VISITvortex Holiday/Winter 2011-12 by VISITvortex

Winter 2011/12 FREE

Local GIFT GUIDE

The Winter SPORT For You Holiday BAKERS & Cupcake Makers COZYING Your Winter Home Delicious Local MEALS and DRINK RECIPES Holiday/Winter EVENTS CALENDAR

HOLIDAY/WINTER GUIDE to Hudson Valley Living by visitvortex.com

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Snowstorm Advisory! (a calling, not a warning) While everyone else is stuck at home, Subaru owners are out enjoying life. Having fun. Missing nothing.

See why Colonial Subaru is the best selling Subaru dealer in the region.

761 East Chester Street Kingston, NY www.colonialsubaru.com 845-339-3333

Everything you need to make your house a home.

65 Y EAR S • 19462011

845.876.WOOD

www.williamslumber.com

Rhinebeck Salt Point hudSon hoPewell tanneRSville Red hook high FallS hYde PaRk

UNIQUE OBJECTS WITH EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN & STYLE

1209 State Rt. 213 High Falls, NY 845.687.4481 sprucedesigndecor.com

Spruce Design + Decor represents an unexpected blend of 20th Century furnishings, art, lighting and decorative objects. The eclectic mix includes an ever-changing vintage selection by both American and European mid-century masters, along with many hand selected pieces that simply have incredible style. The shop is the result of two menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion for collecting and seeking out the rare and unique. They now offer their finds to you. Interior design services are also available.

table of CONTENTS

your home: Cozying Your WINTER HOME shop locally: ANTIQUES 101 Q&A

87 community: The Gift of Giving 89 shop locally: Local GIFT GUIDE 93

holiday: Holiday BAKERS & Cupcake Makers holiday: Local Holiday Drink RECIPES

105 home improvement: Winter TREE Care 111 local history: HISTORY on the Hudson

eating out: Seasonal Cheer at Local RESTAURANTS

73 79

shop locally: The Valley’s MICRO-BREWS our farms: Winter Farmer’s MARKETS

body, mind & soul: On WINTER

outdoors: The Perfect WINTER SPORT For You outdoors: Winter CAMPING

our farms: Choose LOCAL MEATS

117 outdoors: Hudson Valley NIGHT SKIES 119 events: WHAT’S HAPPENING Hudson Valley 123 doing good: The Catskill Forest Association

This quarterly magazine is brought to you by VISITvortex.com. If you’d like to advertise in this magazine, on the website, or if you’d like us to produce a professional marketing video for you, please call us at 845-687-3470.

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Call 845-687-3470

visitvortex@gmail.com

PO Box 82, High Falls, NY

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It’s a portrait of the people and places that make the area unique. Get in-depth info about Mid-Hudson Valley local perspectives, events, and businesses right from the source—its people. VISITvortex...BE DRAWN IN!

OUR MISSION is to help you

tell your story & spread the word. We produce great little videos about the area and its businesses. We promote those videos and slideshows on www.visitvortex.com. And we publish this quarterly magazine to keep you all abreast of the greatest things to do and see each season in the Mid-Hudson Valley. SALES/OPERATIONS: Jesse Marcus CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Melissa Hewitt EDITOR: Chris Fenichel-Hewitt OFFICE MANAGER: Megan Corette PHOTOGRAPHY: Roy Gumpel WRITERS: Jay Blotcher, Carlo DeVito, Nina Flanagan, Peter Landau, David McCarthy, Sean O’Dwyer, Rochelle Riservato, Alysse Robin, Peter Sonnenberg, Ryan Trapani, Tod Westlake VISITvortex, Post Office Box 82 High Falls, New York 12440 visitvortex@gmail.com www.visitvortex.com 845-687-3470

ABOUT US

This is the season of coming together to endure the cold and reflect—when families and friends can express their gratitude and appreciation for each other. Over the past months we’ve all undergone or seen some challenges with weather and economy, but together we thrive as a community of mutual support. We want to take this opportunity to thank our readers, advertisers, and contributors for helping our small business to thrive and grow. As we get together this holiday season, let’s remember to appreciate the people around us. Let’s put our attention toward the things in our lives that bring us joy. This effort of intention, even in very small increments, can expand our ability to attract more and more wonderful things to our lives. Our community is made up of all of us, and the more we develop as individuals, the more strength we have as a community. We are grateful for all of you, for all of the support, for the family, and network of friends and businesses that feel like family, and for this beautiful landscape that we know as home. Working together within this community, to put it simply, is a wonderful way of life. —Melissa and Jesse

subscribe Don’t miss a season of the VISITvortex quintessential guide to the region. Subscribe today. BE SURE TO GET YOUR COPY BEFORE THEY’RE ALL PICKED UP. Every three months, VISITvortex magazine inspires readers with seasonal events, hikes, recreation, home & garden ideas, and where to eat, stay, and play—not to mention hundreds of local videos at VISITvortex.com. One year subscription, Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall for $25. Send a check to VISITvortex at PO Box 82, High Falls, NY 12440. Or just call or email and tell us you’d like to subscribe. 845-687-3470. visitvortex@gmail.com Name___________________________________________ Email____________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Notes _____________________________________________________________________________________________

VISITvortex IS COMMUNITY.

We are incredibly lucky to live in a community with so many amazing independent businesses. Occupy Main Street is not a foreign concept, as most of us frequent village shops and restaurants instead of big box stores whenever possible. We understand the idea of supporting each other, businesses here have a face.

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WHOweARE

Working Together

KINGSTON PLAZA 845-338-6300 www.herzogs.com

HOLIDAY SAVINGS OFFER: One time offer ends 12/23/ 2011 RECEIVE 20% OFF any single full priced holiday item with coupon.

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FA LL S

M E E R C A N T I L

HIGH FALLS MERCANTILE 3.5"

113 Main Street High Falls, NY 12440 845.687.4200 highfallsmercantile.com

HOME FURNISHINGS, REDEFINED At High Falls Mercantile we source and sell an eclectic, fun and sophisticated mix of unique, fine home furnishings with a point of view that’s become our signature. We select our wares with an eye toward quality and beauty, timeless design, anticipating you’ll own and appreciate our home décor and accessories for many, many years. Follow us on TWITTER: larryruhl and on FACEBOOK: facebook.com/highfallsmercantile

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G H HI

YOUR HOME

COZYING

your winter home DESIGN TIPS FROM LOCAL EXPERTS by Rochelle Riservato

any Hudson Valley residents and tourists enjoy the cold, brisk, and refreshing weather of winter—taking to the slopes, sleigh riding, and creating snow sculptures can be exhilarating. However, once you’ve come in from the invigorating cold air, A HOME SHOULD GREET

YOU WITH A WARM AND INVITING FEELING TO TAKE THE CHILL AWAY. Winterizing a home can also mean transforming your home into an inviting retreat to escape the drab, gray days of winter with home décor. Decorating can and will play a huge role in adding a feeling of winter coziness—and in some cases actually provide warmth!

LAYERING along with a fabulous wool throw on the sofa, and make sure you have adequate lighting for reading and entertaining purposes. Also, use colors that reflect the season—browns and grays mixed with red and orange tones are our favorites. Fill your home with things you absolutely love. Mix modern with old.”

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John Krenek of Spruce Design and Décor in High Falls says, “Just as we add layers to our wardrobe for the winter season, we always advise our clients to do the same to their homes. This is the time to prepare our ‘nest’ for Old Man Winter’s fury, and it’s all about comfort! Add beautiful blankets to the ends of beds for those frigid nights, put mohair or velvet pillows

Spruce Design + Decor

LIGHTING And with winter providing our homes with less uplifting daylight, The Tender Land Home’s owner and decorating expert, David Pillard, suggests, “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. Candles have the same effect. Choose jewel tone colors like burgundy, deep greens and reds, and dark browns, cluster the candles around a room, and instantly a room becomes a refuge. If you prefer scented candles choose something woodsy like Fraser fir—a gentle reminder of the winter forest outside.”

ENTERTAINING

So just a candle, a change of color, or some wintry-warm throws can alter a home into an entirely new look for the season. But there’s even more one can do to make a home feel warmer. Larry Ruhl from The High Falls Mercantile suggests a different kind of warmth—the warmth of having friends around you—even furry ones! Says Ruhl, “As winter approaches, one of the best ways to keep warm and toasty in your home is to entertain. Beautiful table settings with loads of candles, a fire, friends, and of course the warmth of our four-legged friends all bring a sense of comfort and safety.” 14

High Falls Mercantile

REJUVENATING

While decorating and entertaining are fabulous ways to transform your home, what about giving yourself some winter revival, as Robin Kirk of The Nest Egg Country Store in Phoenicia advises. “Forget the home for just a bit—after all you just dug your car out of a snow bank! So take time to indulge yourself by making your bathroom a warm and cozy place to be. Just take a nice, leisurely bath with some special hand-made soap that looks and smells good enough to eat. The Nest Egg offers many—from Milk ‘n’ Honey, Olive Oil and Aloe to Green Tea and Cucumber and a plethora of so many other soothing varieties.” And as you’re lavishing yourself clean, Kirk suggests adding the mind-therapeutic essence of incense as it wafts softly across the room. And to top it off, add the warm glow of candles to provide the only light you’ll need to clear the mind and transition yourself into a nice meditative state in the soothing environment of warm water. Having these little luxuries in your bathroom all winter long adds welcoming warmth for not only you, but winter guests as well. Kirk also suggests, “After your bath, get into something snugly warm, such as our LazyOne PJs, that provides the perfect ‘hug’ of cozy softness.” Ahh, the luxury of a bath is surely a fantastic way to rejuvenate the mind and body after some winter chores or outdoor sporting.

“Paint is such a quick way for transformation, and it’s not permanent,” says Keck. “It’s an affordable way to add warmth and tone to completely transform any room or just give a pop to small spaces such as foyers.” With today’s wallpapers available in myriad designs from subtle to textural, a one-day, one wall paint or wallpaper project can alter the aura of a home in a very short time. “We just did Ostrich-skin textured wallpaper in an office,” says Keck.

YOUR HOME

RICHNESS

And for other pops of color, Jenny Wonderling, owner of Nectar—a feast for the senses in High Falls—says, “When the temperature dips we reach for our cozy throws and blankets. Not only are they the perfect snuggle partners, but they add splashes of color and coziness to any space.” She says the roasted reds, deep oranges, and toasty creams can warm a room and adds that there’s nothing quite like nestling into a soft cashmere throw with a steaming cup of hand-crafted specialty tea blends for those crisp nights—from velvety, floral bouquets to exotic and luxurious greens, creamy blacks, and spicy chais. And while sipping and snuggling, don’t forget to grab a journal for your thoughts during winter hibernation. Whimsical or leather bound, lined or not, write on!

For a real colorful way to brighten up winter, one of Herzog’s expert design consultants, Allison Keck, suggests paint as a dazzling way to change ambiance. Although it may seem like a drastic or permanent change, Keck said you can just do one wall as a focal point; she adds that one can always repaint.

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ADD COLOR

Nectar

SUNSHINE IN

Now if you wish to go beyond the simple—and either already have that extra special sunroom addition or have been planning on one—why not ponder the suggestion and advice from Colleen DePuy of Hudson Valley Sunrooms in Port Ewen? She explains that a Four Seasons 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. Says DePuy, “A glass addition can not only lift the spirits of winter doldrums, but it allows a winter-long array of real plants to provide you and your family a most healthy environment—plus a stunningly comfortable atmosphere with pops of color! Add a wood-burning or propane stove and you’ve got a warm and welcoming place for visitors—or a place to just kick-back on a wintry day while snuggling into a comfy couch, reading a book, or sipping hot cocoa while watching the kids build a snowman!” Sounds like a visual version of “surround-sound” that’ll certainly keep one from experiencing sun deficiency disorder.

the home. The heat provided by these stoves will help homeowners save significantly on annual heating bills.”

So whether it be a simple pop of color with paint, pillows, or plush throws— or a more extensive heating unit or sunroom—you can be sure there are definitely many ways to make a Hudson Valley abode into a homey, inviting place for a bit of hibernation over those cold winter months. REFERENCES John Krenek, Spruce Design + Décor, 1209 Route 213, High Falls. 845-687-4481; sprucedesigndecor.com David Pillard, The Tender Land Home, 64 Main Street, Phoenicia. 845-688-7213; tenderlandhome.com Larry Ruhl, High Falls Mercantile, Route 213, High Falls. 845-687-4200; highfallsmercantile.com Robin Kirk, The Nest Egg Country Store, 84 Main Street, Phoenicia. 845-688-5851; nesteggshop.com

FIRESIDE

And finally, speaking of winter-warm suggestions and being warm, both emotionally and physically, John Mountford of Fireside Warmth in Kingston says, “A great way to create warmth in the home is with a new high-efficiency wood burning or pellet stove. Styles range from modern to classic and vary in size to suit a variety of needs. These heaters can provide warmth and radiant heat in individual rooms and throughout 16

Colleen DePuy, Hudson Valley Sunrooms, 355 Broadway, Port Ewen. 845-339-1787; hvsk.fourseasonssunrooms.com John Mountford, Fireside Warmth, 901 Route 28, Kingston. 845-331-5656; firesidewarmthonline.com Jenny Wonderling, Nectar, 1412 Route 213, High Falls. 845-687-2870; nectarimports.com Allison Keck, Herzog’s Home Center, 151 Plaza Road, Kingston Plaza, Kingston. 845-338-6300; herzogs.com

THEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NO PLACE LIKE HOME furniture home accessories perfect gifts

the tender land

HOME

open every day from 10am to 6pm saturdays till 8pm closed wednesday

64 main street post office box 220 phoenicia, ny 12464 tenderlandhome.com 845-688-7213

Serving the Hudson Valley Since 1984

Hudson Valley Sunrooms Route 9W (just south of Kingston) Kingston, NY 845-339-1787 Beacon, NY 845-838-1235

Come Visit Our Design Center

hvsk.fourseasonssunrooms.com 17

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A FEAST FOR THE SENSES! Reclaimed wood furniture, architectural items, Fair Trade gifts, jewelry, tea, and furnishings in a range of prices. • Interior Decorating Services • Custom home furnishings (as seen at The Emerson Resort) • Unique Bridal Registry

1412 Route 213, High Falls, NY 12440 845-687-2870 www.nectarimports.com

BEAUTIFUL NEW INVENTORY ARRIVING WEEKLY. A celebration of beauty. Visit our new website!

Gifts From the Heart Food for the Body Art for the Soul

With more than 20 shops, over 30 antique dealers, music, and some of the finest views in New Paltz, Water Street Market has something for everyone.

WATER STREET MARKET

10 Main Street, New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-1403 www.waterstreetmarket.com

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• Hot drinks, savory morsels & sweet delicacies • Vintage collectibles, stylish clothes & designer jewelry • One-of-a-kind decorative pieces and fine art

Happy Holidays

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Hudson Valley antique dealers share commonly asked questions.

SHOP LOCALLY

Antiques 101

SO WE ASKED SEVERAL SHOP OWNERS AND ANTIQUE COLLECTORS TO SHARE THEIR KNOWLEDGE ON THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ASKED BY THEIR PATRONS—LOVERS OF THE OLD.

Where do you find your stuff?

A. “I look far

and wide and shop wherever I am. I take vacations to shopping venues and am willing to carry heavy items long distances if the price is right. I hunt antique shops, HiHo Home Market

auctions, and barn and estate sales— mostly in New York, Pennsylvania, and Maine. Much of my inventory is from my house, and I’ll tell you that having a small house forces one to ‘edit’ often. I find ‘new’ old stuff I just have to own, buy it for myself and then, unfortunately, something has to go—so it ends up being in Downtown, which allows me to have a constant flow of new

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The world of antiques and collectibles runs the gamut from the warm and fuzzy memories of toys and home décor to the authentic, almost unaffordable pieces auctioned off at premier auction houses or sold at high-end antique shops. Luckily, the Hudson Valley offers a wonderful selection of shops that specialize in what the market desires and what their customers love the most. These same shop owners also realize that many people have a wide range of questions about this genre called “antiques” and the array of merchandise it includes.

by Rochelle Riservato

High Falls Mercantile

inventory. Also, many times customers will come to me with high-end pieces that they’ve inherited and outgrown. I’m always on the hunt for primitive, old painted pieces of furniture (chests, cupboards, tables), English Ironstone, paintings, and more as I specialize in a gamut—from primitive to vintage industrial pieces.” Ron Sharkey, Downtown Antiques, Accord. 845-706-1070.

same way as the originals—however one big difference is if you look at the bottom of an original, it is the color of the clay (yellowish) whereas the new ones are glazed the same color as the top (blue, green, etc). Also new pieces are not finished as well and the painting of the flowers is often not done quite as well, either. Value? Original Roseville

I have a Roseville vase that I inherited from my aunt. Someone told me that there are fakes around of this maker. How do I tell if mine is authentic or not?

A. “I give classes on antiques and

collectibles, and a question I hear a lot is ‘what is my item worth and how old is it?’ A good example is Roseville pottery, which are being reproduced—from the original Roseville pieces mostly made in the 1930s. Unfortunately, the fakes are marked the

Dead Relatives

was made. Since much of my early merchandise was from my actual family heritage, I was able to give the buyer a story about it. They love that. It seems like buying an antique is more than just procuring something for one’s home; it’s as if people love to know that their new acquisition had another life—a history—and can be revived to give meaning and significance to another’s life.” Michael Cacchio, Dead Relatives Antiques and Gifts, High Falls. 845255-5036 or 845-658-9613. Search Dead Relatives on Facebook.

pieces can fetch between $100 and $200 whereas the new, reproduced pieces should only be priced no more than $20.” Walter Marquez, president of Ulster County Antique Association and owner-manager at Water Street Market Antiques, New Paltz. 845-255-1403.

Do you know the background of this antique?

A. “I find that once a customer

has chosen a piece to purchase, they want to know something about it. Such as: where it came from, if I knew the owner, what time period it

I’ve been told that veneered furniture is not as valuable as solid wood furniture. Is this true?

A. “Veneer is a thin layer of wood

glued down to other woods. And yes, many people think veneered furniture is of lesser quality than pieces made of solid wood. But, veneer is not a modern invention. The use of veneer goes back nearly 4,000 years. Early forms of veneer were found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs. Much of the century-old royal furnishings used complex veneer construction. Craftsmen sought boards with fine grains—such as the fork of a mahogany tree with elaborate ‘flame’ grain or a walnut tree knot that offers a

A. “Fancy Victorian or heavy, dark, carved pieces aren’t as popular as they used to be, by a long shot, and we don’t even stock those styles

I have a home with contemporary furnishing. Is it okay to mix in antiques and vintage finds?

A. Your home should reflect your

life and the way you live, and, yes, adding antiques to your current furnishings will add timeless style to your home and a sense of history. Modern interiors and spaces with contemporary furnishings feel warmer

SHOP LOCALLY and more like homes when you add a few pieces that have patina, family memories, some history, and age. Our secret to mixing old and new is color. We create smooth transitions with color as the common thread. Pairing unlikely pieces together like a vintage sofa and modern pillows gives a room personalized character. Simple collections of antiques always add charm, even in the smallest of spaces. Mixing different styles of antiques with vintage and new furnishings will allow you to avoid a style cliché. If you see something you love, old or new, you can always find a place for it in your home. Just remember a well-edited room should look as if it’s been collected over time and newer isn’t always better.” Heidi Hill-Haddard, HiHo Home Market and Antique Center. Gardiner. 845-255-1123. hihohome.com

HiHo Home Market

Have you seen a change in the popularity of different eras of antique merchandise? For example, once mahogany or oak pieces were in vogue and sought after and now, perhaps, you are seeing a change to another era?

in our store. Although mid-century modern has been all the rage and highly collectible—our taste tends to run to the more basic primitive, painted pieces with simple, classic lines, and little ornamentation. We find customers prefer pieces that are utilitarian in nature—basic farm tables, nice solid trunks and pie safes, cupboards and cabinets...things that are useful, as opposed to just taking up space and looking pretty. That good old, worn paint finish can’t be replicated, and it meshes well with more modern pieces in an urban interior. A lot of our pieces go off to new homes in the city, where they’re creatively put to use in untraditional ways. We love that!” Kim Mathison, 768 Main, Margaretville. 845-586-6166. 768main.com

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fancy ‘burl’ design. Veneering allows magnificent grains to be glued to non-attractive wood—resulting in a durable, stunning product. The value really depends on if you’re comparing post-1970s, industrial thin-veneered furniture with older pieces that used thicker, more durable veneers. To answer the question about value and quality…As Oscar Wilde said, ‘The truth is rarely pure and never simple.’ The history of veneer on furniture is a long and honorable tradition, and the answer depends on workmanship, condition, and thickness of the veneer itself.” John McMahon, Rose Hill Antiques, Accord. Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday 11am-5pm or by appointment. 845-626-7155. rosehillantiques.com

Q. Do you think that the media,

such as celebrity magazines and shows, sway the buyers to what’s the “it” factor in collecting and following trends?

A. “Yes and no. While magazines

Mystery Spot

George Cole

and TV shows certainly influence short-term buying trends and shine attention on particular items, I find that most of the items that our customers are drawn to have no expiration date. When I hunt for items for the shop, I have no shopping list in mind. It’s whatever catches my fancy and what I respond to intuitively. And our customers are the same way. They know when they come in that if we’ve given display space to a mid-century lamp, a 1940s dog painting, or a Sixties Op-Art dress, it’s because we thought it was cool and that they might think so too. The Mystery Spot is different from traditional antique shops in that four of our seven rooms are devoted exclusively to vintage clothing and records. A great vintage dress or men’s suit will never go out of style. And we totally relate to vinyl junkies!” Laura Levine, Mystery Spot Antiques, Phoenicia. 845-688-7868. mysteryspotantiques.com

Q. With the economy being what

Soiled Doves

it is, has that made a difference in the bidding and the final price a “lot” goes for? Also, have you experienced a difference in the type of merchandise that people are coming to auctions for—let’s say than a decade ago?

A. “Today’s market is very strange—

we’ve lost the purchaser who bought middle-of-the-road and necessity items. Our market now is comprised of people who are still buying the high-end items—but they want the middle and low-end items at a low price. People are still coming out for their Saturday evening auction ‘social event,’ still enjoying themselves, and occasionally purchasing something because they like it or are in the business and looking to resell. Many sellers want their items gone “yesterday”, and still want top dollar for their items—and in today’s market this is not going to happen. There’s at least a 30 percent price reduction from ten years ago. At George Cole Auctions your dollar buys you more than any place else. Remember—we sell the earth and everything attached.” George Cole, George Cole Auctions, Red Hook. 845-758-9114. georgecoleauctions.com

Q. Do you carry hats for dogs? A. “I have hand-selected vintage

clothing at thrift-store prices—funky clothing and accessories from 1940 to 1980 for both men and women, including a collection of vintage Missoni neckties. And yes, I do have hats for dogs. I’m a retired stylist who will help you put together a look guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Of course, I also carry a full assortment of vintage everything. Lots of vintage jewelry and character collectibles. Boop-boop-a-doop—not to forget my signature Betty Boop collection!” Elizabeth Bloom, Soiled Doves, Rosendale, usually 12-6pm. 845-6582315. Email soileddovesstyle@aol.com

A. “I’ve seen a change in what

people come in for. Instead of non-utilitarian accessories or collectibles, our customers want small accessories that can actually be used—they no longer seem to look for items to sit on shelves unless it happens to be a particular high-end collectible that they are scouting around for. But in that case, it’s more like a treasure hunt for them—something rare and valuable. Predominantly, the trend has transitioned into people looking for early iron, heat grates, decorative bracketry, and household applications to do authentic home renovations…such as old door knobs, hardware, latches, locks, catches, and drawpulls. As far as function, we have a variety of furnishings that sell because they are affordable and functional—and that’s what people want now. Something they can use.”

SHOP LOCALLY

Q. Can you do better [on the price]?

A. “Most antique dealers usually

can and do, allowing a bigger discount to other dealers but usually 10 percent to the general public. The discount depends on how much was paid for the item and how long we’ve had it. The longer we’ve had it, the more we want to sell it and generally the bigger the discount! Other questions frequently asked are, ‘How old is it?’ and ‘What is it made from?’ I always ask questions about items I’m interested in when visiting other shops—it’s a good way to learn and then you can pass on your knowledge to your customers. It is impossible to know about everything in the antique field but dealers never stop wanting to learn more.” Joan Castka, From the Grapevine, Main Street, Hurley. 845-331-4852.

Q. Where did you get that!? A. “People are always asking us

Soiled Doves

where we find things. Honestly, the search is never ending, and everywhere we go we are constantly looking for that fabulous piece of furniture or object to add into our mix of inventory. 20th Century furnishings are our specialty, and the hunt is getting harder because of its popularity among collectors and designers. Yes, we look for the bigname pieces like Eames, Dunbar, Nelson, and more, but we also like to mix in items that simply possess exceptional style. Our general rule is to buy only things that we would put into our own home. We have to love each and every piece.” John Krenek, co-owner of Spruce Design + Decor, High Falls. 845687-4481. sprucedesigndecor.com

collect things—I now want to collect things that are still old, but something I can use. Do you have merchandise that still gives that oldtime feeling but is more utilitarian— such as old renovation materials or useable kitchen gadgets?

Roger Hoffman, Hoffman’s Barn Sale, Old Farm Road, Red Hook, Friday-Saturday 9am-5:30pm, Sunday 10am-5pm, or by appointment. 845-758-5668.

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Q. I no longer want to just

Spruce Design + Decor

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The Perfect Snow Day

Winter Sports in the Hudson Valley by Alysse Robin

OUTDOORS

photo by John Mizel

throughout the region may be barren, but the vistas have never been better. It’s an exceptional Trees time of year for outdoor fun. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover, or enjoy taking it all in

Cross-country skiing is a fabulous choice if you enjoy physical excursion, scenic terrain, and moderate speed. It is one of the best full body calorieburning workouts, as it uses every major muscle group. This endurance sport can be physically challenging but extremely rewarding. A quiet glide through one of the region’s many trails offers a peaceful reminder of the beauty of the season. There are two main types of cross-country skiing: classic and skate skiing (although other styles do exist). Classic skiing is typically done on groomed terrain with parallel skis. Skate skiing transfers your body’s weight from one side to the other, looking similar to ice-skating. There is a lot to learn about cross-country skiing—different gear is used for different skiing styles, and there are limb movements that will help you traverse a variety of terrains at different speeds. For excellent cross-country skiing, visit one of the many rail trails throughout the towns of Rochester, Marbletown, and Rosendale. More terrain can be found at several local resorts and ski mountains, including Frost Valley YMCA, Mohonk Mountain House, Belleayre Mountain, and Hunter Mountain.

Belleayre Mountain, Highmount, NY. belleayre.com

Belleayre has nine kilometers of free cross-country trails from beginner to expert.

Clermont State Park

Germantown, NY. stateparks.com/clermont.html In addition to the Clermont family home, the property houses five carriage road trails for the cross-country skiing enthusiast.

Fahnestock Winter Park

Cold Spring, NY. nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/147/details.aspx Fahnestock Memorial State Park’s 10,000 acres of natural wonders offer 7.2 total miles of machine-groomed, tracked, and mapped trails.

Frost Valley YMCA, Claryville, NY. frostvalley.org Set on 6,000 acres deep in the Catskill Mountains, Frost Valley YMCA offers great skiing for all ages and abilities. Frost Valley YMCA offers all kinds of winter fun like broomball, snowshoeing, tubing, cross-country skiing, and snow sculptures.

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Cross-Country Skiing

from a window with a warm interior, winter in the Hudson Valley has something for you. It’s enjoyable to just participate in DIY activities, such as snowball fighting and snowman building, but there is also a huge infrastructure of individuals and businesses that thrive on creating invigorating outdoors experiences. Try some downhill skiing or ice climbing for thrilling, scenic, and physically exerting fun. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are peaceful endurance activities while sledding and ice-skating are pure pleasure. Here’s a description of some exciting regional activities to tempt you into becoming a true winter lover.

image courtesy of Frost Valley

Cross-Country Skiing cont. Minnewaska State Park

Mohonk Preserve

Mohonk Mountain House

Mountain Trails Cross-Country Ski Center

Kerhonkson, NY. Experience trails like Awosting and Castle Point Trail Loop, a 9.2-mile total loop with an elevation of 1,650 feet. nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/127/details.aspx

New Paltz, NY. mohonk.com Mohonk Mountain House has 35 miles of trails groomed for skiing. Lessons are available.

Gardiner, NY. mohonkpreserve.org The Mohonk Preserve has a large network of trails for cross-country skiing through interesting cliffs, trees, and rocks. Two favorites are Spring Farm trailhead and the Trapps. Tannersville, NY. mttrails.com Mountain Trails offers 35 kilometers of quiet nature trails on 300 groomed acres..

Ice Climbing The Shawangunk Ridge offers many unique climbing opportunities. With its steep bold face and accessible

carriage roads, the “Gunks” attract climbers from around the world. In the winter, as the days get colder the

boots with spikes, ice picks, and the gamut of traditional climbing ropes and gear. There are many different trails for people of different skill levels. It’s an amazing workout with exceptional views and a great sense of accomplishment.

cliffs and ridges become home to sheets and blades of glassy ice. For some adventurists, this signifies that it’s time to ice climb!

Guided tours and instruction are available with:

Ice climbing is a thrilling sport that really connects the climber with nature. Serious climbers are able to read the ice—noticing intricacies of thickness, color, sheen, and formation to inform their next move. Climbing on ice uses some hard-core gear—

New Paltz, NY. alpineendeavors.com

Check out our video

Alpine Endeavors Mountain Skills

New Paltz, NY. mountainskills.biz

of Alpine Endeavors ice climbing lessons at visitvortex.com/Ice_Climbing_the_Catskills

Unlike the serene sports of ice climbing and cross-country skiing, sledding is filled with the laughter and joyful screams of the sledders. Hudson Valley hills offer exhilarating rides, and for the adventurous, ordinary sledding slopes can be transformed into all-terrain sledding parks with walls and jumps of snow. Ride your sled bellydown, feet first, doubles, triples, on round tubes, or toboggans…this sport offers a lot of opportunities to get creative with your sledding partners—just beware for big trees and other sledders. Many homeowners in the region can buy a sled and hit the hills in their own backyards. But for some truly perfect slopes, there are a variety of wonderful public places, with rentals, rope pulls, and all.

Burger Hill

Rhinebeck, NY. Sled atop a 550-foot hill that rises up to boast a panoramic vista of the Hudson River Valley.

Clarence Fahnestock State Park

Carmel, NY. Fahnestock Winter Park includes an area for sledding within the 14,086-acre park. Bring your

Hudson Valley Resort & Spa

Kerhonkson, NY. hudsonvalleyresort.com A snowmaking machine ensures more fun, more often, and a T-bar lift whisks riders right up to the top after each run.

Hunter Mountain

Hunter, NY. huntermtn.com Hunter’s snow tubing park has nine chutes, each nearly 1,000 feet long and two tube tows to haul you back to the top.

Pine Grove Ranch

Kerhonkson, NY. pinegroveranch.com Get a day pass at the ranch to enjoy tubing, ice-skating, and skiing.

Rocking Horse Ranch Resort

image courtesy of Hunter Mountain

Highland, NY. rockinghorseranch.com Bring your own sleds or snow tubes, or rent.

Sawkill Family Ski Center

Kingston, NY. sawkillski.com Sawkill Family Ski Center features a new snowmaking system and new snow tubing run.

Staatsburgh State Historic Site

Staatsburgh, NY. staatsburgh.org This 192-acre estate offers a snow-covered, sweeping, descending hill as its back lawn, providing wintertime sledding and tobogganing.

In a mountainous region like ours sledding spots abound, and sledding is probably the most popular family sport and a great aerobic activity.

own snow tubes, toboggans, and sleds, or rentals available. nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/147/details.aspx.

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What better way to relive our youth a little than to run with a sled toward the slope then dive belly first down the long packed hill.

OUTDOORS

Sledding & Tubing

image courtesy of Frost Valley

Mohonk Preserve image by Roberta Forest

Snowshoeing Once there are about six inches of snow covering the ground, it’s time to break out the snowshoes to take a hike. Snowshoeing is a very peaceful and quiet way to enjoy the snow-covered forests and trails. In the past, snowshoes were essential for trappers, fur traders, and cultures that needed to travel through snowy landscapes on foot. Today, snowshoes are still essential for forest rangers, but the snowshoe is now primarily used for recreation by hikers and runners who won’t let a little of the white stuff get in their way. Snowshoes distribute a person’s body weight over a large area so that the foot doesn’t sink into the ground. If you love hiking and love the snow, this is a wonderful activity to explore. After a small investment in snowshoes,

this pastime is of little or no cost, and can be enjoyed on marked trails or through wooded terrain. Snowshoes come in recreational, mountaineering, and running styles. For your first time you may want to rent snowshoes to see if the sport is a fit for you. Just like hiking, the amount of energy you exert is in your control. Pick an easy hike to begin with as it will take your body some adjustment to walk on snowy pastures. Check out the Mohonk Preserve “Singles and Sociables” Winter Outings (mohonkpreserve.org/index. php?events) for some guided snowshoeing through the beautiful preserve trails. Skiing and snowshoeing outings are offered throughout the winter, and if there is no snow…enjoy a hike!

Mohonk Preserve image by Roberta Forest

Belleayre Mountain

Highmount, NY. belleayre.com/winter/ snowshoe.htm Enjoy beginner to difficult guided snowshoe tours at Belleayre, or hike independently through the mountains.

Catskill Forest Preserve

Big Indian, NY. Rochester Hollow Trail is a total of 5.6 miles, and one of the few easier ski/ snowshoe trails in the vicinity of Slide Mountain (the Catskill’s highest peak).

Fahnestock Winter Park

Cold Spring, NY. Rent either running or recreational snowshoes and hike around two 30

dedicated snowshoe trails.

Frost Valley YMCA

Claryville, NY. frostvalley.org Frost Valley offers family fun snowshoe rentals deep in the heart of the Catskills.

Hyde Park Trails

Hyde Park, NY. hydeparkny.us/Recreation/Trails/ Hyde Park Trails offers over 10 miles of trails and five informational trail-related audio podcasts online, so hikers can access trail information and history on the go.

Mohonk Mountain House New Paltz, NY. mohonk.com

Take in spectacular views from a variety of cross-country trails that are perfect for snowshoeing too.

Mohonk Preserve

Gardiner, NY. mohonkpreserve.org Mohonk offers one easy and two moderate trails for snowshoe enthusiasts. There are no rentals on site, so pick up snowshoes in town.

Stony Kill Farm

Environmental Center Fishkill, NY. dec. ny.gov/education/1833.html Weather permitting, seasonal winter hikes become snowshoe hikes on Saturday afternoons.

On a perfect winter day enjoy the thrill of the blade on ice, as you effortlessly float on the ice below. Our area rinks can help you get all of the equipment, and offer lessons to help you improve your skills if you are a novice. There are figure skating clubs and ice hockey teams available to join, and a host of special events on ice to witness. Embrace the iciness of winter this year!

nysparks.com/parks/13/details.aspx Bear Mountain boasts a beautiful outdoor rink with rentals at the base of the mountain.

Fancher-Davidge Park, Middletown, NY.

middletown-ny.com/parks-rec.htm This quaint city park has lights for night skating.

Ice Time Sports Complex

Newburgh, NY. icetimesports.com This Newburgh venue hosts a figure skating club, public skating, and hockey games.

McCann Ice Arena

Poughkeepsie, NY. midhudsonciviccenter.org McCann can be rented for private use, and offers figure skating, hockey, and public sessions all year.

Mill Pond, Monroe, NY. This is a pond with no perks, so come prepared. When the flag is green skating is permitted. Mohonk Mountain House

New Paltz, NY. mohonk.com/recreation/ice_skating.cfm Enjoy skating, or just hang out watching the skaters in this nostalgic setting with its gorgeous wooden beam pavilion, stone columns, and a huge stone fireplace.

Windham Mountain Adventure Park

Windham, NY. windhammountain.com Windham has a classic skating area complete with a warming fire pit. Also enjoy the 650-foot snowcovered slopes for snow tubing.

Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding Downhill skiing and snowboarding are the first thing that most people think of when envisioning winter sports and fun activities in the Hudson Valley. The Catskills are abundant with great slopes including Hunter, Belleayre, Windham, and Plattekill. Ride the lifts to the tops of the mountains and take your favorite trails down, exploring each challenge that the trail presents in new ways. Skiing and snowboarding are great sports to test your boundaries of strength, endurance, and balance, and they keep you mentally sharp as you must be a fast thinker out there on the slopes.

The fun and physical excursion of skiing and snowboarding is also addictive!

Belleayre Mountain

Highmount, NY. belleayre.com Belleayre is part of the Catskill State Park with 47 trails and 8 lifts. Check out their family friendly programming, snowboard terrain park, progression parks, and new high-speed quad.

Plattekill Mountain

Roxbury, NY. plattekill.com/winter/ Experience the difference of a small family-run mountain. There are wide, gentle slopes for beginners and double black diamonds for the experts. Plattekill Mountain has a laid back family atmosphere.

Hunter Mountain

Hunter, NY. huntermtn.com Hunter Mountain has over 50 trails and 11 lifts. Three separate mountains offer a large diversity of trail terrain. Hunter has great spacious learning terrain and some amazing expert slopes with jumps and bumps for the seasoned skier. Read more on the next page.

Windham Mountain

Windham, NY. windhammountain.com Windham Mountain has 46 trails and 9 lifts, a 600foot half pipe, and five terrain parks, complete with rails, bumps, boxes, jibs, and tabletops.

challenge oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s balance and speed, while getting a great cardio workout in the brisk air. There are many beautiful rinks throughout the valley, offering rentals, lessons, and hot cocoa! Some have cozy outdoor hearths and classical winter music to add to the charm of the sport.

Bear Mountain State Park

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At the heart of winter sports lives iceskating. Ice-skating is a wonderful way to

OUTDOORS

Ice Skating

featured winter fun location

Hunter Mountain There are a plethora of recreational activities on Hunter Mountain. The winter is bustling with skiers and snowboarders at the Hunter Ski Resort built around Colonel’s Chair ridge in the mountain’s northwest corner. On a clear day, the views from this summit stretch to the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts and to Vermont’s Green Mountains. Hunter Mountain has over 50 trails and 11 lifts. Three separate mountains offer a large diversity of trail terrain. At Hunter Mountain you’ll find camps and workshops for all ages and levels of ability. Hunter has great spacious learning terrain and some amazing expert slopes with jumps and bumps for the seasoned skier. The park also offers snow tubing and a variety of special events, and definitely check out the Empire Terrain Park. Join in one of Hunter Mountain’s race camps to get ready for a winning season. Courses range from junior training camps to adult master race camps. Hunter has a variety of exciting races that are open to the public and some specialty races that are, well…special! Check out their Fireman’s Race, or the US Chefs Club Race Series— comprised of teams of four with a chef or restaurateur as the captain. They fly down the mountain in a chef’s coat and bib to win the top trophy. The new and improved LocalMotion Race Series takes place on six Mondays

images courtesy of Hunter Mountain

during the 2012 season. Teams and individual amateur racers compete in slalom, giant slalom, and multi-races. LocalMotion races are open to skiers and riders ages 21 and over. Or join the Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge Race Series—a free, fun race open to all ages and abilities. Bring your friends & family, and join in the fun and the excitement of this race series. Hunter Mountain is also home to New York Zipline Adventure Tour’s SkyRider Tour, offering four seasons of zipline adventure. Imagine letting gravity pull you down the mountain nearly 600 feet above the ground at 50 miles per hour, watching the winter scenery rapidly change below. The SkyRider Tour Zipline at Hunter Mountain is the longest, highest zipline in North America, offering both high-adventure zips (which in the winter is an extreme sport) and family friendly tours. On the backside of all this high-action recreational activity are lean-tos, Department of Environmental Conservation trails, and the actual Hunter Mountain summit, with one of only four fire towers in the Catskills. Aside from the village of Hunter, Phoenicia is a great town to launch your winter exploration of Hunter Mountain. For more info go to www.huntermtn.com.

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A JOURNEY OF WARMTH

OUTDOORS

winter camping inter snows in our area typically start to blanket the ground in December and don’t let up until March or April. It seems like Mother Nature is trying to keep us indoors, but there are ways to get out to take pleasure in the winter landscape. Camping—an activity that most people enjoy in the summer— can be equally enjoyable in the heart of winter. With careful preparation, a winter camping trip can be an exceptional experience that no one in your group will ever forget. In order to ensure that your memories are positive ones—sipping warm drinks by the roaring fire with the stillness of winter keeping you company—careful preparation is key. Ideally, you will know where you want to camp a couple months in advance so you can visit the area before the snow is too thick. This initial visit serves a few purposes: you make sure that the trail is clear, that the lean-to you’ll be staying in is still there (I once arrived at a lean-to to find it was

WITH CAREFUL PREPARATION, A WINTER CAMPING TRIP CAN BE AN EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE THAT NO ONE IN YOUR GROUP WILL FORGET. burnt down), and that there is plenty of wood for your winter fire. I typically head to my winter camp spot in November with a daypack that includes a lunch, plenty of water, and a sharp, light camp saw. Although you’ll be staying in a lean-to during the winter camp—partly because it cuts down the winter winds and partly because you know there’s a fire pit there—you want to hide your woodpile so it won’t be used up by someone else before you get there. Cut plenty of wood, stack it in a hidden spot about 100 feet from the lean-to, and cover it with a naturalcolored tarp. By the time you come back in the heart of winter, the pile will be covered safely in snow. If you arrive

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by Chris Fenichel-Hewitt

YOU’LL NEED VERY WARM CLOTHING, SNOWSHOES, CAMPING SAW, A CAMP STOVE, LIGHTERS, DRY MATCHES, A MESS KIT, HEADLAMP, FIRST AID KIT, KNIFE, ROPE, FOOD & DRINK, A WARM SLEEPING BAG, AND A TENT.

at the spot and the wood has been used up, you may consider leaving, although it is still possible to cut enough wood to get you through the night (it’s just harder because you can’t see all the good dry wood hidden under the snow). The next step in your camping preparation involves gear. The supplies that you bring can make the difference between smiling the night away or shivering. As mentioned, you’ll need a camping saw, just in case you don’t have enough wood prepared ahead of time. Other necessities are a camp stove, in case the fire won’t start, lighters, dry matches, a mess kit, headlamp, first aid kit, knife, rope, and a warm sleeping bag. I also bring my tent and set it up in the lean-to to further cut down on winter winds. Your clothing is also very important. The old saying, 38

“cotton kills,” usually pertains to extreme circumstances, like being soaked, because cotton doesn’t dry well and will keep you cold. A set of winter gear is very affordable: start out with synthetic thermal wear (Hot Chilis are a great product) and high-end thermal socks, throw in a couple layers of fleece outerwear, a pair of ski pants, and a good winter jacket and you’re good to go. You’ll be happy if you splurge on the socks, and bring a change for the morning. It’s a good idea to pack an extra set of clothing and wrap each piece separately in plastic bags, just in case your pack gets wet. Once upon a time, a few years ago, I threw caution to the wind and decided we were going camping the second weekend of February, no matter what. Unfortunately it was five degrees that night, and even colder in the morning. It was certainly a test

of strength, but not advisable. Choose a couple of potential weekends to go winter camping, and settle on the one that looks warmer. Shoot for temperatures over 20 degrees to make the night more enjoyable. The Catskills are filled with hidden camping gems. Get yourself a set of NY/NJ Trail Conference maps to find all of the lean-to sites. A two-mile hike is good for winter camping because it takes a lot of work to get to the final destination but isn’t so far that you don’t have time for setup. Remember that the mountains have more snow than the valleys, so a pair of snowshoes could come in handy. There’s nothing worse than wearing a heavy pack and sinking into deep snow with each step—known as post holing. Think about choosing a parking area that isn’t too high up in elevation so it will be accessible.

As the night draws to a close, with merry times behind you, it’s time to think about staying warm in the confines of the tent. The best source of warmth is another lively body in the sleeping bag, but if that isn’t an option there are other ways to find warmth. Yes, there are hand and foot warmers, even tent warmers, that become warm when exposed to air. But there are a couple of other tricks: try taking a few of those uneaten potatoes from the fire and bring them into the tent for a couple of hours of warmth—and you

can nibble on them in the morning before meeting the cold outside. Or try melting and boiling snow before bed and put it in a Nalgene or water bladder to cozy up with. Winter camping is not for everyone, but it’s definitely fun. The key to a successful journey is warmth. The hike into the forest should be a warm one, both with the adrenaline going and the clothes that make it possible. The arrival at the lean-to campsite should start with fire building, leading to a steady warmth that fills the lean-to and a bed of coals that create a rich heat to cook all the hardy foods. Have fun and explore. Maybe I’ll see you out there.

hot chocolate, bring along plenty of lightweight snacks like GORP, protein bars, or cookies. Bring a simple breakfast like oatmeal packets.

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One of the most pleasurable parts of winter camping is the warm meals. After setting up the fire and creating a thick bed of coals, it’s time for slow roasting. A head of garlic roasts nicely at the edge of the coals while potatoes and squash like to roast right inside the coal bed (you’ll just have to strip away the burnt skin). Bring along a dehydrated meal or two, like a box of rice pilaf or another packet that just needs water. It’s light to carry in and it creates a good foundation to the meal (melt and boil snow for the water). It’s a good idea to set aside one pan for constant snow melting. By bedtime, the water will be cool enough to drink, or keep it hot for bedtime tea. Aside from tea, coffee, and

OUTDOORS

WINTER CAMPING IS NOT FOR EVERYONE, BUT IT’S DEFINITELY FUN. THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL JOURNEY IS WARMTH.

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Holiday Bakers \ and Cupcake Makers by Jay Blotcher

Yet what really linger in the memory after Yuletide, scientists have determined, are the tastes and odors of holiday time. When it comes to time travel, a Christmas cookie can be as effective as Dr. Emmett Brown’s DeLorean. One whiff or nibble and you feel as if you’re a tyke again, encased in your Dr. Denton’s and fighting the yawns so you can stay up and listen for reindeer hooves overhead.

Here in the Hudson Valley, the number and varieties of bakers offering holiday items is immense. Many of these merchants aim to

recapture your youth with familiar recipes that conjure retro appeal. Others aspire to create new traditions with innovative goodies. Whether you’re content to stick with perennial favorites or you’re adventurous enough to sample new treats, you’re guaranteed the security of a full tummy throughout all 12 days of the holiday.

The two prominent versions of holiday goods available in the Valley are all-American and Europeaninfluenced, the latter encompassing French, Italian, and German baked goods that emphasize the artisan factor of Old World recipes. In the latter category is CAFÉ LE PERCHE, a Hudson-based shop which proudly calls itself a boulangerie, bar, and patisserie. It’s is modeled after a bakery in the Le Perche region of France. While the main draw is breads baked in a brick-insulated, woodfired oven imported from France, Le Perche boasts holiday offerings from all over Europe: Panettone, a traditional Italian holiday sweet bread; the Stollen, a German loaf cake with candied fruit; the French Buche de Noel, a rich chocolate cake in the shape of a Yule log; and the Cougneau, a Gallic holiday brioche studded with raisins, said owner Jennifer Houle.

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CALICO Restaurant of Rhinebeck has an adjoining

patisserie. Pastry chef Leslie Heinsohn-Balassone bakes everything from scratch, insisting on pure extracts, real butter and cream, and fresh fruits, while eschewing preservatives and artificial flavors. Her holiday offerings stem from her own childhood, she said. “We always had fabulous Stollen and all-butter cookies.” Calico’s biggest seller on the holiday menu

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ome holiday time, a person can be forgiven for being overwhelmed. All five senses are working overtime, in an effort to absorb the insistent joys of the season. Christmas lights assail the eyes, carols tantalize the ears, and a determined day of shopping wears on the feet.

the tastes & smells of holiday time really linger in the memory

Moxie Cupcake

“A holiday baked good should embod tradition, celebration, and love... is the Buche de Noel. Calico offers this pastry sculpture in three flavors: chocolate cake with chocolate mousse, chocolate with white chocolate mousse, and white with raspberry mousse. This elaborate concoction is covered in chocolate ganache and topped with handmade and entirely edible chocolate fences and trees, marzipan snowmen, meringue mushrooms, and sugar holly leaves. Ms. Houle, Café Perche

Crumb Bakery

The recently opened COMPARETTO BAKERY in Marlboro prefers a no-frills approach to holiday goods. “We believe in old-fashioned baking,” said Antonietta Comparetto, “because our customer base definitely appreciates traditional baking.” Simplicity is the byword at holiday time, as well. Offerings include strufoli (honey balls), cassata cake (a sponge cake filled with cannoli cream, rum flavor, and covered in white fondant), and ricotta cakes and pies. For kids, there are Yuletidedecorated cupcakes and pastries. Another bakery celebrating Buon Natale is CAFFE AURORA in Poughkeepsie’s revitalized Mount Carmel neighborhood, Dutchess County’s Little Italy. Simple but tasty Christmas cookies and pastries are lovingly created according to age-old recipes. Down the road is LA DELIZIOSA PASTRY SHOPPE, whose décor and offerings suggest a gustatory return to the past. In Wappingers Falls, Derek Corsino, chef-owner of CORSINO CAKES has expanded his successful baking operation to include a new storefront. Utilizing fresh ingredients only, Corsino offers decorated holiday cupcakes and chocolate truffles with liquor centers, designed to add a kick to that office holiday party. Down in Beacon, CRUMB BAKERY and Cafe has

Corsino Cakes

distinguished itself with luxurious variations on old favorites. According to co-owner Tanner Townsend, “We feel that food should be fun, and the holidays are the perfect time to play with your food!” Crumb offers seasonal cupcakes and cookies, hand-decorated and available on festive platters for holiday parties. In Kingston, the stalwart neighborhood bakery is DEISING’S, operating since 1965. They draw from German family tradition and use imported ingredients “in order to recreate old world traditions,” said co-owner Eric Deising, but there is a decided American emphasis. Deising’s rolls out the themed cupcakes as the weather grows nippy, including snowman, Santa, and Christmas tree designs. Just up the road, on the corner of Wall and Front streets, stands DOMINICK’S CAFE at the heart of Kingston’s Uptown District. The bakers at Dominick’s create amazing Italian specialty cookies, including anisette and lemon cookies, pignoli cookies, biscotti, sesame regina, and the famed Italian wedding cookies. For sheer variety and shameless indulgence, HUDSON VALLEY DESSERT COMPANY of Saugerties draws plaudits for its from-scratch, all-natural baked goods, utilizing local suppliers whenever possible, said owner Connie Bailey. For the holidays, Bailey applies her creativity to gingerbread houses, panettone, cupcake snowmen, and her “whimsically iced cookies.” These include snowflakes, ginger people of both genders, trees, and stars. HVDC’s biscotti sampler features 48 pieces of four flavors each and will ship anywhere in the country. For Chanukah celebrants, HVDC offers iced sugar cookies and rugelach.

JACK AND LUNA’S in Stone Ridge serves “good old-fashioned, country-baked items not found in your corner grocery store,” according to co-owner Julie Bowman. But there is a Manhattan flair to the offerings to reassure weekenders. Come December, choose from themed holiday cookies made from scratch and handdecorated with royal icing, as well as traditional pies such as pumpkin, pecan, and apple. The Jack and Luna Christmas cookie platter is guaranteed to make you as popular at a party as mistletoe. Also in Stone Ridge is MAD CRAVINGS, the brainchild of Karen Tarlofsky, who operates out of her home. The goods range from “trendy desserts” like whoopee pies and cupcakes to old-fashioned crowd-pleasers like pineapple upside-down cake. Tarlofsky uses organic and local ingredients. For holidays, people line up at her back door for pumpkin, apple, sweet potato, or pecan pies and tarts, as well as rugelach, mandelbread, and assorted cookie platters. Depending on whom you ask, cupcakes are either still riding high on the trend express or petering out as the “it dessert.” But Maresa Volante’s creations will respark

HOLIDAY

a mania for the portable cakes, on sale at Lagusta’s Luscious in New Paltz under the name SWEET MARESA’S UPSTATE CUPCAKE. “Every last gram of flour I use is organic, farmer grown, and milled from Ithaca,” she said. “It is super-fresh and light, giving the cupcakes and cookies the perfect crumb.” The herbs, fruits, and vegetables used are sourced from sustainable, New Paltz area farms. Volante began this line in 2001, after turning vegan and realizing the world of baked goods was hostile to her dietary habits. Among the unexpected joys here: pumpkin cake with cinnamon frosting; carrot cake with cream cheese frosting; gingersnap cake; sage cake with nutmeg frosting; pear and clove; fig with marzipan frosting; and Volante’s best-selling chocolate lavender cupcakes. Maresa’s Upstate Cupcake

Up the road from Lagusta’s in New Paltz is THE BAKERY, a neighborhood destination for three decades. The place hums daily as a gathering place, “but it is at holiday time that The Bakery most comes alive,” said owner David Santner. An emphasis on old-fashioned favorites means the shelves are teeming with Stollen, pfeffernuss, gingerbread house kits, butter cookies, and edible tree ornaments, as well as Chanukah-themed cookies. Further down the road in New Paltz is THE VILLAGE TEA ROOM Restaurant & Bake Shop. Pastry chef Agnes Devereux revels in French baked goods that will have you burbling “Joyeux Noel” to passersby. Her Buche de Noel (by special order only) is a chocolate sponge roulade, filled with a coffee butter cream. The bark is crafted from a rich French chocolate butter cream, decorated with marzipan holly leaves and berries and chocolate-dipped meringue mushrooms. Another equally beguiling creation is the Winter Woodland Cake. This fudgy chocolate cake

Mad Cravings

Whether you enjoy Chanukah as The Festival of Lights or harbor a modest case of Christmas envy (admit it), COHEN’S BAKERY in Ellenville and Monticello will transform the holiday as if bubbe and zayde were still around. Choose from traditional Eastern European fare, made without high-fructose corn syrup or transfats, including chocolate rugelach, cinnamon bobka, cherry turnovers, honey loaf cake, coffee cake rings, mandelbrot, and a line of sugar-free items.

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There should be an emotional connection.” —The Alternative Baker

Hudson Valley Dessert Company

Village Tea Room

“Food should be fun, and the holidays are the perfect time to play with your food.” is filled with chocolate mint butter cream, frosted in a peppermint butter cream, and topped with chocolatedipped meringue mushroom. Or savor simple whimsy in the Christmas Elf Cupcake.

Holiday Cookies

Josie Eriole at MOXIE CUPCAKE in New Paltz, which just opened its first storefront operation and cafe, has a simple mantra regarding her product: “You can have beauty and taste!” Her bold array of cupcakes bears out that assertion. Moreover, Moxie takes care to use quality ingredients, utilizing organic fair trade cocoa, pure Madagascar Bourbon vanilla bean, as well as locally sourced dairy, eggs, produce, and fruit. The result is a product that straddles the area between trendy and old-fashioned fun. Each season, several flavor variations spring from the fevered mind of Cupcake Gal. Past flavor concoctions have included cheesecake, caramel ganache, raspberry, and pumpkin cheesecake with whipped cream & toasted pecan. Other wild rides for your taste buds include Daydream Believer (banana Nutella), Vanilla Sky, Salt Away my Sugar, Annie Get Your Gun (red velvet), Chocolate Moxie, All that Razz, and Apple Blossom. For the holidays Moxie creates gift boxes called the “Twelve Cupcakes of Christmas,” a delicious combination of nostalgia-driven perfection! This year’s flavors include a pumpkin cranberry cupcake, eggnog cupcake, and gingerbread cupcake. Daily lunch specials feature soup and savory cupcakes such as sausage and pepper savory cup with mashed potato topping and mac n cheese cups. Catering, including custom cupcake towers, is available. Joining in the commitment to all-natural ingredients is Essell Hoenshell-Watson of The ALTERNATIVE

Dundee Cake

BAKER in Rosendale. “Everything we do is Old World, in the sense that we have built-in purity laws.” The baker will not use bleached and bromated flour, which is common in America but commercially unacceptable in Europe. Fresh butter, eggs, and milk are locally sourced and artificial colors and flavors are barred from the shop. The commitment to European tradition grows more evident toward Christmas. Then, he offers an authentic English favorite known as Dundee cake. This buttercake is riddled with rum-soaked dried fruit, including cherries, apricots, and currants. The delicacy is known better here as Scottish Advent Cake. His holiday cookies include include spice drop, a variation on the pfeffernusse, with clove, black pepper, and star anise. Also available are amaretti (almond meringue cookies) and ginger shortbread with stem ginger. The chocolate mint cake is a devil’s food cake with chocolate mint icing and decorated in crushed candy cane peppermint. A destination to keep in mind while searching for your baker’s delight is the FARM STAND. Stands throughout the region offer all-American fresh baked goods that include an assortment of pies, cakes, breads, and doughnuts. Some locations to get you started: Saunderskill Farm in Accord, Wallkill Valley Farm in New Paltz, Hurd’s Family Farm in Modena, Kelder’s Farm in Kerhonkson, Barthel’s Farm in Ellenville, Burd’s Farm in Wawarsing, and the Apple Bin in Ulster Park. Many of the ingredients are coming right off the farm, and the passion of these local bakers comes through in every bite.

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HOLIDAY

Celebrating Hudson Valley HOLIDAY SPIRITS = by Carlo DeVito

There is nothing…that exercises a more delightful spell over my imagination than the lingerings of the holiday customs and rural games of former times. –Washington Irving, Old Christmas

Nothing says the holidays more than fancy punches, cocktails, and dessert wines to compliment your Hudson Valley cheese plate and other scrumptious delectables. And nothing is more wonderful than serving local ingredients to make the holidays that much more special. The recipes assembled here all have a twist—they’re made with local wines and spirits.

Punches have made a big comeback in the last few years, and no time is more right than the holidays. Punch is the term for a wide assortment of drinks, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic, generally containing fruit or fruit juice. The drink was introduced from India to England in the early 17th century. The word punch is derived from the Hindi word panch, and the drink was originally made with five ingredients: alcohol, sugar, lemon, water, and tea or spices. Served in large and ornate “punch bowls” the custom became very popular and spread throughout the western world from there. Punch bowls are easy to find, especially during the holiday season. This is a great way to brighten up your next gathering. And it looks great!

Now is the time we spend with friends and family. Laughter and good cheer is the order of the day. No one knows that more than the vintners and spirits makers of the Hudson Valley. Because of the diversity being produced locally, there’s something for everyone—from light, bright whites and farm house ciders perfect for turkey to medium-bodied approachable reds perfect for hardy meat dishes.

PUNCHES

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s there a prettier place to celebrate the holidays than the Hudson Valley? It starts with a fullblown explosion of autumn in all its glory, then Thanksgiving, and then before you know it, it’s already New Year’s Eve and the ground is covered in snow.

Local Christmas Fruit Punch 12 oz can frozen lemonade concentrate 12 oz can frozen orange juice concentrate 12 oz can frozen cranberry juice concentrate 2 cinnamon sticks 6 whole cloves 1 cup sugar 1 bottle sparkling wine 1 bottle Tuthilltown Baby Bourbon or Cornelius Applejack

2 parts Tuthilltown Baby Bourbon 1 part strawberry liqueur 0.5 part Passion Fruit Coulis or 1 part Passion Fruit Juice Sparkling wine

Make all juices according to package directions. Combine and put in a 1 1/2 gallon pitcher/container. Place water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in small saucepan. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. Add only syrup to juices. Add sparkling wine and spirits. Serve.

COCKTAILS

Put champagne on ice on table near punch bowl. Pour all but sparkling into a punch bowl with ice. Ladle mixture into glasses and top with sparkling. Garnish with strawberry or orange twist.

What better way to say “welcome!” than a fabulous and chic cocktail? It’s time to bring those martini and margarita glasses out of the cabinet and impress friends and family! Is there anything more elegant than sharing warmth and laughter with a cocktail glass in your hand? Admit it, there’s something fun and sexy and grown-up about cocktails. Most popular among holiday cocktails is the kir. But the kir and its descendants have a new and special place in the Hudson Valley. A traditional kir is made with white wine and cassis. The Hudson Valley is now the number one producer of artisanal cassis in North America. And the kir is becoming the signature drink of the Hudson Valley. There were more than 17,000 bottles of cassis made this past year in the valley, and that number is projected to exceed 20,000 bottles next year. Cassis 52

Baby Bourbon Fruit Punch

is a dark rich dessert wine made from black currants. It’s very sweet and tangy and is perfect for a mixed cocktail as well as a great accompaniment for dessert and cheese plates. The Hudson Valley Kir is a mixture of local cassis blended with local white or sparkling wines. Seyval Blanc is the signature white grape of the Hudson Valley. Many of the white wines of the Hudson Valley are either 100 percent Seyval or have some amount of Seyval in them. Other popular whites are Chardonnay, Traminette, and Riesling. Cassis is perfect as a celebration cocktail, and it’s also an exceptionally good accompaniment to a cheese plate for your crowd to pick on before the holiday feast is served.

2 oz Cornelius Applejack from Core 3/4 oz orange curacao 1/2 oz fresh lime juice 2 dashes orange bitters Apple slice and orange peels for garnish

1/4 oz Hudson Valley cassis 2 1/4 oz dry white wine Pour the cassis into a wine glass. Slowly add the white wine. Serve in a champagne glass.

Shake all the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an apple slice and an orange peel.

1/2 oz cassis 1 oz Core vodka 1/4 oz rum 2 1/2 oz lemon juice 1 tsp powdered sugar Mix and shake with ice. Strain and serve.

2 pieces fresh pineapple 1/2 oz Cointreau 1/2 oz Core vodka 1 oz pineapple juice 3 oz sparkling maraschino cherry Muddle the pineapple pieces. Add Cointreau and pineapple juice and mix. Add the vodka and sparkling to the mixture. Garnish with maraschino cherry.

Suggested Local Wines Great for Blending or as Gifts Sparkling: Brimstone Hill Brotherhood Blanc de Blanc Clinton Corner Jubilee Hudson-Chatham Blanc de Blanc

Ciders: Applewood Cider Hudson-Chatham Cider Warwick Valley Cider Montgomery Place Cider

Cassis: Brookview Station Clinton Vineyards Glorie Farm Winery Hudson-Chatham Winery Tousey Winery Warwick Vineyards

Dessert Wines: Adair Peche Baldwin Raspberry and Strawberry Wines Brookview Station Dark Cherry Port Clinton Vineyards Rhapsody and Desire Warwick Cherry Cordial and Framboise Cider Pazdar Cherise Chocolat (chocolate cherry wine)

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Kir Cider: Substitute local cider for the wine Cardinal: Substitute red wine for the white wine Kir Royale: Substitute sparkling for the white wine Kir Peche: Clinton Peach Gala and Adair Peche Kir Imperial: Substitute raspberry liqueur for the cassis and sparkling for the wine

HERE ARE SOME OTHER KIR VARIATIONS:

Local Cassis Cocktail

Hudson Valley Flirtini

HOLIDAY

Hudson Valley Kir

Apple Jack Cocktail

HUDSON VALLEY EGGNOG THE ORIGIN OF EGGNOG

dates back to medieval European times. Many believe that the version we know today dates back to an English recipe called an Egg Flip. When the drink made its way to the American Colonies it was called an “egg and grog,” a common Colonial term used for the drink made with rum. Eventually that term was shortened to “egg’n’grog”, finally becoming “eggnog”. The ingredients for the drink were expensive, whether in England or the Colonies, so it came to be popular among the monied classes, and was only served during special occasions since fresh eggs and milk were not cheap commodities. In Colonial America brandy and wine were heavily taxed, so inexpensive Caribbean rum was substituted. After the Revolutionary War, rum was more difficult to obtain, so whiskey became the popular spirit, which was plentiful and more patriotic, bourbon becoming the most popular addition to the mix. Eggnog is a popular type of beverage all over the world. Similar combinations are known by other names such as Panche Crèma in Venezuela or Advocaat in Central Europe. Because of the Valley’s rich dairy and farming history, eggnog has always been a mainstay of the holidays in our region. This new recipe features some local ingredients. 54

Ingredients: 6 large eggs, plus 2 yolks 1/2 cup, plus 2 Tbsp sugar 1/4 tsp salt 3 cups whole milk 1/2 cup Tuthilltown Baby Bourbon 1 Tbsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg 1 1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks Additional grated nutmeg for garnish

Preparation:

Whisk together eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt in a heavy 4-quart pot. Mix well. Slowly fold in milk until well mixed, whisking continually. Place pot on low burner continuously blending mixture. Stir until the mixture coats your spoon completely. Approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Use a fine grade sieve to strain out any bits of egg. Add bourbon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir well. Pour into a bowl or pitcher, cover, and refrigerate (approximately 4 to 5 hours). To serve, whip heavy cream into soft peaks, and then fold crème into custard mixture and fold until combined. Sprinkle with ground nutmeg. Ladle into cups.

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EATING OUT

High Falls Cafe

LOCAL RESTAURANTS provide seasonal cheer

If you’re craving long-simmered stews, homemade soups, or braised meats, there is plenty to choose from at a number of dining venues throughout the region that are filled with the spirit of the season.

George Nagle says they’ll also be serving hardy stews and bean dishes this winter season. Finally, there’s no better way to finish off than with their warm apple pie. High Falls Cafe is a rustic, cozy eatery with great music and just a great place to kick back with friends. The menu is always geared toward the season. In the winter some of their specials are scallops, lamb chops, and borscht soup. They have two holiday drink specials featuring Stone Ridge Orchards Cider: the Hot Stone Ridge Cider with Captain Morgan

and the Black Cherry Hot Toddy— hot tea and black cherry bourbon with honey. On December 3, come to the dance party at the Cafe after the High Falls Tree Lighting and carols. They also have a New Year’s Eve party with live music and New Year’s Day brunch.

The Northern Spy

Chef/co-owner Bonnie Snow of A Tavola Trattoria in New Paltz says their menu “celebrates the harvest and local bounty of the Hudson Valley.” A Tavola’s authentic Italian menu is made with regional foods combined to make savory seasonal delights

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he Northern Spy Cafe in High Falls has a rustic, relaxing atmosphere. French doors lead to a dining room with a fireplace; there is also a fabulous bar, and a bar-side dining area. You’ll feel pampered in this beautiful space, reminiscent of a New England bed & breakfast. Start your experience with their holiday drink special, “Northern Spy Cocktail” Bourbon. Then try their delectable curried butternut squash & apple soup. For an entree enjoy pomegranate-glazed roast duck or pumpkin ravioli with curried cream sauce. Owner

Come together around a warm table of sumptuous dishes in the winter season and you may just create a little holiday magic. Fortunately, here in the Hudson Valley, we are blessed with a wide variety of excellent dining choices to make this magic ignite. Local chefs get creative this time of year with seasonal vegetables and meats that include carrots, chestnuts, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, turnips, brussels sprouts, parsnips, leeks, shallots, cabbage, lamb, duck, and goose.

A Tavola

Savona’s Trattoria

Terrapin Restaurant

Boitson’s

such as the Hudson Valley Cattle Company braised short ribs, accompanied by parsnip puree and a local cabbage and apple slaw; or butternut squash ravioli with toasted hazelnuts, fried sage leaves, and vin santo cream. The Tutthilltown Mule, a favorite seasonal cocktail, contains a combination of Tutthilltown Heart of the Hudson Vodka, freshly squeezed Jenkins-Lueken apples, house-made ginger bitters, and seltzer. This is all housed in a modern and well-designed dining atmosphere. If classic Italian dishes with a flare of creative inspiration are your style, head to Savona’s Trattoria housed in the beautiful former opera house on the historic Kingston waterfront. Chef Mike will be busy cooking such wonders as short ribs with Chianti sauce, and herb-encrusted salmon finished with limoncello cream sauce, served with sautéed spinach & risotto of the day. Cheer the holidays over savory appetizers such as calamari, bruschetta, and eggplant rollatini. End your fine casual dining experience with smiles, laughs, and an aperitif with your dessert—take your pick from sponge cake with ganache

filling, Tiramisu, and an amazing cheesecake. For a chic, yet comfortable evening on the town visit Boitson’s Restaurant in Uptown Kingston. Leather, velvet, and marble tabletops provide a hip bistro atmosphere where you’ll find everyone having a good time. Boitson’s menu changes every week to accommodate the availability of local foods. Winter dishes include braised lamb shank and curried vegetables and stews. Other specials include penne with butternut squash, macaroni and cheese, charbroiled free-range chicken breast, and seafood chowder. The charm of the historic details and the positive vibe of Boitson’s will keep you returning throughout the season. Henry’s Farm to Table at the Buttermilk Falls Inn in Milton offers locally sourced foods in a beautiful setting. Cheese, meats, and poultry come from nearby farms such as Coach Farm, Hudson Valley Cattle Company, and Labelle Farms. The restaurant harvests organic fruits and vegetables on-site from their Millstone Farm or from Hepworth Farm. Executive Chef Paul Kelly

and his team create a showcase of dishes such as Labelle Farm Duck Spring Roll with panang curry dip, and Chile Relleños—roasted Millstone Farms poblano peppers stuffed with corn masa, roasted pumpkin, grilled apples, and black bean purée. As part of your experience, enjoy the grounds of Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa. Trails lead to breathtaking views and enchanting natural features. Friends and Family II Hillside in Accord offers a casual ambiance for a relaxing meal with people who make you happy. Sit near the stone hearth for a cozy, romantic dining experience. Friends and Family II is known for fine continental cuisine and excellent braising—and they braise a wide variety of meats during the holiday season including pork, lamb, beef, short ribs, and oxtail. They also offer seafood bouillabaisse, chicken francaise, steak, lobster tails, and a variety of pasta dishes. Denise McCarroll, co-owner, says this holiday season they will offer their seventh annual wine bottle specials. Terrapin on Montgomery Street in Rhinebeck offers two separate dining experiences. The Terrapin

Tuthill House at the Mill Restaurant and Tavern in Gardiner features homemade American cuisine with prime steaks, grass-fed beef, and seafood. Your dining experience takes place in a renovated 1788 Grist Mill, offering a rustic elegance for your meal. The menu is inspired by fresh, local artisanal products and ingredients from the Hudson Valley. Tuthill House is skilled in pairing dishes with local French and Italian wines, local spirits, house-infused vodkas, and prohibition-era inspired cocktails. Robust dishes like pan-seared duck breast, eggplant parmigiano, and Coq au vin warm you and delight your taste buds! Their “Gristy” Burger includes fried eggs, Acorn Hill Farmstead chevre, shallots, and house-made herbed mayonnaise.

If you rather a quick bite in a comfortable eclectic eatery, but still crave something hardy, healthy, and delicious to warm you up, the Big Cheese in Rosendale is a fabulous option. The friendly, welcoming atmosphere of The Big Cheese will make you feel right at home. They offer lamb and beef kabobs, marinated tofu, and empanadas with turkey, beef, or vegetables. Warm your hands on some of their well-rounded soups. In their deli case you will find latkes and falafel, along with a variety of other easy to enjoy foods. And, of course, top it off with the halvah and baklava. Don’t forget to buy a cheese platter of local and imported cheeses or a gift basket to bring to the holiday party!

Tuthill House

Cafe Mezzaluna in Saugerties is brimming with creativity and culture, as is evident in the food, the art, and the entertainment. Come in over the holidays for music, poetry, comfort foods, and Spanish stews like Sancocho. Everyone should experience their inventive breakfasts like the Benedict Mezzaluna with yellow corn A Tavola

The Rhinecliff is a brassierestyle bar/restaurant with a warmth that compliments the holidays. Seasonal local ingredients are used in Chef Brian Kaywork’s traditional, yet creative cuisine. This charming, large hotel/restaurant is situated on the banks of the Hudson River and the views from every angle are spectacular. Enjoy culinary comfort from foods such as chicken potpie, braised beef

short ribs, and apple-glazed pork belly. What could be better than eating soul-warming foods at the fireside with a river view? Well, maybe a French press of coffee and one of The Rhinecliff’s delectable desserts would top it!

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Red Bistro features a bar menu that includes the terrapin veggie burger, grilled free-range chicken breast, and a wide range of tapas. The more upscale Terrapin Restaurant offers fine local cuisine in an elegant, stylish atmosphere with warm colors. Dishes include Thai seasoned chopped local sirloin, pumpkin ravioli with a brown butter-sherry sauce, and Hudson Valley venison medallions with juniper demi-glace. Special events include their Holiday Beer Dinner, which runs for three nights the week before Christmas. A hardy three or four course meal is paired with tastings of seasonal and holiday edition beers, with an emphasis on local breweries.

EATING OUT

The Rhinecliff

Inn at Stone Ridge

Northern Spy

arepa topped with their special chipotle hollandaise sauce. They serve it with Canadian bacon and spinach with Latin-style home fries. Also, throughout the holiday season Cafe Mezzaluna is exhibiting the original garlic festival posters handsomely framed from over the past 17 years. For an energetic atmosphere filled with fun décor, Cafe Mezzaluna won’t disappoint! The Restaurant at the Inn at Stone Ridge s a wonderful place to spend a holiday meal this season. It boasts classically decorated dining rooms with a crackling fireplace and a cozy tavern in a stone 18th-century Dutch Colonial Mansion on beautiful grounds. Enjoy sipping from hot toddies as you watch the snow fall outside the window. Local and fresh root veggies, parsnips, carrots, and beets are incorporated into the seasonal menu. Enjoy entrees such as Crispy Pan Seared Murray

Chicken with black truffle and cranberry jus. Their signature dish for winter is Beef Wellington—a sure crowd pleaser. Wintertime dessert specials include Christmas Figgie Pudding. Gaby’s Cafe in Ellenville and Rhinebeck is a fabulous place for fresh Mexican Latino cuisine. A signature of Gaby’s is the handmade guacamole, which is not only delicious, but it is made right in front of you at your table to your expectations. Quesadillas, burritos, tacos, and enchiladas, as well as dishes such as Mar y Tierra (grilled lobster tail and grilled fillet mignon)—you name it, Gaby’s has it. Gaby’s Cafe has traditional and Mexican burgers, and of course hot tamales! Enjoy this spicedhow-you-like, belly-warming food in a casual dining environment with excellent service.

Bacchus Restaurant and Bar in New Paltz is a neighborhood tavern with a friendly college-town feel. Choose from exciting creative cuisine with seafood and Southwest specialties and a fantastic beer selection. They have amazing pastas, such as their decadent Lobster Ravioli served with spinach and cremini mushrooms in a crabmeat cream sauce. As for the holidays, Bacchus does fabulous Christmas parties, in your choice of location: upstairs dining room, bar area, or billiard room. For New Year’s Eve, The Big Shoe starts playing at 10pm and the party keeps going until around 3am, with complementary hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight! The Marbletown Inn in Kingston is a real family style restaurant with great food, great atmosphere, and great value. This cozy restaurant with that feeling of home offers a menu full of comfort foods…

The Hudson Valley reveals its old-time charm as it receives a healthy dose of winter weather. It is a fabulous season for getting out into the community and taking pleasure in the area’s fine restaurants with people you enjoy. This winter, make it a point to explore at least three new restaurants. Gaby’s Cafe

Ricciardella’s Restaurant in Phoenicia offers fine Italian cuisine in an upscale atmosphere in the gorgeous heart of the Catskills. Enjoy your beautifully presented dish either fire-side or in a window seat overlooking Main Street. They serve excellent prime steaks and fresh seafood, and their Italian Seafood Buffet is back for Christmas Eve, featuring shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, crab legs, eggplant parmigiana, chicken franchese, prime rib, and more! Ricciardella’s also has a fabulous selection of winter draft beers, and for those really cold nights enjoy their hot captain cider special that is served with cinnamon sticks. Join your friends there for a classic New Year’s Eve champagne toast.

EATING OUT

Many of these restaurants provide catering if you prefer having your holiday party at your home. No matter what type of party atmosphere you are trying to create, you’ll find a number of fabulous options throughout our delicious region. Dominick’s Cafe in Kingston will bring delicious home-style italian specialties to your table tailored to your group’s needs. Bistro-to-Go in Kingston would love to cater your holiday event. They use local, artisanal, and hand-crafted foods and fresh produce from local farms to create a memorable food experience. Crossroads Deli in Cottekill and Bistro Mountain Store in Gardiner have superb holiday pies, desserts, and a more traditional catering menu. Gendron Catering in Rhinebeck focuses on high-end taste, presentation, and detail with a Japanese flair. If you are looking to create something magical, Gendron can help transform your evening into a unique invention.

Terrapin Restaurant

High Falls Cafe

And there are so many other local eateries, with fabulous and experienced chefs crafting new and exciting winter entrees. The Hudson Valley is on its way to becoming the best culinary scene on the map! With all this amazing food and comforting ambiance to choose from, it won’t be hard to keep a cheerful attitude this holiday season. And I think we should all toast to that!

The Sportsman’s Alamo Cantina in Phoenicia is a great place to warm up with a hardy meal after a day of skiing. During the colder months take a seat in their window-filled dining room and watch the snowy scene. The Sportsman’s Alamo Cantina serves authentic Mexican cuisine, from enchiladas suizas and fajitas to fish tacos and everything in between. To accompany your meal, choose from an extensive beer selection or wine at their full bar. Sportsman’s Alamo Cantina is

doing their 3rd Annual Christmas Community Dinner on Christmas Day. Donations will be accepted to benefit Helping Hands food pantry.

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everything from lasagna, prime rib, barbecue ribs, chicken cordon bleu, and goulash to three or four specials daily. Like being at a friend’s house, you’ll find it a nice retreat from home. The Marbletown Inn is a great place for a large family meal. They’ll be open for your company on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

Three Great Restaurants. One Great Town.

MAIN STREET, PHOENICIA Ricciardella’s: 845-688-7800 www.ricciardellas.com Sportsman’s: 845-688-5259 www.alamocantina.com Brio’s: 845-688-5370 www.brios.net

PLAY OUR VIDEOS at visitvortex.com

Great Food. Great Music. Good tiMes.

Saturday & Sunday Brunch Happy Hour Monday-Friday 4-7 Wednesday Pasta & Wing Night acoustic Thursday every Week Wireless internet

HIGH FALLS CAFE

route 213 and Mohonk rd., High Falls 845-687-2699 www.highfallscafe.com

BISTRO MOUNTAIN STORE 3124 Route 44/55, Gardiner, NY bistromountainstore.com 845-255-2999

Home of the Crankinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sandwiches The Bistro Mountain Store is a full service deli and grocery store located at the foot of the Shawangunk Cliffs! We have everything you need for a great day in the mountains! With this and an epicurious approach to world cuisine, the Bistro Mountain Store is a delicious choice! SEE US ON www.visitvortex.com

Fresh, fun and delicious tacos & burritos made just like you like them! Made to order Tex-Mex in Uptown Kingston.

Lucyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tacos

38 John Street, Kingston 845-338-2816 8 East Market St, Red Hook 845-758-8055 OPEN EVERY DAY 11-9 68

All natural & organic. Gluten-free pizza available.

PIZZA BARN

5125 Route 209, Accord

845-626-2300 pizzabarn.biz

Photo courtesy of A.M. La Hanko Photography

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deli & catering Tim and Sue of Crossroads Deli & Catering have over 30 years of catering experience. Off premises catering can accomodate any kind of event from an OFFICE LUNCHEON to a FORMAL WEDDING with MENUS TO SUIT YOUR VENUE.

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1821 Lucas Avenue, Cottekill www.crossroadsdeli.biz 845-687-0872

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Hyde PArk, NY 12538 845-229-8277

Fine Beer ••Good GoodFriends Friends FineFood Food•• Great Great Beer

4076 Albany Albany Post 4076 PostRoad Road Hyde PArk, PArk, NY Specializing in Handcrafted Hyde NY12538 12538 Ales 845-229-8277 & Lagers845-229-8277 Brewed on Premises

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4076 Albany Post Road Hyde PArk, NY 12538 845-229-8277

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Selection of over 400 VARIETIES OF BEER Serving lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and late night RESTAURANT, BAR & BILLIARDS

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845-255-8636 bacchusnewpaltz.com

The Northern Spy Cafe is nestled among waterfalls and apple orchards in the beautiful village of High Falls. The Spy offers guests an inviting comfortable atmosphere to dine and relax. Whether you’re looking for Duck Confit with a Port Glaze, Free-Range Tofu Wings or a great burger, the Northern Spy Cafe will make your dining experience most enjoyable.

NORTHERN SPY CAFE

www.hydeparkbrewing.com

Rt. 213 and Old Rt. 213 High Falls, NY 12440 Call: 845-687-7298 northernspycafe.com

The American beer palate has certainly become sophisticated enough to know that life exists beyond those boring old, mass-produced lagers that most of us consumed before we knew any better.

ince the 1980s there has been an explosion of microbreweries that have popped up across the country, with many producing beers that rank among the best in the world. It’s worth noting the great brewing work that’s being done in our own area, here in the Hudson Valley. It’s also the perfect time of year to set aside that pale, blond concoction and depart for regions yet unexplored, to plumb the depths of something dark and malty—and better suited to the time of year. A crisp lager or wheat beer may be delicious on a hot summer day, but dark beers complement the cold weather with their bolder, more robust flavor. These hardy beers also

pair well with the hardier fare we enjoy during the winter months. While the two most popular types of dark beer are stout and porter—both are quite dark in color, with most bordering on the opaque—there are dozens of different styles of dark beer from which to choose, with flavor that is far more pronounced than your typical lager, ranging anywhere from somewhat sweet to arid dry. Whichever end of the spectrum you prefer, many, if not most, are easy to find at local beer distributors. And local microbreweries and brewpubs have a range of such styles to choose from if you wish to undertake a journey of dark discovery.

Brewery references: keeganales.com hydeparkbrewing.moonfruit.com ommegang.com captainlawrencebrewing.com Restaurant references: bacchusnewpaltz.com gildedotter.com aromathymebistro.com krumville.com hopheadscafe.com

SHOP LOCALLY

by Tod Westlake

craft beers flow from local breweries and restaurants

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a micro-view of the valley

Keegan Ales

Keegan Ales Tommy Keegan had never intended to become the owner of a brewery and brewpub, but he’s been at his St. James Street location in Kingston since 2003. His passion for brewing came about as a result of a Father’s Day gift he gave to his dad. “My dad had always appreciated good beer,” Keegan says. “And I didn’t know what to get him for Father’s Day one year, so I got him a brew kit. I liked the idea so much that I went back the next week and got myself the same kit.” Ironically, it was the younger Keegan who became obsessed with the practice of home-brewing. “I was studying biochemistry at San Francisco State University at the time,” Keegan says, “and I just fell in love with brewing.” So much so, that after Keegan received his BA, he went on to get an advanced degree in fermentation science from the University of California at Davis.

This style, in addition to the traditional dark, roasted malts, contains lactose—milk sugar—which adds a luxuriant mouth-feel and a subtle tartness that underlines its sweet, malty character. The second dark beer Keegan has on tap at the moment is a variation on the Mother’s Milk recipe called Joe Mama’s Milk. In this case, Keegan has added coffee and brown sugar at various stages of the brewing process to create what he refers to as a “coffee stout.” The result is a robust, high-gravity ale that should be sipped to be enjoyed properly (it has an alcohol content of approximately eight percent by volume), and would pair well with holiday desserts.

“The more I got into brewing, the more I realized there was real science in it,” Keegan says. “I was looking for graduate schools, I thought in genetics; but then I found this brewing program...and there was no looking back.”

Last, but not least, of the dark beers is Black Eye India Pale Ale (IPA). Like other IPAs, Black Eye has a strong hops aroma, in this case the rare citra hops variety, which gives it a nose that hints of tangerine, peach, and apricot.

In addition to two lighter-colored beers—Old Capital Pale Ale and Hurricane Kitty India Pale Ale—Keegan Ales also produces three dark varieties.

And, while you’re enjoying your pint-of-choice, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best barbeque in the Kingston area. The brewery also regularly hosts live music.

“Mother’s Milk is our milk stout,” Keegan says about this rarely produced style. “I wanted to make a stout or a dark beer, and there weren’t a lot of commercial examples of milk stouts out there.”

“Barbeque goes well with beer, and picnic tables and peanut shells on the floor,” Keegan says. “Keep it simple.”

SHOP LOCALLY

Hyde Park Brewing Company Joey LoBianco has been quietly producing quality beer in Hyde Park for the past 15 years. With a range of varieties on tap at any given time, LoBianco and his brewmaster, John Eccles, have come up with unique variations on some familiar favorites.

“We had a passion for beer and we had a passion for brewing,” LoBianco says. “So we saw a ground-floor opportunity.” Eccles got his start brewing at home, and then later began to pester a local brewmaster to teach him the trade. “He had me scraping the mold out from under Grundy tanks,” Eccles says. “Anything to get rid of me.” Fortunately, this didn’t work, and Eccles eventually absorbed all the brewmaster had to offer. “I just kept coming back,” Eccles says.

Hyde Park Brewing

LoBianco says that the pieces that were needed in order to open the brewpub seemed to fall into place. He says that there was one member of the family who had knowledge of the brewing business, and this friend had an architect friend who had actually designed several brewpubs down in Manhattan. When an ideal location became available, they decided to go for it.

Hyde Park produces several pale beers—a helles-style German lager called Big Easy Blonde and a Germanstyle Pilsner called Winkle Lager —as well as a few others that are in the mid-range when it comes to color. The brewery’s SOB (Special Old Bitter) compares favorably with its across-the-pond counterparts in the British Isles (it won the Silver Medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2002). The dark beer on tap that really stands out at the moment, however, is Von Schtupp’s Black Lager. Also known by its German name, Schwartzbier, this style relies heavily on roasted malts but is typically on the sweeter end of the malt spectrum. In Hyde Park’s case, their black lager offers hints of English plum pudding with hard sauce, candied fruit, and spice cake. “It’s a great beer,” LoBianco says. “Johnny’s version of it is really outstanding.” And chef Mike Connelly, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America just down the road, isn’t bashful about experimentation with beer as an ingredient. A sorbet made with German hefeweizen (a light, citrusy wheat beer) is just one example of the fusion between the kitchen and the taproom.

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“We’ve been here since 1995, and we opened for business in 1996,” LoBianco says. “We started out with four different brews, and then expanded to six. The styles that we offer touch on a little bit of everything.”

Hyde Park Brewing

Bacchus

local hop spots There’s no doubt that the world has become a much smaller place in recent years. Beers that were once impossible to find consistently are now readily available, and in places outside the major urban areas. Aside from finding a large selection at local beer distributors, many area restaurants have extraordinary beer lists.

Bacchus in New Paltz

beer list is equally impressive. Feel free to ask one of the knowledgeable bartenders about seasonal beer specials or a unique international brew. Bacchus serves lunch, dinner, and a variety of bar food that satisfies veggie, vegan, and gluten-free diners. A consistent lineup of bands rounds out this beer destination.

The Country Inn in Krumville has been serving over 500 types of bottled beer from around the world for over 30 years. Stop in to see the extensive list and enjoy great food in an atmosphere that doesn’t require a jacket and tie. Explore seasonal specials that utilize local ingredients from regional farmers. Gilded Otter

Down the street in New Paltz is the Gilded Otter restaurant and brewery. Enjoy the beer sampler of seasonal brews made by head brewer Darren Currier. The creative names for the brews include Ottertoberfest, Huguenot St. American Lager, and Stone House Export Stout. While enjoying the beers, explore the extensive dinner menu. 76

Aroma Thyme in Ellenville

easily keeps up with the above beer veterans. The beer list is more like a book that takes some time to explore and get to know. The educated wait staff can suggest a nice beer, cocktail, or even an absinthe. The award-winning food at Aroma Thyme is not only friendly to any diet, it’s good for the earth. The fish, beef, and poultry are all purchased through sustainable sources, and local ingredients are prominently featured.

HopHeads in High Falls

HopHeads is a cozy little cafe in beautiful High Falls, NY where you can buy and sample microbrews paired with a wide variety of Hudson Valley produced smoked meats and cheeses. Offering 6 rotating taps of the best microbrews produced by American and Belgian craft brewers; with a big emphasis on New York state beers, as well as delectable charcuterie and cheese boards. No matter which restaurant you choose, if you’re looking to experiment with porters, a good place to start is the domestically produced, and quite

superb, Anchor Porter (perhaps not ironically, Tommy Keegan once worked for this brewery); if you’d like to try a porter from the old country, Samuel Smith’s Taddy Porter is exquisite as well. There are other styles that tend to run to the dark side, some with stronger flavors. Almost any beer that emanates from Belgium, particularly those produced by Trappist monasteries, are always worth trying. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, barley wines are among the most flavorful of beer styles, with a deep malty sweetness and thick viscous body (Keegan’s Super Kitty Ale, which was produced in limited quantity, would fit in this category). Others to look for are the English Thomas Hardy’s Ale and Samichlaus from Switzerland/Austria. For anyone traveling outside of our immediate area, Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown is definitely worth a visit; and if you happen to be down in Westchester, drop in at Captain Lawrence Brewery in Pleasantville. Like their counterparts in our area, both are doing amazing work, producing worldclass beer close to home.

Holidays at the Farm! Christmas Trees + Wreaths

Bird Feeders

Locally-made Gifts

Nutrena and Triple Crown Feed

Pet Food and Supplies

CHOOSE & CUT YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE! OR CHOOSE A PRE-CUT FRASER FIR Our Cozy Giftshop features local maple syrup, honey & soaps Handcrafted Wreaths, Kissing balls, Swags and Mailbox Huggies are made right on our Farm Rte 209 between Accord & Kerhonkson KelderFarm.com 845-626-7137

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christmas trees www.bellschristmastrees.com 647 Mettacahonts Rd, Accord 845-626-7849 845-532-1924 cell 77

Christmas Trees! Handmade Wreaths! Centerpieces! Hot Cider! Baked Goods!

WHISTLEWOOD FARM BARTHEL’S FARM MARKET and GARDEN CENTER 8057 ROUTE 209

ELLENVILLE, NY 12428

What’s your reason for visiting Saunderskill Farms this weekend? • HOLIDAY PIES

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SAUNDERSKILL FARMS market & bakery 5100 Route 209, Accord, NY www.saunderskill.com 845-626-2676

845-647-6941

Bed and Breakfast

845-876-6838 www.whistlewood.com 52 Pells Road, Rhinebeck, New York 12572

Don’t hibernate this winter—take a trip to the many Hudson Valley winter markets to extend your access to the healthiest local foods throughout another season. Satiate your cravings for fresh produce, organic meats, cheeses, home-baked goods, and so much more. There are many warm and welcoming goodies that’ll spice up and add color to your menus—and your home. Who said sledding and skiing were the only things to do during winter? Show weekend guests and family there’s even a thrill in the chill of winter and take them on a daytrip for health.

Rhinebeck Farmers’ Market

Following Thanksgiving weekend this farmers’ market moves indoors to the Rhinebeck Town Hall, 80 E. Market Street from 10am-2pm on Sundays: Dec. 4, 18; Jan. 8, 22; Feb. 5, 19; March 4, 18; and April 1, 15, 29. Voted the best Hudson Valley Farmers’ Market for the past four years by Hudson Valley magazine—featuring live music, cooking demos, and kids’ activities, along with smoked products; a wide variety of local poultry, meats, cheeses, and dairy; honey; juice; jam; pesto; bread; and seasonal produce. More info by emailing info@RhinebeckFarmersMarket. com or at RhinebeckFarmersMarket.com.

Red Hook Farmers’ Market

The historic Elmendorph Inn plays host to this winter farm market, open 10am-2pm on the following Saturdays: Nov. 19; Dec. 3, 17, 31; Jan. 14, 28; Feb. 11, 25, March 10, 24; and April 7. Located on the corner of North Broadway (Route 9) and Cherry Street. Offers fruit, cider, and produce; fresh local meats and dairy; woolen fiber; jams and jellies; hot soup; prepared foods; and local entertainment for family fun. mckeonandny@yahoo.com. 845-399-4582.

Rosendale Farmers’ Market

After Thanksgiving, this market moves from the Rosendale Community Center parking lot (1055 Route 32) to inside the center. Open on Dec. 4, Jan. 8, Feb. 5, March 4, April 1, and May 6; 10am-2pm from December through May. Find crab cakes, baked goods, cheeses, Italian bread, honey, granola, wine and mead, fancy pretzels, cooking tools, Ghanaian market baskets, and ready-to-eat foods—plus live acoustic music, free coffee/tea/cocoa and WiFi. 845-339-0819 or 845-843-8098. Visit Facebook for current updates and date-to-come of Third Annual Pancake Breakfast. rosendalefarmersmarket.com.

Saugerties Farmers’ Market

Held at the Senior Center, 207 Market Street, 12-4pm, on Sundays once a month: November 20, December 18, January 15, and February 12. Food includes a full range of root vegetables and seasonal produce, including 26 varieties of potatoes; artisan breads and chocolates; snacks; a full range of meats and poultry; cider; honey; herbs; mushrooms; garlic; maple syrup; wine; baked goods; jams, pickles, and relishes; quiches; pestos; and prepared foods including soups, chili, tamales, and focaccia. 845-2460167. saugertiesfarmersmarket.com.

Winter Sun Farms Market,

New Paltz and Poughkeepsie The markets feature winter produce, bread and baked goods, quiches, fresh meats, dairy, homemade pasta, honey, jam, crafts, and more. New Paltz market (New Paltz Community Center, 1 Veteran’s Drive off Route 32) is open 10am3pm on the second Saturday of each month, December through April. Poughkeepsie’s market is held at Vassar College (The College Center), 10am-3pm on the third Saturday of each month, December through April. 845-255-1699 or 845594-3876. wintersunfarms.com.

Open year-round on Sunday 10am-4pm at the Beacon Sloop Club, located in the Beacon Train Station parking lot on Beacon’s waterfront. The market moves indoors fireside to the Sloop Club on the first Sunday in December and continues there through April. Find artisan breads and cheeses; seasonal produce, eggs, and local meats; roasted nuts, seeds, and dried fruits; teas, coffees, and wines; pickles; honey products; and pottery, jewelry, and crafts. 845234-9325. TheBeaconFarmersMarket.com.

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Beacon Farmers’ Market

OUR FARMS

WINTER Farmers’ Markets

Choose and Cut Trees: You-Cut or weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be happy to harvest for you. Pre-Cut Trees: Award winning Fraser and Douglas Firs. Wreaths: Highest quality, Farm-made, Fraser and Douglas Fir wreaths. Holiday Shoppe: Country Holiday decorations and gifts. Free Hot Cocoa Tractor Rides Tree Shaking Netting & Drilling

Open Weekends until Christmas (or sold out) 9:00am - 5:00pm

Tree delivery available

Hardenburgh Tree Farm

A small family farm whose only focus is the Holidays. Park at 8 Suominens Road, Ulster Park Phone 845-658-8894 Cell 808-295-6591 www.hardenburghfarm.com 80

GARDEN CENTER: Christmas Trees, Poinsettias, Wreaths, Kissing Balls, Stone & Pavers 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

WALLKILL VIEW FARM MARKET

15 Route 299 West New Paltz, NY 12561 (845) 255-8050 www.WallkillViewFarmMarket.com Visit Us On Facebook Open 7 days a week 9:00am-6:30pm

We’ve got all the holiday fixins: PIES, COOKIES, GIFT BASKETS, CHRISTMAS TREES, DECORATIONS

APPLE BIN

Farm Market 810 Broadway (Rt 9W) Ulster Park, NY 12487 theapplebinfarmmarket.com Call us at 845-339-7229

PLAY Apple Bin’s Slideshow at www.visitvortex.com

THE APPLE BIN HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A PERFECT HOLIDAY!

THE VILLAGE INN A Unique Lodging Experience

917-453-8374 135 Partition St, Saugerties villageinnsaugerties.com

• Carrying on the tradition of old world butchers. • Some of the finest and freshest meats available • All of our specialty meats are made on premises • Choose local for all of your holiday meats. BEFORE

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choose local meats

Grass-fed beef and lamb raised on pasture without antibiotics, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers in Tivoli and Claverack. Lamb, fed on fresh forages, minerals, and mother’s milk, is sold by the half or whole. Steers, grass-fed and grass-finished, are sold by the whole, half, or split quarter. Order online. PO Box 22, Tivoli. awesomefarmny.com.

met-quality” organic, free-range pork, beef, and poultry. OMRI-certified Fetrell mineral supplements are used to feed Heritage-Breed Large Black and Berkshire pigs; Cornish Cross hens; and cattle from the Wye Angus Program at the University of Maryland. 1292 Albany Post Road, Gardiner. 845-895-7433. brookside-farm.com.

Brykill Farm

Brook Farm Project

This nonprofit CSA farm, located at the foot of the Shawangunk Ridge, has an established relationship with SUNY New Paltz and runs a farmers’ market on campus each autumn. Offering organic grass-fed beef and free-range chicken. 60 Gatehouse Road, New Paltz. 845-255-1052. brookfarmproject.org.

This family run natural beef ranch offers quarter and half cuts of organic, grass-fed, hormone- and antibiotic-free beef, fed on USDA-certified organic grain and processed humanely at a family-owned slaughterhouse in Pine Plains. The farm also offers free-range organic eggs, and sports visitors’ cottage rentals and freely roaming peacocks. PO Box 308, Gardiner. 845-895-8928. brykillfarm.com.

Brookside Farm

Four Winds Farm

This family-run farm uses “old-fashioned,” “beyond organic” farming to produce “gour-

Free-range turkey and chicken; organic, grass-fed heritage breed beef, lamb, and

pork (from endangered breed Glostershire Old Spots pigs) grown on this family run farm/ CSA. Chicken and meat available through November; turkey in time for Thanksgiving. 158 Marabac Road, Gardiner. 845-255-3088. users.bestweb.net/~fourwind.

Fox Hill Farm

Grass-fed, heritage breed British White, Murray Grey, Red Devon, and cross-bred beef raised on a family farm whose land has been in the family and protected from development since 1882. Quarters, halves, whole beef custom cuts, as well as steaks, roasts, burgers, and hot dogs that are all-beef, no-nitrate with natural casing. Processing is completed at local facilities or humanely at the farm if an animal is purchased “on the hoof.” Visitors welcome. 887 E. Ancram Road, Ancramdale. 518-329-2405. foxhillfarmgrassfedbeef.com.

Full Moon Farm

Grass-fed, organic beef, turkey, duck, and

Note: VISITvortex ran a similar article last winter. We believe this is useful information for this time of year, so we’ve updated the piece.

visitvortex.com

Awesome Farm

Did you know if you value local foods you are a “Locavore”? Now that you know your new nickname—which means you’re a person who promotes the practice of eating foods grown within a 100-mile radius—you can welcome friends and family to enjoy warm, loving, nutritious, and local meals. But ORDER EARLY, as you are not the only Locavore around—the numbers are growing rapidly each year.

chicken. 97 Phillies Bridge Road, New Paltz. 845-255-5601. fullmoonfarmny.com.

Gansvoort Farm

Grass-fed, organic, heritage breed Devon beef available on a limited basis and Icelandic cross lamb available by the whole or half through November. 1830 Route 9, Germantown. 518537-4668. gansvoort@gmail.com.

Hancock Angus Farm

Grass-fed Angus Beef by the pound, by the quarter, by the side, or “on hoof”—whatever you need or desire. By appointment only. Call 845-266-5024. 10 Oak Drive, Clinton Corners. 845-266-5024. patzplace@aol.com.

Herondale Farm

Grass-fed, heritage breed British White and Murray Grey beef, which boast century-old physiologies, and lamb, free-range Cornish Rock chicken, and Berkshire Cross pork, all pastured through sustainable farming and holistic management on organic feed mixed with grass, alfalfa, clover, and pasture insects, and offering a high level of Omega 3s. Products can be ordered online and shipped UPS or picked up at the farm. 90 Wiltsie Bridge Road, Ancramdale. 518-329-3769. herondalefarm.com.

Hickory Field Farm

Located in Orange County, offering especially tender Miniature Hereford and Lowline Angus 84

grass-fed beef; and pasture-raised heritage breed Freedom Rangers poultry. Pickup at farm or delivery available. Reservations requested. 72 Post Road, Slate Hill. 845-606-2071. hickoryfieldfarm.blogspot.com.

Homestead Farms

This breeder of Icelandic and Shetland sheep sells grass-fed lamb and two ideal lamb flavorings—organic garlic and lavender—along with fine-quality wool fibers. 190 Yantz Road, Red Hook. 845-758-3130.

Kiernan Farm

Grass-fed, steroid- and antibiotic-free AngusHereford crossed beef available by phone and pickup at the farm. All cuts available at any amount, from one to 100 pounds. Order by phone or email. 1308 Bruynswick Road, Gardiner. 845-255-5995. kiernanfarm.com.

Kinderhook Farm

Millbrook Venison Products Pastured, gourmet-quality venison featured on The Food Network’s “The Essence of Emeril” in Chef Emeril Lagasse’s Braised Celery Root with Grilled Millbrook Venison Chops and Celery Root. 499 Verbank Road, Millbrook. 845-677-8457.

Meadowland Farms

Grass-fed beef, without antibiotics or hormones, and Christmas trees. 689 Schultzville Road, Clinton Corners. 845-554-6142. meadowlandfarm@hotmail.com.

Movable Beast Farm

Grass-fed and -finished beef raised on kelp, certified-organic minerals, natural salts, baleage, and hay. No antibiotics, hormones, grains, pesticides, or herbicides used. Delivery available throughout the Hudson Valley; retail cuts occasionally sold at the farm. 45 Boodle Hole Road, Accord. 845-626-2790.

Grass-fed beef raised on grass and legumes without grain, antibiotics, growth hormones, or animal by-products. Packaged cuts of finished beef: whole or half beef available. Call to order for pickup at farm store. 1958 Route 21, Ghent. 518-929-3076. kinderhookfarm.com.

New York Beef Company

Knoll Krest Farms

North Wind Farm

Award-winning, free-range, antibiotic- and hormone-free chicken. 154 Old Bulls Head Road, Clinton Corners. 845-266-3845. knollkrestfarm.com.

Grass-fed, all-natural beef free of antibiotics, hormone implants, and animal by-products, raised on New York farms. 41 Stringham Road, Arlington. 866-358-0288. newyorkbeef.com.

This family run farm, started in 1982, offers certified organic beef, goat, lamb, and rabbit as well as all-natural, free-range turkey, Guinea hen, duck, squab, and chicken. 185 East Kerley

Corners Road, Tivoli. Farm pickup. 845-7575591. northwindfarmsallnatural.com.

Oak Leaf Hill Farm

Naturally raised, non-medicated, grain-fed lamb and beef cut, wrapped, and frozen to your specifications. 223 Butts Hollow Road, Dover Plains. 845-677-8247.

Pathfinder Farm

Grass-fed Hereford beef raised by organic management and sustainable forestry practices on a family farm dedicated to ecological land stewardship. Steaks and roasts available; beef sold by half, by the box, or by the piece. 2433 Old Kings Road, Catskill. 518-943-7096. pathfinderfarms.com.

Quattro’s Game Farm

Free-range, natural wild turkey, geese, ducks (Pekin, Muscovy), pheasant, and organic, grassfed beef and venison grown on a family run farm with on-site slaughterhouse and store. Open Monday-Saturday 8am-7pm; Sunday 8am-1pm. 107 Tinkertown Road, Route 44, Pleasant Valley. 845-635-2018.

Temple Farm

Grass-fed heritage breed Devon beef sold in cuts, quarters, or halves. Orders may be picked up or delivered. 339 North Mabbettsville Rd, Millbrook. 845-677-8757.

Uphill Farm

State fair champions’ natural beef features heritage breed Galloway, Belted Galloway, and Crossbred Cattle. 2947 Salt Point Turnpike, Clinton Corners. 845-266-5005. uphillfarm.net.

Two types of heritage breed turkey; heritage breed chicken available year round; Cornish rock crosses available seasonally; Pekin duck hatched from eggs laid on the farm; Scottish Highland and Devon beef; Gloucestershire Old Spot and Large Black pigs. Pickup only. Order via email: info@ veritasfarms.com or phone. 32 Rousner Lane, New Paltz. 845-384-6888. veritasfarms.com.

Willow Wood Farm

Free-range, all-natural turkey available at Thanksgiving. No hormones or antibiotics used; humane animal processing on site. 26 Graves Road, Mechanicville. 518-664-0750.

Upstate Farms of Highland

This year-round farm works with multiple small farms in upstate New York to offer locally produced meats when available, including turkey, poussin, pork, farm-raised venison (available fresh, frozen, or smoked), buffalo, quail, and rabbit. 286 Pleasantvale Road, Red Hook. 845756-3803. upstatefarmsny.com.

Van Wie Natural Foods

Free-range turkey and chicken; natural pork, beef, and lamb; nitrate-free smoked meats and natural sausage, all raised on homegrown vegetarian grain without antibiotics or growth hormones. Seafood and prepared foods also available. Order by phone or online for UPS shipping or pickup at farm store. Open Tues-Sat 10-5. 6798 Route 9, Hudson. 518-828-0533. vanwienaturalmeats.com.

LOCAL BUTCHERS Fleisher’s Grass-Fed and Organic Meats Founded in 2004 as an old-fashioned butcher shop specializing in premium meat products from local farmers and named for a turn-ofthe-century Kingston butcher, Fleisher’s was chosen in 2010 by Food and Wine magazine as one of the top food businesses, and was named by Martha Stewart as a “Tastemaker”, one of nine culinary artisans to be honored. Fleisher’s offers free-range, 100-percent organic poultry, including turkey for Thanksgiving; chicken from Pristine Cuisine; heritage breed pork from a

local Mennonite farm; pastured, 100-percent grass-fed beef in season and grass-fed, grainfinished beef throughout the year; pasture-raised, grain-finished lamb; and a wide variety of spiced chicken, lamb, and pork sausages. Virtually any cut of meat is available, but not all the time, so ordering in advance (via phone or email) is recommended, as is calling ahead to see what’s in stock. 307 Wall Street, Kingston. 845-3386666. fleishers.com.

OUR FARMS

Veritas Farms

Fleisher’s Smokehouse of the Catskills

Jack’s Meats & Deli Natural free-range and certified-organic turkey available throughout November and December (be sure to order ahead by phone for store pickup); free-range and organic chicken; grassfed, organic beef and pork; plus unusual meats like ostrich and buffalo. Open daily 8am-8pm. 79 Main Street, New Paltz. 845-255-2244.

Smokehouse of the Catskills A small German specialty store whose European heritage in the tradition of old world butchers is evident in the pride and quality of their meat products. The finest pork chops, steaks, hot dogs (with or without a natural casing), teewurst, kielbasa, chicken sausage, bratwurst, weisswurst, Westphalia ham, and more. Hunters should ask about venison processing. Thursday through Sunday 8am-6pm; Sunday 9am-4pm. 724 Route 212, Saugerties. 845-246-8767. smokehouseofthecatskills.com

Pasture-raised pork, beef, free-range chickens and turkeys, and lamb, eggs, and seasonal veggies. Call or email for ordering early for Thanksgiving or special orders. Beef sold by halves and quarters; pork and lamb by half or parts. Farm stand open daily. 5908 Route 82, Stanfordville. 845-868-1306. thillfarm@yahoo.com.

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Thunder Hill Farm

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What a glorious opportunity to have the gift of diversity to explore the abundance of winter through the whole array of experiences and events: from holiday decorating to the beauty of local community, the ambiance of warm apple cider from a local farm stand to unique hand crafted shops and boutiques. It is this time of sharing and gifting that one can truly appreciate the beauty of local community and the supportive interconnectedness that flourishes at the holiday time.

BODY, MIND & SOUL Indeed the holiday season is one of giving, yet be sure to give to yourself as well. Give yourself the opportunity to feed your soul with the nurturance of the quiet, still nights and soft snow brushed landscape. Take time to “be” and know it is okay to merge with the theme of winter, a time to slow down and take an internal observation of areas in your life that you would like to release rather than replant into the growing season of spring. By a warm fire or simply a walk in the woods, take some easeful breaths to let the year of past slowly release, allowing the opportunities of the new to be explored and nourished for the beginning of the New Year. by Peter Sonnenberg, School of Vibrational Healing, Orkie.com

photo by Roy Gumpel

he beauty of winter is its ability to shift one’s focus from the externals of life to the inner place of introspection and self-reflection. The mountains release the mosaic of autumn to winter’s stillness, quiet, and reprieve. One can certainly appreciate the uniqueness of the Hudson Valley as the trails transition from biking and hiking to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

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on winter

OPEN: Mon-Sat 10am-7pm Sun 10am-6pm

845.255.6277

6 North Front Street, New Paltz

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Have you checked Margaretville out? Our village is open for business! Spread the good cheer and shop local, this holiday season and beyond!

A cool collection of antiques, home furnishings, vintage clothing, gifts, jewelry, local gourmet foods, and a brand new coffeehouse, right inside the store. 845.586.6166 www.768main.com

Downtown Margaretville

This time of year is often called “the season of giving.” A gift sincerely given and graciously received is a beautiful thing. So how come it often feels like an obligation and, frankly, a pain in the neck? Well, there’s the obvious possibility that we simply don’t want to spend the money, or more likely, take the time to go out and get something. But for most of us, our resistance is more complex. Why give something that the person doesn’t really need? What do they need, anyway? Do you really even know the person well enough to decide what’s going to make them happy, whether they need it or not? We might feel that the gift is just about the gesture of giving, fulfilling some social expectation and not much else. All of which points out that we might need to try to sort out the feelings that arise around this subject, and that is pretty much a personal thing. But what we can say more generally is this: there’s a certain cultural momentum, so to speak, around the holidays, which comes from a good place—whatever your belief system. But there’s a gift, and then there’s a thoughtful gift. The time given to thinking

A lot of people these days are giving gifts to charitable causes in the name of a recipient. Nice idea, and just about any nonprofit organization will work out the details with you. But this kind of gift is going to be a real clunker if the person doesn’t truly support the organization and want to contribute. If you want to give something tangible, I guarantee that giving something hand crafted and locally made is going to feel good. Our Hudson Valley region has such an amazing wealth of craftspeople. Maybe you have a mutual friend who’s a potter and whose work you both admire. Of course, the epitome of locally made and hand crafted is something you made yourself. Eventually the idea comes into focus that we could take the whole practice of generosity to a deeper level psychologically. Giving is about connection. At its best, it is an expression of genuine respect, caring, affection, and indeed love. It has always been considered a root spiritual virtue by all traditions. It is a practice that is both an expression of wisdom and a means to develop it. But to do so, we need to get an insight into why we have resistance to generosity—despite the fact that it’s really part of our nature to give.

In that context, generosity itself can be seen as a great gift. Seen insightfully, it’s an opportunity to loosen our habitual solidification of the giver, the gift, and the recipient. The wisdom that sees through the heavy duality of self and other is a very clear form of love—because what is love but the recognition of non-duality? So it comes back to love, to connection. And that’s the gift.

by David McCarthy

Even with those better instincts, generosity is a bit of a threat to the ego, dear friends, and ego is way more complicated than that simple Scrooge mentality of “I don’t want to give so I have more for myself.” We invent lots of strategies to keep ego happy while acting out the social ritual of giving. It feels good. People will like us. Good for business. Keep the kids quiet. It’s good karma. When even these strategies start to wear thin, the whole thing feels pretty tiresome.

If you contemplate it in this way, when it comes down to that burning question of what to get for that certain someone, there’s a clear way forward. The gift begins with the space and freedom to find the gift that expresses the real connection you feel, and we complete it by giving in the spirit of wisdom.

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The Gift of Giving

through or doing a bit of research on what would really resonate with someone is a direct expression of generosity—one that deepens the connection between you. There’s a lot to be said for the gift that just jumps out at you any time and feels right, especially for someone really close.

COMMUNITY

Giving is about connection. At its best, it is an expression of genuine respect, caring, affection, and indeed love.

Eventually we see that our materialism is psychological; it goes beyond the materialism of “stuff”. It starts with the sharp, mind-created duality between self and other. We take situations that are fluid, luminous, and intangible, and make them heavy and solid.

Gifts From the Heart Food for the Body Art for the Soul • Hot drinks, savory morsels & sweet delicacies • Vintage collectibles, stylish clothes & designer jewelry • One-of-a-kind decorative pieces and fine art

With more than 20 shops, over 30 antique dealers, music, and some of the finest views in New Paltz, Water Street Market has something for everyone.

WATER STREET MARKET 10 Main Street, New Paltz, NY 12561

Water Street 845-255-1403 Market #408www.waterstreetmarket.com Genuine and Fine Quality 10 Main St. New Paltz 845.256.1940 Handmade Tibetan Rugs, himalayanartsnewpaltz@yahoo.com Furniture, Jewelry, Arts, Clothings.

BARCONE’S MUSIC 528 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401 845-331-6089 barconesmusiconline.com Celebrating Over A Hundred Years Of Music

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208 Bruynswick Road New Paltz, NY 12561 Fri-Sun 10AM-6PM And By Appt. 845-255-3336

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SHOP LOCALLY

Gift giving is best when you find that very special present that is a perfect expression of your feelings for a loved one. There are so many beautiful items crafted by people in our community who understand that gift giving is a labor of love. Support the Hudson Valley artisans and shops this season, and say something unique and meaningful to those on your gift-giving list!

Even elves admire o TEA SHOP OF WOODSTOCK tea and handiwork. all that goes with it... For the tea lover on your shopping list choose from our selection of Yi Xing clay Save Xthe art of brewing tea. pots...enhance

LOTUS FINE ART Sterling, gold and semi-precious jewelry by American Craftspeople. Something special is here. 33 Rock City Road, Woodstock 845-679-2303 lotuswoodstock.com

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HANDMADE AND MORE Trillium Scarves are handwoven from highgloss rayon chenille yarn, which come in three lengths and many color combos. They make wonderful gifts for women and men!

local GIFT GUIDE

COLUMBIA costumes & beauty Give the gift of beauty and relaxation. Create a basket of fine beauty products, soaps, and creams to make someone especially happy this season. 66 North Front Street, Kingston 845-339-4996 columbiacostumes.com

PEGASUS SHOES The Lynnea by UGG has so much to offer â&#x20AC;&#x201D;style, versatility, and comfort all in a totally unique look. For these and many more UGG styles come to Pegasus. 10 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock 845-679-2373 pegasusshoes.com

THE CHEESE PLATE Create a gift basket from your choice of artisan cheeses, handmade chocolates, truffles, local homemade pickles, jams, and chutneys. Delicious! 10 Main Street, New Paltz Water Street Market 845-255-2444

HiHo Home Market ...making your house a home. 100% Cotton Woven Throws are the perfect holiday gift. 132 Main Street, Gardiner 845-255-1123 HiHoHome.com facebook.com/HiHoHome THE BIG CHEESE A gift certificate here will be sure to please. Choose from domestic and imported cheeses, tasty delicacies, and an amazing assortment of interesting clothing! 402 Main Street, Rosendale 845-658-7175

LEISURE TIME SPRING WATER Give the gift of Fresh Water. Binnewater Ice will deliver right to the home. Keep everyone hydrated and healthy with pure drinking water. 25 South Pine Street, Kingston 845-331-0504 binnewater.com

DOWNTOWN ACCORD Primative to industrial. Lighting, mirrors, Ironstone, paintings, cupboard and architectual elements. Sundays and by appointment. 23 Main Street, Accord 845-706-1070

WATER STREET MARKET Take your pick from distinctive antiques, artisan chocolates, hand-crafted jewelry, and so much more at Water Street Market. 10 Main Street, New Paltz 845-255-1403 waterstreetmarket.com

SPRUCE DESIGN + DECOR Wool throws by High Falls Collection, and offering a blend of American and European mid-century furniture, art, lighting, and decorative objects. 1209 Route 213, High Falls 845-687-4481 sprucedesigndecor.com

BARCONES MUSIC Give the gift of music! Choose from all kinds of instruments and accessories. Lessons are also available. 528 Broadway, Kingston 845-331-6089 barconesmusiconline.com

RHINEBECK ARTISTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SHOP Stocking stuffers for your favorite artist. Choose from excellent art materials, cool gifts, and expert picture framing. 56 E. Market St, Rhinebeck 845-876-4922 17 Church Street, New Paltz 845-255-5533 rhinebeckart.com

HIGH FALLS MERCANTILE Home Furnishings, Redefined For the perfect gift pick up one of High Falls Mercantileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature unscented pillar candles. 113 Main Street, High Falls 845-687-4200 highfallsmercantile.com

CHEESE BARREL Create a fun gift basket from our huge selection of candies, cheeses, gourmet teas & coffees, and local specialties! 798 Main Street, Margaretville 845-586-4666 cheesebarrel.com

NECTAR IMPORTS Beautiful, unusual & affordable gifts like these festive hand-etched glasses painted in real gold & platinum, as well as organic teas & teaware, handcrafted jewelry, journals, soy candles, ornaments, toys & more! High Falls 845-687-2870 nectarimports.com

EMERSON COUNTRY STORE Looking for unique gift ideas? The Emerson Country Store features home goods, culinary delights, antiques, local artists, and the world famous Kaleidostore! 5340 Route 28, Mt. Tremper 845-688-2828 www.emersonresort.com

MOXIE CUPCAKE Gourmet cupcakes and baked goods made with the finest ingredients found locally and around the world. Try the 12 Cupcakes of Christmas Mini box that includes 12 holiday flavors in one box. 215 Main Street, New Paltz 845-255-CAKE (2253) moxiecupcake.com

NEST EGG Country Store Genuine Minnetonka sheepskin boots keep feet comfortable indoor and out, so you’re ready for just about anything. Or bring our homemade fudge as a gift! 84 Main Street, Phoenicia 845-688-5851 nesteggshop.com

CLEARMETALS Introducing the Aegis, a talisman for the home designed by jewelry designer Barbara Klar. With its origins in many mythologies as a protective shield to be hung in the home to protect its inhabitants and contents. clearmetals.com

VICTORIA GARDENS These beautiful stained glass-like paper lanterns are one of our favorite gift picks. They will illuminate the festive spirit in your home. Visit the complete gift shop. 1 Cottekill Road, Rosendale 845-658-9007 victoriagardens.biz

FAVATA’S Table Rock Tours & Bicycles Bontrager Thermal Windblock Jacket, perfect for the cyclist in your life. Warm, windproof, and constructed using stretch paneling to ensure freedom of movement. 386 Main Street, Rosendale 845-658-7832 trtbicycles.com

POTTER BROTHERS Choose from the hottest ski & snowboard gear, plus sweet discounts on lift tickets and rentals. Now that’s a gift! 57 City View Terrace, Kingston 845-338-5119 potterbrothers.com

APPLE BIN Farm Market Offering premium Frasier fir trees, wreaths, and kissing balls for your holiday celebration. Or bring a pie, cookies, or a gift basket. 810 Broadway (Route 9W), Ulster Park 845-339-7229 theapplebinfarmmarket.com 96

LOCAL FARMS & MARKETS Bring along fresh all-American baked goods like pies, cakes, breads, and doughnuts. Most stands also have great gift shops! Try Saunderskill, Kelder’s, Jenkins-Lueken or Barthel’s Farm

DM WEIL GALLERY Buy one gift card & get one free of equal value. Up to $1,000 dollars. WHO SAYS FINE ART CAN’T BE FUN? 208 Bruynswick Road, New Paltz 845-255-3336 www.dmweil.com

BELL’S CHRISTMAS TREES Pick up a beautiful handmade wreath, kissing ball, or specialty gift from the gift shop all while on the mission to choose and cut your own Christmas tree. 647 Mettacahonts Road, Accord 845-626-7849 bellschristmastrees.com

HERZOG’S HOME CENTER Holliberrie Collection by Mudpie — Milkglazed terracotta with detailed holly pattern. Hurry in while it’s still available. Kingston Plaza 845-338-6300 herzogs.com

HUDSON VALLEY SEED LIBRARY Heirloom Seeds, Contemporary Art, Seed Stories, All In One Pack Over 160 vegetable, flower, and herb varieties. Sow Local! Full seed catalog at seedlibrary.org

LOCAL GIFT CERTIFICATES With so many great restaurants and accommodations in the area, a gift certificate is truly a perfect holiday gift.

MERCHANT WINE & LIQUOR themerchantwine.com STONE RIDGE WINE & SPIRITS stoneridgewineandspirits.com WOODSTOCK WINE & LIQUOR woodstockwineandliquors.com TUTHILLTOWN SPIRITS tuthilltown.com STOUTRIDGE VINEYARD stoutridge.com

Bring along the holiday cheer!

KENCO Ibex is making the finest Merino wool clothing for mountain living. The perfect material for both the most extreme of adventures, or sitting by the fire. A great gift. 1000 Hurley Mountain Road, Kingston 845-340-0552 atkenco.com

SORELLA A Hidden treasure in the heart of Woodstock. Sister owners offer Clothing & Accessories to express your own individual style and creativity. Open 7 Days. 8 Old Forge Road, Woodstock 845-684-5074 sorellaofwoodstock.com

LUCKY CHOCOLATES Homemade Toffee, Turtles, and Truffles…Oh my! This and so much more deliciousness at Lucky Chocolates. 115 Partition Street, Saugerties. 845-246-7337 luckychocolates.com 97

WALLKILL VIEW Choose a great gift from our Market, Bakery, or Holiday Giftshop. Our Santa collection is a must see! OD 845.876.WO

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B&L JEWELERS Express yourself with Reflection Beads. Choose from our wide selection of beads to give a truly personal holiday gift. 101 Main Street, New Paltz 845-255-8919

15 Route 299 W, New Paltz 845-255-8050 wallkillviewfarmmarket.com

WILLIAMS LUMBER A Williams Lumber Gift Card is the perfect gift. Williams has everything you need: Paint, Tools, Electrical, Lawn & Garden, Building Materials, Hardware, and More! 6760 Route 9, Rhinebeck 845-876-WOOD williamslumber.com

WHISPERED DREAMS Visit this metaphysical shop for a truly unique gift. Or get a gift certificate for a massage, Reiki, or a psychic reading! 3653 Main Street, Stone Ridge 845-687-9291 whispereddreamsshop.com

SMOKEHOUSE of the Catskills Holiday Hams smoked and cooked on premises with natural smoke. Mix and match with our other specialty food items to make the perfect gift basket. 724 Route 212, Saugerties 845-246-8767 smokehouseofthecatskills.com

HARDENBURGH FARM This Country Holiday Shoppe is an excellent place to share some quality time. Enjoy a tractor ride, a cup of cocoa, beautiful farm-made wreaths, and country gifts in an atmosphere of Christmas past. Park at 8 Suominens Road, Ulster Park 845-658-8894 hardenburghfarm.com

HIMALAYAN ARTS Traditional Tibetan Design Coral & Turquoise Necklace. Also offering genuine and fine quality handmade Tibetan rugs, furniture, arts, and clothing. 10 Main Street, New Paltz Water Street Market 845-256-1940

BARE FURNITURE These accent pieces are the perfect solution for storage needs. Store treasured belongings or everyday office supplies. Offering a wide selection of versatile options designed with beauty, comfort, and style in mind. 47-37 Route 209, Accord 845-626-0061 barefurnitureny.com

OLIVER KITA Presenting our Christmas Collection of fine chocolates. This collection comes already gift wrapped, free of charge, in recycled and recyclable packaging. 18 West Market Street, Rhinebeck 845-876-2665 oliverkita.com

AGWAY Keep out of the doghouse with the perfect gift—an Agway gift certificate will make anyone happy. Or get your doggie his own little house. Red Hook and New Paltz 845-758-3601 agway.com

GENESIS FLORIST Don’t forget to bring flowers to the host or hostess of the holiday party. Or if you’re throwing the party choose a locally made, fresh centerpiece.

STONE RIDGE JEWELERS Show your love with a one-of-a-kind piece of Jewelry at Stone Ridge Jewelers. 2821 Route 209, Kingston 845-331-8543

3835 Main Street, Stone Ridge 845-687-0070

A&M HARDWARE The gift ideas are endless. Finally retire that snow shovel and give the gift of a snow blower! They’ve got just the tool you want! 5000 Route 209, Accord 845-626-2788 amhardwarenews.com

EMMANUEL’S PETAGREE Pamper your pet with a New Pet Toy from Emmanuel’s Pet Agree in the Stone Ridge Towne Centre. 845-687-2500 3853 Main Street, Stone Ridge

TENDER LAND HOME Offering an affordable selection of gifts for all ages. Choose from beautiful Home Accessories, Gifts, Decor, and Furnishings. 64 Main Street, Phoenicia 845-688-7213 tenderlandhome.com

768 MAIN An eclectic collection of lovely things awaits...from locally handcrafted jewelry and gourmet food items to vintage clothing, home furnishings, decadent chocolate, lush handknits, and other great gifts! 768 Main Street, Margaretville 845-586-6166 768Main.com

VISIT OUR SHOPS IN RHINEBECK & NEW PALTZ

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Affordable Art Supplies and Expert Picture Framing The Hudson Valley’s best stocked Art supply stores. Featuring Golden, Gamblin, Holbein, Lascaux, Liquitex, M. Graham, Sennelier, Williamsburg, Winsor Newton and much, much more.

Rhinebeck Artist’s Shop 56 East Market St. Rhinebeck, NY 845-876-4922 17 Church Street New Paltz, NY 845-255-5533 www.rhinebeckart.com 100

STONE RIDGE JEWELERS 2821 Route 209 Stone Ridge, nY 845-331-8543 STONE RIDGE JEWELERS 2821 Route 209

The

101

All you need for CHRISTMAS is at Quality Beauty Supplies: Clippers, Dryers, Flat Irons, Hair, Skin, and Bath Care. Wig Dept: Fashion Wigs, Pieces, Extentions. Costume Shop: Holiday Rentals & Dress up. Masks, Hats, Gloves, Boas, Swords...... We are your one-stop source!

66 North Front Street, Kingston 845-339-4996 Open 7 Days www.columbiacostumes.com PLAY THE VIDEO at visitvortex.com

a place of peace and understanding Handmade Gifts by Local Artisans Massage • Reiki • Psychic Readings • Spiritual & Self Help Workshops • And More! • •

B&L Jewelers

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101 Main Street, New Paltz J.R. Logging & Bulldozing Jim Reuss Jr. 845-706-0645 Kingston, NY

Buyer of Quality Timber

102

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Fully Insured Selective Timber Harvesting Professional, Honest Service Eco-Friendly Firewood Small, Low-Impact Equipment All Types of Excavating

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84 Main Street Phoenicia, NY 12464 Shop Online: www.nesteggshop.com 845-688-5851

An Old Fashioned Country Store

Stop by for the Holidays!

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.

PLAY THE NEST EGG SLIDESHOW at www.visitvortex.com

THE NEST EGG

Homemade Fudge

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in New Paltz

Where history continues to be written Over 300 years ago, a small group of Huguenots founded New Paltz. Their independence came out of their conviction. That spirit remains strong in New Paltz today. See their colonial stone houses in their orginal village setting. Visit our museum shop.Walk the Rail Trail. You can make a day of it with shopping and dining in our funky, charming downtownâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;just steps away.

FLOWERS & ARRANGEMENTS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Save the date for

Pictures with vintage Santa

Saturdays, december 3 and 10 from 11-2 in the duBois fort

A NAtioNAl Historic lANdmArk district

Country Folk Art Unique Gifts DuBois Fort Visitor Center 81 Huguenot Street Downtown New Paltz 845.255.1889 or 1660 Stone Ridge Towne Centre, 845.687.0070 Serving Stone Ridge, High Falls, Accord, Cottekill and surrounding areas

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www.huguenotstreet.org

LOCAL HISTORY

by Jay Blotcher

Sure, the holidays can be a time of indulgence. We lavish our children with gifts and food, with the fervent hope of building sweet memories that echo the ones from our own youth. But this time of year is also an opportunity to sneak in a history lesson or two. That is a gift that will enrich and endure, long after the Playstation 3 has been discarded. Here in the Valley, there are teachable moments everywhere you look, in the nearby museums, nature preserves, and historic areas. These places commemorate the people who settled

before us, struggled, triumphed, and left their mark for future generations. A look back into our shared past provides an illuminating education beyond the classroom walls. Whether they were French Huguenot, Dutch, or 19th-century European immigrants, these settlers faced the challenges of this new land with courage and ingenuity. And they left behind fascinating examples of their resourcefulness—to humble everybody who ever complained of a brief power outage during a winter storm. These people brought rituals to our shores, which afforded them comfort and joy in a strange new land. While life could be difficult, there were happy times, especially when December approached. Our predecessors celebrated the birth of their savior in myriad ways, drawing on both the pious and raucous customs of their native homes. An exploration of Christmas customs is a great springboard to better understanding this region and its people, whether two, three, or four centuries ago.

all images in this article courtesy of Dutchess Tourism

One of the best opportunities for Christmastime education is at the Dutchess County-based mansions that are managed by The National Park Service. The NPS administers these properties: Springwood, the FDR home; the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site; his private hideaway, Top Cottage; the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Val-Kill; and the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. Any time of year, these places provide an illuminating window onto our past. But at Christmas, especially, they are decorated in festive fashion to reflect the customs of Christmases past. Special candlelit tours are provided. Some places even offer live music, decorated live trees, cups of authentic refreshments, and holiday cheer. Thus, visitors can learn much about their ancestors’ ways of life as viewed through the cheery lens of the holidays.

The FDR Presidential Library and Museum is located in Hyde Park. The Library

is the nation’s first Presidential Library. It houses FDR’s papers, from his term as governor of New

historic mansions offer a glimpse into yesteryear

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History-on-the-Hudson:

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York and as president of the United States. The museum contains FDR’s White House desk just as he left it on his last day of work, as well as the Ford convertible he had equipped with special hand controls to accommodate his paralysis. You can listen to one of his “Fireside Chats” in his actual study. Other exhibits focus on his life as a Hyde Park youth; his first 100 days in office; and even Fala, his faithful Scottie. In 1971, two wings were added to honor his wife, the beloved Eleanor Roosevelt. The papers of Mrs. Roosevelt, who was known as The First Lady of the World, are housed here, as well as a gallery dedicated to her personal life. The FDR Library and Museum hosts special events each year, including a World War II living history re-enactment Bivouac during Memorial Day weekend with a USO show. In conjunction with the National Park Service, ceremonies commemorate FDR’s birthday on January 30 and Eleanor’s birthday on October 11. fdrlibrary.marist.edu

Wallace Center & Springwood

Start your trip at the Wallace Center, named for Henry A. Wallace, vice-president during Roosevelt’s third term. The Wallace Center includes orientation exhibits and a short film titled A Rendezvous with History. Visitors to the Wallace Center receive information about tours of Vanderbilt Mansion, Val-Kill, and Top Cottage, which are located offsite. Once acclimated, visitors can tour Springwood, a 35-room Georgian Revival style mansion that was the home of the 32nd president of the United States. Once a farmhouse, Springwood is the only home to be occupied by an American president from his birth to his death. It is where FDR entertained world-

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renowned guests such as Winston Churchill, King George and Queen Elizabeth, and royalty exiled from Nazi-occupied Europe. The estate includes a stable, extensive grounds with walking trails, and the famous Rose Garden where FDR was laid to rest after his death on April 12, 1945. Eleanor and their two dogs, including Fala, are also buried there. FDR deeded his home to the American people as a part of the National Park System, and it opened to the public in 1946. NPS.gov/hofr

Val-Kill

The only historic site created for a first lady, the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site (Val-Kill) is located two miles east of the Roosevelt home. It encompasses Val-Kill Cottage, which was Mrs. Roosevelt’s country home, cutting gardens, forests, and a pond created from the Fall-Kill creek. Nestled in a 180-acre wooded plot, it initially served as the Roosevelt family retreat for picnics and swimming. Visitors will view an introductory film called Eleanor Roosevelt Close To Home. Val-Kill’s warm, knotty pine interior is filled with framed photographs of Eleanor’s many friends and family, stone fireplaces, a sleeping porch, walls of books, and hundreds of personal decorating touches. Known for her love of the simple touches, Roosevelt maintained no haughty airs and welcomed everyone to this redoubt, whether neighbors or world leaders. Val-Kill also served as the location for Mrs. Roosevelt’s furniture enterprise with two female friends, which employed local youth. It closed in 1936. Following FDR’s passing in 1945, Mrs. Roosevelt made Val-Kill her primary residence until her passing in 1962. The site was established in 1977. NPS.gov/elro

Vanderbilt Mansion

Two miles north of the Roosevelt Home is the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, the former seasonal residence for philanthropist and socialite Frederick W. Vanderbilt, grandson of industrialist Cornelius Vanderbilt. This property is a striking specimen of the Gilded Age. Italian marble is used extensively in the mansion’s interior, which is furnished in Italian and French motifs and includes tapestries and other art treasures from around the globe. The centerpiece of the property is a magnificent beaux-arts limestone palace, the work of famed architects including McKim, Mead, and White. Until the 1930s, the Vanderbilts held lavish balls at the estate, drawing guests from America’s wealthiest families and European nobility. A staff of 60 or more was

When Frederick Vanderbilt died in 1938, his wife Louise’s niece Margaret Van Alen inherited the estate. With the support of friend and neighbor Franklin D. Roosevelt, she donated the property to the federal government. It became part of the National Park Service in 1940. Since then, the 211 acres of woodlands, manicured grounds, formal gardens, and support structures have been opened to visitors. Volunteers have restored the site’s brick walled formal gardens, also called the Italian Gardens. NPS.gov/vama

All NPS sites are open daily 9am to 5pm—closed only Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. There are six mansions to visit in Dutchess; four close after Christmas (the Top Cottage closes in January). The Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site/Val-Kill is open Thursday to Monday from November 1 to April 1, with tours at 1pm and 3pm. The Vanderbilt Mansion and FDR National Historic Site/Home, as well as the FDR Presidential Library & Museum run by the National Archives, are open every day except the three noted holidays. Holiday Open Houses at Val-Kill and the FDR Home & Library are on December 11. The Vanderbilt Mansion Open House is December 5. They run all day, 9am to 5pm, except Val-Kill, which is 4 to 7pm and is reached by taking a shuttle from the FDR Home. Consult the web sites or call the NPS for more info. Reservations: 800-967-2283 or HistoricHydePark.org. More info: DutchessTourism.com or 800-445-3131. Thanks to Nancy Lutz of Dutchess County Tourism.

Jay Blotcher, a freelancer based in Ulster County, is the co-writer of Holding On, a new musical about Harlem life in the 1960s.

LOCAL HISTORY

required to maintain the sizeable house and grounds year-round, despite the fact that Vanderbilt and his wife resided here at Hyde Park only in the spring and fall.

On the easternmost end of the Roosevelt estate is Top Cottage, established in 1938, five years after FDR became president. It was his own getaway from the burdens of being the leader of the free world; Roosevelt would take long drives here, savoring the beauty of the trees and the view of the Catskill and Shawangunk mountains. Top Cottage was a bid for independent living, as Roosevelt had been confined to a wheelchair since 1921. FDR brought world leaders to the hilltop, where they would sit, rocking on the porch and discussing foreign policy and world issues. FDR hosted King George VI and Queen Elizabeth here. It was the first time reigning British monarchs had ever visited the states. The Roosevelts prompted shock from citizens by announcing they would not “put on the dog” for their regal visitors, instead serving the quintessential American meal of hot dogs. The picnic lunch was followed by dances by Native Americans.

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Top Cottage

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inter is a great time for tree pruning for property owners with oak, maple, and other types of trees on their property. The likelihood of spreading tree diseases is minimal during the winter and the impact of pruning is also minimized while the tree is dormant, before early to mid-April. In addition, without leaves the tree branch structure is easy to see and mark for pruning. Broken, cracked, or hanging limbs are also easy to see and remove.

Homeowners and property managers are advised that tree failure is a major cause of property damage. An ice storm or high wind can cause a cracked tree to fail under its own weight. “Homeowners worried about trees falling and damaging property should call a professional arborist in for an inspection,” advises Peter Gerstenberger, senior advisor for safety, standards, and compliance with the Tree Care Industry Association. Gerstenberger notes that trees are designed to withstand storms, but all trees can fail—and defective trees fail sooner than healthy trees. A sound tree becomes potentially dangerous when the tree’s woody structure is weakened by one or more defects.

“To a professional arborist,” notes Gerstenberger, “defects are detectable signs that a tree has an increased potential to fail.” One of the major warning signs of tree failure is a visible crack. Cracks form when the load exceeds the capacity of the stem to withstand the load. The vast majority of cracks are caused by improper closure of wounds, by the splitting of weak branch unions, or by flush-cut pruning. Cracks can occur in branches, stems, or roots. The wood behind the crack may be sound, decayed, or missing (cavity).

WHAT CAN YOU DO? Cracks are hazardous when they compromise the structure of the tree by splitting the stem in two

or when another defect, such as internal decay and a crack, do not provide enough sound wood in the outer shell to support the tree. Homeowners who would like a professional arborist to assess their trees should contact the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Experts at the ISA urge homeowners to study a tree’s biology before whacking away. Improper trimming causes permanent damage and makes a tree more susceptible to disease. Have a clear purpose in mind. Removing dead or diseased wood, providing clearance, or improving structure are common goals. Use clean, sharp tools and proper techniques. Small cuts do

HOME IMPROVEMENT

by Peter R. Landau, ASCA Consulting Arborist, NEArborists.com

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A Healthy Dose of Tree Work

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less damage than large ones. Tree wounds do not heal—they close. Make cuts just outside a branch collar (the connection to trunk or parent-branch tissue) for quick wound closure. Avoid leaving stubs. Pruning large trees can be dangerous. If the job requires power equipment or climbing, consider calling a professional.

WINTER DAMAGE

Mother Nature (snow, ice, wind, hail, lightning, and heavy rain) can cause significant damage to trees. Learning about how storms impact trees will allow you to develop preventative measures to decrease the chance of tree damage, as well as approaches to care for trees after a storm. The first step is to determine if the damage is superficial or beyond repair. If more than 30 to 50 percent of the canopy and main branches are severely damaged, extensive repair is questionable. If a tree has lost more than 50 percent of its crown, the prospect of survival is poor. Another type of damage occurs when young trees are bent over in ice storms or heavy snow. The 112

recovery of the tree depends on the degree of bending and the length of time the tree remained in the bent position. Some trees will recover, some will not. Trees often blow over because of root failure stemming from root rot diseases, shallow soils, soil compaction, construction damage, or saturated soil. Salt used for clearing winter roads can be downright rotten for your trees, according to the tree experts at the ISA. “Excessive exposure to salt can cause widespread damage to your trees, leading to permanent decline and sometimes death,” said Jim Skiera, executive director of the ISA. “The problem with salt damage is that it might not show up on your trees until summer, when deicing salt is the last culprit you would suspect.” To minimize the damage done to trees by deicing salts, use less salt, protect your trees from salt trucks on the street, plant salt-resistant trees, and improve soil drainage.

REPAIRING THE DAMAGE

If the damaged tree is large, it is best to contact a certified arborist or knowledgeable tree care company

to complete the work. Before hiring a company check references, get more than one estimate, and make sure they carry proper insurance. If a company endorses “topping” in their advertisement or promotion, find another company. If you plan to do it yourself, prune smaller branches back to the point where they join large ones, making a slanted cut next to a bud that can produce new growth. Large branches should be pruned back to the trunk or a main limb. Make the cut at the branch collar rather than flush with trunk. Be alert for downed and damaged power lines. Do not attempt to prune trees that are near utility lines. Call in a professional. Do not apply wound dressing. Research shows that dressings (e.g. tar, paint) do not prevent decay and may actually interfere with the healing process.

REDUCING TREE DAMAGE All trees have the potential of being damaged in storms; however, future storm damage can be reduced through species selection and proper maintenance of trees.

Avoid selecting species that are fast growing, which makes them more susceptible to storm damage. A few examples include Bradford pear, silver maple, boxelder, white pine, and black locust. Better choices include white oaks, sweetgum, gingko, holly, linden, serviceberry, and arborvitae. A winter survey of your property’s trees and shrubs should be performed annually. Mid-February to mid-April is the preferred time of year to prune many of these dormant deciduous plants since it is considerably easier to view their architecture and to observe damaged, diseased, or crossed branches before they leaf out. Damaged or diseased stems and limbs should be pruned as soon as they are noticed to prevent further injury and the spread of infections.

Staying on top of the health of your trees not only benefits the trees directly, it also helps ensure the enjoyment of your healthy forest for years to come. Your great grandchildren may climb the limbs of a grand oak someday, observing the healed wound of a cut great grandpa made.

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Joint Replacement Excellence Award three When you receive the HealthGrades years in a row (2008–2011), word gets around. Joint Replacement Excellence Award three It’s one of the many reasons more patients prefer When you receive thegets HealthGrades years in a row (2008–2011), word around. our Bone & Joint Center.* Next time you’re Joint Replacement Award It’s one of the many reasonsExcellence more patients preferthree looking for orthopedic advice or surgery, our in Bone & Joint Center.* Next time you’re years a row (2008–2011), word gets around. bring yourself to the Bone & Joint Center for orthopedic advice or surgery,prefer It’s one looking of the many reasonsDutchess more patients at Northern Hospital. bring yourself to the Bone & Joint Center

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In the 1800s New York was approximately 75 percent agricultural land. Looking at old 19thcentury photos of the Catskills and Hudson Valley reveals an environment that was mostly cleared for pasture. According to Dr. Michael Kudish, a Catskill Forest historian, average pastureland climbed to 2,220 feet above sea level. Farmers soon found out that soils were too stony and steep to compete with lands to the west, so they were abandoned around the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, New York is approximately 62 percent forested. Our forests are growing three times more than they are being harvested. Pasture includes four percent of the land area while agriculture is 14 percent, and other non-forest use at 20 percent. The benefits or ecological services that this forest cover provides are expansive and diverse. The benefits include: • Water filtration • Watershed protection • Flood abatement • Cooler, more oxygenated waters • Specialty forest products • Fruit, nuts, maple sugar, teas, wreaths, medicinals, chemicals • Wildlife habitat

• Recreation and aesthetics • Carbon sequestration and air quality • Economic (jobs, landowner income, tax revenues with little need for services) While the quantity of forests has increased, quality has decreased in some aspects. Our region’s forests face many diverse challenges. Invasive insects, diseases, and plants carried overseas have entered our forests and wreaked havoc on many of our tree species. The Non-Industrial Private Forest Owners, the largest forest owner group, struggles to find land where the above benefits have historically grown renewably for themselves and the community. The benefits and ecological services of a forest begin, take place, and are influenced by our awareness and management practices of our forests. Future generations will look back on us for these benefits as we did to our farming ancestors. Some of those practices were good, and some were not so good, but still we are stuck with what we have. Conservation or wise use of our area’s forests is now more important than ever as population continues to grow while demand for these forest benefits also rises.

The Catskill Forest Association (CFA) seeks to raise awareness and interest in conserving and managing this valuable resource. CFA is a nonprofit, membership organization dedicated to enhancing all aspects of the forest in New York’s Catskill region. CFA’s mission is to promote forest stewardship in the Catskill region by forest landowners, timber harvesters, foresters, and the general public. The association advocates quality forest management practices for the purpose of improving the health of the forest, preventing threats to the forest ecosystem, and supporting conservation efforts. The people at CFA believe that knowledge is the key to protecting the forest health and prosperity of our region. The organization offers educational programs at all levels, from one-on-one On-site Visits at landowner properties to group woodswalks, workshops, and seminars. These programs furnish landowners, foresters, and timber harvesters with state-of-the-art management strategies which are practical and help conserve our working forests in hope that forest benefits and ecological services can continue to serve present and future generations. For more information visit catskillforest.org or call 845-586-3054.

DOING GOOD

by Ryan Trapani

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DOING GOOD: Meet the Catskill Forest Association

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Triangulum

Andromeda Almach

by Sean O’Dwyer

IF THE STARS SEEM BRIGHTER IN THE WINTER, IT’S BECAUSE THEY REALLY ARE—THE WINTER NIGHT SKY ACTUALLY HAS MORE BRIGHT STARS. As the autumn fades, so does the Milky Way, but the Hudson Valley’s dark winter skies offer up plenty of jewels in its place: several of the year’s best meteor showers, the brightest galaxy in the Northern Hemisphere, many beautiful double-stars, and a nebula that resembles our own solar system in its infancy, billions of years ago. To make the most of the descriptions below, you’ll need access to a star map. If you don’t have one, monthly magazines like Astronomy (astronomy.com) and Sky & Telescope (skyandtelescope.com) publish highly usable charts and maps to get you started. Alternatively, you can go straight to the Internet, at either of the above sites, and easily

generate an accurate sky chart for your location tonight. For the ultimate in desktop exploration and easy planning, planetarium software such as Starry Night (starrynight.com) for Mac or PC is the way to go; for Mac users, Starry Night also provides a free dashboard widget.

ARIES, TRIANGULUM, ANDROMEDA

The Brightest Galaxy in the Northern Sky Beautiful Double-Stars A small constellation in the northern sky, Triangulum is well placed at this time of year for observations of the Triangulum Galaxy (M33), a small spiral galaxy. Only 5 percent as massive as our own spiral galaxy, The Milky Way, it’s a dim fuzzy object in 8-inch scopes and requires good dark skies to show any detail. Compare and contrast with the Andromeda Galaxy, the vast bright spiral galaxy to the west. Once you spot the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with your binoculars or telescope, try viewing it with the naked eye. You may need to use “averted vision”: shift your eyes slightly to the left or right and use your peripheral vision, which is far more sensitive in low light situations. You should be able to make out a faint fuzzy patch, the photons from which have traveled in a straight line for 2.4 million years to end their journey on your retina—M31 is literally the furthest thing you can see with your naked eyes. At the tip of the Andromeda’s brightest limb is Almach, a lovely orange/ blue double. And finally, below Triangulum, in Aries, is Mesarthim, another lovely double, orange/green, sitting 207 light years distant.

identifying winter constellations

Mesarthim

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Hudson Valley NIGHT SKIES

OUTDOORS

Aries

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ORION A Stellar Nursery Red & Blue Supergiant Stars Right after the Big Dipper, Orion is the most wellknown and easily recognizable constellation, in part because it’s one of the few constellations—with its shoulders, torso, belt, and sword—that has the appearance of an identifiable shape. Orion sails across the southern horizon from winter through spring.

METEOR SHOWERS

Betelgeuse

Even in small telescopes, the Great Orion Nebula (M42) provides marvelous views, with every increase in light-gathering power yielding richer detail and exposing its wonderful three-dimensional cloud structure: newly-minted pinpoint stars hang silent among filaments of hydrogen that stream across space for trillions of miles.

Rigel

The cloud is a stellar nursery, resembling our own solar system billions of years ago. At the center of the nebula sits a formation of four stars (from west to east: A, B, C, and D) known as the Trapezium: it’s these young and very hot stars, with others, that make the nebula glow. Betelgeuse is the red star in Orion’s top left (eastern) corner. In fact, Betelgeuse is an M1 red supergiant—about 650 times the diameter and 15 times the mass of the Sun. If Betelgeuse were to replace the Sun, its size would engulf the orbits of Mercury, Venus, Earth, and even Mars. An ancient star approaching the end of its life cycle, the supergiant’s size fluctuates wildly and it may soon explode as a supernova that would be as bright as the crescent Moon. On the bottom right (western) heel of Orion lies the brilliant blue Rigel. Rigel is also supergiant, though much younger than Betelgeuse. It shines a remarkable 40,000 times more luminously than our own Sun; there are a million stars closer to us than Rigel, but none shine nearly as bright. Compare the colors of Betelgeuse and Rigel on your next outing under the stars. Their color tells you their age. Young stars are blue/white. Old stars are red/orange. 120

On November 18 the Leonid Meteor Shower peaked. Unfortunately this year, the moon is present, washing out the sky more than we’d like, but the Leonids have often produced truly spectacular showers, with thousands of meteors raining down per hour. You never know. (Normal peak rates are 15-20 fast meteors per hour.) Best results are to be had right before dawn. Look south for Leo’s famous backwards sickle shape, which marks the lion’s head and encloses the shower’s radiant. On December 14 the Geminid Meteor Shower peaks. The Geminids are the most reliable shower of the year, producing bright, colorful, moderately swift meteors that sometimes break apart as fireballs. The shower is thought to be intensifying every year and recent showers have seen 120 to 160 meteors per hour under optimal conditions. The best viewing time is in the early hours, around 2 to 3am local time. On December 23 the Ursid Meteor Shower peaks. Radiating from the Little Dipper (Ursa Minor), this shower generally produces rates of 10 meteors per hour, but has been known to have short bursts of 100 meteors per hour.

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HOLIDAY EVENTS, MUSIC & PERFORMANCES OF THE SEASON Nov-Dec, Fridays 6-8pm, Saturdays and Sundays 5-8pm A Frosty Fest Enchanted Forest with animated light displays, glistening gardens, magical mansion, Santa’s North Pole, Frosty’s Adventures (a 3-D experience), food, cafes, gift shops, and more! 778 Broadway (Route 9W) Ulster Park. 845339-2666. afrostyfest.com Nov 19-20 & Dec 3-4,10-11 Wreath Fineries Swing into the holiday season with a ticket to the Wreath Fineries at the Wineries! Travel the trail and soak in the festive holiday atmosphere at each winery, while you sample awardwinning wines and holiday recipes and take advantage of exclusive Wine Trail specials designed for this gift-giving season. Each participant receives a grapevine wreath, limited edition Shawangunk Wine Trail ornament and a souvenir wine glass at each starting winery. At each subsequent winery, receive a unique holiday ornament to complete your collection. We recommend

the 2-day ticket; this will allow adequate time to experience each winery and soak in the festive atmosphere. 845-2558456. shawangunkwinetrail.com November 24, 11am Free Thanksgiving Luncheon Town of Rochester Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon. The Community Center invites seniors, families, or anyone who may be spending the day alone to join the community family for a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Rochester Community Center, 15 Tobacco Road (off Main St. behind old Train Station), Accord. Call for reservations. 845-626-2115. November 24, 9am 8th Annual New Paltz Turkey Trot Registration and packet pick-up at 8am; 9am FREE Mashed Potato Kids 1/2 mile Fun Run (10 and under); 9:30am Turkey Trot 5K race, fun run, and walk; 10:30am (approx.) Awards Ceremony. Race starts and ends at Water Street Market, Main Street, New Paltz. 845255-7957. newpaltzturkeytrot.com us on

Nov 25, 26, 27 & Dec 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 26-27, 1-4pm Victorian Holiday Tours at Wilderstein Florists and designers transform the Wilderstein mansion into a magical holiday spectacular. Tour the mansion at your own pace, with guides in each room to share information and answer questions. $10 adults, $9 students/ seniors, children under 12 free. It is the most wonderful time of the year at Wilderstein! Rhinebeck. 845-876-4818. wilderstein.org Nov 25, 6-8pm Tree Lighting Event in Academy Green Park, Kingston This annual event put on by the Kingston Professional Firefighters Local 461 is so much fun. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their pals arrive at 7pm aboard a fire truck. Three boys’ bikes and three girls’ bikes are given to six lucky kids (raffle tickets at event). The Salvation Army hands out cups of hot chocolate. 50/50 raffle, JJs Rockin’ Cupcakes, DJ playing holiday classics, dancers from the Catskill Ballet, Kingston High School Brass ensemble,

Dec 4 Holiday in Saugerties

Dec 3 Holly Berry Trail Tree Lighting

Dec 2. Pougkeepsie Holiday Fireworks

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hudson valley

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

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and Coach House Players leads the crowd in carols. Academy Green is between Albany and Clinton Avenues and Maiden Lane. Call the Waterfront Visitor Center for more info: 800-331-1518. November 26 Phoenicia Turkey Trot Two-mile run/walk benefiting the Phoenicia Public Library. Free Tot Trot for kids five and under at 8:45am. $10/person; $20/ family. Prizes to fastest female and male racers; cash prize to the team with the most runners. Free T-shirts to first 100 registrants. All registrants automatically entered to win a bicycle, courtesy Overlook Mountain Bikes, Woodstock, NY. Registration and sign in 8-8:45am at the Parish Hall, Main Street, Phoenicia. To preregister, visit runreg.com (search Phoenicia Turkey Trot), contact Heather 845-6887064 or Patti 845-254-4126, or via email at catskillmtnpt@hvc.rr.com. Registration forms are also available in Phoenicia at the Phoenicia Library, Phoenicia Supermarket, Tender Land Home, Mama’s Boy Market, and the Nest Egg. November 26, 12-3pm A Children’s Christmas Come join in the fun after a hectic Thanksgiving to create period crafts with the kids, ready to use as gifts or just for fun. There will be hot chocolate, carols, and St. Nicholas. Holiday spirit for the whole family. Fee $5, some crafts may cost extra. For reservations call 845-338124

5614. Held at Bevier House Museum, 2682 Route 209, Marbletown. 845-338-5614. bevierhousemuseum.org Dec 1-4, 8pm Thursday, Friday & Saturday; 3pm Sunday Sugar Plums & Nutcrackers Award-winning director and choreographer Michele Ribble, in collaboration with The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, brings you the third annual performance of Sugar Plums and Nutcrackers, a classical ballet and variety performance drawn from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. The performance adapts the theme of the original favorite by telling the story of a young girl named Zharah and presents her dreams through song, acrobatics, juggling, and the disciplines of classical ballet, classical jazz, rhythm tap, and hiphop. Sugar Plums and Nutcrackers will thrill audiences of all ages! Tickets: $24 adults; $22 seniors & children. The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck. 845-876-3080. centerforperformingarts.org December 1, 7pm Cross-Dressing, Misrule, and Mayhem: Christmas Before Santa in Early America Christmas in colonial America was a very different holiday than it is now. Workers used it as a time to demand appreciation from their social betters. Through wassailing songs they offered their wealthy neighbors a choice: Provide the best wine of their cellars, the whitest bread or

sweetest puddings of their pantries, and the finest clothes of their closets or face the consequences—smashed windows, stolen livestock, burned barns. This presentation will explore how these early Christmas practices evolved in the early 1800s into the celebration of Christmas we know now, a private revel in which children run riot with gifts and adults provide for those less fortunate. Reynolds Scott-Childress teaches history at SUNY New Paltz. He has explored the meaning of Christmas through over 50 years of participant observation. Deyo Hall, 6 Broadhead Avenue, New Paltz. December 2, 5-7pm Annual 5x7 Show: Holiday Fundraiser All work submitted is restricted to 5 inches by 7 inches in size and is exhibited anonymously, a playful way to give an equal voice to all. The 5x7 Show showcases the talents of Woodstock Guild members alongside that of the international art community in our midst. Exhibition dates: Dec 2-January 1. Kleinert/James Arts Center, 34 Tinker Street, Woodstock. 845679-2079. woodstockguild.org Dec 2-3, 7:30pm & Dec 4, 2pm Ulster Ballet Presents: A Christmas Carol Artistic Directors Scarlett Fiero and Quiedo Carbone, together with Woodstock resident and former New York City Ballet dancerturned-choreographer Sara Miot, have produced an exciting, critically acclaimed

ballet based on the classic Charles Dickens story. Featuring a cast of 65 dancers, actors, and stage professionals, this show is just what you’ll need to put you in the mood for the holidays! Adults $19; Student/ Seniors $15; Members/Groups $12. Ulster Performing Arts, 601 Broadway, Kingston. 845-339-6088. upac.org December 2-4 Festival of the Holidays Join us in a winter celebration! There will be plenty of winter crafts and activities to keep you busy during the day and hot chocolate to keep you warm at night! The crisp mountain nights also provide a great view of the stars! On Saturday night, the Bronx Opera will be performing at the Castle with a kid-friendly performance of some of your favorite holiday classics. Frost Valley, 2000 Frost Valley Road, Claryville. 845-985-2291. frostvalley.org December 2, 6:30pm Annual Celebration of Lights Parade, Tree Lighting & Fireworks The Celebration of Lights Parade, Tree Lighting & Fireworks kicks off the holiday season every year. Join Poughkeepsie Mayor John Tkazyik, the Amerscott Highland Pipers, Poughkeepsie High School Jazz Ensemble and Middle School Choir, Poughkeepsie Exempt Fireman’s Association Color Guard, DARE, Arlington Rotary Club, Columbia Elementary School PTA, Dutchess County Girl & Boy Scouts, and several Hudson Valley Philharmonic

December 3, 5:30pm Holiday Tree Lighting This holiday classic features carols, hot soup, and a visit from Santa. Gather at 5:30pm, and when Santa arrives the tree will be lit and carols will be sung. Bring an unwrapped toy for the Fire Department’s toy drive. Hot chocolate and cookies will follow the event at the High Falls Community Church. Tree lighting will be held on the Canal House lawn. highfallscivic.org December 3, 3pm Tuba Christmas Join this seasonal favorite as a participant or audience member. Tuba and euphonium players of all ages perform traditional Christmas music from around the world. Participants register at noon, rehearse at 1pm. Clinton Hall, SUNY Ulster, 91 Cottekill Road, Stone Ridge. 845-687-5000. sunyulster.edu

December 3, 10am A Child’s Christmas A wonderland of Christmas tales and treats await your 3 to 10-year-old children. $3 per child. Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown. 518-537-4240. friendsofclermont.org December 3-4, 12-4pm Holiday Open House and fundraiser This is always a wonderful event with the Bevier House decorated in true Victorian fashion. There will be a raffle featuring gingerbread houses and holiday flower arrangements donated by local retailers. Fee $5 members, $8 nonmembers. Refreshments served. Held at Bevier House Museum, 2682 Route 209, Marbletown. 845-338-5614. bevierhousemuseum.org

December 3&10, 11am-2pm Christmas on the Street, Photos with Vintage Santa Dress up your little (or big) loved ones in their prettiest festive attire for a one-of-akind picture with the good old-fashioned Santa Claus by the simply and beautifully decorated hearth in the historic DuBois Fort in New Paltz. Receive a print in a custom vintage card to take home and have your photo emailed to your choice of destinations: Rite Aid, or home. The best of the old and the new! dbfa.org December 4, 11 & 17, 12-4pm Holiday Special for Kids Holiday Hunt Featuring the Nutcracker Search the house for clues to this classic tale, then join in for cookies, hot cider, and a performance of historic holiday stories. Children $8; Adults $10. Locust Grove,

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

December 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 A Fairy Tale Holiday at Lyndhurst A Fairy Tale Holiday runs Saturdays 4-7pm; Sundays 3-6pm. A unique opportunity to visit the mansion at night and enjoy Lyndhurst in its full winter fairy tale beauty. Celebrate the season with live music and hot mulled cider amid the lavishly decorated rooms. Visit the museum gift shop for holiday shopping. Admission: Adults and seniors, $15; Children ages 3-12, $6; Children under 3 are free. 914-631-4481 x0. Lyndhurst National Trust Site, Tarrytown, NY. 914-631-4481. lyndhurst.wordpress.com

Dec 3 A Child’s Christmas

December 10 Yuletide Tea

Dec 8 The Nutcracker

Dec 9 Gingerbread Houses

Dec 10 Ornament Sale

December 2, 6pm Light up the Hamlet Bring your family and friends for hot chocolate, caroling, and of course Santa as the Hamlet Christmas Tree is lit, and bring the holiday spirit to our downtown. Vineyard Avenue & Main Street, Highland. 845-6912144. townoflloyd.com

December 3, 1-4pm Junior League of Kingston’s 11th Annual Holly Berry Trail The Holly Berry Trail, presented by the Junior League of Kingston, features extended previews of private homes in Ulster County that are fully decorated in holiday splendor inside and out. The location of each home is a closely guarded secret until the day of the tour when ticket holders receive a map to the homes and a booklet with detailed descriptions of the residences, many of which are historically significant to the Hudson Valley. Tickets are $25 before November 30 and $30 thereafter. 845-706-3473. juniorleaguekingston.org

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brass ensembles for the festivities. Bardavon, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie. 845-473-2072. bardavon.org

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Route 9, Poughkeepsie. 845-454-4500. lgny.org December 4 Holiday in the Village Feel the holiday spirit in the friendly Village of Saugerties. Fun for all ages. Horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa at the historic Kiersted House, holiday crafts for kids, carolers, choirs, giant toy raffle, and more. Merchants open late with free refreshments. Village of Saugerties. 845246-0553. welcometosaugerties.com December 4 Holiday Open House at Vanderbilt Mansion Come and visit the mansion on Sunday, Dec 4 for the Free Open House, from 11am to 4pm. Refreshments will be served. The Vanderbilt Mansion will be decorated for the holidays from November 25 through Dec 31, regular hours everyday from 9am to 5pm. Guided tours only. Tours typically run at 10, 12, 2, and 4 (subject to change). The mansion is closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Route 9G, Hyde Park. 845-229-7770. historichydepark.org or nps.gov/vama December 5, 3pm Conservatory Sundays: Conservatory Orchestra With music director Leon Botstein and Jeremy Denk, piano. Works to be performed include Beethoven Piano Concert No. 3; Mahler Symphony No. 5. 126

Suggested donation: $20 orchestra seating; $15 parterre/first balcony. Free to Bard community with ID. Annandale-on-Hudson. 845-758-7900. fishercenter.bard.edu Dec 8, 9:45am, 12pm & Dec 9 The Nutcracker The New Paltz Ballet Theatre returns for a 13th season to present this classic holiday event featuring principal dancers from the New York City Ballet. Peter and Lisa Naumann, co-directors of the NPBT, have brought many fine regional artists together to create this beautiful production. Dancers, designers, and technicians have all contributed to make this Nutcracker a visual delight. Come along with Marie as she dreams of a fierce battle between giant mice and toy soldiers followed by a magical journey through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets. Bardavon, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie. 845-473-5288. bardavon.org December 8, 12:30pm Dutchess Community College Choral Holiday Concert Join the DCC Chorus and Madrigal singers for this wonderful gala holiday show filled with holiday and sacred music. It is a great way to start out the season! James & Betty Hall Theatre, Dutchess Hall, Dutchess Community College, 53 Pendell Road, Poughkeepsie. 845-431-8000. sunydutchess.edu

Dec 9, 5-7pm & Dec 10, 10am Gingerbread House Decorating Decorate your own gingerbread house! Houses and icing are made by a local baker and come fresh and fully assembled. A variety of colorful candies and chocolates will be provided and you can even bring your own to make it extra special. Workshop: $25. Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, 75 North Water Street, Poughkeepsie. 845-471-0589. mhcm.org December 9, 7:30pm SUNY Ulster Choral Concert Enjoy a musical tapestry of many moods and themes by the College’s highly regarded chorus under the direction of Janet Gehres. Quimby Theater, SUNY Ulster, 491 Cottekill Road, Stone Ridge. 845-6875000. sunyulster.edu December 9, 8pm A Christmas Carol The CENTER’s perennial favorite returns with a twist on Charles Dickens’s classic tale featuring Scrooge, the Cratchits, Tiny Tim, an unusual ghost, and your favorite holiday carols! Written, directed, and produced by Lou Trapani for CENTERstage Productions. Tickets: $18. The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck. 845-876-3080. centerforperformingarts.org

December 10, 11am-12pm Winter Wonderland: Family Festival Sunday Join our modern-day Alice as she searches for the real meaning of the winter holiday season. Alice journeys to the beloved Wonderland and meets all the diverse and zany characters. Through her adventures, she awakens with a new sense of charity and acceptance. Follow Alice as she discovers that the strange and unusual characters she encounters enrich her life, and that embracing differences truly is the holiday spirit. James & Betty Hall Theatre, Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie. 845-431-8000. sunydutchess.edu December 10, 11am-6pm Frozendale Daze Celebrate the Season and Bring in the light while supporting local art, music and Business. Enjoy the local stores, galleries, and gift sale while listening to great music & movies, eating soup, cookies and cocoa! Puppet Show; drum workshop; Mary Poppins sing-along and MORE! Also featuring our first annual Mac and cheese bake off at The Big Cheese. For more info email: frozendale2011@gmail.com December 10, 10am-3pm Cookie, Candy, and Ornament Sale Purchase delicious sweets and handmade ornaments for holiday giving. Special bicentennial ornament will be available for purchase. Raffles. St. James Episcopal

December 10, 1pm Yuletide Tea Afternoon affair with fine tea, finger sandwiches, homemade cakes, and cookies. Admission $30 per adult and $20 per child. Reservations are necessary, as seating is limited. Wilderstein Historic Site, 330 Morton Road, Rhinebeck. 845-8764818. wilderstein.org December 10, 7pm Joy to the World: Hudson Valley Youth Chorale Winter Concert This delightful group of Hudson Valley boy and girl singers from the 3rd through 8th grades has engaged audiences since 1995 with musical presentations capturing the hearts of their audience with their pure love of singing. Holy Cross Church, Pine Grove Avenue, Kingston. $10; children under 12 free. 845-338-6362. hvyc.org

December 16, 8pm Winter Solstice Concert with Happy Traum & Friends Byrdcliffe is pleased to present its annual Winter Solstice Concert with Happy Traum & Friends, a benefit for the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild. This year, Happy will be joined by John Sebastian, Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams, Amy Helm, Byron Isaacs, Paul Rishell, and Annie Raines...with a few surprise guests tba. Tickets: $100 (rows A and B, includes after-concert reception); $50 (rows C, D, and E); $35 (rows F through N); $25 (rows P and Q). Tickets available for purchase online! Woodstock Playhouse, 103 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock. 845-679-6900. woodstockplayhouse.org December 19, 5pm & 7pm Hyde Park Train Station Events: Polar Express Night Come see the restored former New York Central Railroad Train Station used by Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, the King and Queen of England, the Vanderbilts, the Lincoln and Roosevelt Funeral Trains, and

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

the Lincoln Ghost Train. Historical exhibits, displays, and gift shop. Five operating model train layouts. Donations, volunteers, and new members are needed to preserve this historic jewel for future generations. Hyde Park Train Station Museum, 34 River Road, Hyde Park. 845-229-2338. hydeparkstation.com December 22-23, 8pm Celebration through the Centuries Guitar virtuoso David Temple returns this holiday season with music from around the globe spanning five centuries. Experience works of the Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic, and Modern periods. Ranging in feeling from peaceful meditation to exuberant joy, these selections are the perfect way to celebrate the true meaning of the holidays! Tickets: $18. The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck. 845-876-3080. centerforperformingarts.org

Dec 2-3 A Christmas Carol

December 28, 11am Light up the Winter Celebrate the winter season with crafts from all over the globe. Create a clay menorah for Hanukah, a colorful design for Diwali, and more! $4 per child plus museum admission. Mid-Hudson Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum, 75 North Water Street, Poughkeepsie. 845-471-0589. mhcm.org

December 5 Conservatory Orchestra

December 10, 12-9pm Second Saturday Beacon Great art, gallery openings, food, antique stores and shopping, historic sites, and entertainment. Citywide celebration of arts, second Saturday monthly. Main Street, Beacon. 845-546-6222. beaconarts.org

December 11, 3-6pm Candlelight Tour of Clermont Celebrate the holidays at Clermont! A candlelight tour will be given of the grounds, and a crackling fire on the estate will keep passersby warm! Cost: $6 adults, $5 seniors, children under 12 free. Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown. 518-537-4240. friendsofclermont.org

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Church, 4526 Albany Post Road/ Route 9, Hyde Park. 845-229-2820. stjameshydepark.org

Dec 4 Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holiday Hunt

Dec 16 Solstice Concert

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Flying is not just about where you go, but how you get there. Stewart International Airportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comfortable size, modern amenities, friendly staff and focus on customer care makes flying hassle-free.

Featuring service from Delta, JetBlue and U.S. Airways, Stewart offers the smoothest way to fly into and out of the region, with its carriers providing direct flights to 5 cities and over 100 destinations with connection.

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