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WINTER STAY, FUN EAT,| AND PLATTEKILL PLAY IN THE SKI MOUNTAIN HUDSON VALLEY | HOLIDAY | GIFT GIFT WRAPPING GUIDE | WINTER | COZYING SPORTS UP AT| HOME CELEBRATING | HOLIDAY/WINTER WINTER 2018-19 2020-21
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WILLIAMS Lumber & Home Centers
We have everything you need! Lumber Hardware • Paint • Electrical • Windows & Door Building Materials • Plumbing • Heating • Power Tools • Hand Tools Lawn & Garden • Kitchen & Bath • Housewares • & More!
845.876.WOOD
www.williamslumber.com RHINEBECK • HUDSON • HOPEWELL JUNCTION • TANNERSVILLE • RED HOOK • PLEASANT VALLEY • HIGH FALLS
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Apparel Accessories Skin Care Gifts Curiosities hamiltonandadams.com | @hamiltonandadams | #staycurious 32 John Street, Kingston, NY 12401 | 845-383-1039 4
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Meet The Owner
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Eat
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Stay
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Meet The Owner
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Meet The Owner
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Stay
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Home
plattekill mountain menla retreat center s af e stayc at ion s
Diamond mills support local eateries local artisan bakery La Bûche de noel
holiday gift guide salix intimates bop to tottom Coz ying up at home
if you’d like to advertise in this quarterly magazine or on the website, please call us at 845-687-3470. ©2020 visitvortex VISITvortex.com | PO Box 82, High Falls, New York | 845-687-3470 | visitvortex@gmail.com | about us page 11 instagram @visitvortex | facebook.com/visithudsonvalley | weddingvortex.com
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some winter fun
TABLE OF CONTENTS
visit vortex
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STAY OUTSIDE this winter
57 City View Terrace, Kingston New York
845.338.5119
Online at PotterBrothers.com
Something For Everyone Clothes • Toys • Cards • Gifts • Home décor • Crafts Dining • Fitness • Beauty • Fine Wines • Flowers ...and much more.
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KingstonPlaza.com For store directory & special offers 8
Plaza Road Kingston, NY 12401
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Exit 19
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hi ng to n
Kingston Plaza, Plaza Road Kingston, NY 12401
Av e
Hudson River
Kingston
Find The Perfect Gift Gifts • Houseware • Kitchenware Home Décor • Advice
Holiday Savings
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Any single fully priced holiday item
One time offer. Ends 12/31/20. No other discounts apply. Valid at Kingston location only.
G I F T D E PA R T M E N T Kingston Plaza • 151 Plaza Road www.Herzogs.com • (845) 338-6300
Free Gift Wrapping! 9
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v i s i t vo rt e x
ABOUT US
who we are be drawn in
our mission
is to help stimulate the local economy by promoting and introducing the faces behind independently owned businesses and organizations. VISITvortex is a celebration of each season and a portal to the great people and places of the Hudson Valley. Sharing the very best of local.
creative Director editor
designers sales
production
photography
writers
Jesse Marcus Melissa Hewitt Kate Werwa Melissa Hewitt, Melissa Orozco Alisha Dingee, Jesse Marcus Melissa Orozco Rachel Collet Anne Pyburn Craig, Kate Werwa
if you’d like to advertise in this quarterly magazine or on the website, please call us at 845-687-3470. Š2020 visitvortex VISITvortex.com | PO Box 82, High Falls, New York | 845-687-3470 | visitvortex@gmail.com instagram @visitvortex | facebook.com/visithudsonvalley | weddingvortex.com
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publisher
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ESCAPE TO THE HUDSON VALLEY’S MOST ICONIC RESORT A timeless getaway to nature is our specialty. And this year, we’re taking every precaution to keep our employees and guests safe, so you can relax and reconnect with the ones you love. Snuggle up beside a wood-burning fireplace, ice skate in our grand open-air pavilion, and enjoy cuisine from award-winning chefs—all included in your overnight rate. Rejuvenate with a nature-inspired treatment at The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House. JOIN US ON OUR MOUNTAINTOP & FEEL YOUR STRESSES MELT AWAY.
Book a day spa visit or an unforgettable getaway on our best rates of the year. 877.475.6365 | mohonk.com | New Paltz, NY
Est. 1869
OUTDOORS
get OUT for
some winter fun by anne pyburn craig
The choices that surround us here in the Hudson Valley are abundant, from top-notch slopes, to ice skating rinks, to scenic winter trails and lakes for ice fishing. Just dress warmly (some of our favorite spots have all the gear you’ll need), stay hydrated, and breathe in all that fine fresh air. By the day’s end, you’ll surely feel like that well-deserved hot cocoa, wine, or brandy by the fire has never tasted so good.
visitvortex.com
Even if you are someone who is normally content to hibernate during the winter, make 2021 a year to get into the world of outdoor play. Goodness knows we have all earned the right to some fun.
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t h e r i g h t g e a r m at t e r s
At HAMILTON & ADAMS, a chill men’s shop in Uptown Kingston, you’ll find the weightless, water-resistant, and divinely fluffy Save the Duck puffer jacket, in addition to trucker jackets, hoodies and sweaters for the perfect layer, cuddly wool boot socks, and skin care to heal the roughest windburn. KENCO OUTFITTERS in Kingston is the place to find great deals on boots and outerwear for the whole fam or pod. And they have loads of thermal and Smartwool goodies to layer underneath. Wanna get ambitious and give winter camping a try? They’ve got your thermal sleep pads and super-cozy mummy bags all set to go. Skiers and snowboarders will find everything their hearts desire at POTTER BROTHERS, a family-owned ski shop with Fishkill and Kingston locations. They’re celebrating their 75th year in 2020, and you can choose from over 50 premium equipment brands to rent or buy and order up your lift tickets. You’ll also find all the clothing you could need to keep super warm. Besides the perfect rustic furniture that you can sink into with a satisfied sigh at the end of the day’s outings, MOOSE CROSSING in Shokan has the coziest of clothes for your winter adventures. This is the spot for your Woolrich clothing, handcrafted fixed blade and folding knives, Pendleton blankets, and all sorts of country home needs. Now you’re ready to step out! 14
outdoor fun ideas Let’s consider some possible destinations. Many of the Hudson Valley’s public lands and historic sites are open year-round, and our rail trails are fabulous for learning to snowshoe or cross-country ski.
p l at t e k i l l m o u n ta i n
m o h o n k p r e s e rv e
b e l l ’ s c h r i s t m a s t r e e fa r m
Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury is a laid-back paradise for serious skiers, with plenty to offer beginners and families alike, including weekend tubing. Ticketing this year will be online only; they’re observing best health practices, which includes making the deck into a fabulous spot to grab lunch and a beer or hot cocoa beside the firepit.
Mohonk Preserve has miles and miles of trails and carriage roads—over 75 miles to be exact, making for a choose-your-own-adventure menu that will have something to delight any walker, hiker, snowshoer, or skier. Memberships start at just $60, giving you early-bird access to the five gorgeous trailheads, 365 days a year.
Bell’s Christmas Tree Farm in Accord is the place to source thoughtfully grown seasonal greenery, whether you’re a fan of the traditional Douglas fir or prefer a Colorado blue spruce. There are 10 species and 10 different shapes of special-order wreaths, and a gift shop full of local goodness. Hot cocoa by the woodstove. Oh yes. 15
f r i lu f t s l i v Something as simple as spending time outside can provide a powerful reset for your mental health, and research is proving it. When it comes to understanding the healing effects of nature, trust the outdoors-loving Scandinavians. Friluftsliv, a word coined in 1859 by writer Henrik Ibsen, loosely means “FREE AIR LIFE,” and it signifies a fundamental understanding of the healing effects of nature. Amid a pandemic, friluftsliv might just be a model for enduring more safely—and sanely—this winter season.
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YOU’RE GOING TO NEED WATER. Let Binnewater Ice Co. provide all of your ice and water needs.
25 S Pine Street, Kingston, NY 845-331-0504 binnewater.com
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38 trails terrain for all abilities plenty of wide open space!
ROXBURY, NY * (607) 326-3500 WWW.PLATTEKILL.COM FOR ALL TICKET, RENTAL AND LESSON PURCHASES
Wishing you a happy, healthy winter season See you in the spring!
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• Nine-hole course • 5,456 yards
• Plays to a par 70 for 18 holes
Winter is Wonderful at Mohonk Preserve! Explore the many ways you can enjoy the Preserve during the winter months. Whether you prefer a brisk hike, crosscountry skiing, or snowshoeing, the Preserve is the place for you. Our Visitor Center is open free of charge daily 9am5pm; the land is open daily, sunrise to one hour after sunset. Memberships and day passes are available at all trailheads. Photo: Ted Sendler
mohonkpreserve.org 845-255-0919
“GOLF IN PEACE” 114 Mill Hill Road Woodstock • 845-679-2914 • woodstockgolf.com
PLEASE: WEAR A MASK & OBSERVE SOCIAL DISTANCING
We would like to thank our loyal customers & wish them a happy, healthy winter season! 20
Fruits & Vegetables Winter squash • apples bakery • apple Cider donuts Cider • Fresh breWed CoFFee salads • sandWiChes • soups loCal honey & Maple syrup koMbuCha on tap groCeries • giFts OPEN DAILY • Closed Mondays 845-626-CORN (2676) www.saunderskill.com
5100 Rte. 209 • Accord, NY 12404
OUTDOORS
Outdoors
p l at t e k i l l m o u n ta i n by anne pyburn craig p h o to s p rov i d e d b y p l at t e k i l l m o u n ta i n
Seekers of winter thrills and adventure can find it on the slopes of Roxbury this season, as Plattekill Mountain is ramped up and ready to greet skiers of all skill levels with a safety-conscious, streamlined ski experience.
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“We’re going to have alot of fun up here this year, but we are also going to do whatever we can and need to do to keep our guests and staff safe. We want to be sure we have a season, so we plan to put all precautions in place to be as sure of that as we can.”
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Tubing is offered in 2-hour sessions: 11am-1pm, 1-3pm, 3-5pm
Cruising down the slopes embraces social distancing—fastening long boards to your feet will be sure to keep just about anyone six feet away. Recognizing that skiing and snowboarding can be a major force for joy and sanity this year, New York State’s Governor Andrew M. Cuomo allowed ski resorts to reopen on Friday, November 6, with 50 percent 22
indoor capacity and with strict health and safety protocols under state-issued guidance. “The state guidance lines up with what we were already planning,” says Danielle. “Life needs to continue, but with precautions, so we had assumed all along that we’d have to do some adapting.”
It’s hard to imagine a better way to bust that cabin fever than a day spent gliding down the trails, wind singing past your ears.
Tickets and rental equipment need to be reserved online; they’ll get everything you need together and have it ready for stress-free pickup, thoroughly sanitized and disinfected.
Danielle says Plattekill will manage density by requiring online ticket purchase. “People were already moving in that direction, and it’s always been an option, but this year you’ll have to,” she says. “You can still decide to hop in the car and head up here, just make sure you initiate the reservation online first. There may not be the same kinds of time-sensitive discounts available that people had been used to—but we’re the best value out there already.” It’s not an idle boast; Plattekill Mountain is unique, beloved by those who know it as an authentic gem. “This is the coolest damn
ski hill in the state of New York. Yes, it’s the smallest of the four Catskills mountains by acreage and vertical drop and number of lifts and size of the parking lot and size of the lodge. No, there are no high-speed lifts and the trails are shockingly narrow in places and the lodge is not some starchitect-designed spaceship ready to transport you to Jupiter,” wrote Stuart Winchester in a blog entry introducing an interview with Danielle and her co-owner and husband Lazlo on “The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast” in October of 2019. “This is what skiing looks like when it’s run not by block grants airlifted from Broomfield but real people who love 23
Plattekill Mountain is unique, beloved by those who know it as an authentic gem.
their mountain and love skiing and put every damn thing they have into making it work. Plus, it’s never crowded, the lift tickets are fairly priced, they have the friendliest lifties I’ve ever encountered, and, yes, it feels like skiing in the 1960s. I think. Since I have no first-person recollection of the 1960s, I’m going to make some assumptions here and say it feels like 24
skiing in some indeterminate bygone era when kids didn’t spend all their time smartphoning and playing the Halo.” Indoors will be limited to 50% capacity, but Danielle says you will find newly installed firepits, deck heaters, and wind protection on the deck, meaning you
can enjoy your hot dogs, brats, burritos, and beer outside in comfort, while luxuriating in the mountain views. “You’ll be able to minimize your indoor time; we’re going to feel out guests and see how they like the arrangements,” she says. “If our guests feel happy and safe, then we’re happy. We’ll be making adjustments as needed for the best possible experience.”
Kids’ programs and group lessons are on hold for now. “The guidance says no more than 10, but we wanted to start slow,” Danielle says. “So we’re offering private and semi-private, and you can rent an instructor for small groups. Everything will be absolutely clear and transparent and available for purchase online.” Rental equipment will also need to be reserved online; employees will get everything you need
“If our guests feel happy and safe, then we’re happy. We’ve been making adjustments as needed for the best possible experience.”–Danielle Vajtay, co-owner
together and have it ready for stress-free pickup, thoroughly sanitized and disinfected. “You just fill out a form and the information goes directly to the rental shop,” says Danielle. “No standing in line.” It goes without saying that Plattekill Mountain is abiding by best public health practices: masks in
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indoor areas, social distancing, and restricting lift occupancy to members of the same party. But it’s hard to imagine a better way to bust that cabin fever than gliding down the trails, with the wind singing past your ears. “We need to operate flexibly and we’re confident we can do that, and we hope you’ll feel confident, too,” Danielle says. “And above all else, we’re excited to get outside. Fresh air and skis! That’s where we’re at. We just want people to have a range of options and feel safe. We’ve really always been good at safety and welcome, so we feel confident. Plus, they say the outdoor fresh air is good for the soul. So grab your pod and c’mon up. We’d love to see you.”
Plattekill Mountain 469 Plattekill Road, Roxbury 607-326-3500 plattekill.com
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“We just want people to have a range of options and feel safe.”
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO ENJOY AN OUTDOOR WINTER!
CHOOSE & CUT YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE! OR CHOOSE A FRESH PRE-CUT TREE Handcrafted Wreaths, Kissing balls, Swags and Mailbox Huggies are made right on our Farm Shop for local maple syrup, honey & soaps
Bell’s
christmas trees
creating warm memories on cold days
24 acres of trees including large selection of cathedral ceiling trees!
bellschristmastrees.com 647 Mettacahonts Rd, Accord 845-626-7849
845-532-1924 cell
$1O OFF your next purchase of $30 or more! RULES:This coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase. One offer per household, per day. May not be combined with any other offers or discounts, or applied to the purchase of gift cards. Not valid on previous purchases. Some other exceptions may apply. Expires Dec 24, 2020
Winter Sports Gear. Footwear. Hats, scarves. Mens & Womens Outdoor, Casual and Work Clothing. Indoor Archery Range! Now offering Custom Embroidery and Screen Printing.
1000 Hurley Mountain Road, Kingston, NY 12401 845-340-0552 Check out our website: www.atkenco.com 27
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Locations throughout the Hudson Valley 866.440.0391 / UlsterSavings.com
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Investment, Tax, Payroll, and Insurance products and services available through Ulster Insurance Services, Inc., and Ulster Financial Group, Inc., subsidiaries of Ulster Savings Bank, are NOT FDIC INSURED. NMLS# 619306 /
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Getaway
menla : magic in the catskills
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STAY
Use the essence of nature to restore your mind and spirit in a peaceful refuge.
I
f you’re looking for a perfect fall or winter escape— one that will really allow you to disconnect from the demands of everyday life, bask in the beauty of the season, and just “be”— look no further than Menla’s breathtaking nature resort and healing spa in the heart of the Catskills. Create your own getaway and spend a long weekend or the entire week on more than 300 acres of private wilderness. As a wildlife refuge and Audubon bird sanctuary, Menla offers numerous opportunities to catch a glimpse of animals in their natural habitat.
Use the essence of nature to restore your mind and spirit in a peaceful refuge. Choose from deluxe accommodations, complete with en suite bathrooms, simply and elegantly decorated. Cozy, private cabins
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SER ENI T Y
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Awaken new senses with sound baths and sound therapy techniques that release stress through harmonic vibration.
are available if you need more personal space or are traveling with family, colleagues, or friends. Caring staff are available to assist you in creating your personalized getaway, and, with plenty of room to spread out, you can have as much or as little interaction with other guests as you like.
experiences. Awaken new senses with sound baths and sound therapy techniques that release stress through harmonic vibration. After the sun sets, light up the night with a bonfire under the stars. Let fresh air, water, movement, and sound envelop your senses in the mystical act of forest bathing. On-site and nearby trails range from easy
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W ELL N E SS
to advanced for hiking or snow-
Calm your mind and let go of your anxiety with private qi gong, yoga, and meditation sessions available to book à la carte daily. Relax with one of many nature immersion
explore on your own. Some of the
shoeing. Book a guided hike or best ski slopes in the region, offering equipment rentals and options for various mountain sports, are just a short drive away.
FOO D & SU STA I NA B I L I TY Sustainability is a core part of Menla’s philosophy. Every effort is made to source ethically and with minimal impact on the environment. Their vegetarian farm-totable menu features organic dishes right from Menla’s gardens and greenhouse. You can dine in the privacy of your room or in the main dining room overlooking
Eva’s Pond. Take a garden tour to learn more about how menu items are sustainably grown. Everything from ecology and horticulture to the healing power of medicinal plants is offered. Menla’s drinking water comes from artesian springs and is some of the cleanest water in the world.
The vegetarian farm-to-table menu features organic dishes right from Menla’s gardens and greenhouse. 33
DEWA SPA After an invigorating day outdoors, a selection of saunas and steam rooms awaits. From traditional Finnish saunas to soaking tubs to Ayurvedic steam box therapy, Menla offers a host of options to detoxify and boost immunity, a practice that has been used in various parts of the world for thousands of years. Book your world-class Eastern or Western therapies, such as the signature Tibetan Kunye massage, Shirodhara, energy readings, customized facials, and herbal baths, just a few of the lavish therapies found on the Dewa Spa menu. After your spa treatments, cozy up next to a fireplace with a book or watch films in the 200-year-old newly renovated vintage barn. Treat yourself to a replenishing and restorative getaway that will stay with you long after your return. The beauty of the mountains, the quiet of the forests, and the indulgence of the senses awaits.
ME N L A 375 Pantherkill Road, Phoenicia 845-688-6897 menla.org
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Escape the city and experience a winter Shangri-la just two hours from New York City. Create Your Own Getaway.
607 County Rt 6 High Falls, NY
crestedhenfarms.com 845.687.2050
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s a f e w i n t e r s tayc at i o n s
Need more than a day trip? Consider a local staycation. These places are right here in the neighborhood, yet when you step through their doors, you’re in a whole different universe, lovingly curated to refresh and indulge. In a normal year, people come from all over the world to experience what these resorts have to offer—and here you already are.
b u t t e r m i l k fa l l s i n n
&
s pa
Limited reservations are accepted this year at Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa in Milton, where thy are safely welcoming guests to their glorious 75-acre hideaway, with socially distanced fine local food and a safety-focused, super-sanitized temporary spa facility. Wander lovely walking trails and contemplate llamas; you’ll emerge a whole new person.
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c o u n t ry i n n
The Country Inn is located in Krumville at the base of the Catkill Mountains and consists of 3 double occupancy rooms all with their own bath. Their rooms are vacant for at least 72 hours between occupancy and are cleaned professionally. The restaurant is closed for the time being but private arrangements can be made. A private sanctuary for your escape to paradise in the mountains and with hosts Peter and Diane, it will feel like your home away from home.
STAY
&
s pa
The Emerson Resort & Spa in Mt. Tremper has organized a Stay Safe Pledge and is offering socially distanced shopping, dining, select spa services, and even hot tub time. This local gem has everything you need, all in one complex. In addition, beautiful walking trails line the wintry Esopus, and you’re just a few minutes from the Catskills Visitor Center, with more trails to explore and a walk-up window open six days a week to provide good wandering advice.
menla
m o h o n k m o u n ta i n h o u s e
Also known as Tibet in the Catskills, Menla in Phoenicia is handling the pandemic with ageless wisdom and grace and modern science. Many spa and wellness activities are still taking place in socially distanced ways—check their website to find specifics—and their seasonal, locally-sourced, plant-based meals, included with your stay, are available for takeout. Then there are the 325 acres of breathtaking glacial valley to explore....
Why not splurge on a weekend at our very own Victorian castle in the clouds? Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz has superb safety protocols in place— everything from wellness screening to air filtration— in order to keep offering their world-class hospitality. There’s an award-winning outdoor ice skating pavilion with a huge stone fireplace, and they’ve got everything you need to go hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing on their miles of enchanting trails.
visitvortex.com
e m e r s o n r e s o rt
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diamond mills
h o t e l dy l a n
j e s s i e ’ s h a rv e s t h o u s e
Overlooking the Esopus Creek Falls, right in the historic Village of Saugerties, is the Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern. A boutique hotel with luxurious amenities (all rooms have a private balcony with a view of the falls), convenient location to shops and trails alike, and its own seasonal tavern fare offered by the hearth or on the heated terrace, Diamond Mills is a beautiful safe haven to return to after a day of exploration.
Hotel Dylan is nestled at the foot of Overlook Mountain in Woodstock and is a great base point to explore the Hudson Valley. The hotel has increased their already rigorous cleaning routine, and will continue to mandate masks and social distancing. They are using the latest room sanitization technology, expanding the downtime for rooms, and having their cleaning staff spend extra time prepping each room for new guests.
Jessie’s Harvest House Restaurant & Lodge is a warm and comfy place to gather, featuring a delicious menu of American-style cuisine with locally-sourced ingredients, a friendly tavern, and rustic country lodging. Their six cozy hotel-style guest rooms are located right above the restaurant, overlooking the scenic views of Hunter Mountain. Call for details on their Covid protocol.
THE INN IS OPEN The Property consists of 3 double occupancy rooms all with their own bath. Our rooms are vacant for at least 72 hours between occupancy. We provide a private sanctuary for your escape to Paradise in the Mountains. Our restaurant is closed for the time being, but private arrangements can be made. Call or text Diane at 845-303-4752 for information and reservations.
The Country Inn
a cozy boutique inn and private restaurant 1380 County Road 2, Krumville, NY | 845-657-8956 | krumville.com 39
Meet the Owner
d i a m o n d m i l l s h ot e l by anne pyburn craig
B
p h o to s p rov i d e d b y d i a m o n d m i l l s
orn on Long Island, Tom Struzzieri grew up loving sports, horses, and being his own boss. His parents ran the pony ride concession at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, and his father later purchased a horse transportation company.
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& tav e r n
Riding was just one of his sports, but the intense competition and camaraderie of the show jumping world fascinated and drew him in and, eventually, led him to create a Saugerties landmark in the Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern.
MEET THE OWNER
Soaring ceilings, natural light, sweeping vistas, unique fixtures, and roaring falls make for one-of-a-kind memories and the photos to go with them.
Today, Tom is president and CEO of HITS, holding 56 shows a year in six states. Saugerties, where his purpose-built 14-barn facility hosts some of show jumping’s premiere events and richest purses, is home base. And as Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern enters its 10th year as one of the Hudson Valley’s top-tier destinations, with 30 luxurious guest rooms, a grand
visitvortex.com
Coming upriver to Vassar College in the 1970s, “I didn’t spend a whole lot of time in class,” Tom says. “I was already a horse guy. And horses have been good to me.” Before the decade was over, he was running Rose View Stables in Poughkeepsie, teaching riders, training horses, and managing local horse shows. His first multi-day show, in Rhinebeck in 1980, won rave reviews. In 1982, he held the first Horse Show In The Sun (HITS) in Gainesville, Florida.
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Photo by Dion Ogust
Photo by Alicia King Photography
“We still do the utmost in boutique finery for special events.” –Tom Struzzieri, Owner
ballroom, and a chill-but-upscale tavern, it’s clear that Tom’s knack for hospitality is as epic and genuine as his horse show mojo. “I’m a sucker for a boutique hotel and this one definitely checked every box,” wrote a Yelper from NYC in January of 2020. “Even the restaurant attached was a hit.... The room was very inviting and cozy. The floors were heated in the bathroom—who wouldn’t love that. There was a balcony that provided an awesome view of a stream attached to a waterfall and a red bridge that 42
was beyond picturesque. Breakfast was also a treat.” “One of the most beautiful hotels I’ve been to in a long while and I can’t wait to go back,” writes another, a former Saugerties resident home for a visit. “What a wonderful experience! Everything was immaculate and beautiful.” When HITS Saugerties opened in 2004, the local lodging scene wasn’t set up to handle the 2.5 humans (on average) that accompany each horse, of which
there are over 1,100, not to mention the few thousand spectators that travel from all over to watch. Today, there are more options for visitors, but there is still only one Diamond Mills. Locals watched in amazement as a brick and stone fortress took shape on a bluff overlooking the Esopus Creek, on the former site of the Martin Cantine Paper Mill. The Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern complex, which opened in late 2011, covers 64,115 square feet and rises four stories tall. The tech-smart event space
The Tavern overlooking the falls has evolved into a more laidback place where you can wear your jeans and enjoy a pizza, a Tavern Burger, Duck Confit, or Beet Wellington.
can hold over 400 for a dream wedding, corporate conference, or gala for a good
Photo by Kevin Ferguson.
cause. Soaring ceilings, natural light, sweeping vistas, unique fixtures, and roaring falls make for one-of-a-kind memories and the photos to go with them. Each of the thirty rooms offers a private balcony with a water view. Originally envisioned as specialoccasion dining, the Tavern overlooking the falls has evolved into a more laidback place where you can wear your jeans and enjoy a pizza (there’s the meaty Carnivore and the roasted vegetable Grounded), a Tavern Burger, Duck Confit, or Beet Wellington. “We still do the utmost in boutique finery for special events,” says Tom. “Everything is elegant and warm; I’m hands-on with the big things, and we try to hire people who will do what you’d do if you were there.
And we have a great source of eager hospitality talent from the CIA.” “Each business I get into in my life seems to just draw me into the next, and when I find something I like, I look for more of it,” says Tom. Diamond Mills now has a sister property: Saugerties Steamboat Company—a waterfront oasis offering charter boats, striper fishing, and sunset cruises in season. And in the world of sport, Tom organizes marathon and triathlon events. “There’s nowhere in the world I’d rather live,” he says of his Saugerties home, where he and his wife Jane, a Hyde Park native, raised their three children. “I’ve lived in a lot of places around the country, and this is where I always want to call home. There is really nowhere like it. I feel like we have played our part, along with a lot of 43
The event space can hold over 400 for a dream wedding, corporate conference, or gala for a good cause. Each of the thirty rooms offers a private balcony with a water view.
And it’s no secret that Diamond Mills, although large and possessed of an almost dreamlike elegance, is very much a part of the local community. The ballroom began hosting gala benefit banquets almost before the paint dried on its unique blend of high industrial chic and vintage European charm. Local hospitals, business organizations, and nonprof44
its of all sorts have found a warm welcome here ever since. “It’s been a good partnership among my family, my horse show family, and the community,” says Tom. Over the years, he’s served on the SUNY at Ulster Board of Trustees, the Ulster County Development Corporation Board of Directors, and the Kingston Hospital Board, along with coaching AYSO soccer and youth football. His kids, who grew up working summertimes at the HITS concessions, include one daughter who is a writer finishing her master’s at Columbia, another who owns a cafe in Lake George, and a son who
HITS, Horse Shows In The Sun. Photo by ESI.
other colleagues and neighbors, in making Saugerties a more active, vibrant place. It’s certainly no secret to the equine set, though it might be better known in Germany than in California in that world.”
Photo by Max B. Nucci.
caught the sports organizer bug and is helping Tom run the endurance marathon and triathlon business. He still owns some shares in fine horses, and looks forward to welcoming spectators back to HITS Saugerties, which was live-streamed like so much else in summer 2020, and to hosting the big, chic, warmhearted bashes Diamond Mills does so well. Meanwhile, guests have had nothing but high marks for the warm, caring, and fastidious experiences that have been possible.
“It’s a challenge to be limited to events of less than 49 people for safety reasons, but that will pass eventually,” Tom observes. And when it does, Diamond Mills will have its 7,000 square feet of elegant event space sparkling in its unique setting, all ready to scale back up from the current menu of micro-wedding and elopement packages. “I’m not quite sure what our 10th anniversary celebrations will look like yet, or when that will happen. When the time is right, we will most certainly be celebrating.”
Photo by Diamond Mills Staff.
D i a m o n d M i l l s H o t e l & T av e r n 25 South Partition Street, Saugerties 845-247-0700 diamondmillshotel.com
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restaurants • catering • mobile food truck
Adams Catering THANK YOU FOR BRINGING US HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
japanese noodle bowls, southeast asian street-food, and other asian specialties. y u m y u m n o o d l e b a r .c o m
• curbside & delivery service woodstock • 4 rock city rd • 845-679-7992 • 7 days a week kingston • 275 fair st • 845-338-1400 • online ordering red hook • 7496 south broadway • 845-835-6383
FARM TO TABLE Catering For All Occasions Open 8:30 - 4:30pm Closed Mon & Tues
845-255-4949 2356 RT 44/55, Gardiner www.miogardiner.com
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POUGHKEEPSIE
KINGSTON
NEWBURGH
WAPPINGER
Route 44 845-454-4330
Route 9W 845-336-6300
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Since
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2017
100% Organic Produce
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Experience Our Award Winning CafĂŠ & Deli with Our Homemade Soups
Holiday Gift Cards are Available
PETER’S MARKET
under new ownership 845-210-4661 petersmarket.business.site 7700 State Route 209, Napanoch, NY 12458
ROCK HILL TRADING POST
845-796-3060 tradingpostmarket.com 214 Rock Hill Dr, Rock Hill, NY 12775 OPEN HOURS: 7:30AM - 8:00PM
farmhouse cuisine · killer cocktails · nightly bonfire 8373 State Route 28, Big Indian, NY (845) 254-6500 www.peekamooserestaurant.com
BREAKFAST BRUNCH Dedicated to bringing the best natural and organic products to our community
LUNCH DINNER
Family owned and operated since 1978 WOODSTOCK: 75 Mill Hill Road • 845-679-5361 RHINEBECK: 24 Garden Street • 845-876-2555
sunflowernatural.com
17 TINKER ST WOODSTOCK NY 845.679.5763
Historic Rondout
Waterfront Dining
Authentic Barbecue & Comfort Food with a Modern Twist
OleSavannah.com | 845-331-4283 100 Rondout L anding, Kingston, New York
restaurant | bistro | bar
Socially Distanced Dining Open Daily 11:30am-10pm Curbside Pick Up ¡ Takeout Family Style Takeout Indoor Dining Photography: The Ramsdens
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845-876-3330 terrapinrestaurant.com 6426 montgomery st. rhinebeck, ny
EAT
Eat
s u p p o rt lo c a l e at e r i e s any of our wonderful local eateries are still finding ways to cook for you. Check our advertisers and visit their websites to find out who’s got what and when. Eateries have been formulating safety plans to offer more than takeout and delivery: lowered occupancy, enhanced safety protocols, and heated outdoor dining will all be on the menu in various lo-
cations. Some will offer the option of reserving an entire room for your family or pod’s holiday feasting. In any case, there is a lot to be said for picking up some piping-hot takeout to bring home after a brisk winter hike and sharing it together. Don’t forget a jug of ale or a fine bottle of red—our wineries and breweries are still at your service.
visitvortex.com
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C.A. Smith Photography 52
o u t d o o r h e at e d t e n t s
bonfires
special meals
Local restaurants are doing all they can to safely treat you right in these times. In addition to spacing out their tables, some eateries are going all out and installing outdoor tents, complete with heating, to provide more space and airflow. Dress warm and be merry with your pod. It’s a whole new dining world out there, but that makes for good memories to share in the years to come.
Gather together, while being safely apart, around a fire. On a frosty night it’s a cozy way to get fresh air, a glance of the stars, and spend quality time with the people you love most. Many of our local hotels, restaurants, and breweries boast outdoor fire pits, so take advantage— meet up for a hot toddy, some hearty apps, and good conversation. Or bring the good drink and prepared food home to host a simple winter family gathering.
When going out for dinner, make it a special meal that might prove more challenging to make at home. Go for dishes that require a lot of prep or are from a culture that uses spices that may not be stocked in your cupboard. Sure, we can try to make our own osso bucco or lamb curry, but with all the talented chefs in the region just waiting for us to taste their perfected cuisine, why not give theirs a try?
FALAFEL, SABICH, SALADS & MORE
OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH • TAKE OUT • GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS • OUTDOOR SEATING
AMERICAN BISTRO & PUB-STYLE FARE 1128 Route 32, Rosendale 845-658-2000 • CREEKSIDEBISTRO.COM
54 East Market St. Rhinebeck 845-876-2324 abasfalafel.com
Serving New Paltz for 47 years
• New York Style Pizzas • Made to order Italian Heros • Authentic Italian Dishes
• Outdoor Dining on Front and Back Patios • Spacious Indoor Dining or Take-Out Ordering • We go above and beyond Covid regulations. • Hundreds of Craft Beers, Full Bar and Wine List • Billiard Hall with Ping Pong and Games 5 STAR HEAD CHEF Chris Braun brings in a new era at Bacchus that includes homemade pasta, ravioli made in-house, an evolving menu of seafood, steak, and comfort foods with many vegan/gluten-free options.
786 Main Street, Poughkeepsie 845-471-4110
4 South Chestnut Street, New Paltz 845-255-8636 • bacchusnewpaltz.com 53
EAT. DRINK.CHILL. 9 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie • 845-243-2222 • hurricanewings.com
A SLICE OF ITALY ITALIAN CUISINE Pizza, Pasta, Salads, Hot and Cold Subs, Full Bar and More CATERING AVAILABLE
845-336-7115
1316 Ulster Ave. Kingston www.asliceofitaly7115.com
845-853-8124
744-746 BROADWAY, KINGSTON, NY WWW.THEANCHORKINGSTON.COM
RESTAURANT & KITCHEN SUPPLY
Shop Where T he Chefs Shop!
HOME KITCHEN ESSENTIALS & GREAT GIFTS • Local & International Cheeses • Organic Coffee • Fresh Soups • Smoked Fish & Caviar • Fine Olive Oils & Balsamic Vinegars • All Natural & Nitrate Free Salamis & Sausages • Chocolate • Gifts AND MORE!
940 Rt. 28, Kingston • 845-853-8207
Love Bake Give Cook Ea t Repeat Open To The Public Monday through Saturday 11am - 6pm 17 Grand Street, Kingston, New York 12401 845-339-2858 Cook@TheCulinaryWarehouseNY.com
ME
RE D
ITH ’S C
OU NT RY B
AK ERY , LL C
ALL-NATURAL • LOCAL • NO PRESERVATIVES
· BREAD · PIES · COOKIES
Traditional Bakery and Dedicated Gluten-free Bakery
· MUFFINS · QUICHE · JAM & more!
Meredithsbread.com | (845) 331-4318 | 415 Route 28, Kingston, NY 12401
COFFEE BAR BREAKFAST & LUNCH LOCAL PROVISIONS LOCAL BEER & CIDER IN SAUGERTIES PRIVATE EVENTS AVAILABLE
New WOODSTOCK Location: 68 Tinker Street • 845-684-7312 Saugerties Location: 11 Jane Street • 845-247-7189 OLSENANDCOMPANY.COM 58
MEET THE OWNER
l o c a l a r t i s a n b a k e ry by anne pyburn craig
p h o to s b y r a c h e l c o l l e t
visitvortex.com
Meet The Owner
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Since its opening in May of 2019, Kingstonians have fallen in sweet love with the Local Artisan Bakery. “As a gluten free dessert-aholic, I keep my eye out for the best alternatives to traditional (especially chocolate) favorites,” writes a fan on Google. “Karianna’s gluten free brownies have a chewy decadent texture and her raspberry chocolate torte with a thick gooey glaze and dusting of coconut on top will Blow Your Mind!” Karianna is Karianna Haasch, a self-taught baker whose first batch of cookies came out of a farmhouse oven in rural Wisconsin when she was about 5. “My mom would let me use her cookbook and mix the dough on my own, then she would put it in the oven for me,” she recalls. Karianna graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, then earned her Master’s in International Business Management from Durham University Business School in 2013. Back in New York, she worked marketing jobs. (Coin-
cidentally, a marketing colleague from Durham describes her as a “smart cookie” on LinkedIn.) But the ingredients that would eventually formulate her own business were already in the mixing bowl. “I vividly remember a conversation I had with a friend about 12 years ago,” she says. “I said, ‘Why does the concept of a bakery and gift shop not exist?’ It makes so much sense to me—people come in to pick up sweets for a birthday or other special occasion, of course they would love to be able to pick up a gift and a card at the same spot! Yet, I have never encountered a place quite like that before. So I created it in my mind. “Fast-forward to recent years, and I am baking in my free time after work, sharing my goods with coworkers, family, and friends. For years, people have been saying to me, ‘This is so good, you should open a bakery.’ So I decided to create the place in my mind. And today it looks exactly how I envisioned it 12 years ago.”
“You come to Local Artisan Bakery when you want a very special experience that you can’t find anywhere else in Kingston.”
“Our focus is on collaborating with local farmers, food producers, makers, and artists.” –Karianna Haasch, owner
Gift products from the collective of over 20 local makers include jewelry, books, home goods, skin care, ceramics, and more; you’ll absolutely find something for that Person Who Has Everything. And the baked goods, as well, whether sweet or savory, showcase the Hudson Valley’s locally grown goodness. “We really mean it when we say ‘local;’ there’s a reason it’s in our business name,” says Karianna. “Our focus is on collaborating with local farmers, food producers, makers, and artists. As a food producer/gift shop, there is a great responsibility on our shoulders to make wise choices with our sourcing practices. We source locally, so when you spend
Photo by Julia Solomon
That look is crisp, warm, and airy, with wide wooden floorboards and plenty of natural light, in the center of Kingston’s emergent Midtown Arts District. “I’ve lived in the Kingston area for over 10 years, so there was no question that I wanted to open the brickand-mortar in the area,” Karianna says. “I chose Midtown because it’s the arts district of Kingston and, since we are all about celebrating the art of baking and appreciating all things local, it made sense to be in the heart of the creative scene. When I found our location, I knew immediately that it was perfect for the space I wanted to create. It already had a kitchen set up, and it had a large enough retail space to house our Local Artisan Gift Collective.”
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$1 with us, at least 80% of that dollar goes back into our Hudson Valley community. This means that when we grow, other local businesses and community programs can grow, too.” Local Artisan Bakery donates regularly to local nonprofits such as People’s Place and the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. Karianna’s marketing chops blend nicely with her culinary talents, and the combination regularly wins raves. “We offer new flavors every week, so our customers get excited about finding new items on the menu every time they visit our store,” she says. “But, of course, you can always custom order your 62
favorite goods if they aren’t on the menu that week! And we also take quality very seriously. Our high standards are evident in the taste of what we create. Our customers value quality and place importance on supporting local businesses. They want to treat themselves and their loved ones to special, one-ofa-kind experiences.” She’d love to help you celebrate with a Local Artisan cake in your favorite flavor—but don’t ask her to write “Happy Birthday” on it. “We bake custom cakes fresh to-order, and we don’t write on cakes,” Karianna explains. “I hate writing on cakes—it detracts from
the beauty of the cake! Unlike most bakeries, every single cake we create is one-of-a-kind. We decorate them in our own signature artistic style. We always recommend adding a fresh flower arrangement on top if you’d like it to be extra special; we work with a local florist to offer this. And instead of writing on the cake, we have beautiful hand-illustrated cards (by a Hudson Valley designer, of course) that are perfect for conveying your message.” Just as the name suggests, there’s nothing cookie-cutter about this bake shop. “I keep things creative. Offering new flavors every week means I’m
constantly experimenting with new recipes and flexing my creativity,” says Karianna. “We often get requests to bake things that no other bakery offers, and that makes a fun challenge. We also have an amazing team—we laugh a lot and keep things fun and lighthearted at work.” After weathering pandemic closure by offering pickup at farmer’s markets and delivery, Local Artisan Bakery has reopened for retail with state-of-the-art safety precautions in place. And Karianna’s commitment to her entrepreneurial dream has only strengthened. “Our business provides jobs for local folks—we support local farmers when we purchase ingredients, and we provide a retail platform for local artisans to sell their wares. I’m offering something that no one else can offer. Because it’s my vision, my creativity, and my execution. I create something new out of nothing every day, and the whole community benefits. It’s really rewarding. “Especially these days, when the world feels like a really difficult place, it means a lot to be able to bring people joy with delicious baked goods and carefully curated gifts.... No one else does quite what we do. You come to Local Artisan Bakery when you want a very special experience that you can’t find anywhere else in Kingston.”
L o c a l A rt i s a n B a k e ry 448 Broadway, Kingston 845-481-3860 localartisanbakery.com
“Every single cake we create is one-ofa-kind. We decorate them in our own signature artistic style.” 63
COLD WEATHER, WARM HEARTS
Local
Sustainable
Innovative
Award winning craft wines & spirits Open year-round
Since 1960
The Hudson Valley’s Premiere Source for Wine & Spirits WINE AND SPIRIT TASTINGS Fri 4-7pm & Sat 1-4pm EVERY DAY DISCOUNTS for Seniors (62+) and Veterans! CASE DISCOUNTS On All Wine Enroll in our CUSTOMER REWARDS PROGRAM! 845-336-5155 Open Mon-Sat 9am-9pm Sun 12-6pm 15 Boices Lane on the corner of Rte. 9W, Kingston, NY 64
Visit our website to learn about our safety protocols and offerings…then come for a tasting Stoutridge Vineyard & Distillery Marlboro, NY
www.stoutridge.com
845.331.1921 esterwineshop.com
57 North Front St. Uptown Kingston
5 7 N O R T H OF F R OCRAFT N T S T R EDISTILLERIES E T , K I N G S T O N AND , N Y ORGANIC WINES. A THOUGHTFUL SELECTION
Open 7 days a week!
GOOD BEER LIVE MUSIC GR EAT TIME Farmer owned and operated, Gardiner Brewing Company is focused on using local ingredients to make delicious, seasonal beers.
BEER • WINE • HARD CIDER • SP IR ITS
STONE RIDGE WINE AND SPIRITS
Ask The Experts
Over 1000 Wines • Boutique Tequilas • Single Malt Scotches Small Batch Bourbons • Monthly Tastings • Wine Dinners Stone Ridge Towne Centre, 2853 Main Street Route 209, Stone Ridge 845-687-7125 StoneRidgeWineAndSpirits.com
BAR SNACKS • OUTDOOR SEATING • EVENT SPACE
Ope n S at u rday & Sunday, 3-7pm i n t h e b ar n 699 Rt. 208, Gardiner
gardinerbre wingcompany.com
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THE APPLE BIN HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A PERFECT HOLIDAY! We’ve got all the holiday fixins: Pies, Cookies, Gift Baskets, Christmas Trees, Decorations and More!
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APPLE BIN
Farm Market
810 Broadway (Rt 9W), Ulster Park, NY 12487 theapplebinfarmmarket.com 845-339-7229
RECIPE
la bĂťche de noĂŤl recipe
&
p h o to s c o u rt e s y o f m a ry a n n e e r i c k s o n o f b l u e m o u n ta i n b i s t ro - to - g o
visitvortex.com
Holiday Recipe
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L A BÛCHE D E NO ËL R ECI PE Also known as the Yule Log, La Bûche de Noël is a holiday delicacy enjoyed each holiday season across Europe. Originating in France, the tradition dates back to Medieval times, when a real log was thrown on the hearth on the night of the winter solstice to signal the days growing longer, the coming of the new year, and to purify the air for a new beginning. Ivy, holly, pinecones, or even wine might be thrown on top of the log to bring good harvest the following year. Ashes were preserved to ward off lightning in wood-framed homes.
mushrooms and frosted holly leaves.
Though rooted in paganism, this tradition carried over into Christmastime and, eventually, the wood log was replaced with a buttercream-frosted and rolled sponge cake, decorated to look like a log, complete with meringue or marzipan
Bistro-to-Go has kindly shared their go-to Bûche de Noël recipe for all who dare to create this decadent holiday treat that, with any luck, tastes as good as it looks. This is the ultimate gift for your holiday guests.
The possibilities for a Bûche de Noël are vast—recipes call for yellow or chocolate sponge cake, fillings of chocolate mousse or whipped cream, drizzled or not with a liqueur of your choice, and dusted with cocoa powder, confectioner’s sugar, and/or ground espresso beans. Once the cake is rolled and frosted, the real fun begins—adding all sorts of decorations, from fruit to woodland creatures to chopped up nuts or candies.
B l u e M o u n ta i n B i s t ro - to -G o 948 Route 28, Kingston 845-340-9800, bluemountainbistro.com 68
IN GR E DI E N T S: • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder,
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• 6 eggs, separated
• Espresso liqueur or Cognac
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• Whipped cream, pastry cream, or chocolate mousse for filling
plus more for dusting • 4 oz. bittersweet chocolate
DI R E CT I O N S: 1. Preheat the oven to 350º. Oil a half sheet pan and set aside.
5. Allow to cool for another 20 minutes.
2. Combine the flour and cocoa powder in a bowl and set aside. In a double boiler, melt the bittersweet chocolate, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract over low heat and set aside. Beat the egg whites and salt until foamy, then gradually add 1/3 cup sugar and beat until glossy and stiff. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and other 1/3 cup sugar until pale and thick. Then beat the melted chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture. Gently fold in the egg whites. Then fold in the dry flour and cocoa powder mixture, being careful not to overmix.
6. After cooling, unroll the cake and brush the surface with espresso liqueur or favorite Cognac.
3. Pour into the prepared half sheet pan and bake for 10–12 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes. 4. Remove cake from the pan and place on a dry, clean dish towel, lightly dusted in cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Starting lengthwise, roll the cake tightly and evenly including the towel. (This allows the cake to cool in the desired shape.) At the end of the roll, place it seam side down (so it doesn’t unravel).
7. Choose a preferred filling. Pastry cream, whipped cream, and chocolate mousse are all possibilities. Spread the chosen filling across the cake evenly, leaving a 1-inch space around all corners. 8. Roll cake (without the towel), lengthside first (so it’s long, not short and fat), once again evenly and tightly. Use a clean towel to help transfer rolled cake to either the fridge to chill, or the freezer to store. Chill at least 2 hours if immediately decorating, or freeze for up to 1 month. 9. Decorate as desired and enjoy. We’ve included a few pictures of our cakes for your inspiration. The recipe we used as inspiration can be found here: bonappetit.com/recipe/buche-de-noel-recipe 69
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Woodfired Pizza & Entrees
Upscale Steak & Seafood
Authentic Mexican Cuisine
845-688-5370 brios.net
845-688-9800 thephoeniciansteakhouse.com
845-688-5259 alamocantina.com
VOTED BEST VIEW OF HUNTER MOUNTAIN!
Whiskey as Bold as New York.
20 Craft Brews On Tap • Outdoor Deck • Dine In • Mountain Views • Pop Up Sushi Restaurant Every Thursday • Take Out • Catering • Growlers and Cans ToGo Available Dynamic menu featuring savory appetizers, mac & cheese, cool crisp salads, tavern style sandwiches, burgers, specials like fresh steaks, seafood and Indian food. Full bar featuring craft beers on tap and multiple HMB brews.
14 Grist Mill Lane, Gardiner, NY Hudsonwhiskey.com 845-419-2964
OPEN WED-FRI, 4PM-9PM. SATURDAY 12PM-9PM, SUNDAY 12PM-8PM
Drink Responsibly. New York, NY. Hudson Whiskey,
46% alc/vol ©2020 Distributed by William Grant & Sons, Inc.
7267 ST. ROUTE 23A, HUNTER • 518-263-3300 • HMBCATSKILLS.COM
celebrating th e h ud son va lley videos | magazine
be drawn in
@visitvortex Holiday Party Catering In House & Out
743 Route 28, Kingston
Open 7 days for Lunch & Dinner
845-338-2424
hickoryrestaurant.com
Live Live Live Music! Music! Live Music! Music!
Full Full Full Service Service Full Service Service Bar BarBarBar
Patio Patio Patio dining Patio dining dining in dining inseason! in season! season! in season!
Tuesday: BURGERS & BEER NIGHT
Weekend Weekend Weekend Weekend Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast WING NIGHT 8 8differant differant 8 differant 8 differant kinds kinds kinds ofkinds of of Wednesday: of Egg's Egg's Egg's Benedict! Egg's Benedict! Benedict! Benedict!4th Thursday: TRIVIA NIGHT
Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wing Wing Wing &Wing && & Pasta Pasta Pasta Night! Pasta Night! Night! Night!
Friday: PASTA NIGHT Sunday Breakfast with10 kinds of Eggs Benedict! Outdoor Dining & Events. Live Music! Private Events. Full Service Bar. GREAT FOOD. GREAT MUSIC. GOOD TIMES. Open Year Round At The Stone Dock Golf Course.
Open Open Open Open year year year Round year Round Round Round atatThe at The at The Stone The Stone Stone Stone Dock Dock Dock Dock Golf Golf Golf Course Golf Course Course Course 1212Stone 12 Stone 12 Stone Stone Dock Dock Dock Dock Rd. Rd. Rd. Rd. 845-687-2699 845-687-2699 845-687-2699 845-687-2699 High High High High Falls Falls Falls NY Falls NY NY NY www.highfallscafe.com www.highfallscafe.com www.highfallscafe.com www.highfallscafe.com
ACCORD’S HOMETOWN RESTAURANT & TAVERN
• Rustic American style cuisine
• Overnight accommodations
• Locally sourced ingredients
• Cozy private rooms
• Inside & Outside Dining
•Take-Out Available
Check our website for the most current menu and dining hours
Open 12-8:30 Tuesday- Thursday 12-9 Friday & Saturday Indoor Dining, Catering, Take Out & Delivery
Go to our online store at StoneHouseTavern.net or Call In Orders to 845-626-1500
4802 Route 209, Accord
Nourishing the Hudson Valley Since 1976 A MEMBER-OWNED COOPERATIVE THAT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Open Seven Days A Week • Organic and Locally Grown Produce • Delicious Prepared Foods • Supplements Bulk Foods Department • Vegan and Gluten-Free Options • Natural Personal Care Products
1398 NEW YORK 213, HIGH FALLS
845-687-7262
HIGHFALLSFOODCOOP.COM
5819 MAIN STREET, TANNERSVILLE • 518-589-5445 • JESSIESHARVESTHOUSE.COM
• AMAZING SELECTION OF
• FRESH LOCAL VEGETABLES, MEATS,
LOCAL HANDCRAFTED GIFTS
DAIRY, BAKED GOODS
• MARKET OPEN
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ALL YEAR LONG
DELIVERY AVAILABLE
15 Old Queens Highway, Kerhonkson • 845-701-1999 • damngoodhoney.com • Follow us on
h o l i d ay g i f t g u i d e
H
ot trend for warm hearts this holiday season: Shop local online. Many of the superb, infinitely varied indie makers and merchants in the Hudson Valley have smooth new e-commerce capabilities that make it incredibly easy to purchase unique, ethically sourced, beautiful items online, with customer service to match. In-person safety
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measures are on point too. When you support these creative locals, you’re giving a precious gift to us all: a future of sustainable local prosperity, in communities that hum with realized dreams. It’s never been more important than it is right now. And you simply can’t do better anywhere else.
HOLIDAY
Raleigh Denim Workshop products found at Hamilton & Adams
Monica Cordera products found at River Mint Finery
clothing and footwear
Makers and independent buyers fill local boutiques with apparel your loved ones will be thrilled to wear, whether street chic, seasoned workwear, comfy cozy knits, or classic cuts, from intimates to outer shells.
Hamilton & Adams, Kingston Moose Crossing, Shokan Bop to Tottom, Kingston Handmade and More, New Paltz Kenco, Kingston Potter Brothers, Kingston River Mint Finery, Kingston Salix Intimates, New Paltz The Nest Egg, Phoenicia Top Shelf, Ellenville
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L’Artiste boots found at Pegasus Shoes
Pegasus Footwear, Woodstock, New Paltz
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Bop to Tottom, Kingston Dreaming Goddess, Poughkeepsie
Necklace by Top Shelf Jewelry
Custom, classic, vintage, on-trend: a glittering, gleaming array of fine wearable art pieces, made and curated with passion and talent, and destined for greatness that outlasts a single lifetime.
Earrings by Facets of Earth
j e w e l ry
Moose Crossing, Shokan River Mint Finery, Kingston Top Shelf Jewelry, Ellenville
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Ann Egan Jewelry found at Handmade & More
Hummingbird Jewelers, Rhinebeck
Peter Schmid Gold Cuff found at Hummingbird Jewelers
Facets of Earth, Kingston Handmade and More, New Paltz
b e au t y / w e l l n e s s
Pamper the people! A spa session or a luxurious wellness product says “love you!” right out loud.
Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa, Milton Dewa Spa at Menla, Phoenicia High Falls Co-op, High Falls Emerson Spa, Mt. Tremper Mohonk Mountain House Spa, New Paltz Mother Earth’s Storehouse, Kingston, Saugerties Sport of Iron Fitness, Kingston Sunflower Market, Woodstock, Rhinebeck Wellness Rx, Tannersville
Zephyr Float
Zephyr Float, Kingston
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home goods and furnishings
Adams Fairacre Farms, throughout Hudson Valley A&M Hardware, Accord Damn Good Honey, Kerhonkson Dreaming Goddess, Poughkeepsie H. Houst & Son, Woodstock Handmade and More, New Paltz Herzog’s, Kingston Home Goods of Margaretville Kingston Consignments, Kingston Moose Crossing, Shokan Olsen & Company, Saugerties, Woodstock Stone Window Gallery, Accord The Culinary Warehouse, Kingston The Nest Egg, Phoenicia Victoria Gardens, Rosendale Williams Lumber, throughout Hudson valley
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Stone Window Gallery
Pillows, snuggly throws, linens, heavenly scented candles, the perfect pottery, a big leather chair for that special someone—it’s the personal touches that make it home, after all.
h o m e i m p rov e m e n t
Whether it’s a gift for yourselves or a loved one, here are the best places to find those home improvement items on the wishlist, both big and small. A&M Hardware, Accord Aqua Jet Pools, Lake Katrine Augustine Nursery, Kingston Cabinet Designers, Kingston Different Strokes Painting, Hudson Valley Fireside Warmth, Kingston H. Houst & Son, Woodstock H Jarvis, Accord Herzog’s, Kingston Hudson Valley Sunrooms, Port Ewen Ingrained Woodworking, Lake Katrine Mike’s Earthworks, Stone Ridge Rice Plumbing, Accord S.A.P. Exteriors, Stone Ridge The Mad Hatter, Rondout Valley Victoria Gardens, Rosendale Williams Lumber, throughout Hudson Valley
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Emerson Resort
Buttermilk Falls
Hotel Dylan
Country Inn
s tay s
World travelers book Hudson Valley vacations; lucky us, we can do Hudson Valley staycations. Treat them right with a few days of superb hospitality. Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa, Milton Country Inn, Krumville Diamond Mills, Saugerties Emerson Resort & Spa, Mt. Tremper Hotel Dylan, Woodstock Jessie’s Harvest House, Tannersville Menla, Phoenicia Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz The 1850 House Inn, Rosendale
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experiences
Give them a fabulous future: a reservation or gift card for a local chef-made dinner, a world-class destination, a session of an old favorite pastime, or the chance to try something new. Menla Mohonk Skating Mohonk Preserve The Art Effect Woodstock Golf GIFT CARDS to local restaurants
(see our service directory on page 113 for ideas)
wine and spirits
Wine, cider, local brews, fine whiskey—if you know someone who’d relish a bottle of cheer, here are some excellent local options. Ester, Kingston Gardiner Brewing Company Miron, Kingston Stone Ridge Wine Stoutridge, Marlboro Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery, Gardiner 81
s p e c i a lt y g i f t s
You’ll know the perfect gift for that certain person when you see it, from a simple treat for a co-worker or neighbor, to that big gift for your favorite person. Adams Fairacre Farms Apple Bin Farm Market Barcone’s Music Bell’s Tree Farm Bistro-To-Go Binnewater Bop to Tottom Cheese Louise CHBO Drums Damn Good Honey Dreaming Goddess Hamilton & Adams Handmade and More Herzog’s Home Goods of Margaretville Hops Petunia Kelder’s Farm Kenco Kingston Consignments Kingston Plaza Shops Local Artisan Bakery 82
Marbletown Animal Hospital Main Course Catering Meredith’s Bakery Olive’s Country Store Olsen & Company Peter’s Market Potter Brothers River Mint Finery Salix Intimates Saunderskill Farms The Shops at Emerson Stone Window Gallery Tetta’s Market The Culinary Warehouse The Nest Egg Top Shelf Wallkill View Farm Market Wellness Rx Williams Lumber Victoria Gardens Vincitore’s Piano Center
CLOTHING
•
SHOES & ACCESSORIES
•
JEWELRY
270 FAIR STREET, KINGSTON 12401 w w w.rivermint finer y.com
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YOUR SCHOOL INSTRUMENT RENTALS & SUPPLIES HEADQUARTERS! Celebrating Over A Hundred Years Of Music
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America’s Oldest Family Owned Yamaha Piano Dealer Celebrating 75 years of service to the Hudson Valley music community
BARCONE’S MUSIC
528 Broadway, Kingston 845-331-6089 barconesmusiconline.com 84
OPEN Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
748 Main Street, Poughkeepsie • 845-452-4990 • vincitorepiano.com
for
Rustic Elegance
Mountain Living
Offering Custom Upholstered, Twig, and Shaker Furniture, Antler Chandeliers, Woolrich Clothing, Pendleton Blankets, Lamps, Linens and Wall Decor
Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday 10am-5pm
Rt. 28, Shokan, NY 845-657-9792 www.rustic-cabin.com
TOP SHELF TOO GARDEN CENTER: Christmas Trees, Poinsettias, Wreaths, Kissing Balls, FARM FRESH: Home Grown & Local Vegetables, NY Cheese, Maple Syrup, Honey, and many other Specialty Foods! BAKERY: Apple Cider Donuts, Fresh Baked Pies, Breads, Muffins & More! Place your Holiday orders! CHRISTMAS SHOWROOM: Collectable Santas, Ornaments, Tree Toppers, Home Decor, and Unique Gifts Open 7 days a week 9am-6:30pm 845-255-8050 15 Route 299 West New Paltz, NY www.WallkillViewFarmMarket.com Like us on Facebook! Follow us on instagram @wallkillviewfarm Follow us on Pinterest @wallkillview
Antiques • Jewelry • Gifts Vintage and New Clothing Wednesday & Sunday 11-5 Thursday-Saturday 11-9ish 152 Canal Street Ellenville, NY 12428 instagram @topshelfjewelry 845-647-4661 topshelfjewelryinc.com 85
Meet The Owner
s a l i x i n t i m at e s by anne pyburn craig
p h o to s b y r a c h e l c o l l e t
Shopping by appointment was added in response to pandemic safety requirements and has been a huge hit, says owner and CEO Melissa Orsini. “We offer a discrete and luxurious shopping experience, in a space that is welcoming to all people,” she says. “We offer free bra fittings and appointments. We also have a website where customers near and far
can browse at the discretion of their own homes. During the shutdown, I remained busy selling online as best as possible and that helped me stay afloat. Once we reopened, we began offering in-store and virtual appointments, which allowed us to be open but remain safe. During appointments, we require customers to wear masks or face coverings and provide hand sanitizer for those who want to browse the racks. After customers finish their appointments, we thoroughly clean and reorganize the shop, sanitizing common surfaces and steam cleaning any garments that were previously tried on and unpurchased.” Last fall, the store began accepting returns again—Melissa had figured out a safe sterilization process—and, on the weekends, Salix is now welcoming up to five masked walk-in customers at a time to its cozy nest upstairs at Water Street Market. But
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T
here’s nothing like the feeling of a truly fine garment next to your skin to make you feel pampered. You can hunt in vain for that feeling in an impersonal department store or take your chances shopping online—or make an appointment for personal shopping at Salix Intimates in New Paltz, where high quality can be found in elegant styles, all of it sustainably sourced and ethically produced. Talk about next-level sexy; this is lingerie that will make you feel genuinely good on so many levels.
MEET THE OWNER
“My goals have always been to create a space where everyone feels comfortable, where everyone feels good about themselves and their bodies.” –Melissa Orsini, owner
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“We offer a discrete and luxurious shopping experience, in a space that is welcoming to all people.” –Melissa Orsini, owner
the appointments aren’t going anywhere—you can book via the website, by phone, or by email. Even before there was a pandemic in the mix, Melissa has always known that a practical sense of safety was key to a great lingerie shopping experience. “My goals have always been to create a space where everyone feels comfortable, where everyone feels good about themselves and their bodies,” she says. “There’s nothing like that moment when a person feels ecstatic from finding the perfect underwear, when they feel amazing inside and out. It is why I do what I do!” Your Salix Intimates purchase will also make you feel good in ways that go far beyond skin-deep. These undergarments are not just elegant, they’re ethical. “I focus on creating a space that provides quality eco-friendly garments and 88
items that help people reduce their waste,” says Melissa. “Sustainability is a buzzword these days, but I believe that reducing your footprint should be accessible to everyone. It does not have to happen overnight. I love to show folks that we can all take small steps towards living a less wasteful lifestyle, and that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.” Melissa grew up in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood “before it was trendy,” she says, “when there was still space for small business and community.” She always knew that her life’s work would revolve around sustainability, while not being quite sure what that might look like—until she realized it could apply to work she had already grown to enjoy. “I worked for several years managing and operating a small business in Williamsburg that specializes in luxury lingerie and sexual wellness, learning the trade and
making connections with vendors. Over time, I began to wonder, what if I could sell lingerie but focus on minimal waste and providing well-made, sustainably conscious, and ethically sourced garments?”
Paltz. It reminded me of the eclecticness of the Williamsburg I grew up in, with all exceptional small businesses, but set in the mountains of the Hudson Valley. It’s the best of both worlds.”
Melissa traveled most of the US looking for the perfect spot, someplace where there was room for the kind of upstart creativity that she’d grown to love in pre-trendy Williamsburg. “I found myself always coming back to the Hudson Valley,” she says. “Years prior, my family settled here looking for a place that could offer the strength of community away from the bustle of the city. I eventually followed them and fell in love with New
In the summer of 2018, her parents spotted a vacancy at Water Street Market and the rest is history. “I submitted an application and was approved. It happened really fast,” she recalls, “I honestly opened the store before I even had an apartment to live in here, splitting my time between the city and New Paltz for the first couple weeks. It all worked out in the end and I’m so happy it did.”
With the opening of Salix Intimates, Hudson Valley residents and tourists finally have a place to shop for undergarments that meet standards for ethics and excellence alike. “I try to stand out by incorporating lingerie styles that are different from what you might find at other stores,” Melissa says. “I focus on fit and color, lace patterns, and overall construction. Every brand at Salix is ethically produced, and I make sure that each vendor adheres to high production standards, paying their factory workers a livable wage and producing their garments in safe facilities. Our brands also produce garments using eco-friendly materials that are locally sourced or recycled. The store itself 89
“Every brand at Salix is ethically produced, and I make sure that each vendor adheres to high production standards, paying their factory workers a livable wage and producing their garments in safe facilities.” –Melissa Orsini, owner
is warm and inviting. I want to make sure that our customers feel comfortable when entering the store and throughout their shopping experience.”
coming back! My main focus is not to necessarily sell something to everyone that walks in, but to make sure that everyone has a positive, memorable experience.”
The light-filled shop with the Wallkill River views has been a hit with locals, students, and tourists alike, welcoming customers of every body type, size, and budget. (There’s a student discount of 15% no matter which school you go to, a 20% discount for your birthday, and sales run through the year. There’s a newsletter you can sign up for to stay in the loop.)
When was the last time you had an experience like that shopping for underwear? Yeah. Come visit Melissa in her sunshiny, plant-filled boutique. “Underwear shopping is nerve-wracking enough for a lot of people,” she observes. “I love making it feel accessible, ethical, and luxurious, from the curated offerings to the individualized consultation. And seeing Salix take shape from the dream I had in my head to the reality is incredibly rewarding.”
The goal is for every customer to have a blissful time, whether or not they buy. “My priority is making certain a customer absolutely loves the items they are purchasing,” says Melissa. “I make sure that whatever they buy fits well and that they’re happy with it. Customers who are super-excited with their purchases and with the overall experience they’ve had at the store keep 90
S a l i x I n t i m at e s 10 Main Street, Suite 424, New Paltz Water Street Market, 2nd floor 845-633-8028 salixintimates.com
A local destination in New Paltz for Handcrafts, Jewelry, and Clothing for over 40 years.
Eco-friendly lingerie, loungewear, and lifestyle items
6 North Front Street, New Paltz 845-255-6277 handmadeandmore.com
LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE WATER STREET MARKET 10 MAIN STREET, SUITE 424, NEW PALTZ 845-633-8028 • SALIXINTIMATES.COM @SALIXINTIMATES
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Welcome Spring! Visit and be Inspired: Shop Local in Person or Online! Celebrate with Helebores.
victoriagardens.biz
INSURANCE AGENCY serving all of your insurance needs
Holiday Spring arrives withwreaths, early blooming Hellebores heralding a new beginning. houseplants, gifts, cards, This year we are expanding our class ornaments, and special events calendar.and Join us onmore.
• Auto Insurance • Homeowners Insurance
March 18th for our first Fairy Garden Day.
We will also continue our private garden Curbside pick up available. tours this season. Check our special events
• Business Insurance
calendar on our website and be sure to register early to reserve your spot. www.victoriagardens.biz
Open 7 days a week Starting March 10th 8:30am - 6pm Monday - Saturday, Sundays 10am - 4pm Seeds, Tools, Potting Soil, Early Annuals, Hardy Perennials, Trees and More! 1 Cottekill Rd & Rt 213
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3669 MAIN ST. STONE RIDGE 845-687-2828 STONERIDGEINSURANCE.NET
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YOUR LOCAL ONE-STOP-SHOP SERVING SAMSONVILLE, NY SINCE 1952
Stone Window Gallery Brinton P. Baker
17 Main Street / PO Box 239 Accord, NY 12404 845-626-4932 facebook/stonewindowgallery 92
open daily 6:00am - 9:00pm 845-657-2338 tettasmarket@gmail.com To learn more about our fourth generation family-owned and operated business follow us on Facebook and Instagram or visit tettasmarket.com
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.
nesteggshop.com 93
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GIFTS • JEWELRY • FASHION ACCESSORIES • CLOTHING • SWELL STUFF
845-338-8100 • 334 Wall Street, Uptown Kingston Compliments Compliments of: of: At the corner of Wall and North Front Streets
Compliments Compliments Compliments of: of: of:
GIFTS | COLLECTIBLES | HOLIDAY BLING
k i n g s t o n c o n s i g n m e n t s. c om
784 main 784 main streetstreet . margaretville . margaretville em: homegoods@catskill.net em: homegoods@catskill.net p: 845 p: 586.4177 845 586.4177 w: hgom.net w: hgom.net 94
784 main 784 main street 784 main street . margaretville street . margaretville . margaretville em: homegoods@catskill.net em: homegoods@catskill.net em: homegoods@catskill.net p: 845 p:586.4177 845 p: 586.4177 845 586.4177 w: hgom.net w: hgom.net w: hgom.net
SHOP LOCALLY
Meet The Owner
b o p to tot to m , kingston
G
ift shopping should never be about settling; the experience should be a gift in and of itself. One should feel warmly welcomed, surrounded by an array of such amusing wonders that the hard part is choosing; the memory of the purchase adds joy to the presentation. And if you wind up spending less than you’d expected and have a tad left over for coffee or a glass of wine, so much the better.
p h o to s b y r a c h e l c o l l e t
Karen Clark Adin understands. “My basic gifting tenet is that giving gifts, including gifts to yourself, is all about the exchange of energy. If it’s your birthday and I go into a store able to spend $15 and find something for $20, the angst goes with the gift. But if you find that perfect treat for $12, the joy comes with it, too. Gifting is about positive loving energy; Bop to Tottom is about making it accessible to more people. It’s not about money, it’s about love; that’s where I started and it’s still what I go by.”
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by anne pyburn craig
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The authentic humans that come in are so delightful—great loyal customers who know and acknowledge that shopping locally is critical to the community.”–Karen Clark Adin, owner
Karen grew up in Syracuse and graduated from SUNY Cortland, then wandered for a while, and everywhere she went, she was drawn to marketplaces as the heart of a community’s culture. After living in Boston, she resettled in the Hudson Valley and found work at a small family-run upholstery shop in Rhinebeck. “We did everything for the home—drapes, cushions, furniture—until they went out of business after a family tragedy,” she says. “Upholstery shops are like blacksmiths—you don’t see many of them any more.” She went on to work for Yink Ink, which sold hand-painted childrenswear, 96
and then to manage Anyone Can Whistle, the onetime retail outpost of Woodstock Percussion. Her experiences left her with a passion for craftsmanship and quality, and a burning desire to open a business of her very own. And she knew right where she wanted it to be, having fallen in love with the rich history and soulful architecture of Kingston’s Stockade District. That was in the late 1990s, and when Karen told people what she wanted to do, they laughed and then looked worried when they realized she wasn’t joking. Kingston was still reeling from the loss of all
“Gifting is about positive loving energy; Bop to Tottom is about making it accessible to more people.”–Karen Clark Adin, owner
those IBM jobs earlier in the decade, and Uptown felt like a cross between a ghetto and a ghost town. “I was so charmed by Uptown,” she says. “Everybody thought I was absolutely crazy. But I thought having a store there would just be awesome.” Awesome possibilities, of course, are only brought into reality by those who dare—and Karen dared. She jumped in with both feet, becoming president of the Kingston Uptown Business Association, founding the still-thriving Kingston Farmers Market, and doing everything she could to be the proverbial change: She’s served on the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. Board, the Arts Alliance of Ulster County, Hudson Valley Aids Auction, Friends of the Senate House, Ulster County Chamber of Commerce, YWCA, Kingston Tourism Task Force, City of Kingston Board of Ethics, and the Ulster County School to Work Program. She’s currently on
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the Board of Trustees for SUNY Ulster. Meanwhile, she’s been growing a destination shop. “I just let the store evolve and have a life of its own,” she says. “Besides locals, we have a slew of customers who don’t live here but stop in every time they pass through and say hello. For instance, I know I’ll see Roz from Long Island once a month. Her son-inlaw drives her up here; she’s 89 years old. The authentic humans that come in are so delightful—great loyal customers who know and acknowledge that shopping locally is critical to the community.” Regulars never know what they’re going to find. “I love the variety. I get so excited seeing the newest things people come up with; so many are hysterical,” Karen says. At the moment, she’s enjoying the results of a candle company’s scent-naming contest. “They asked their customers for suggestions. So now we have ‘Tiger King: Smells like meth and that bitch Carole Baskin;’ we have Quarantine, which smells like ‘Zoom calls that should have 98
been emails,’ and ‘Class of 2020,’ which smells like ‘The longest senior skip day.’ If you lose your sense of humor, forget it; you’re going down.” The pandemic has put a temporary halt to one of Karen’s favorite parts of the job—traveling around to shop for products in person. “Merch is not easy to come by these days,” she says. “All the trade shows were cancelled, which is usually where buyers find cool things, so we are all resorting to online, paper catalogs (yes, companies have started printing them again!), and many phone calls, texts, and pictures. Much different than seeing merch in person. Challenging, to say the least.” But she’s never been one to shirk a challenge or ignore a reality, and Bop to Tottom is now your go-to outpost for the quintessential pandemic accessory. “Masks!” she says. “We have the most amazing masks: rhinestones, sequins, tie-dye, emoji; you name it, we’ve got it. I mean, sea creatures, jungle animals— just a really extraordinary selection.”
Bop to Tottom has been awarded Best Gift Shop awards from Hudson Valley Magazine and the Daily Freeman. A measure of customer loyalty, the shop continues to thrive without e-commerce. “We are old-school and believe in human interactions, since we are all social beings; however, as a result of COVID, we are currently in the process of putting an e-commerce site together,” Karen says. In addition to her merchandise, Karen curates her sales team with exquisite care. “I look for authenticity in a person,” she says of her hiring standards. ”Be real—no haughtiness or pretense whatsoever. The candidate needs to be human, with a sense of humor; if the individual is real, original, and authentic I can pretty much train them to do anything. All candidates audition for several days to see if all of us are compatible.” In 2015, Bop to Tottom relocated to a bigger spot on Wall Street. Karen is eager to see what kind of Uptown will emerge from the churn of the pandemic and accompanying real estate boom,
and is determined to keep her own focus right where it’s always been— providing a mecca for comfortable, affordable fashion and fun for all ages, a place where Kingston residents bring their guests to show off what they most love about living here. Bop to Tottom is a love match of quality and wit. “It’s about building community, that is what we all need to be doing,” she says. “More than ever, same as ever. We are all in the same storm, but some are in a yacht and some in a rowboat. A strong community gives people the faith and belief that we will all be all right. “You do good things and you can’t go wrong. You just never lose that way. And every single one of us needs as much good karma as we can get.”
b o p to to t to m
334 Wall Street, Kingston 845-338-8100 boptotottom.com
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Driveway Before
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Stone Walls
Tree Removal
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HOME
Home
c o z y i n g u p at h o m e b y k at e w e rwa
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Winterizing a home often means sealing off the cracks and batting down the hatches, but it can also mean transforming your space into an inviting retreat to escape the drab, gray days of winter. Home dÊcor plays a huge role in adding a feeling of winter coziness and warmth. Especially if you are working from home, or the kids are learning at home, you’ll want to have spaces that feel like refuge from your desk and from the cold. Here are ideas both simple and grand that will set you on your way to creating your own cozy cabin in the woods.
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h e at
&
light
The darkness of the winter season is an opportunity to bring light into your home. Whether it’s during the day or the evening, a fire in the fireplace always makes a home cozier. If your home doesn’t have a fireplace, consider adding a high-efficiency wood burning or pellet stove. These heaters not only provide warmth, but they can also help with the heating bills. Candles have a similar effect—their warm glow can be enough to make any space feel more cozy. Choose jewel tone colors or even simple beeswax, and cluster the candles around a room—it will instantly become a refuge. If you prefer scented candles, choose something woodsy like fir or cedar—a gentle reminder of the winter forest outside.
a d d l ay e r s
Just as we add layers to our wardrobe for the winter season, it’s important to do the same to our home. This is the time to prepare for Old Man Winter’s fury, and it’s all about enhancing comfort! Add beautiful blankets to the ends of beds for those frigid nights, put mohair or velvet pillows along with a soft plush throw on the sofa, and trade those crisp cotton sheets for soft, cozy flannel. Use colors and textures that reflect the season and offset the barren surroundings—think deep burgundy, winter green, and icy blue that come in soft cashmere and timeless wool. Put on your slippers, whip up a cup of spicy chai or matcha, and grab a good read as you wrap yourself up and escape from the chill. 106
r e j u v e n at e
Take time to indulge yourself by making your bathroom a warm and inviting place to be. Draw up a leisurely bath with the warm glow of candles to set the mood of relaxation, and simply meditate in the peace and quiet, or listen to some of your favorite relaxing music. Follow up with an indulgent skincare routine to calm that wintry dry skin. Who says you can’t have your own spa treatment right at home? If your bathtub at home isn’t quite doing the trick, take it up a notch and get yourself a hot tub. It’s a sound purchase that will help you get through every winter, and there’s nothing like warming up in hot bubbling water while watching the quiet snowfall around you. 107
baking
&
cooking
There’s nothing like the smell of bread in the oven or a simmering stew on the stove to help warm up a home and stir anticipation. Even if we can’t invite guests to our table this winter, it is well worth the effort to get a bean soup or beef stew going early in the day to look forward to later in the evening, and perhaps again a few days later. While you’re at it, test out your bread making skills or whip up a batch of biscuits to for a truly hearty meal. Lay out some sparkly or wintry plaid place mats, and invite a friend or loved one to join you virtually. Radiate the warmth you create a home—we could all use a little extra this winter.
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sunshine in
If you’re looking to take your winters at home to the next level, a sunroom is a picture-perfect way to bring in the energy of the warm winter sun while soaking up the benefits of its all-important provision of Vitamin D. A glass addition will not only create a sun-filled space and lift your spirits, but it will keep an array of plants thriving, allowing you to bring the beauty of the outdoors indoors.
Hudson Valley Sunrooms
color and ambiance
For a truly colorful way to brighten up your home this winter, try adding tile or a fresh coat of paint to the walls. This is a relatively easy, affordable, and lasting way to change the ambiance of any room, or just freshen up a small space. Wallpapers are also available in myriad designs, from subtle to textural, and even come in peel-and-stick form to add to one wall for effect, or above bookshelves for a simple touch. When you’re done, consider a new set of window treatments to enhance the look.
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845-430-6343 or 845-626-5103 www.hsjarvis.com 110
NOW IS THE TIME
SWEEP PRICING: April-June: $200
July-March: $250
Closed the month of February
Wood, Coal, Gas & Oil Flues Cleaned Caps & Dampers Installed Masonry Repairs & Water Sealing Pre-Fab Chimney Installations
Stainless Steel Relining Specialists Fireplaces Cleaned and Repaired Internal Camera Real Estate Inspection Serving Ulster County Since 1978
THE MAD HATTER CHIMNEY SWEEP CO. Call Flynn O’Connor Stone Ridge, NY 845-687-4745
Fireside Warmth Inc. A full service hearth shop. OFFERING THE HIGHEST QUALITY: WOOD, GAS, COAL & PELLET STOVES INSERTS AND FIREPLACES INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
At home with a Jøtul connoisseur
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
24 HOUR TOWING & ROADSIDE SERVICE
Jøtul F 3 is the ultimate classic wood stove. Small enough for any home, but still powerful enough to heat most houses. Visit our shop to see the whole Jøtul range of beautiful stoves and fireplaces. See www.jotul.com for more information.
Dealer Logo
ACCIDENT SCENE RECOVERY • LOCK OUTS • TIRE CHANGES FUEL DELIVERY • JUMP STARTS • WINCHOUTS • FREE JUNK REMOVAL MOTORCYCLE TOWING • SECURE STORAGE AVAILABLE PARKING LOT CONTROL • INSURANCE TOWING
CALL US FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS
29 ONEIL ST. KINGSTON • 845-626-7211 • AJFTOWING@AOL.COM
There’s something for everyone at Houst!
845-679-2115
housthardware.com Open everyday
111
Different StrokeS Painting ComPany Joshua Rodriguez- Fully Insured
InterIor/exterIor • resIdentIal/CommerCIal 195 White Lands Road, Stone Ridge 845-389-5121 differentstrokespainting845@gmail.com 112
Emergency Well Pump Service Emergency Well Service Emergency WellPump Pump Service Plumbing Repairs & Installation Plumbing Repairs & Installation Plumbing Repairs & Installation Water Filtration Systems Emergency Well Pump Service WaterFiltration FiltrationSystems Systems Water Radiant Heat Flooring Plumbing Repairs & Installation Radiant HeatFlooring Flooring Radiant Heat Oil & Gas Heating Systems-Installation & Service Oil & Gas Heating Systems-Installation Service Oil &&Gas Heating Systems-Installation &&Installation Service Water Filtration Systems Septic Drain Field Installation/Sump Pump Emergency Well Pump Service Septic& &Drain DrainField FieldInstallation/Sump Installation/SumpPump Pump Installation Installation Septic Radiant Heat&Flooring Plumbing Repairs Installation Licensed Master Plumber #136 Fully Insured Water Filtration#136 Systems Licensed Master Plumber #136 ••• Fully Fully Insured Oil & Gas Heating Systems-Installation & Service Licensed Master Plumber Insured riceplumbingandheating@gmail.com • riceplumbingandheating.com Radiant Heat Flooring riceplumbingandheating@gmail.com • riceplumbingandheating.com riceplumbingandheating@gmail.com • riceplumbingandheating.com Septic Field Installation/Sump Pump Installation Oil && Drain Gas Heating Systems-Installation & Service Septic & Drain Field Installation/Sump Pump Installation
Licensed Plumber#136 #136• •Fully FullyInsured Insured Licensed Master Master Plumber
riceplumbingandheating@gmail.com ••riceplumbingandheating.com riceplumbingandheating@gmail.com riceplumbingandheating.com
E Pl
MarbletownAnimalHospital.com 3056 Route 213 East Stone Ridge, NY, 12484
WOOD PELLETS
845- 687-7800 Book your next appointment online at MarbletownAnimalHospital.com
FITNESS - NUTRITION - PERSONAL TRAINING
YOUR HOMETOWN HARDWARE STORE WINDOW & SCREEN REPAIR • CLASS CUTTING • KEY MAKING WOOD PELLETS • SOIL, MULCH, AND GRAVEL • PATIO STONE AND BLOCKS • SHADE CUTTING • CUSTOM PAINT MATCHING PROPANE REFILLS • DELIVERY AVAILABLE
A & M HARDWARE Mon-Sat 7:30-6 Sun 8:30-4 5000 Route 209, Accord, NY 845-626-2788 amhardware.doitbest.com
845-853-8189
120 STATE ROUTE 28, KINGSTON
SPORTOFIRON.COM
THIS IS LIVING... SENIOR LIVING friday cocktail hours • interactive music and dance class semi-weekly shopping trips • strength & balance class arts and crafts classes • lunches at local restaurants yoga for seniors • in-house bocci & shuffleboard courts
5980 Main Street, Tannersville, NY 12485
518-589-9500
golf putting green • trips to museums • concerts in the park
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Closed Sundays
MVM Brochure Mech 12.16.07 MVM Brochure Mech 12.16.07
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Blending Traditional Pharmacy with Natural Medicine
Spectacular senior living with first-class amenities paired with compassionate and skilled health care.
NEW ONLINE WEBSTORE
Featuring our “Natural Wellness Products”
www.wellnessrxllc.com/store “We celebrate VISITvortex for their many years of commitment to small businesses in the Hudson Valley” 114
397 WILBUR AVENUE, KINGSTON, NEW YORK 12401 O N Y O U R O W N. N E V E R A L O N E .
• FAX: 845.331.1255 397 12401 O N WILBUR Y O U R OAVENUE, W N. N E VKINGSTON, ETEL: R A L 845.331.1254 O N E . NEW YORK • FAX: MOUNTAINVALLEYMANOR.COM 845.331.1255 TEL:NEW 845.331.1254 397 WILBUR AVENUE, KINGSTON, YORK 12401
TEL: 845.331.1254
•
MOUNTAINVALLEYMANOR.COM FAX: 845.331.1255
MOUNTAINVALLEYMANOR.COM
Always adventurous. We’ve always been a haven for wellbeing, and now it’s more important than ever. Come seek adventure in your play— scenic hikes, bike tours, golf, zip lines. Find comfort in your stay including enhanced sanitation practices at our inns, B&Bs, hotels, vacation rentals and campgrounds.
Memories are waiting
We’re just a short drive away, so pack your bags and escape.
SullivanCatskills.com
#SullivanCatskills
#SullivanCatskillsDoveTrail 115
New York Stewart International Airport
Neighborhood airport. World-class carriers. Conveniently located in the Hudson Valley, New York Stewart’s comfortable size, modern amenities, friendly staff, and focus on customer care make getting to and flying out of the airport hassle-free. Featuring services from Allegiant, American, Delta and JetBlue, NY Stewart is the easiest way to travel in and out of the region. Visit SWFny.com
New York Stewart International Airport Your neighborhood international airport.