VISITVortex Hudson Valley Spring 2021 by VISITvortex

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WILLIAMS Lumber & Home Centers

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Apparel Accessories Skin Care Gifts Curiosities hamiltonandadams.com | @hamiltonandadams | #staycurious 32 John Street, Kingston, NY 12401 | 845-383-1039 4

ta bl e o f c o n ten ts 77

Recipes

Meet The Owners

Home

Meet The Owners

Meet The Owner

Shop Locally

Home

Meet The Owners

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Outdoors

Meet The Owners

Outdoors

Shop Locally

Outdoors

trail manners leave no trace high falls food co-op riding the rail trails

ollie’s pizza jessie’s harvest house te tta’s marke t To support locally the culinary warehouse

spring cocktails outdoor home oasis manage this home gardening basics go fly a kite

if you’d like to advertise in this quarterly magazine or on the website, please call us at 845-687-3470. ©2021 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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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Unique Furniture for Extraordinary Outdoor Living Featuring a variety of dining sets, deep seating groups, umbrellas, lounge chairs, hammocks & more.

Visit one of our showrooms - special orders available! Kingston Route 28 (less than 1 mile off 87) 845.338.5119

Fishkill Route 9 (Lawrence Farms Plaza) 845.297.2941

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All Roads Lead to The Plaza

• Auto-care • Crafts • Dining/Take-out • Fashion • Grocery • Hardware • Home Decor • Flowers • Furniture • Wine/Liquor City of Kingston’s premier shopping Plaza.

Plaza Road, Kingston, NY

www.KingstonPlaza.com 8

Spring at 151 Plaza Road, Kingston, NY www.herzogs.com • (845) 338-6300

GRILLS

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PAINT

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FA M I LY OW N ED & O P ER ATED • 1 12 Y E A R S I N TH E CO M M U N IT Y 9

v i s i t vo r tex

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, Matt Petricone Anne Pyburn Craig, Rochelle Riservato, Joe Vitti, Kate Werwa

if you’d like to advertise in this quarterly magazine or on the website, please call us at 845-687-3470. ©2021 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

11 11

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

OUTDOORS

Outdoors

trail manners by an n e pybu r n craig clear lakes, vast commanding views. It’s no wonder that so many people love to hike in the Hudson Valley Region.

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There’s nothing like a wander in the woods, and our trails lead to all sorts of natural splendor—waterfalls, poignant ruins, crystal

It’s a liberating environment, a place to be you. Sing, jog, skip, stop to ponder an exceptional mushroom or a rock formation that resembles the discarded toy of a fitful giant. But there are a few basic rules to follow—mostly based, like all true good manners, on common sense—and knowing them smooths your path, just as you’d want to know the rules before tea with the Queen. (This is considerably simpler, we promise.)

HERE’S HOW TO BE A GREAT INGREDIENT IN THE TRAIL MIX, SO TO SPEAK:

get you r r ight-of-way r ight The basics of “travel on the right, pass on the left” work as well here as they do on the road; beyond that, bikers yield to hikers, and both should yield to horses. If you’re making way for a horse and rider, greet them and step to the downhill side of the trail, if there is one; this will make the horse less likely to mistake you for a lurking predator and be startled. Hikers headed downhill should yield right-of-way to those headed up, who are more in need of their momentum. Small groups, singles, and duos should yield to large groups hiking together.

u np l u g It’s a great idea to just turn your phone off and drop it in your pack till photo time, but if you need to use it, keep the volume of sounds and conversations low. There’s an unbeatable soundtrack all around you out there. If you want music, do use an earbud.

good doggie If you’re hiking with your dog, make sure your pup is well under control when encountering another hiker or group, especially if one of them is four-legged, too. 15

ta ke ca re of ea ch other

ta ke c a re o f the l a nd

Go beyond, “‘scuse me! Coming through!” and stop to chat a minute with other hikers about your route and the trail conditions. Not only is it more fun, but these chats have been known to save lives when hikers run into misfortune; people who’ve met you can be a huge help to

That includes taking care of every critter and plant; after all, it’s their home we’re visiting. Stay on cleared trails and don’t mess with rock cairns, much less anything living. The one exception: If you see litter, pick it up and add it to your own trash bag. That’s one of the seven basic prin-

rescuers, just as you can be if the misfortune should happen to them. In the woods, we take care of each other.

ciples of LEAVE NO TRACE by the Center for Outdoor Ethics. Flip the page for details.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS!

huguenotstreet.org | (845) 255-1889 | New Paltz, NY

$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 August 30, 2021

Camping. Paddle Sports. Footwear. Archery. Fly Fishing. Mens & Womens Outdoor and Casual Clothing. Mens and Womens Work Clothing. Come See Our NEW INTERACTIVE Archery and Footwear Departments.

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Spring into Nature at Mohonk Preserve Experience great hiking, biking, birding, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Discover reemerging plants and animals in our forests, fields, and streams. Our Visitor Center is open free of charge daily 9am-5pm; the land is open daily, sunrise to sunset. Memberships and day passes are available at all trailheads. Photo by Stephen D. Stewart-Hill

mohonkpreserve.org 845-255-0919

EXPERIENCE THE HUDSON VALLEY’S MOST ICONIC RESORT Choose your path on over 85 miles of trails and enjoy farm-to-table cuisine—all included in your overnight rate. Rejuvenate at The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House—ranked the #1 resort spa in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler. We’re taking every precaution to keep our guests and staff safe, so you can relax and reconnect with the ones you love. Join us on the mountaintop and feel your stresses melt away.

Book an unforgettable overnight getaway or day spa visit. 877.475.6365 | mohonk.com | New Paltz, NY 18

Est. 1869

OUTDOORS

Outdoors

7 leave no trace principles of by joe vitti

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Getting to know Leave No Trace, a basic tennet of good trail manners, is at the heart of exploring responsibly and being welcome in the woods. Learn it, share it, and live by it; the glorious, healing great outdoors deserves no less.

p lan ahea d a nd pre pare

Whether headed into the backcountry for a two-week trek or squeezing in an after-work hike, at least some element of organization is key. With good planning and prep, we increase our understanding of the places we visit and can avoid situations that cause impact. Find out what rules and recommendations land managers have created for your destination. For example, Mohonk Preserve decrees that dogs must be on leashes, and food must be stored in bear-proof 20

canisters in the Catskills’ backcountry. Most guidelines can be found online or by calling. Further preparations include taking steps to protect yourself from Lyme-disease carrying deer ticks or to bringing a filter for water gathered from streams in order to avoid ingesting parasites. Live by the Boy Scouts’ “Be Prepared” motto: Bring a map, a compass, a first-aid kit, and some form of communication on your hike; these things are light and can be tremendously useful.

resp ec t the w i l d l i f e

Wild creatures deserve a chance to function in a normal, natural way. We are visitors in wild areas and should always remember that we have entered someone else’s home. Our actions can have lasting impacts. Animals and birds that are fed by human beings become used to, and sometimes dependent on, that

interaction. Creatures that are disturbed often become stressed in ways that we may not recognize; they may bite or use critical energy fleeing. There is endless fascination in observing and identifying wild creatures, but leaving them to their business helps ensure that human presence does not disturb natural cycles and events.

leave what you find

People love to take things home from the places they visit, which explains the t-shirts from Disneyland and coffee mugs from the Grand Canyon. Mementos can take us back to gorgeous places, even though we may be hundreds of miles away.

However, beautiful treasures that we find in wild lands are fragile and among finite resources. When we take into account that many other visitors will likely visit the same place, it becomes apparent how significant this seemingly small act can be. The old adage “Take only pictures” is key.

tr avel a nd c a m p o n d u r a bl e s u r f a c es

Erosion is one of the most lasting and insidious impacts that we have on wild areas. When people travel through an area, the soil becomes compacted by repeated footfalls. When this happens, delicate plants, whose root systems hold the soil together, die off. Surface soil then leaches away, further compromising its ability to support plant life. Many hikers tend to use the edges of trails to avoid deeply rutted, muddy sections. This common practice creates new paths for erosion and

narrow islands of plant life that are highly susceptible to even further destruction. By staying along the center of a trail and avoiding the temptation to shortcut them for convenience, we can help to minimize impact. Also make sure you rest, camp, and picnic in areas where you can move around without disturbing delicate mosses or other plant life. Durable surfaces include the trails themselves, dry streambeds, leafy mats in areas of mature forest, rock slabs, and boulders. 21

d is p ose of waste properl y

Long-time Mohonk Preserve ranger Bob Elsinger asks that we all lend a helping hand by making a small bag and some gloves part of our outdoor kit and picking up the things less thoughtful visitors leave behind. Leaving trash behind when visiting wild places is obviously not acceptable. Take the “carry in, carry out” sensibility to heart by avoiding food and water that generates waste in the first place. Make a peanut butter sandwich rather 22

than buying a wrapped Cliff bar, and bring water from home in a safe, reusable bottle. Further, special steps must be taken “when nature calls” in nature. In desert and alpine environments, many land managers have instituted rules requiring that everything, including human waste, be carried out. These rules are meant to protect the most fragile environments, where soils lack microbes able to break down waste or seemingly biodegradable toilet kits.

b e c o nsi d er ate o f o ther s

No matter your own personal requirements, respecting other visitors by moderating your impact is the ethical thing to do. Concerns like noise and group size are important. Consider moving off a trail to rest so that other visitors do not have to weave through. Perceptions of what constitutes a

wilderness experience vary dramatically. Some need to be days from the road before they are able to fully disengage from the “real” world. Others need only to be wandering down a carriage road a few hundred yards from the parking lot to feel the magic of the natural world. Wherever you roam, remember to be considerate of others.

Local

Sustainable

Innovative

minimize ca mpfire impa ct

The Catskills Region is littered with fire rings. These mounds of ash, surrounded by a haphazard ring of rocks and laced with tin foil, glass bottles, old batteries, and all sorts of other debris, are as common as oak trees. Before you decide to build a fire, consider whether or not you really need one. Modern camping stoves are far more efficient than open wood flames for cooking, and despite our endless fascination with the romance of a campfire, sitting in the quiet darkness under a twinkling night sky may be just as fun.

If you do make a fire, use an existing ring whenever possible, collect only dead wood that is already on the ground, do not put trash in the fire, and when it’s time to sleep, be sure that flames and embers are fully extinguished. In the event that you’ve made a new fire ring, disassemble it the next day and widely disperse the ashes once it is clear there are no remaining embers that could start a fire. Every effort should be made to leave an area in at least as good a condition as when you arrived.

Relax with us Watch the seasons change from our lawn…only steps away from our awardwinning Hudson Valley wines & spirits

Stoutridge Vineyard & Distillery 10 Ann Kaley Lane (845) 236-7620 Marlboro, NY www.stoutridge.com Open Thursday-Sunday 11am-6pm & by appt. 23

1978

si t C a O u r 20 fé Aw 17 in ar Ki d ng Wi st nn on in g

Since

GET SPRING-INSPIRED

from the Hudson Valley’s Premier Natural Food Grocer 100% certiﬁed organic produce, huge bulk department, vitamins & supplements, body care items and bakery.

Visit us online for a calendar of in-store events, delicious recipes and healthy living articles.

Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider Farm Bar. Cider Tasti ngs! Wood-Fired Pizza.

Check our site for fun upcoming events!

Nourishing the Hudson Valley Since 1976 A MEMBER-OWNED COOPERATIVE THAT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

3012 Route 213, Stone Ridge 845-687-2587 stoneridgeorchard.com

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

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Annuals • Perennials • Hanging Baskets • Vegetable Plants • Gardening Supplies Fresh Produce • Soups • Salads • Sandwiches Fresh Brewed Coffee • Apple Cider Donuts • Bakery • Gifts PLEASE VISIT SAUNDERSKILL.COM or CALL 845-626-2676 for HOURS CLOSED MONDAYS • 5100 RT. 209 • Accord, NY 12404 25

Local Market

high falls food co-op by a n n e py bu r n craig

photos by rachel collet

At the High Falls Food Co-op, this truth of interdependence rises to the next level as the center of the business model itself. “The co-op business model can be described as ‘the community’s profit,’” says general manager Lucy Georgeff. “We exist to serve the needs of our membership and the larger community, and when

we profit, the community profits—in terms of better and increasing wages for workers, fair prices paid to farmers and local vendors, contributions back to the community, and increased access to affordable, wholesome foods.” Other food co-ops have arisen in recent years, but High Falls has had its own since 1976, making it one of the oldest in the Northeast. The model of a democratically run community-owned grocery store traces its recorded roots to 1844, when the Rochdale Pioneers of England organized collective food buying, and was rediscovered in the US in the 1960s by anti-war and anti-poverty advocates. “High Falls Food Co-op began as a buying club in the 1970s in order to make wholesome, organic foods more affordable to its consumer-owners,” says Lucy. “Over the years, as con-

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hen it comes to sustainable and ethically sourced food, it’s become obvious that the hippies were right all along: Eating real, fresh, and local is just better, for your health, for the planet, and for your taste buds, too. This raises the distinct possibility that 1) personal and planetary health are very much connected, and 2) we have an innate sense of this truth that transcends theory. No fancy theories are needed to observe that the local berries, picked at perfection, are sweeter.

SHOP LOCALLY

“When we profit, the community profits—in terms of better and increasing wages for workers, fair prices paid to farmers and local vendors, contributions back to the community, and increased access to affordable, wholesome foods.” —Lucy Georgeff, general manager

“We offer a wide variety of grocery items, including affordable organic brands and locally-produced goods.” —Lucy Georgeff ventional grocery stores have introduced more local and organic foods into their inventory, food co-ops have responded by developing more strategic business operations—but all the while have remained true to their foundation.” That foundation is solidly rooted in service to the common good, the local economy, and the membership. Bedrock founding principles, as vital as they’ve been through the ages, include self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equity, equality, and solidarity. Offerings have expanded deliciously over the years: over 1,200 members and the general public can shop a full range of high-quality grocery items, including bulk, refrigerated, frozen, meats, cheeses, produce, and prepared foods. Local and organic products are prioritized as much as possible, as are cruelty-free and fair trade sourcing. There are monthly sales, members-only specials, and 28

deals on fresh produce that are designed to get the food out the door and into kitchens. There’s also a wellness department that offers supplements, and health and beauty products. “Our product selection is wellresearched by our team of experienced managers, who will also special order products upon request,” says Lucy. “And it’s a warm, friendly shopping experience. We get all sorts: longtime members who have raised their families in the co-op, newer shoppers who may have just moved up from the city, people who just love the prepared foods, and others who regularly fill a grocery cart full of fresh, local produce. We offer a wide variety of grocery items, including affordable organic brands and locally-produced goods.” The cooperative principles are as nourishing to the staff, members, and community as the food is to the body. “We exist to serve the community,”

Lucy says, “and working alongside each other to provide what the community wants and needs is greatly rewarding. We function as a team and have fun working hard together, pitching in, and finding answers to customer questions. We share stories and joke around. We also get to share great food!” During the pandemic, the Co-op temporarily suspended in-store shopping; curbside pickup is still offered, and Lucy says it’s about 7% of the business right now. Many customers prefer to enter, carefully masked and (at this writing) only five at a time, to spend just a couple of minutes among familiar folks and fabulous

flavors. “As an essential business, we are committed to following all the state guidelines, from mask-wearing to social distancing to health screenings and disinfecting, and finding ways to provide our customers with the food they need.” Beyond what you need, the Co-op wants to give you what you want. “We are launching a shopper survey to better understand what’s working well for us and how we might serve the community better,” says Lucy, “so stay tuned for more information. We’d love to hear from as many customers and members as possible. This will inform our future work.”

All that nourishing goodness, both physical and social, is ideally located right here in High Falls. Hit ‘em up on your way to your next Shawangunks or Catskills adventure; it’s a proud tradition around here—and sooooo tasty.

High Falls Food Co-op 1398 Route 213, High Falls 845-687-7262 highfallsfoodcoop.com

SPRING ON IN TO THE APPLE BIN! BREAKFAST. LUNCH. DELICACIES. CIDER DONUTS. PIES. SPRING PLANTS. TREES. HOMEGROWN FRUITS & VEGGIES AND SO MUCH MORE!! 30

APPLE BIN

Farm Market

810 Broadway (Rt 9W), Ulster Park, NY 12487 theapplebinfarmmarket.com 845-339-7229

Wallkill View Farm Market & Garden Center GARDEN CENTER: Seeds, Plants, Hanging Baskets, Pottery, Mulch, Soil MARKET: Farm Fresh Produce, Bakery, New York State Specialty Foods & 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

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— Jumping Pillow and Mini-golf Farm Market Join our CSA Season Passes Available s 31

SPECIALISTS IN ROCK CLIMBING, ICE CLIMBING, HIKING AND CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING SINCE 1970

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Great Pop-Up Meals • Craft Cocktails Beers on Tap • Real Safe Hospitality

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OUTDOORS

Outdoors

riding the rail trails by an n e pybu r n craig photos by m att p etricon e stopped. Best of all, it’s an infinite chooseyour-own-adventure where you can opt for a camping trip, a twenty-minute refresher before breakfast, or anything in between. Thanks to railway builders of old and rail trail activists of the last several decades,

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If you haven’t biked a Hudson Valley rail trail yet, you’re in for a treat. Grades and curves are gentle. The state-of-the-art, 10-foot-wide pulverized stone/asphalt surface whizzes you along through the deep parts of the countryside where trains once whistled, leading you into the towns where they

it’s now possible to ride your bike from The Battery on the tip of Manhattan all the way up to Canada or due west to Buffalo on the 750mile Empire State Trail. Longtime Hudson Valley residents will remember seeing folks, beginning in the late-20th century, patiently tabling at festivals, stepping up to the mic at town meetings, and pushing for the conversion of the rail beds 34

to walkways, steadfast and determined. Their big win belongs to all of us now. Rail trails are stunning—you haven’t lived till you’ve taken in the views from both the Walkway Over the Hudson and the Rosendale Trestle, and the trip from Gardiner to New Paltz is resplendent with view after view of the Shawangunk Ridge.

It’s now possible to ride your bike from The Battery on the tip of Manhattan all the way up to Canada or due west to Buffalo on the 750-mile Empire State Trail.

Your bike tires pass where the humming railway wheels once carried milk and cream and lumber and apples, and travelers of every description.

Rail trails teach history. Your bike tires pass where the humming railway wheels once carried milk and cream and lumber and apples, and travelers of every description, off to take in the Catskills air or make their fortunes in the Big Apple. Check out the Hopewell Depot Museum in Hopewell Junction, then bike to lunch on the Poughkeepsie waterfront. Trace the route of the D&H Canal from Kingston to Alligerville. Rail trails connect downtowns, and in the Hudson Valley downtowns connect to fun. Start the day with an empty saddlebag and go see who’s open for business; you never know what treasures you’ll find or who you’ll meet, and the food and drink are irresistible.

The completion of the Empire State Trail adds major new sections connecting Brewster in Putnam County to Hopewell Junction in Dutchess, the Walkway in Poughkeepsie to New Paltz across the river, and Hudson to East Greenbush, near Albany. The state’s nifty website will connect you to things to do and amenities along each stretch, along with a detailed map. There’s even an app, developed by the NYS Brewers Association, that will tell you what’s on tap within ten miles of the trail. Ride responsibly, and see where the trails will take you.

Empire State Trail empiretrail.ny.gov

845-303-4752

krumville.com

The Country Inn

a cozy boutique inn and private restaurant

• Nine-hole course • 5,456 yards

• Plays to a par 70 for 18 holes “GOLF IN PEACE”

Visit website and click on tourism for details

114 Mill Hill Road Woodstock • 845-679-2914 • woodstockgolf.com

restaurants • catering • mobile food truck

japanese noodle bowls, southeast asian street-food, and other asian specialties. A Private Sanctuary for your Escape to Paradise in the Mountains.

y u m y u m n o o d l e b a r .c o m

The Property consists of 3 double occupancy rooms all with their own bath. Our rooms are vacant for at least 72 hours between occupancy. Curbside Neopolitan Brick Oven Pizza Every Saturday.

Call or text Diane and Pete at 845-303-4752 for reservations or special offers.

1380 County Road 2, Olivebridge, NY | 845-657-8956 | krumville.com 36

• 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

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crestedhenfarms.com 845.687.2050

Turn your vision of a fairytale wedding, into a reality at The Estate.

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Meet The Owners

ollie’s pizza, high falls 38

MEET THE OWNERS

“We made it safe and comfy, and a lot of people said it was the only place they felt safe to eat out.” –Sophie Peltzer-Rollo, co-owner

Through the long summer months of 2020, High Falls residents and visitors had a precious oasis: fresh, delicious pizza, baked goods, and coffee right in the center of town, with a generous and lovely outdoor dining area.

Mid-pandemic was an interesting time to be opening a restaurant, to say the least. The owners took over the former Black Barn on Bruceville Road in December of 2019 and began renovating in January of 2020, and were soon faced with a construction ban. “Luckily, Innis and Ilan knew how to do some things, and it was our building, so we weren’t completely stalled,” says Sophie. “Getting started when we did was either

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“We made it safe and comfy, and a lot of people said it was the only place they felt safe to eat out,” says Sophie Peltzer-Rollo, one of the team of three that created Ollie’s Pizza. “It felt really great and fulfilling to be providing that at a time when it was so needed.”

There are gluten-free and vegan options, and toppings like shallots and Calabrian chilis that can’t be found everywhere else.

the best or worst luck ever, and

Mont Burger in Brooklyn and Ilan

we’re still figuring out which. We’d planned to open in spring and opened in summer, so we stayed pretty much on track.”

was answering the order line when Innis met Sophie, who hailed from North Jersey and Queens, and eventually all three began spending time upstate. The move became permanent when Innis and Sophie’s daughter Ollie was born in 2016.

Innis Lawrence and Ilan Bachrach met at Adventure Games, a Live Action Role Playing summer camp for kids located in New Paltz. “It was sorta the outdoor camp for the indoor kids,” says Ilan. “We did a lot of magical mystical role play.” That was 25 years ago, and the friendship only deepened over the years as Ilan and Innis both moved to the city, Ilan pursuing avant garde theatre and Innis, jewelry-making and photography. Innis was managing the bar at Du40

Innis, a High Fallonian by birth, shared with his baker father a passion for pizza. The two were always striving for the perfect outdoor oven, the ideal dough. There was talk of a pop-up pizza place, but when the Black Barn property became available, it was time to take it all the way. Innis is the chef, Sophie manages the front of the house and bever-

age program, and Ilan is a business and finance whiz. “He still performs,” says Sophie. “He was supposed to be in Germany doing opera this year, but it was cancelled, so he’s been here helping out.” The trio take pride in creating the best possible food. “Without that, we’re nowhere, so we strive to get the absolute finest—we make fresh mozzarella daily,” says Sophie. “We contract with Back Home Farm in High Falls; this year we sat down with him and a seed catalogue to get exactly what we want and preorder.

I think that’s a model whose time has come around here; it’s a win/win for the chef and the farmer both.” A community favorite is Ollie’s Roman-style pie: a large rectangle baked in an electric oven with twice-fermented dough that’s light as air. “That’s our family size; our wood-fired pies are 14 inches, so they’re good for two—or one very hungry person,” says Sophie. There are gluten-free and vegan options, and toppings like shallots and Calabrian chilis that can’t be found everywhere else. Sophie’s bever-

age program includes local beer, natural wines and ever-changing cocktails, along with non-alcoholic choices like Mexican Coke, spiced warm cider, and kombucha. This season, Sophie looks forward to refining the outdoor service a bit. “Last year, with the whole world in disarray and us just starting, it was a bit like ‘grab your food and find a place to sit,’ and I want to make it flow just a bit more like a dine-in experience, while keeping the focus on outdoor and takeout to protect 41

“We strive to get the absolute finest —we make our fresh mozzarella daily.” –Sophie Peltzer-Rollo, co-owner

everybody,” says Sophie. “Then hopefully by next winter, we’ll be able to really dine indoors.” Little Ollie, now three-and-a-half, celebrated her third birthday with Ollie’s entire yard full of pizza lovers singing Happy Birthday. “She loves her ‘flat’ plain cheese pizza; she can eat five slices of wood-fired by herself,” says Sophie. “She likes to go behind the bar and get herself a lemonade. She’ll run around the yard helping me bus tables, so I’ve taught her to ask, ‘How is everything?’ She thrives on it, and we have a lot of extended family around— it’s a real family affair. This is Innis’ town, but Ilan and I have come to love it with our whole hearts, and we just want to serve the community the best we can. We’ve got a good thing going.”

O L L I E ’ S PI Z Z A 4 Bruceville Road, High Falls 845-687-3464 www.ollies.pizza

ORDER AHEAD & PICKUP 845.687.3464 WWW.OLLIES.PIZZA

eating is believing. HOT

FRESH

open daily for lunch & dinner indoor dining • patio seating takeout • curbside pickup

restaurant | bistro | bar 845-876-3330 terrapinrestaurant.com route 9, rhinebeck village

PIZZA 11AM–8PM T H U R S D AY– S U N D AY COFFEE & PROVISIONS 8AM–3PM D A I LY

& PROVISIONS

4 BR U C E V I L L E R OA D H I GH FA L LS , N Y 1 24 4 0

EAT. DRINK.CHILL. 9 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie • 845-243-2222 • hurricanewings.com 43

Woodfired Pizza & Entrees

Upscale Steak & Seafood

Authentic Mexican Cuisine

845-688-5370 brios.net

845-688-9800 thephoeniciansteakhouse.com

845-688-5259 alamocantina.com

AMERICAN BISTRO & PUB-STYLE FARE

O U R G OA L I S S I M P L E ...

1128 Route 32, Rosendale 845-658-2000 • CREEKSIDEBISTRO.COM

TO P R OV I D E T H E H I G H E S T Q UA L I T Y P R O D U C T S FO R W H O L E B O DY H E A LT H .

Let’s Grow toGether! (845)-679-5361 75 Mill Hill Rd. Woodstock, NY, 12498

(845)-876-2555 24 GaRdeN st. RHiNebeck, NY, 12572

www.sunflowernatural.com

• 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 45

• 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

5819 MAIN STREET, TANNERSVILLE • 518-589-5445 • JESSIESHARVESTHOUSE.COM

BREAKFAST BRUNCH LUNCH DINNER

Photo by VISITvortex

17 TINKER ST WOODSTOCK NY 845.679.5763

MEET THE OWNERS

j e s s i e ’s h a r ve s t h o u s e by a n n e pybur n craig

photos by rachel collet

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Meet The Owners

Jessie’s Harvest House, named for

Phil’s inspiring grandma, serves American bistro-style, elevated comfort food.

The story of Jessie’s Harvest House in Tannersville is a Catskills classic: The scion of a local legacy business fell in love with a talented chef and took stewardship of a favorite community eatery. It’s also the story of the only place around where you can dine in a heated igloo.

way she met Phil DiFalco, a Culinary Institute of America student from Westchester who was familiar with her part of the world from weekend visits with his family during his youth. The two locked eyes in a pub one snowy evening; the rest, they like to say, is history.

“Sitting in a tent is pretty basic,” reflects Sarah Slutzky DiFalco, “and we wanted to do something a little cooler and funkier. So we stole this idea from a place in Montauk. People are loving it! I get ten emails a day from people asking to reserve one; they’re sold out every weekend. They sell summer covers too, with mesh siding, so we’re looking at that as a possibility.”

Phil had grown up cooking at the elbow of his Grandma Jessie, learning from her how to perfect the Italian concoctions the family loved so much, and after earning a business degree, he realized it was how he wanted to spend every day. After graduating from the CIA, Phil worked at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown and put a fine edge on his farmto-table magic.

Sarah might just have an affinity for all things snowy: Her grandfather Orville and his brother Izzy founded what was then called Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl. Sarah’s hospitality career started there at age 14, and she’s currently senior manager of the premiere resort. Along the

In 2018, the couple purchased the Swiss Chalet, a beloved Tannersville cornerstone that had been run by a husband-and-wife team for 28 years. “The opportunity sort of fell in our laps,” says Sarah. “We opened in December of 2018; our daughter Capri was born just a

month before that. She’s three now and incredibly social and comfortable with people. She loves the restaurant.” As do lots of satisfied customers. Jessie’s Harvest House, named for Phil’s inspiring grandma, serves American bistro-style, elevated comfort food. “He’s executive chef, and we have a great team working,” says Sarah. “Phil’s all about local sourcing of meat and produce from the farmers markets; he loves figuring out combinations that make for an entirely new dining experience. He has a gift for flavor combinations and a really original mind; his chicken liver cannolis, for example, sold out immediately.” You’ll find all kinds of surprises on the menu: small plates of crispy brussels sprouts served with banana vinegar and local honey or pork belly steam buns with house-made kimchi, pickled red cabbage and, toasted sesame; full-size entrees like roasted Hudson Valley free-range chicken breast and deconstructed eggplant parmigiana—or a 14-ounce prime ribeye. “There isn’t a better menu anywhere in the state of New York, let alone up as far north as Hunter,” writes a visitor from the city on Yelp. “So fresh, so unique, and so damn tasty.”

“Phil’s all about local sourcing of meat and produce from the farmers’ markets; he loves figuring out combinations that make for an entirely new dining experience.” –Sarah Slutzky, co-owner 49

“There isn’t a better menu anywhere in the state of New York, let alone up as far north as Hunter.” –Yelp review

Lodging is on hold till the pandemic passes, but Sarah says the restaurant is thriving. “We’ve been doing really well—we get a lot of city escapees,” she says. (The same Yelper noted the very COVID-safe dining room experience.) “We’ve added a second deck for outdoor dining, and our second daughter is due in April; Capri is incredibly excited to be a big sister.”

Jessie’s Harvest Hou s e 5819 Main Street, Tannersville 518-589-5445 jessiesharvesthouse.com

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

fresh tex-mex served lakeside

845-853-8124

744-746 BROADWAY, KINGSTON, NY WWW.THEANCHORKINGSTON.COM

1 Horseshoe Lake Rd, Kauneonga Lake 845-583-3113 • barriokitchen.com 51

• New York Style Pizzas • Made to order Italian Heros • Authentic Italian Dishes

786 Main Street, Poughkeepsie 845-471-4110

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 52

Historic Rondout

Waterfront Dining

Authentic Barbecue & Comfort Food with a Modern Twist

OleSavannah.com | 845-331-4283 100 Rondout L anding, Kingston, New York

YOUR LOCAL

ONE-STOP-SHOP SINCE 1952

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

OUTDOOR BAR EXCITING MENU

PATIO DINING ICE CREAM SHOP

150 Partition Street, Saugerties • 845-246-5998 • stellasstation.com 53

Meet the Owners

tetta’s market, olivebridge by a nne pybu r n craig

p h otos by rach el collet

“My grandparents Fred and Ana Tetta grew the store and carried nearly every item you could imagine,” says Primo. They also expanded the compound and added a tire garage and auto repair shop. “I was raised here; We all grew up working for them and absorbing their style. And with a small, family-run business like this, everyone is a jack-of-all-trades. My family, especially my father Richard, alongside our unwavering staff—we do nearly everything ourselves.”

That they do, and with a style that reflects the uniqueness of this Catskills community, they post on the business Facebook page about local goods, ice sculptures, free-range eggs, and their brand-new panini maker. The store closed for a year to renovate and reopened in May 2020 to the delight of users of the Ashokan Rail Trail, which opened the previous October. “We subtly rebranded as ‘Tetta’s Market’ because the goal is to evolve into more of a marketplace,” says Primo. “We are, and will continue to become, much more than a gas station, and it’s not your average mom-and-pop store. We offer gas, groceries, convenience items, a pizzeria, deli, café, and community hub.” What’s the special recipe for decades-long success? Maybe creativity blended with an ironclad ethic of teamwork. “We are a raw

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rimo Stropoli and his family grew up in Tetta’s, a small country store and gas station founded by his great-grandfather Joseph Tetta in 1952 that provides vital services for locals and visitors to the tiny hamlet of Olivebridge on the shore of the Ashokan Reservoir.

MEET THE OWNERS

“We are, and will continue to become, much more than a gas station, and it’s not your average mom-and-pop store. We offer gas, groceries, convenience items, a pizzeria, deli, café, and community hub.” –Primo Stropoli, owner

“We want to keep making sure the community gets its needs met, that visitors get a unique experience.” –Primo Stropoli, owner

and boisterous family, which creates a unique and genuine shopping experience,” says Primo. “There is also a strong sense of pride, which drives us to never settle. We adopt employees into the Tetta tribe and we work as a team. It’s a fun work environment and I think it shows. We have a personal relationship and long history with many of the customers. If it’s not screwed down, we’ll sell it. If it’s not illegal, we’ll do it.”

The reservoir area, for all its still-rural vibes, especially in the off-season, is a hugely popular tourist attraction, and Primo loves the diversity it brings. “We get a real mixed bag,” he says. “From Cowboy Joe to Tesla Tom, they all shop here. It makes for an interesting atmosphere and social interactions. We focus on consistency, good products and ingredients, personalized service, and fair prices. We are the only store for 20 minutes in every direction, but we make it a point not to take that for granted. We

keep both the local and the weekender in mind with pricing and products that we carry. We listen.” Listening has led to longer hours (6am to 9pm, seven days a week), more variety in the grocery offerings, and the addition of the beloved deli and pizzeria. Through it all, and through an intense learning curve, the family has remained dedicated to their calling. “The ability to build something, literally and figuratively, is motivating,” says Primo. “Each day

“We focus on consistency, good products and ingredients, personalized service, and fair prices.” –Primo Stropoli, owner

is unpredictable and poses new obstacles, which keeps life interesting. Working for yourself and your community is extremely fulfilling. The amount of support from the community every step of the way is incredible.... We take our work seriously but not ourselves. We try to have a lighthearted approach to life in general. We embrace the grind. Following in my grandfather’s footsteps, we also like to keep things real with customers. None of

the hokey, corporate sort of service.” In the months ahead, Tetta’s will be adding outdoor seating, live events, new kitchen equipment, and more variety in both grocery and menu offerings. “A little step forward each day,” says Primo. “We want to keep making sure the community gets its needs met, that visitors get a unique experience. And we’re building the legacy for the fifth generation.”

Tetta’s Market 2082 County Road 3, Olivebridge 845-657-2338 tettasmarket.com

FALAFEL, SABICH, SALADS & MORE

OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH • TAKE OUT • GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS • OUTDOOR SEATING

54 East Market St. Rhinebeck 845-876-2324 abasfalafel.com

COFFEE BAR BREAKFAST & LUNCH LOCAL PROVISIONS LOCAL BEER & CIDER IN SAUGERTIES PRIVATE EVENTS AVAILABLE

Event Catering In House & Out

743 Route 28, Kingston 58

Open 7 days for Lunch & Dinner

845-338-2424

hickoryrestaurant.com

New WOODSTOCK Location: 68 Tinker Street • 845-684-7312 Saugerties Location: 11 Jane Street • 845-247-7189 OLSENANDCOMPANY.COM

ACCORD’S HOMETOWN RESTAURANT & TAVERN

Open 12-8:30 Tues- Thurs 12-9 Fri & Sat 12-8 Sun

Indoor & Pet-Friendly Outdoor 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 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

farmhouse cuisine · killer cocktails · nightly bonfire 8373 State Route 28, Big Indian, NY (845) 254-6500 www.peekamooserestaurant.com 59

Stone Window Gallery Earth-Friendly Lingerie and Apothecary LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE WATER STREET MARKET 10 MAIN STREET, SUITE 424, NEW PALTZ 845-633-8028 • SALIXINTIMATES.COM @SALIXINTIMATES

Brinton P. Baker

17 Main Street / PO Box 239 Accord, NY 12404 845-626-4932 facebook/stonewindowgallery

SHOP LOCALLY

Shop

shop locally to help locally But we’re really lucky around here. We’ve said a few sad goodbyes, but our Hudson Valley shopkeepers are a brilliant, persistent bunch. Local business owners came together immediately to help one another polish their online services and find the best and safest ways to ventilate, sanitize, and organize.

visitvortex.com

pend $100 with an independent local and around $68 of it stays local, instead of being siphoned into the corporate void. This has never been more important than it is right now, when many small business owners are reeling from having had to shut down, rethink, and spend heavily on safety and sanitation.

Now that many are open again, you’ll find a safety-forward celebration of the connection between merchant and community in progress. Quite a few places are now offering what amounts to a bespoke shopping experience, limiting entrance to a few people at a time; in some places, you can make an appointment and have the gracious, undivided attention of an expert who’s very glad to see you.

Safety protocols are on-point all over the Valley. If you’d still rather not go inside, curbside service has become an art form. Again, call ahead and tell them what you need—who needs a gift, what color and size, what the occasion is—and you will find you’ve made a friend. And if they haven’t got a whatever-it-is, but they know who’s got one, they’ll send you there and you’ll make yet another friend, because that’s how we roll. We lift one another up.

The thing is, in our downtowns and hamlets and tucked-away corners you’d never expect, they have things that are often locally made and sourced that no big box will ever be able to provide. Tinctures, potions, herbs, and spices. Exotic teas and smoked meats, handcrafted fair trade chocolates, and alpaca wool baby gear. Pottery, paintings, and rose petals. Rainbow titanium quartz. Sterling silver and sensual soaps. Pro-grade art supplies, gear for every sport,

CHBO Drums

River Mint Finery

Stone Window Gallery

Victoria Gardens

Hamilton and Adams

Facets of Earth

lingerie to sigh over. Musical instruments and quality beauty products and shoes that fit right.

the instant gratification of one-click ordering—has there been an array of life-enhancing goods any finer than that available to a discerning local shopper in today’s Hudson Valley.

We will lift you up in turn, from the person helping you find the perfect life enhancement to the community celebrating whatever your own dream may be.

Hardware and lumber from people who actually care about you getting exactly what you need. Handcrafted wood furniture and sculpture, pottery and handblown glass. We don’t mean to be rude, but never in the history of commerce—not in the days of the Sears Roebuck catalogue, not in the era of mall mania, and not now, in the age of the Super Duper Big Box and

And every time you treat yourself to some of it, you’re helping us keep it that way. You’re helping weave the web of connection, lifting up the makers and doers and people who live to serve, and we can’t tell you how very much that means to everyone here.

Meanwhile, we can totally help you find the things you need, want, and dream of, in brilliantly executed style and substance, whilst keeping the Hudson Valley and the Cats real, down-to-earth, and fascinating. Solid win, all around. Get in on the fun; you’ll be glad you did. 63

YOUR SCHOOL INSTRUMENT RENTALS & SUPPLIES HEADQUARTERS! Celebrating Over A Hundred Years Of Music

GIFTS • JEWELRY • FASHION ACCESSORIES • CLOTHING • SWELL STUFF

845-338-8100 • 334 Wall Street, Uptown Kingston At the corner of Wall and North Front Streets

CHBO CHBO DRUMS DRUMS • NEW & USED DRUMS •& NEW & USED DRUMS PERCUSSION & PERCUSSION • REPAIRS • REPAIRS • VIRTUAL LESSONS • VIRTUAL LESSONS • CYMBAL VAULT • CYMBAL VAULT

GET YOUR GROOVE ON! GET YOUR GROOVE ON!

11WATER WATER STREET, NY 11 STREET, NEWNEW PALTZ,PALTZ, NY 917-217-3107 CHBODRUMS.COM 917-217-3107 CHBODRUMS.COM 64

BARCONE’S MUSIC

528 Broadway, Kingston 845-331-6089 barconesmusiconline.com

Welcome spring with the delicate blooms of Helleborus. These beautiful owers push their pedals up through the remaining March snow. Seeds and seed starter kits are available as well as fruit trees, edible plants, house plants, potting soil, tools, and more.

A local destination in New Paltz for Handcrafts, Jewelry, and Clothing for over 40 years.

10% 10% Savings Savings

10% 10% Savings 10% Savings Savings

On your On your entire entire purchase purchase whenwhen you present you present this card this card

On your On your entire On your entire purchase entire purchase purchase whenwhen youwhen present you present youthis present card this card this card

6 North Front Street, New Paltz 845-255-6277 handmadeandmore.com Compliments Compliments of: of:

Compliments Compliments Compliments of: of: of:

A R T & A N T I Q U ES | C O L L EC T I B L ES | V I N TAG E

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 66

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

We are located in the heart of The Catskill Mountains. We carry Minnetonka Moccasins, chimes, puzzles, local books & maps, gemstones, homemade fudge, jewelry, candy, t-shirts, games, crafts and so much more. We are packed to the rafters with fun, practical, and hard-to-find merchandise. Come visit us for a unique shopping experience. OUR HOMEMADE FUDGE IS WORTH THE TRIP!

nesteggshop.com 67

RESTAURANT & KITCHEN SUPPLY

Shop Where T he Chefs Shop!

RE D

ITH ’S C

OU NT RY B

AK ER Y, L LC

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

HOME KITCHEN ESSENTIALS & GREAT GIFTS

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

CARIBBEAN FLAVOR, MADE FRESH IN THE HUDSON VALLEY

45 N Front St, Kingston RAMSVALLEYFOOD.COM

MEET THE OWNERS

Meet The Owners

the culinary warehouse by an n e pybu r n craig p h otos by rach el c o l l et

Solutions to your every kitchen hassle can be found at The Culinary Warehouse, a venerable chef’s supply house in Kingston

that’s been serving the Hudson Valley for 80 years and is now in the hands of Declan and Tracy O’Brien, Irish imports who’ve made their home in Kingston since 2009. They took ownership of The Culinary Warehouse on March 17, 2018 (“The irony’s not lost on us,” Declan observes). Long-established Hudson Valley kitchens like Savona’s Trattoria, Le Canard Enchaine, and Santa Fe rely on the Warehouse for their needs, as do hundreds of restau-

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aving the right tools at hand in the kitchen can be the difference between cooking as a chore to be endured and cooking as a skill to be joyfully executed, but the right tools aren’t always easy to find. Selections at the big box places can be sadly limited, and online ordering can be a gamble.

“Everybody who comes into the store says they love browsing the merchandise. They’re thrilled that they can support a local business that offers hard-to-find supplies and keeps up with the latest and trending must-have kitchen ware.” –Declan O’Brien, co-owner

rants from Westchester to Albany. The general public is equally welcome. “Everybody who comes into the store says they love looking at all of our merchandise,” says Declan. “They’re thrilled that they don’t have to go down to the city for the latest, trending items or hard-to-find supplies.” Pots, pans, and handy implements you may never have encountered before; a baking section with pie carriers, cookie cutters, and pastry boards; a full pizza section with pizza peels, stones, trays, and slicers; cocktail and bar equipment from shakers in all sizes to ingre70

dients like bitters and elixirs—The Culinary Warehouse has all of it and more in its 5,000-square-foot space, and the staff is happy to help you figure out which of it will serve your needs. And if they haven’t got it in stock, they’ll order it for you. “One time, we had a customer call in looking for 50 nutcrackers that had been overlooked and were needed that day,” says Declan. “We took care of it. We’re here to keep it community-based, and we get interesting calls all the time. My favorite thing about Hudson Valley life is the people; there’s an

“Because the business has been around for so long, we are a go-to for restaurants, home cooks, chefs, caterers, and CIA students—and now a whole new range of pandemic bakers!” –Declan O’Brien, co-owner

abundance of community spirit and a great energy which makes it so much fun to work and live here. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be located in one of the most beautiful places in the country.” Tracy grew up in Dublin, and Declan in Carlow, but the two met in New York. “I grew up in an entrepreneurial family in Ireland and have always been in the service industry, which is what THE CW is all about,” says Declan. “My family did all sorts of things, from farming to several retail businesses, an equipment import and distribution business for the hospitality industry, and a travel business.” New York in the 1980s was magnetic, and after his first visit Declan knew he wanted to go back. He set about getting a green card and established his own travel enterprise, Destinations Ire-

land, which led him to living and working in the East Village, Hell’s Kitchen, and Brooklyn. Destinations Ireland (which is now Destinations Ireland and Beyond, with a sister business, Destinations Golf and Leisure) was a hit, and when he interviewed young Tracy Lane from Dublin for a job, he soon knew he’d found a teammate. “I never thought I’d leave the city,” he says, “but then we visited the Hudson Valley and realized how much more relaxed life could be.” The travel business set up shop in the Millard Building in Midtown Kingston, which just happened to be the home of The Culinary Warehouse. When their landlords wanted to retire from the business, taking it over felt just right for the O’Brien’s, especially as the travel business had long been organizing custom itineraries for immersive food trips. “We felt that with a bit of energy and vision, we could make it more exciting and get more people to know it’s here. 72

I don’t think the business was getting the exposure it deserved, so we’re doing what we can to change that,” Declan says. Non-restaurant-owning humans have been known to ask humbly whether they’re allowed to enter; they’re most certainly not just allowed, but warmly welcomed. And Declan is humbled by the warmth with which they’ve been received. “There is so much good will coming through our door every day, much more than we bargained for. We are thrilled!” he says. “We have a really varied clientele. Because the business has been around for so long, we are a go-to for restaurants, home cooks, chefs, caterers, and CIA students—and now a whole new range of pandemic bakers! We are delighted to see new customers coming in that have moved to the area, and we’re happy to advise and help them with outfitting their kitchens.” Declan and Tracy want to keep building those relationships and figuring out

“Our newest offering is a wedding gift registry service. For newlyweds looking to outfit their kitchens with the greatest in kitchen and culinary ware while supporting local.”–Declan O’Brien, co-owner

fresh and tasty new services. “Our newest offering is a wedding gift registry service,” says Declan. “For newlyweds looking to outfit their kitchens with the latest and greatest in kitchen and culinary ware, their registry list can be packed full of wonderful, practical items that they know they will need and use for years to come. More and more customers are coming to The CW to buy cool gifts for the foodies in their lives; we want to encourage and grow that trend.” So don’t be a stranger, and don’t feel like you have to ask permission to come in, although you can certainly make a personal appointment or shop by phone or email. The Culinary Warehouse is open Monday through Saturday, 11am to 6pm, with a warm welcome for all and new

goodies all the time. “Retail is always changing,” Declan observes. “Being Irish, it’s not untrue that we are friendly, forward, and curious, so we’ve learned from engaging our customers what works and what doesn’t. We also reach out to our community of makers and artisans to help us diversify, stocking pottery, breadboards, and dry goods. Most importantly of all: Every day is an opportunity, a gift, really, to spend time with people and have fun doing it.”

th e c u l i n a r y warehouse 17 Grand Street, Kingston 845-339-2858 culinarywarehouseny.com

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 74

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Bluebird Wine & Spirits 5059 US Highway 209 Accord, NY 12404

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RECIPES

Cocktail Recipes

safe springtime socializing can now safely and comfortably get together outside as the sun shines brighter and longer each day. Invite some friends over, set up some distanced chairs around the yard, and play bartender with some of the Hudson Valley’s best bourbons, gins, and elixirs. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started. u

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Spring is a giddy time, not just for the returning birds and critters, but especially for folks who are feeling the effects of extreme isolation this winter, eager to join up with friends and enjoy life like the good ol’ days. While meeting up with a group at the local saloon for after-work drinks may still not be an option, we

STO U T R I DG E F LOW E R POW E R Created by award-winning bartender Francesco Dionese Combining a Parisian-influenced liqueur that translates into “French gaiety” with a clean, refreshing gin that hints of juniper and lemon, it’s easy to see how this light and flavorful cocktail could easily lift anyone’s spirits. The addition of local honey, raspberries, and lemon make this a perfect spring refresher that’s almost too pretty to drink with the lavender garnish.

I NGR ED I ENT S: 2 oz Stoutridge Gin0 3/4 oz Stoutridge Gaiete Francaise Liqueur 1/2 oz New York wildflower honey 3/4 oz squeezed lemon juice 5 fresh raspberries 1 egg white Lavender for garnish

MET HO D : Shake Stoutridge Gin0, Stoutridge Gaiete Francaise Liqueur, honey, lemon juice, raspberries, and egg white in a cocktail shaker until well mixed.●Add ice and shake again to cool the drink.●Strain into a coupe and garnish with the dried lavender.

Stoutridge Winery & Distillery, Marlboro, stoutridge.com 78

T U T HILLTOWN’S OSTARA Created by Tuthilltown Spirits Ostara is the Germanic goddess of spring and dawn, and an ancient celebration of the midway point when daylight and nighttime are equal. This cocktail evokes the first green bursts of spring as the flora begins to push its way up through the last remaining snow cover. Herbaceous and crisp, Ostara balances the bright, verdant flavors of gentian liqueur against the warm earth tones of Hudson Whiskey, the first bourbon in New York state history.

I N GR E DI E N TS: 1 -1/2 parts Hudson Bright Lights, Big Bourbon Whiskey 1/2 part Suze or other gentian liqueur 1/2 part fresh lime juice 2 dashes celery bitters 4–6 parts club soda 4–6 basil leaves, torn in half, for garnish

ME T HO D: Add all but club soda to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake to chill. Strain into collins glass over new ice and top with club soda. Garnish with two basil leaves.

Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery, Gardiner, hudsonwhiskey.com 79

845.331.1921 esterwineshop.com

57 North Front St. Uptown Kingston

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HOME s a home really a home without an outdoor hangout area? Besides being safe for so-

To get as much of that as you can, craft an outdoor space for your home that’s so sweet you’ll

cializing, outdoors just feels better, whether you’re throwing a party, reading a book on a warm, sunny day, or just watching the clouds roll by. Fresh air and sunshine, as grandmas have been saying forever, do a body good.

never want to go indoors. We have some ideas for you here. Some goodies from the farmers market, local brew and cider in the cooler, grassfed meat sizzling on the grill, heart to heart conversation—it all tastes better under the open sky.

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outdoor home oasis

81 81

privacy Pick the right spot. You don’t want to feel like you’re on display, so think about privacy; add a fence, screen, or hedge as needed. Even a balcony can be privatized with a trellis or a few large plants.

level it up Hardscape, whether it’s a concrete slab, a paving-stone patio, a graveled area, or a deck, makes it easier to keep the grill, tables, and chairs in order and offsets the space nicely from its surroundings.

rugs An outdoor rug adds a blast of color and makes the space cozier. Plus, after a party you can just shake crumbs off into the weeds and you’re good to go.

water The sights and sounds of water instantly add zen to any outdoor space and create a vacation vibe. A garden pond with beautiful koi, a recirculating waterfall nestled into foliage, a meandering stream, or a replenishing pool.... Any water feature will elevate the relaxation of your outdoor oasis.

seating Seating can be as simple or wildly creative as you want to make it, but it should be durable, weatherproof, and comfy. Classic picnic tables are great fun, and there are really cool patio sets these days. You’ll want at least one or two cushiony lounges of some sort, arranged for conversation and stargazing.

hammock Treat yourself to a hammock. Whether it’s quilted or nylon or woven, nothing goes better with a book and a glass of wine.

fire

Add a firepit for night-time fun. You can buy a gorgeous one, of course, or you can build one from stones you find or purchase. There’s nothing like laughing under the night sky while a fire flickers and crackles merrily.

debug The work you’ve put in on hardscaping your rig will help convince creepy-crawlies to stay away. So will citronella candles or torches. You’ll still get some tiny visitors, but far fewer—especially if you take care not to let standing water accumulate in unused buckets or odd corners.

lighting Let there be light. Indoor-outdoor solar lighting comes in an amazing variety these days, from hanging lanterns to strings of faerie lights you can wrap around a tree limb. 84

plants A few arranged container plants—flowers, ornamental grasses, even pots of herbs—add a lovely vibe. You can even have a couple of cherry tomato plants in pots within reach of your hammock. Now that’s living.

decor Add a select decoration or two that brings you peace and joy. It could be a gazing ball, a metalwork sculpture piece, a fountain, or statuary—something that adds ambiance and serenity to your space.

some fun A badminton net, a bocce court, a croquet set, or a tote full of Super Soaker squirt guns will not only amuse you and your peers, it’ll delight visiting kids for hours on end.

the music Get a decent Bluetooth speaker to pair with your phone and you’re all set. 85

shade When the sun is at its highest point, cool shade is essential for comfort. Shade sails, patio umbrellas, and large cantilever umbrellas are widely available in all colors and sizes and will become your best friend when the summer heats up.

cook spot Have a cooking area. You can always spear hotdogs and marshmallows on green twigs over the fire, but there may be moments when you want something more elaborate. A grill, even a simple clamshell one, and a sturdy table for prep space are all you really need—those and the tongs, fork, and spatula, plus a cooler.

shop locally When you’re ready to get started on your new outdoor getaway, be sure to contact or visit our vast array of local hardware stores, patio outfitters, nurseries, pool supply shops, and landscaping businesses. You can get expert advice, sound design ideas, quality products, native plants, and more, all right here. 86

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Meet The Owner

manage this home by an n e pybu r n craig

ike many Hudson Valley residents, Erika Sampaio and her husband first discovered the area as an escape. “After living in Manhattan for 10 years, my husband and I bought a country home in Kerhonkson. Since then, we’ve split our time between the city and the mountains. I love the balancing effect of the Catskills. After just a few days here, I feel whole again. I love hosting friends and neighbors for meals, cycling at the

im ages p rovid ed

Ashokan rail trail, hiking at Mohonk Preserve, and swimming in Lake Minnewaska.” Erika knows more than a bit about travel and feeling at home; her roots are in Rio de Janeiro, and when she moved to the US in 2002, she found a job with Hilton Hotels. “During my six years with Hilton, I built a solid foundation in customer service,” she says. “I have 18 years of experience managing day-to-day hotel operations and extensive train-

All of that experience is now being poured into Manage This Home, Erika’s Airbnb property management service that aims to provide a seamless, stress-free experience for hosts that translates into glowing reviews and better earnings. “I’ve been a fan of short-

MEET THE OWNER

term rental homes for years,” Erika says. “I love the feeling of living like a local, even if it’s just for the weekend. That being said, I found that hosts were not always realizing their rental homes’ maximum potential. The experience can and should be an unforgettable one that maximizes revenue. I’d often think, ‘I wish I could help hosts solve these issues.’” Launching this spring, Manage This Home offers full-service Airbnb property management via two service options: Comprehensive Airbnb Management, in

“Airbnb seems like a lot of work to many homeowners, keeping them from giving it a try; Manage This Home aims to bridge this gap to elevate the experience of hosts and their guests, so that guests will be wowed every step of the way.” –Erika Sampaio, owner

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ing in bespoke hospitality. My experience helped me form a network of trusted industry partners and service providers. I’m also a New York Real Estate Institute certified property manager and I studied Hospitality Management at Cornell University.”

which Erika and her team set up the property, manage the calendar and communications, implement seasonally optimized pricing, coordinate check-in/ out, and offer 24/7 customer support, and Vendor Management Service, which is a hands-on solution for maintenance and service scheduling and communication. “We coordinate maintenance and handle scheduling and communication, ensuring each vendor arrives as scheduled and that the work is done properly,” Erika says. “For example, we can help with housekeeping, firewood, pest control, snow removal, landscaping, pool maintenance, and trash pickup. We’re even able to make house calls in case of emergencies.” The goal is a bespoke experience that will win well-deserved raves, and Erika is intimately familiar with the relevant arts and sciences. “Our ideal customer is second-home owners looking to rent out their place when they are not using their home. We love working with clients who are uncompromising in offering the best experiences to their guests,” she says. “If your goal is to receive stellar reviews and superhost status, you should talk to us.” An Airbnb superhost in her own right, Erika knows that staying on top of guests’ needs, especially from a distance and amidst a busy life, can be daunting. 92

“We can help with housekeeping, firewood, pest control, snow removal, landscaping, pool maintenance, and trash pickup. We’re even able to make house calls in case of emergencies.” –Erika Sampaio

“During the pandemic, I started planning support

sonally train our carefully chosen staff. By the way,

systems for neighbors who wanted to host but either didn’t have the time, were not prepared to answer 2am phone calls, or were concerned about possible damage to their furniture going unnoticed. I knew I could solve it. Beyond that, we understand the unique appeal of Airbnb and how to strategically create a fantastic experience for guests. We blend elements of traditional hospitality with proprietary technology and training processes to ensure your property is reaching its full revenue potential.”

we’re hiring! If you think you’d be a good fit, if you’re seriously passionate about impeccable service, please reach out. I enjoy supporting the local community by employing local talent—many of whom have been out of the work due to COVID. We’re also excited to attract more tourism to support local businesses that have been impacted these past months.“

It’s work she loves, built on the classic entrepreneurial model of discovering that something you start doing for yourself is a hot ticket for others, as well. “I take immense pleasure in personally helping clients throughout the entire process, from start to finish, and I’m a master problem-solver,” Erika says. “I manage our day-to-day operations, solicit feedback on homeowners’ and guests’ experiences, and per-

Manage This Home is perfectly positioned to refine and elevate regional Airbnb practices through the pandemic and beyond. “COVID accelerated the need for the solutions our company provides. The travel industry has evolved, and today, many travelers feel safer in an Airbnb than in a hotel, but always enjoy the same standard of service. Airbnb seems like a lot of work to many homeowners, keeping them from giving it a try; Manage This Home aims to bridge this gap to elevate the experience of 93

“We blend elements of traditional hospitality with proprietary technology and training processes to ensure your property is reaching its full revenue potential.” –Erika Sampaio, owner

hosts and their guests so that guests will be wowed every step of the way.” To celebrate the birth of an idea whose time has come, Erika’s offering celebratory discounts on bundled services this spring. For Airbnb management, she charges a percentage of each booking; residential services can be contracted by the month or year, with incentives for booking a full year. To stay in touch and learn about promotions and offerings, follow their Instagram feed @managethishome. As an upstate homeowner, Erika understands the nitty-gritty stuff that can feel baffling to folks who are used to having a landlord or superintendent on speed dial. “From well water and septic tank issues to winter weather and summer pest

control, these are some of the myriad complexities we understand,” she says. “We help homeowners sleep easy. When you trust our team with the keys to your home, you will enjoy the freedom to earn income when it works for you; our team will personally look after clients’ financial goals and beautiful homes and furnishings, while making sure clients and their guests have an extraordinary experience. Work with us, and you’ll come to love the Airbnb way as much as we do.”

M a n a g e T his Home 929-418-9519 @managethishome managethishome.com

COUNTRY LIVING AT ITS FINEST

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Different StrokeS Painting ComPany Joshua Rodriguez- Fully Insured A & M HARDWARE

Mon-Sat 7:30-6 Sun 8:30-4 5000 Route 209, Accord, NY 845-626-2788 amhardware.doitbest.com 96

InterIor/exterIor • resIdentIal/CommerCIal 195 White Lands Road, Stone Ridge 845-389-5121 differentstrokespainting845@gmail.com

Driveway Before

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HOME

Home Matters

gardening basics by anne pybur n craig

Following a few time-honored guidelines will help you avoid the pitfalls that can interfere with that enchantment. So here’s a basic primer that will set you on the path to victory in the garden.

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Gardening is uniquely satisfying. There’s work involved, but it’s the simple, peaceful kind you can do while you meditate or ponder; you’re placing yourself directly in the current of life’s river and helping it flow. And at the end of the day, there’s salad that tastes of sunshine and satisfaction.

the dirt

tools You’ll want a few basics: gloves, a sun hat, something to sit or kneel on, and a couple of digging tools like a spade and a garden claw, a watering can or a hose with a watering attachment. These few objects will make your work so much easier. 100

It all begins with soil. Is it mostly clay? Sandy? If it’s super-sandy or super-dense, you’ll want to amend it with some topsoil or potting soil. You’ll also need to break it up; do yourself a favor and rent or borrow a tiller for this if your planned garden is large. Different kinds of plants prefer different kinds of soil; do some research, choose the ones you love to eat, and plant them at the recommended time of year. Read the instructions. Chat up the people at the plant nursery.

compost Compost adds nitrogen, which is wonderful, but if you’re adding it just before planting it needs to be well-aged. Fall is a great time to add compost or manure to your garden bed, giving it time to break down further into the soil. Double-digging—removing the topsoil, breaking up the layer below and mixing in compost, then replacing the topsoil—is labor-intensive, but the effort pays off.

Image: EllenEckerOgden.com

seedlings the design Plan ahead. Draw your garden out on paper, or set your young plants out atop the soil in possible arrangements and rearrange until it feels just right. Label the location of each crop; it can be easy to forget what’s planted where. Grow things you love to eat and choose the healthiest-looking seedlings you can find.

If your plan is to plant from seeds, you’ll need containers, good quality seed starting soil, and a warm, well-lit place for the babies to grow. If you have abundant natural light pouring into your home, that will suffice; otherwise, consider purchasing grow lights for ensured success. Follow the instructions on the seed package to the letter, and be ready to plant the seedlings into the ground when grown enough. Local nurseries abound with varieties of seeds and experts who are ready to guide you. Starting from seed allows you to choose a specific variety that may be hard to find.

planting When you’ve got your nice loose soil and your seedlings, dig a hole for each that’s a little bigger than the plant’s root ball. Don’t pull the plant out of its little pot by the stem; instead, turn it over and squeeze the sides of the cup till the plant drops neatly into your hand. Set it in its nest and fill in loosely. Water thoroughly. Repeat at the recommended distance; you don’t want to overcrowd. 101

advisor s watering Keep the soil moist while seeds are germinating or seedlings are taking root, but don’t drown the poor things. Once plants are established, water as needed. A quick test is to stick your finger about two inches into the dirt; if it’s dry, water. Simulate a few minutes of gentle steady rain.

Make friends with your local branch of the Cornell Cooperative Extension. Their Community Horticulture Programs are a treasure trove of expertise and services; they’ll help you every step of the way, whether you’re planting veggies, herbs, ornamentals, ornamental veggies and herbs, or all of the above and an orchard.

intruder s

Stay ahead of the weeds from the start. You need to get them out roots and all and that’s a lot easier when they’re wee and tender. Dispose of them someplace besides your compost pile or you run the risk of replanting them. Also have a plan for dealing with bugs and other hungry interlopers. Organic pest management is about understanding your specific pests and employing a variety of best practices to keep them under control, mitigating damage while being gentle to the land. 102

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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

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.

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POUGHKEEPSIE

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NEWBURGH

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Route 44 845-454-4330

Route 9W 845-336-6300

Route 300 845-569-0303

Route 9 845-632-9955

OUTDOORS

Outdoors

l e t ’s g o f l y a k i t e ! by roch elle ris ervato made of paper or fabric, wood, ribbon, and string. It catapults you back to childhood and can bring out the fun-loving kid in everyone.

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Remember the days when you were a kid and kite flying was one of life’s pleasures? It’s a simple structure—or perhaps not so simple, but something that is basically

107

The purpose of the first kites flown thousands of years ago was to lift offerings and give thanks to the gods for good harvests, weather, and prosperity.

Kite flying is a great way to connect an entire family to a spectacular breezy day in open fields, meadows, hilltops, and other picturesque places in the Hudson Valley. The origin and purpose of the first kites flown thousands of years ago, even 1,000 years before paper was made, was to lift offerings and give thanks to the gods for good harvests, weather, and prosperity. Although it’s said kites were first made in ancient China with silk and bamboo, other lore tells of kites being crafted from leaves over 3,000 years ago. But whatever flies-your-kite, this primordial creation has yet to be upstaged by a video game when it comes to easy outdoor fun. And kitemakers have become increasingly creative as the sands of time have been whisked away. In addition to the classic designs of our youth, there are now stunt kites, in-the-wind competition kites, and kites in myriad shapes and sizes.

108

Would you believe the largest kite on record created by New Zealand kitemaker Peter Lynn and validated by Guinness is almost 138 feet by 81 feet? And here’s a bit more high-flying trivia: The smallest kite in the world that actually flies is .196850 inches high; the longest kite in the world is 3,394 feet long; the longest “kite fly” is 180 hours; some Japanese kites weigh over two tons; the highest a single kite has ever flown is 13,600 feet above sea level; and the fastest recorded speed of a kite is over 120 mph. When it comes to world history, kites were used in the American Civil War to deliver letters and newspapers; large kites were banned in East Germany so a man couldn’t be lifted over the Berlin Wall; kite flying was banned in China during the Cultural Revolution and those found flying a kite were remanded to jail for up to three years and their kites destroyed; and of course we have all learned that our own Benjamin Franklin used a kite to verify that lightning was, indeed, electricity.

History and fun-facts aside, just pick a day when a soft breeze strokes your face but doesn’t blow your hairpiece off. Now hold up a wet finger or watch tall grasses sway to and fro to verify which way the wind is blowing—and get the kids, your boyfriend, your bff, or go it solo—but just get out there and fly a kite!

And did you know that April is National Kite Month? It’s dedicated to the sport of kite flying, a venture co-founded by the American Kitefliers Association and the Kite Trade Association International. There are global kite events to help introduce people to the fun of kite flying, the rich history of kites, the stunning artistry of kitemakers, and how kites can be used as educational tools.

l ocations fo r ki te-f l yi ng : As easy as it may seem to find a place to fly a kite, there are many locations that do not allow kite flying unless it is a “regulated activity.” According to New York State Parks rules and regulations, kite flying is not permitted at any state park unless it is a regulated activity event; however, a park official stated it may be according to an individual park. If you do choose a state park and are asked to stop, please do so.

Many kite-fliers go to a local open field or school field when they are not in use. One local kiter says he flies at the DUTCHESS RADIO CONTROL FIELD on County Route 56 in Millbrook and at the New Paltz High School athletic field—provided neither have an event going on. Another kite enthusiast said he goes to KINGSTON POINT BEACH during the spring. It’s a hit or miss situation,

but PUBLIC SCHOOL FIELDS, when not being used for sports or school events, and open fields and meadows, provided they are not private lands, are often available to kiters. In addition, all the Department of Environmental Conservation Preserves allow kiting, but most don’t have open fields unless one hikes above the tree lines. 109

ea st o f the hu d so n: OLANA: The 250 acres of gorgeous, artist-designed (Frederick Church) landscape hosts a long hill, called the Sienghenburgh, that not only offers a spectacular view but is perfect for kite flying, which is welcomed. Open 8am to sunset daily, year round. There is a vehicle use fee of $5 per car on weekends and holiday Mondays April to October, from 10am to 4pm. All other times, admission to the grounds is free. The Olana Partnership of NY State Parks; 518-828-0135. STONY KILL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER: 1,000 acres, mostly woods; however, there are areas that kites can be flown. Wappingers Falls. 845-831-1617; stonykill.org. LONGDOCK PARK: A huge grassy peninsula jets out to the Hudson, perfect for kite flying. Beacon. 845-4734440. scenichudson.org.

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POET’S WALK: Incredibly picturesque park with open fields, gazebos, and trails. Red Hook. 845-473-4440. scenichudson.org. HARRIER HILL PARK: Wide open meadows for kite flying. Gazebos for picnicking and family fun. Hudson. 845-473-4440. scenichudson.org.

west o f the hu d s o n : ULSTER COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE: The college campus presents an opportunity to liberate yourself—become ungrounded and enjoy the open space so perfect for kite flying. In fact, the college encourages kite flying as a de-stresser for students. 491 Cottekill Road, Stone Ridge. 845-687-5000; sunyulster.edu.

want to make a kite at home? HERE ARE SIMPLE PLANS FOR A DIAMOND SHAPED KITE THAT KIDS CAN MAKE AT HOME. You’ll need a large piece of paper or plastic garbage bag, butcher cord or thin garden twine, one 35” stick and one 40” stick (you can use garden stakes, dowels, straight twigs, or wooden skewers), scissors, strong tape or glue, and ribbon. Optional for decorations: markers, stickers, glitter, and more.

1 Take the two sticks and cross the shorter, horizontal one, called the “spar” about one-third down from the top of the vertical stick, called the “spine”. Now tie them together at the intersection with a piece of string by wrapping the string around the back of the main stick and then continually crisscrossing the string from front and back a few times—for a nice secure, non-wobbly fit. Make sure that both sides of the crosspiece are equal in width. If you want extra hold, put a dab of glue on the knot. 2

Lay the “sail” flat, or in this case the paper or bag, and if you want to decorate with markers or stickers, now is the time to do it! Then place the stick frame face down on top. Cut around it, leaving

1 enough at the tips so that you can wrap the plastic around the stick ends. Then secure the wrapped plastic with tape or glue to hold in place on the stick. Make sure that it is tight.

Now, tie a piece of string on the horizontal stick halfway from the end to the vertical stick; leave a v-shaped slack of string that will look like an upside-down triangle. It should not be tight across, leave the slack. Then knot-tie the string on the right side of the vertical stick halfway to the end.

4 Then tie the end of a big ball or a “reel” of string to the bottom portion of the vertical stick (this is the bottom of your kite) and loop it up and around the slacked string, tying a simple knot at the intersection of the two strings (so it forms a triangular pyramid shape). This is called the “bridle”.

3 4

Next, take your brightly colored ribbons and tie a couple of 2-foot lengths to the end of the kite to help balance it. This is called the “tail”. You may wish to attach a small weight, like a simple metal washer, if the ribbons don’t seem heavy enough for your kite.

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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 golf putting green • trips to museums • concerts in the park

MVM Brochure Mech 12.16.07 MVM Brochure Mech 12.16.07

12/17/07 12/17/07

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Discover �our happ� place.

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Always fresh. We’ve long been a destination for wellbeing and spring is a perfect time to visit our wide open, safe spaces. Come dig in the dirt and forage for ramps. Buy fresh produce the farmer picked in the morning. Savor a freshly crafted beer or distilled spirit. Stroll down a verdant green rail trail. Sleep in designer bedding.

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