrante, Pete and Carol’s oldest grandchild, has taken the lead at the business with her cousin John and has always loved the seasonal rhythms of farm life.
“There’s always something new, new things to focus on, new challenges,” she says. “And the chance to work with family is very special. We call ourselves a four-season farm,
and I think we live up to that — we take a break midwinter, but we stay open right up until Christmas selling holiday things: trees, hand-decorated wreaths, gifts, poinsettias. Leading up to that, in the fall, we’re focused on pick-yourown pumpkins, apple cider donuts, and pies.”
Now, in spring — planting season — the greenhouses are packed with flower and vegetable starts and seedlings, and the Wallkill View team can also provide you with the soil and compost that will make them happy, along with all the good advice you need. “Spring is really about the Garden Center,” Ferrante says. “Then, in June, the strawberries come in, and the whole summer is mainly about the produce we grow right here. And we don’t have an orchard, so we bring in the best peaches and apples from nearby farmers.”
The beauty of the location, with fetching views of the Gunks to its west and the village of New Paltz rising up the hill across the Wallkill River, is wildly outstanding. But it doesn’t come without challenges: most every spring, the fields flood, which is good for the topsoil. But the floods have become more erratic: a couple of years ago, an autumn one wiped out the pumpkin crop, a fall mainstay and crowd pleaser. “I think our pumpkin patch is a bit unique,” says Ferrante. “Most places harvest their pumpkins
The beauty of the location, with fetching views of the Gunks and the village of New Paltz, is wildly outstanding.
Originally, they brought their produce to market before selling from a covered wagon on their property. The first actual brick-and-mortar market was built in 1976.
and pile them up for you to pick through. Here, you can actually go out into the fields and pick your own. And we do a corn maze and hayrides, celebrating harvest season — but our primary focus is on the growing, the farm itself, and people do seem to enjoy visiting.”
People do, and it’s unquestionable that this third-generation family farm is a New Paltz icon. And there’s a wee bit of a fourth generation sprouting. “My son’s ten, and he’s been saying he’ll help,” says Ferrante. "But I think the job he wants most is as a donut taste tester!"
wallkill view farm market
15 State Route 299 West, New Paltz
845-255-8050
wallkillviewfarmmarket.com
Wallkill View Farm Market & Garden Center
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Open 7 days a week 9am-6:30pm
845-255-8050
15 Route 299 West New Paltz, NY
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Our Farms
It’s springtime in the Hudson Valley, and the rich earth is beginning to present us with another season of bounty. To help you bring the fresh local flavors to your table—and honor the unique terroir that's special to our neck of the woods—here are some of the crops being harvested by our local farms before summer arrives, as well as a couple of delicious edible goodies you can probably find in your own backyard.
Bring fresh local flavors to your table with crops being grown and harvested locally.
Harvest begins in late April. Rich in folic acid, fiber, and antioxidants, along with vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6, and iron, potassium, copper, calcium, and protein, asparagus helps prevent UTIs, promotes weight loss, and supports gut and reproductive health. Asparagus is also rich in folate, a B vitamin that is believed to help support mental health and positive mood.
Well, we all know what it did for Popeye. The power veggie is another April crop that brings with it loads of iron, folate, vitamin C and E, potassium, and magnesium. High in fiber, it’s great for gut and bone health. If you’re not a fan of its flavor, try incorporating it into smoothies, but lots of people find the young leaves yummy as part of a salad.
Ripens in mid-May. The stalks, which most people find tasty when cooked into a pie or jam or other sweetened treat, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for a bountiful source of fiber and antioxidants.
Rhubarb stalks have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for a bountiful source of fiber and antioxidants.
Another mid-May treat, collards are delicious steamed or sauteed with garlic and onion. You can toss the leaves in olive oil, bake them at 275 degrees until crisp, and season with your favorite spices for a chip alternative that’s packed with vitamins A, B6, C and K, along with calcium, iron, and magnesium.
Starting in late May, local growers harvest fresh peas, which go well with just about anything whether as a side or in a soup or stew. The humble little pea is full of antioxidants including vitamins C and E and zinc, as well as vitamins A and B and coumestrol, which are anti-inflammatory and help protect against diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
Cheery red beets are another springtime star. Boil them, bake them, slice thin and make beet chips, or just slice them raw into a salad to enjoy the benefits of high fiber and folate, along with nitrates and antioxidants. The leaves can be eaten too, and contain loads of vitamins A, K, C and E.
FREEBIES! Lots of tasty and healthful spring treats are probably growing in your own backyard. Before eating foraged plants, be sure you know what you’re doing. There is a long list of possibilities, but these two early offerings in particular are easy to ID, delicious, and healthy.
Easy to identify by their strong onion smell and the little bulbs that root the round green stems, field onions can be used in recipes, in much the same way as the kind you buy at the farm. Great for bone, heart, and gut health thanks to lots of vitamins A and C and minerals potassium, calcium, manganese, and selenium.
This often-disrespected “weed” can add a pop of color and flavor to your plate whether we’re talking about the roots (dry and crush these for a tea), stems, leaves, or blossoms. Munch raw, saute, or add to soups and smoothies for a blast of vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants and minerals iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Dandelions are anti-inflammatory and may help reduce blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides, support a healthy liver and immune system, may help with weight loss, and even help guard against cancer.
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roasted asparagus & beets with goat cheese
1 lb asparagus
2-3 small beets
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 oz. goat cheese
2 tbsp dried fruit of choice
2 tbsp slivered almonds
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Wash asparagus and trim off the hardest bottom parts. Wash, peel, and cube beets. Place your veggies in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, seasoning, and thyme until thoroughly coated. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread asparagus and beets in a single layer; drizzle with any remaining olive oil.
Bake 15-20 minutes or until beets are tender. Remove from oven, push your veggies into a big pile in the middle of the pan, top with goat cheese, fruit, and almonds, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Photo by Klara Risberg.
southern collard greens
Find out why the South has never stopped loving these tender greens with a bold, savory “pot likker.”
Fresh collard greens
Yellow onions
Garlic and red pepper to taste
1 fully cooked smoked turkey leg OR ham hocks OR thick-cut cooked bacon
Chicken broth
Black pepper
Applewood smoked salt
Distilled white vinegar
Remove stems from collard greens. (Fold leaf in half lengthwise and cut or tear.) Wash thoroughly: soak for 20-30 minutes in water with 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 3 tablespoons salt; swish and scrub thoroughly to remove all possible crud. Drain and soak again in plain cold water 1-2 times, until water is clear; finally, scrub each leaf front and back by hand.
Chop or tear clean greens into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in large pot; saute onions till tender and add garlic and red pepper flakes.
Pour in chicken broth and add your meat. Bring to a boil and add collards, which will cook down rapidly. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
Taste and season with cracked black pepper, smoked salt, and white vinegar. Remove meat and chop into bite-sized pieces. Stir and enjoy!
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! nesteggshop.com
A well-made and properly installed sunroom adds square footage, which is one of a short list of project choices that will actually add value.
Sunshine and comfort are so much more than just nice. The combination of the two is delightful in any given moment, and getting plenty of both on a regular basis adds enormous pleasure to life. A pleasant life, quite obviously, can do wonders for both mental and physical wellness. So if you’re thinking of remodeling, and trying to decide what changes would spark the maximum bliss, you owe it to yourself to consider a sunroom.
A well-made and properly installed sunroom adds square footage, which is one of a short list of project choices that will actually add value. And no conventional addition will give you the ability to bring the outdoors in the way a sunroom does. No matter the season, weather, or time of
day, a sunroom is a cozy nest for relaxation—or for work, if the moment calls. Nothing compares to snuggling on a comfy couch to watch the snowflakes fall or the stars twinkle, or safely enjoy the drama of a storm.
But while a top-quality, well-built sunroom is vastly life-enhancing, a substandard one can clearly lead to expensive hassles. It’s the kind of thing you want done right, and that’s why Hudson Valley Sunrooms is celebrating 40 years of success in 2024. Thousands of happy customers know that they’re the folks to call.
In the words of one reviewer on Ratebiz.com: “They aren’t just a sunroom dealer, they’re like family. Great people doing a wonderful job,
A top-quality, well-built sunroom is the kind of thing you want done right, and that’s why Hudson Valley Sunrooms is celebrating 40 years of success in 2024. and always there to answer the call. We truly use our Four Seasons Sunroom from Hudson Valley Sunrooms all year round. The past few years, we’ve celebrated Christmas with family, friends, and our pets in our room. The pets love it all year round. It really brings the outside inside any time you want. If you’re in the market for a fun room, I mean a sunroom, then do yourself a favor and call Hudson Valley Sunrooms.”
Two and a half years ago, longtime expert installer Jason Coppola took the reins of the business. “I didn’t invest in this to mess it up,” he told us at the time. “We’re here for the long run. We treat you the way we want to be treated, and people can sense that genuine spirit—and of course, the results just prove the point.”
The results continue to surpass client expectations, and Jason and his folks—a mix of long-time coworkers and new blood—are still having a blast. “There’s been a lot to do; everything was on paper and we’re going digital,” he says. “And we’re revamping our website; we want to add some videos and some drone footage, so people will be able to see the process and the results and our faces.”
“With sunrooms, you can pay for quality up front or pay for problems down the line—which leads to misconceptions like ‘sunrooms always leak.’ These don’t, not when we install them.”
– Jason CoppolaThings that haven’t changed and won’t: the company’s exclusive use of Four Seasons sunrooms, which range from standard sunrooms, solariums, and curved-eave styles to cathedral ceilings and Old-World conservatories in your choice of Georgian or Victorian styles. Got a wild idea? Talk to them about your custom project, and the experts at Hudson Valley Sunrooms can make it happen.
Every sunroom they build features
Four Seasons Sunrooms’ CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™ with Stay-Clean Technology, purpose-designed with glass roof and glass room additions
in mind, utilizing the most advanced glazing technology in existence. “With sunrooms, you can pay for quality up front or pay for problems down the line—which leads to misconceptions like ‘sunrooms always leak.’” says Coppola. “These don’t, not when we install them—and if any problems do arise, we’re right there for you. It can be decades before you need any maintenance.”
Four Seasons quality combined with Hudson Valley Sunrooms’ installation expertise and five-star customer service will give you the best-looking, longest-lasting, and most trouble-free sunroom possible. Imagine
it—family game nights and parties under the stars, lazy afternoons with a book, a workspace for your job, art, or hobby that’s flooded with natural light. (Sunrooms actually add substantially to the natural light in adjacent parts of your home as well.)
Whether you’re a newcomer or a lifetimer in these parts, we’re guessing that one of the things you love most is the beauty outdoors. So why not bring some of it in? From surprisingly affordable solariums and patios to exquisite cathedral ceilings that will take your breath away at each change of sky and season, the possibilities are vast. Hudson Valley Sunrooms would be happy to meet you for a free, no-obligation consultation and help move your sunroom dream closer to reality, so reach out and find out how simple this huge boost in your everyday joy quotient can be.
hudson valley sunrooms
1309 New York 208, Wallkill 845-339-1787
hvsunrooms.com
A full service hearth shop.
OFFERING THE HIGHEST QUALITY: WOOD, GAS, COAL & PELLET STOVES
INSERTS AND FIREPLACES
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
Fireside Warmth Inc. CUSTOM
Visit our complete showroom with display models as well as accessories for all your hearth needs. Our expert staff, unmatched selection and reasonable prices have helped Fireside Warmth Inc. earn our reputation for convenience, quality and value.
845-331-5656
901 State Route 28, Kingston, NY
www.firesidewarmthonline.com
April showers bring May flowers, and we’re ready to help your garden dreams bloom into reality! It’s the perfect time to start a big, beautiful, and bountiful season.
At Adams, we pride ourselves on offering plants you won’t find anywhere else, just waiting to make your garden the talk of the town. Visit our Garden Centers, where extraordinary is just a seedling away!
Home & Garden
There’s nothing quite as blissful as the return of longer, warmer days; once again, we can enjoy the outdoors in comfort. To get the maximum benefit, you need to have an outdoor hangout spot you absolutely love, a place that lends itself to meditating, reading, socializing, and just stretching out in the good fresh air. This is the perfect time to spruce up your yard and garden, so here are some ideas that will pay for themselves in sheer delight.
This is the perfect time to spruce up your yard and garden.
top it off color it up
Research possible ways of rainproofing part of your outdoor space, whether it’s a canopy, a screen house, or a full-on shed roof. This will allow you to spend time outdoors even on rainy days—there’s nothing like the sound of warm spring rain to enchant a book, a long talk or a catnap—and give you extra shade in the warmer parts of the day. If you decide on a hard roof, think about adding a solar panel or two to keep any outdoor devices or equipment charged up without adding a penny to your electric bill.
Get some native perennial flower seeds. There are sun mixes and shade mixes that’ll thrive in various spots, so turn up some dirt—you’ll want to break up clods and remove weeds and roots—and scatter those beauties everywhere. Native seed mixes are naturally pest- and drought-resistant; all you need to do after scattering is rake them in a bit and do an initial watering—after which they will thrive and reseed themselves into a carpet of colors each year.
add the element of fire water feature !
Honestly, this can be as simple as a ring of good-sized stones to keep your coals contained or as fancy as a full-on outdoor kitchen. Between those extremes there are nearly infinite choices of firepits, from DIY designs to prefab ones in a wide variety of designs and at a wide range of price points. Watching flames is good for your head.
This can be a reflective pool or fountain, a hot tub or spa, even a kiddie pool to cool your tired tootsies. There are even a lot of intriguing DIY instructions out there for building your own wood-fired “hillbilly hot tub” using a stock-watering tank.
host our winged neighbors plant yourself some snacks ! If your yard’s not overrun with cats, consider installing a bird bath and a bird feeder. You’ll want to do this thoughtfully; wildlife experts say that the most danger to birds arises when a feeder is between 15-30 feet of a glass window, so go closer or farther than that, and clean both facilities every couple of weeks to protect against infections. You can also just plant some things birds will especially adore, such as sunflowers. Birds and butterflies alike love to visit lilac, lavender, and rosemary, all of which also add bonus aromatherapy points.
Cherry tomatoes and cucumber vines will grow nicely in containers, giving you easy access to sun-ripened nutrition straight from the plant—all you really need is a napkin and a salt-shaker or a favorite dip on your hammock-side table. Early spring is also a fine time to start some native raspberries and/or blackberries for still more future fruit. Some say blackberries tend to take over—others say there is nothing wrong with too many blackberries.
let there be light !
Solar LED lights come in a vast array of colors and design options these days, and are built to withstand the weather. Install a solar LED next to a reflective gazing ball for a deliciously mind-melting evening focal point.
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Step outside and discover nature’s renewal in the gorgeous Hudson Valley, where winding trails, rugged cliffs, and shimmering watersheds invite you to forget your cares, test your endurance, and reconnect with the great outdoors. Hike the Mohonk Preserve, scale the Shawangunk Ridge, savor the seasonal flavors of local family farms, and bask in the epic beauty of springtime in Ulster County.