FALL/WINTER 2025-2026
Modern Mountain Lodges Museums for Kids of All Ages Hot New Bars & Bold Eateries
Powdery slopes. Hearthside nights. Blanketed landscapes.
Get Into Nature at Mohonk Preserve
Escape the noise and find yourself on the Shawangunk Ridge! Enjoy fun outdoor activities for all ages and all seasons at Mohonk Preserve. Our Visitor Center is open daily, free of charge, from 9am to 5pm, and the land is open from sunrise to sunset. Memberships and day passes are available at all trailheads. Plan your next adventure today! Visit mohonkpreserve.org or scan:
Photo: Andrea MacScott
Hudson Valley Map
8 Food & Drink
Fresh Bites, Bold Nights
A fresh wave of eateries—from tiki hot dog bars to Greek kitchens—delivers playful flavors and hometown charm.
16
Accommodations
Modern Mountain Lodges
Scandi cabins, luxe spas, and glass-box retreats redefine Catskills comfort with design-forward escapes rooted in landscape.
22 Craft Beverage The Farm and Bottle Shop
Cooper’s Daughter Spirits expands into a renovated Red Hook farm stand, blending small-batch whiskeys with curated New York beer, wine, cider, and local farm goods in one welcoming, family-run destination.
26 History
Mid-Restoration Marvel Boscobel is open for tours.
31 Culture Fall/Winter Event Round-Up Film, theater, comedy, and music, animate the coming months.
36
Family Fun Field Trips for All Ages
Museums where kids and adults explore history, science, art, and nature together.
40 Outdoors Trails for Photographers
Capture waterfalls and sweeping vistas on these breathtaking hikes.
Photo by
David McIntyre
Kaaterskill Falls, Haines Falls
ust heart
Just 1.5 miles from Cold Spring, in the hear t of the Hudson Valley
1 6 0 1 R
HEALTHY LAND, HAPPY ANIMALS, HONEST FOOD
We are a small family farm with a big vision. Committed to responsible land stewardship, we honor nature’s design, allowing our animals to express their natural behaviors within a balanced ecosystem.
100% grass-fed beef raised organically on lush, locally-grown forage.
Forest & pasture-raised pork, supplemented with organic, corn-free and soy-free feed.
Eggs from pasture-raised hens, fed certified organic, soy-free feed while foraging for bugs, grubs, and greens.
Photo by David McIntyre
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Connecting Nature, Community & Culture
FRESH BITES, BOLD NIGHTS
BY MARIE DOYON
The Wild, Beacon
From Wassaic to Woodstock, Catskill to Beacon, the Hudson Valley’s dining scene continues to reinvent itself with a mix of bold flavors, playful concepts, and hometown heart. This season brings a bumper crop of new openings: Thai kitchens tucked into distilleries, plant-forward bistros glowing with farmhouse chic, tiki bars dedicated to hot dogs, and diners polished to stainless-steel shine. Whether it’s a craftcocktail hideaway in Tivoli, a Greek mezze feast in Catskill, or a brewery in Athens slinging 20-inch pizzas, these spots deliver both destination dining and neighborhood comfort. Here’s what’s new on the table for fall and winter.
Thai Baan WASSAIC
After a series of well-received pop-ups, Thai Baan has officially opened inside Tenmile Distillery in Wassaic. Run by chef Arunee “Runie” Pakaraphag and Jason Jeffords III, the Thai kitchen draws from Pakaraphag’s upbringing on a rice farm in northeastern Thailand and her global culinary experience. The couple relocated from New York City to bring thoughtfully prepared, home-style Thai cuisine to rural Dutchess County. Highlights include a rich Massaman short rib curry ($34), fiery pork stir-fry ($22), and vegetarian-friendly green curry ($20). Tenmile’s cocktails—like the jalapeno vodkabased Regina George—pair perfectly with the Southeast Asian menu.
Little Goat RHINEBECK
In the former spot of the Amsterdam in Rhinebeck, perennial trendsetter, restaurateur, and entrepreneur Taavo Somer has opened Little Goat with longtime business partner Erin Winters. The warm, design-forward restaurant is already drawing attention for its plant-focused menu and plans to soon be open all day, every day. The interior is a spot-on manifestation of modernfarmhouse Pinterest vibes with worn wood tables and painted board-and-batten walls. It bills itself as a cafe/bakery/pantry, but at least for now, Little Goat is only open in the
evenings, serving a very trim menu of full-on dinner foods like the roasted grilled Hudson Valley steelhead trout with charred hakurei turnips ($29) and the Veritas Farm pork chop with olives, fennel pollen, figs, and capers ($30).
Shorties NEW PALTZ
Shorties has recently revived the beloved Village Pizza building on North Chestnut Street in New Paltz, reimagining the space as a playful “hot dog tiki bar.” Opened by the team behind Huckleberry and Darling’s, the new daytime destination offers retro diner charm. Specializing in all-beef hot dogs— including an indulgent tower of mini-dogs, sides, and exotic condiments like grilled pineapple salsa, hoisin BBQ, and kimchi—is Shorties’s main draw, though vegetarian Impossible dogs are also available. (Ask about the hot dog punch card.) Guests can sip on $15 tiki-style cocktails, such as the Shorties Saturn, with gin, lemon, passionfruit, velvet falernum, and vanilla soft serve; or the Jungle Bird with rum, Amermelade, lime, and pineapple Dole Whip. With patio seating, Shorties brings a fun, flavorful twist to the New Paltz food scene, repurposing a local landmark into a sunlit stop for hot dogs, drinks, and high-brow, low-brow fun.
The Wild BEACON
The Wild Kitchen & Bar has popped up on Beacon’s Main Street, infusing a once-vacant corner with an airy, industrial-chic glow and an entirely gluten-free, vegetarian-forward menu sourced from its own Hudson Valley farm, Titusville Farm. By day, it functions as a wholesome, fast-casual canteen offering hearty bowls; by night, it transforms into a full-service farm-to-table dining and social hub. Dishes like blistered shishito peppers with smoky nori aioli ($11), miso-buttered cabbage with crispy rice ($17), asparaguspeppered egg noodles ($28), and summer squash with pistachio pistou ($12) capture seasonal flavors. Meat appears sparingly— with brick chicken or steelhead trout playing subtle supporting roles. Crafted cocktails, elixirs, ciders, tonics, and biodynamic wines—with inventive offerings like the Fresa Fresca elixir ($12), Galloway Park Swizzle ($16), and All Dirt Candy cocktail— reflect a forward-thinking bar program under Jessica Gonzalez’s direction. The upper level doubles as a social and wellness venue for events like yoga and workshops.
Rae’s MARGARETVILLE
Located on Margaretville’s quaint main drag, Rae’s is a fresh addition to the Catskills dining scene with a focus on bold flavors and shared plates. Opened by Alexandra Rosenberg and James Bailey, Rae’s pays tribute to Rosenberg’s great-grandmother through a menu of elevated comfort food with playful, regional touches in a grandma-chic interior (think tin ceilings and mismatched vintage dinnerware). Dishes like chopped liver with crisp chicken-skin “chips” ($15), tuna melt on rye ($19), and chile en nogada ($20) reflect both Jewish and Southwest influences. The cocktail menu riffs on classics with nods to family, and the wine list favors minimal-intervention selections. Housed in a former dive bar, Rae’s balances nostalgia and creativity in both its food and inviting atmosphere.
Medo WOODSTOCK
Fans of Woodstock sushi spot Medo were devastated when the restaurant announced its closure in April. But co-owner David Fletcher sought out new partners in Cheese Louise owner Ari Alonso-Lubell and sushi chef Kevin Lin to revive Medo and infuse it with fresh energy. Reopened in June, Medo preserves its original charm while expanding its menu. Nobu-trained, Lin is curating standout omakase dinners that rotate weekly based on the freshest seasonal fish. Favorites like the Woodstock Roll ($20) and local mushroom tempura ($16) return, while Chef Peter Kerwin is cooking up new dishes—including expanded vegetarian and vegan options.
Medo, Woodstock
Hudson Diner HUDSON
The 80-year-old stainless steel shell of Hudson’s historic diner—formerly the Diamond Street, then Grazin’—gleams again with new life. Now called, simply, Hudson Diner, the space has been revived by two popular industry pros and friends: Ashley Berman, co-owner of Mel the Bakery, and Brent Young, famed butcher behind The Meat Hook. The duo, friends from Brooklyn’s food scene, jumped at the chance to breathe new life into the historic spot. With a mission rooted in local sourcing, the menu blends comforting diner classics with elevated ingredients—think chopped steak ($25), spaghetti pie ($18), burgers on Mel’s breads (418), and seasonal pies. A newly added bar serves accessible cocktails like martinis and piña coladas ($13). Berman, running the kitchen, aims for a warm, all-day neighborhood hub—low in pretension, high on flavor.
Phos CATSKILL
Phos has opened on Catskill’s Main Street, transforming a century-old space into a refined Greek-American kitchen helmed by Chef Stephanie Skiadas. The fivemezzes—fava-bean green, red-pepper orange, tzatziki-white—arrive like a color wheel for dipping in warm, house-baked flatbread. A
seasonal “Greek salad” surprises with leafy lettuce, radishes, and anchovy. Highlights include grilled octopus with smoked pepper vinaigrette, calamari with lentil crust and olive aioli, gyro, moussaka, spanakopita souffle, and honey-caraway glazed bluefish with Castelvetrano olives. Drinks include mocktails built around savory syrups, plus a Naked Mastika spritz. Desserts: baklava, Greek coffee granita, mountain-tea sorbet, and linden-flower ice cream-paired donuts.
Bad Times Bar TIVOLI
Bad Times Bar has opened in Tivoli’s Broadway village, transforming a welcoming housefront—framed by soft pink peonies and climbing roses—into a cozy cocktail haven with an ironic name and all-are-welcome energy. The bar serves a small selection of specialty cocktails (plus rotating chalkboard specials), including a bracing Tomato Martini (gin, vermouth, and tomato and olive juices; $12) paired with buttery rosemary-roasted house nuts ($5), and the smoky-spicy Tormenta Negra (mezcal, ginger beer, lime; $11), balanced by chicken-liver mousse with plum compote and baguette ($12). Light fare like asparagus deviled eggs with bacon ($6), white bean dip with baguette ($8), and the bright, farrostudded Big Chop Salad ($14) complement drinks like the fruity-yet-not-sweet Kingston Club ($13). Plus, there’s rotating Suarez Family beers ($8), wine by the glass ($10-16), $5 PBR, and endless complimentary cheese puffs for extra-salty fun.
Night School ATHENS
Night School has taken over the former Crossroads Brewing taproom on Athens’s 2nd Street, reshaping it into a welcoming neighborhood brewery and pie-centric hangout. Brewery owner Johnny Osborne is pouring house-made beers and Deep Fried collaborations—signature pours include the juicy DIPA Unsportsmanlike Conduct and tropical hop bomb Porgs in a Blanket— alongside Night School originals like Recess Red and nitro-poured Study Hall Stout. The food menu centers on generous 20-inch pizzas—think the lemon- and arugula-topped 4-H Club and the hearty Locker Room—with slices at $4.25–$5.25. Smash burgers, wings, garlic knots, salads, and fried-chicken sandwiches followed. Cocktails by Nate Gebhard shine, with highlights like the refreshing Substitute Teacher and the smoky, citrusy Writer’s Block.
Hudson Diner, Hudson
Photo courtesy of Kabinett & Kammer
Kabinett & Kammer, Franklin
Tucked into the mountains of Delaware County is a trove of design-minded studios, showrooms, and shops waiting for aesthetic aficionados to uncover. “Over the past 20 years—and through two books, with a third on the way—I’ve built a loyal following of customers who travel from across the Hudson Valley, Connecticut, and beyond,” says Sean Scherer, owner of Kabinett & Kammer in Franklin. “It’s not just my selection, but also my prices, that draw design lovers and dealers to Delaware County from afar.”
With the county’s charming hamlets offering ample room to create and showcase wares, Delaware County’s blossoming scene of makers and design shops offers plenty to explore during a weekend getaway to the Great Western Catskills.
A Tour for Vintage and Antique Finds Galore
At the newly opened Estro in Andes, Sara Sharpe and her husband Harry Benson have transformed a 1920s garage into a showroom of vintage pieces inspired by French, Italian, and Scandinavian traditions. In Delhi, The StoneHouse is a haven for vintage Moroccan rugs, plus contemporary artisan decor. Head west to Walton to find Doog Goods, a hybrid gallery, cafe, and showroom for designer furniture and decor run by the duo behind award-winning design firm Studio Chillbillies.
Just north, two must-visit destinations anchor Franklin’s emerging reputation as a design hub. LAVA atelier, the seasonal storefront of interior designer Meg Lavalette, showcases a selection of vintage and antique furniture, lighting, and artwork from her travels alongside locally crafted pieces. Down the road, Scherer’s cult favorite contemporary curiosity shop Kabinett & Kammer offers a gallery of antiques, natural wonders, and art that’s sure to wow.
Head up to Stamford to The Antique Knot for thousands of high-quality antique rugs, carpets, and kilims, then cap off the trip just down Main Street at Tandem Antiques & Design, whose owners’ two decades in the design trade rewards visitors with a stunning mix of antiques, lighting, fine art, pottery, and more—plus an appointment-only warehouse.
Other Design Names to Seek Out
Delaware County is also home to many creatives and makers with studios that are open with limited hours, but whose online stores are always open. In Delhi, the team at Stone &
Sawyer, led by artisans David Ryan and Julian Peploe, design and produce small-batch stoneware lamps that marry modern style with timeless craftsmanship. In Hancock, Trout Brook Studios—the shared workshop of furniture designer Vallessa Monk and architect Lars Haga—combine wood and metal with form and function to create one-ofa-kind interiors and exteriors.
No matter how many treasures visitors uncover, the Great Western Catskills is sure to provide a rewarding getaway for style seekers in search of one-of-a-kind pieces with a creative soul. “Everyone who owns a business here brings an original perspective,” says Estro’s Sharpe. “We don’t do it for the clout or the money. It’s a true labor of love, and visitors feel that authenticity in every interaction.”
+ Greatwesterncatskills.com
Photo courtesy of LAVA atelier
Photo Courtesy of Estro
Estro, Andes
LAVA atelier, Franklin
MODERN MOUNTAIN LODGES
BY LIAM DRAUF
The Hudson Valley and Catskills have moved well beyond knotty pine paneling and deer-antler lamps. A new generation of lodgings is blending clean lines, warm minimalism, and floor-to-ceiling glass with the rugged landscape. These places honor the outdoors with contemporary architecture, locally sourced materials, and creature comforts—think Scandinavian simplicity meets mountain coziness.
Wildflower Farms GARDINER
Set on 140 acres in Gardiner, Wildflower Farms brings Auberge Resorts’ luxe touch to the Shawangunks. Its 65 freestanding cabins and suites, designed with floor-toceiling windows and natural materials, invite the outdoors in. The Thistle Spa draws from the farm’s botanicals, while the restaurant Clay turns out seasonal, farm-to-table dishes. A blend of Scandinavian restraint and Hudson Valley warmth, Wildflower Farms, recently named the number one hotel in New York State in Travel+Leisure ’s 2025 World’s Best Awards, redefines the modern lodge as a place where luxury grows straight from the land.
Piaule CATSKILL
A poster child for modernist wilderness escapes, Piaule’s modular glass-front cabins perch lightly in the woods. Minimalist lines meet cozy interiors—woodstoves, soaking tubs, and sweeping views of the Catskills. The lodge also houses a spa and restaurant showcasing seasonal Hudson Valley fare. Piaule feels at once private and communal: You can spend all day in your glass box watching snow fall or meet fellow travelers by the fire, cocktail in hand.
Inness ACCORD
Inness is part design retreat, part pastoral playground. Shaker-inspired lodgings range from airy cabins to farmhouse-chic rooms, all grounded in muted palettes and honest materials. The 220-acre property includes a restaurant helmed by James Beardnominated chefs, a golf course, pools, and miles of trails. It’s the rare place where rustic simplicity and luxury coexist comfortably, making it equally suited to autumnal rambles or winter weekends curled up beside a woodstove.
Hemlock Neversink,Neversink
Photo by Lawrence Braun
Eastwind Hotels
WINDHAM AND BIG INDIAN
Eastwind pioneered Scandi-style cabins in the Catskills with their signature “Lushnas”—tiny A-frame shelters dressed in wool throws and lantern light. Expanded into larger lodges in Windham and Big Indian, Eastwind blends social energy with mountain quiet. Guests can gather for apres-ski cocktails or retreat to cedar-scented saunas and private decks. The look is contemporary alpine: clean lines, natural textures, and just enough hygge to make cold nights feel welcome.
Urban Cowboy Lodge BIG INDIAN
If Piaule is minimalist, Urban Cowboy is maximalist: an exuberant fantasia of clawfoot tubs by windows, bold wallpaper, and roaring woodstoves. Housed in a century-old lodge, this Big Indian outpost revels in pattern and texture without sacrificing mountain authenticity. The Public House bar and restaurant feels like a Catskills living room turned inside-out, while outdoor firepits and forest trails beckon. Urban Cowboy shows modern doesn’t always mean minimal—it can be wildly, joyfully extra.
Hemlock Neversink NEVERSINK
A retreat built for quiet luxury, Hemlock Neversink merges mid-century modern aesthetics with Scandinavian calm. Guestrooms are airy and uncluttered, while shared spaces encourage wellness—think saunas, yoga, and plant-forward communal dining. Surrounded by forest and streams, the property is designed for contemplation as much as comfort. Hemlock feels like a modern monastery for city-weary travelers, offering serenity by design.
Hotel Lilien TANNERSVILLE
This 1890s Tannersville inn has been reborn as a design-forward lodge where vintage character meets contemporary edge. Interiors brim with bold paint colors, mid-century furnishings, and playful details that never feel precious. A lively bar and lounge anchor the social scene, while guest rooms maintain a mountain coziness. Hotel Lilien manages to be both stylish and approachable, attracting skiers, hikers, and design enthusiasts in equal measure.
Callicoon Hills CALLICOON CENTER
Once a 1905 boarding house, Callicoon Hills is now a modern mountain escape with history intact. Airy cabins and main lodge rooms retain rustic charm but are refreshed with clean lines, modern furnishings, and a laid-back Catskills vibe. The hillside pool, airy barn restaurant, and fire pit gatherings make it a four-season hangout. Callicoon Hills proves that reinvention and preservation can go hand in hand—old bones, new soul.
Bluebird Hunter Lodge HUNTER
Bluebird Hunter Lodge channels ski culture through a contemporary lens. With crisp alpine design, vintage ski memorabilia, and a playful spirit, it feels both retro and fresh. Rooms mix wood, plaid, and minimalist furnishings, while communal spaces invite mingling apres-ski or apres-hike. Steps from Hunter Mountain, the lodge doubles down on winter appeal, but its year-round energy and affordability make it one of the most accessible entries in the new Catskills modern.
by
Hotel Lilien, Tannersville
Photo
Daniel-Schwartz
Discover the ancient restorative therapies of Tibet at Dewa Healing Spa. Featuring a wide range of eastern and western treatments, saunas, steam rooms, soaking tubs, and so much more.
Open to the public Wednesday–Monday. 10% discount for locals on first massage. 845.688.6897 ext 102 | menla.org/spa Phoenicia, NY (Catskills)
A CATHEDRAL OF CANNABIS Domes Dispensary in Kingston
For the cannabis connoisseur or those who are just curious, Domes Dispensary tops the Hudson Valley must-see list for its one-of-a-kind architecture alone. The impossible-to-miss white geodesic domes located minutes from Uptown Kingston and Woodstock on Route 28 just off I-87 Exit 19 have been described as “otherworldly,” “temple-like,” and “one of the most unique cannabis dispensaries in the country” by Hudson Valley One
Upon entering, visitors are enveloped by the domes’ skylit, cathedral-like interior featuring elegant reclaimed wood and an almost-360-degree display of products. “Customers love that we offer a superior variety of products at unbeatable prices, and that they’re always greeted by our team of passionate, expert budtenders,” says coowner Jennifer Dundas.
There’s something for everyone at Domes, whose owners’ mission is to feature the best of the Hudson Valley’s cannabis farmers and producers, while also stocking tried-and-true brands aficionados count on. After a smash opening last November, the dispensary has been working to expand its menu almost daily, so be sure to check the website for the most current deals and offerings. Online orders for store pick-up make being a loyal Domes customer easy, and delivery is in the works, so check their website for the latest updates.
With its bold-yet-zenlike design and focus on supporting the local cannabis scene, a visit to Domes Dispensary is definitely moodlifting in more ways than one.
+ Domesdispensary.com
Produced by the Chronogram Media Branded Content Studio.
License number: OCM-RETL-24-000066. Concerned about your cannabis use? Contact the New York State HOPELine by texting “HopeNY”, calling 1-877-8-HOPENY, or visiting oasas.ny.gov/HOPELine.
Cannabis can be addictive. For use only by adults 21 years of age and older. Keep out of reach of children and pets. In case of accidental ingestion or overconsumption, contact the Poison Center hotline 1-800-222-1222 or call 9-1-1. Please consume responsibly.
THE FARM AND BOTTLE SHOP IN RED HOOK
BY JAMIE LARSON
Cooper’s Daughter Spirits, the Columbia County distillery known for its seasonal, small-batch, naturallyflavored whiskeys, vodka, and liqueurs, has expanded to a quaint Red Hook location. The Farm and Bottle Shop officially opened in mid-July on Route 9, in a longabandoned farm stand, and offers something rare: a store licensed to sell spirits, beer, wine, and cider, along with local farm-sourced foods like meat, cheese, produce, and dry goods all in one place.
“The ‘bottle’ part of the name is all New York State beer, wine, and cider, on top of our spirits,” says Sophie Newsome, who founded the business with her father, the cooper, Stuart Newsome. Her husband, head distiller Rory Tice, is the third leg of the family operation barstool. “We tasted hundreds of each product to narrow it down to what we think is some of the best in the state. And then the farm part is just amazing local farm products. We’re surrounded by so many talented people, that it wasn’t difficult to put together.”
Finding the right location for this second outpost took years. The family had long discussed a more retail-focused venue, and when they came across the dilapidated roadside stand just north of the village of Red Hook, they saw the potential, despite its crumbling condition. “We kind of teasingly called it ‘the birdhouse’ because when we took it over, the only thing living there was a bunch of birds,” Newsome says. “There was no drywall, just rotting wood. We had to replace the roof, pour new concrete floors, and rebuild the interior from the studs out.”
The renovation was spearheaded by Stuart, a skilled woodworker who brought the
building back to life by hand. “He did all the work,” Sophie says. “We redesigned the space completely. The only thing that’s left from the old building is the shape and the red-andwhite exterior paint.”
The Farm and Bottle Shop is legally able to sell spirits, beer, wine, and cider thanks to Cooper’s Daughter’s New York State farm distillery license—an allowance that’s uncommon aside from a few places statewide. Inside, visitors can shop an impressive selection of regionally made alcohol, carefully chosen by the Newsome team, alongside an evolving inventory of local cheeses, snacks, syrups, pantry staples, and fresh produce from neighboring farms.
Also, while Sophie grew up here, her parents are from England, so they couldn’t resist putting up one shelf of iconic UK staples like biscuits, tea, and spreads like Marmite.
The opening has already attracted a diverse crowd of visitors, some longtime fans
of the distillery, others curious locals who remember the building in its earlier life. “We weren’t sure what to expect,” Sophie says. “But it’s been a great mix. People are stopping by who live nearby, and people who just saw us online or have been following our spirits for a while.”
In addition to the shop itself, the property includes about 16 acres of land. While the family initially considered managing the land themselves, they’ve since partnered with a program that connects property owners with beginning farmers looking for access to land.
New Kids on the Block
Sophie and Tice have envisioned the Farm and Bottle Shop as a place not just to buy spirits, but to discover what the broader Hudson Valley community is creating, from flower farmers to bakers, winemakers to cideries. “It’s all about the connection between what we make, what our neighbors grow, and the people who come through our doors,” Sophie says.
Additional events, including tastings and guest vendor appearances, are planned throughout the fall and winter. The new shop isn’t the only expansion the Cooper’s Daughter team has undertaken this year. Sophie and Tice also launched a mobile bar, a refurbished white and gold horse trailer that travels to weddings and events across New York, serving cocktails alongside beer, wine, and cider.
Another new addition to the family business is the cooper’s daughter’s daughter, baby Olivia, born almost a year ago. Sophie and Tice admit opening a new business with a newborn didn’t make things easier. “Our baby is 11 months old now,” Newsome says. “We definitely made a few jokes like, ‘What were we thinking, opening a second location and launching a mobile bar in the same year we had a baby?’ But there’s something that happens—maybe it’s the sleep deprivation—you just dive in and do it.”
Now that the doors are open in Red Hook, Sophie is glad they powered through. “This is about making space for the people who live and work around us,” she says. “We want to offer something that feels useful, grounded, and welcoming.”
MID-RESTORATION MARVEL
Preservation in Progress Tours at Boscobel
BY BRIAN K. MAHONEY
After nearly a year and a half of emergency repairs, Boscobel House and Gardens will reopen its historic house museum to the public on August 30 with a new offering: “Preservation in Progress” tours that highlight the painstaking work of restoration.
The reopening follows a 17-month closure that began in April 2024, when the library ceiling suddenly collapsed, revealing widespread structural vulnerabilities throughout the Federal-style mansion. What began as a single-room repair evolved into a full-scale emergency restoration to stabilize the building and protect its nationally significant collection.
“This is an extraordinary turning point for Boscobel,” says Jennifer Carlquist, the museum’s executive director and curator. “After months of heartbreak and hard work, we’re overjoyed to reopen our doors, but
our restoration journey is far from over. By reopening now, we can welcome back and reconnect with neighbors and guests eager to return, while offering them something truly new and rare: a front-row seat to the art, science, and craft of preservation.”
The Preservation in Progress tours will offer visitors a rare chance to see the house in transition, with rooms in varying states of repair and craftspeople at work. Far from the pristine interiors many associate with Boscobel, the tours provide what the museum describes as “a once-in-ageneration perspective: a historic house mid-restoration.”
A Historic Hudson Valley Landmark
Built between 1804 and 1808, Boscobel is considered one of the finest surviving examples of Federal architecture. The mansion was originally constructed in the
Westchester hamlet of Montrose by States Dyckman, a Loyalist who returned from England after the Revolutionary War and amassed wealth through his ties to British officials. Dyckman died before the house was completed, but his widow and descendants lived there for more than a century.
By the mid-20th century, the house faced demolition. In the 1950s, preservationists rallied to save it, dismantling the structure and relocating it to its current site in Garrison overlooking the Hudson River. Reopened to the public in 1961, Boscobel has since become a cultural landmark, known for its meticulously restored interiors, its important collection of early New York furniture and decorative arts, and its 68 acres of gardens and grounds.
Preservation as a Public Effort
Carlquist notes that unlike many longplanned restorations, Boscobel’s work was triggered by emergency. “In most preservation projects, you invest years of planning and fundraising before picking up a hammer,” she says. “Gravity didn’t give us that luxury. The collapse set off a chain reaction that had to be addressed immediately to save the building and artifacts inside. With insurance coverage
partial at best, restoration has placed a tremendous strain on our nonprofit budget and we can’t move forward without an influx of donations.”
Morrison Heckscher, former chair of the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and an advisor on the project, underscores the stakes: “The essence of Boscobel is the house, a unique and altogether wonderful architectural treasure from our Nation’s early days. To forego the opportunity afforded by the recent ceiling collapse to bring this building and its surroundings into the 21st century would be a tragic loss to the cultural fabric of the Hudson Valley.”
Tour Information
For Boscobel, the reopening is both a milestone and a call to action. As Carlquist puts it: “Landmarks like Boscobel feel permanent, but their survival is never guaranteed—that’s why community support right now is so critical.”
Preservation in Progress tours are offered Friday through Monday with timed entries at 1 am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm. Tickets are $24 for adults. Reservations can be made at Boscobel.org.
HUDSON VALLEY FALL/WINTER CULTURAL ROUNDUP
BY BRIAN K. MAHONEY
Autumn into winter, the Hudson Valley hums with creativity. From Rhinebeck’s Sheep and Wool Festival to the cinematic buzz of the Woodstock Film Festival, the season brims with reasons to gather. Theatergoers can catch the satirical bite of “The Thanksgiving Play” in Ghent, while comedy takes center stage in Catskill and Kingston with the Catskills Comedy Festival and Ashley Gavin’s new show. Music lovers won’t want to miss the timeless elegance of “Swan Lake,” the restless indie charge of Modest Mouse, the boundary-breaking Silkroad Ensemble, or the New Orleans swing of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. And in Beacon, the Bonfire ignites Main Street with art, performance, and that singular spark of Hudson Valley magic.
Woodstock Film Festival
October 15-19 at locations in Woodstock
Each fall, the Woodstock Film Festival transforms the Hudson Valley into a cinematic crossroads, drawing filmmakers
and audiences from around the world. Celebrated for its fiercely independent spirit, the festival showcases a mix of narrative features, documentaries, and shorts alongside panel discussions, concerts, and parties that spill across Woodstock, Kingston, Saugerties, and Rosendale. More than a film series, it’s a gathering place for artists and fans, where emerging voices share space with established auteurs. With programming still under wraps for 2025, one thing is certain: The Woodstock Film Festival remains one of the region’s premier cultural events.
“The Thanksgiving Play”
October 17-26 at the Ghent Playhouse
This fall, the Ghent Playhouse stages Larissa FastHorse’s biting satire “The Thanksgiving Play.” A Broadway hit in 2023, the comedy skewers well-meaning attempts at “woke” theater as four white educators try to devise a politically correct Thanksgiving pageant. With no Indigenous collaborators in sight, their brainstorm sessions spiral into
Woodstock Film Festival
absurdity, exposing the hypocrisies and blind spots of cultural representation. FastHorse, the first Native American woman playwright produced on Broadway, balances humor with sharp critique, making “The Thanksgiving Play” both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply unsettling. Ghent’s production offers Hudson Valley audiences a chance to wrestle with this timely, provocative comedy.
Ashley Gavin: “Hype Man”
October 18 at Assembly
Comedian Ashley Gavin brings her brand-new show “Hype Man” to Assembly in Kingston. Known for her sharp wit and unfiltered takes on sex, gender, and modern life, Gavin has cultivated a devoted fanbase through her hit podcast “We’re Having Gay Sex” and sold-out stand-up tours. Her style is brash, brainy, and unapologetically queer, blending social critique with the energy of a hype session. At Assembly, she’ll workshop fresh material that pushes boundaries while keeping audiences doubled over in laughter. It’s a one-night chance to catch one of comedy’s fastest-rising voices at the height of her powers.
The Catskills Comedy Festival
October 18-20 at locations in Catskill
The Catskills Comedy Festival turns downtown Catskill into a playground for laughs. The inaugural weekend includes stand-up, alt-comedy, improv, Vaudeville, panels, and comedy shorts—plus an art exhibit and family events. Featured acts include “SNL” alum Colin Quinn as well as comedy vets Dave Hill, Erin Jackson, and Eddie Brill. Youth-focused moments include a Kids’ Comedy Open Mic (ages 7–14) and On the Fly Story Slam showcasing young storytellers. With much of the programming free or paywhat-you-can, this nonprofit festival means serious fun with a community-first spirit.
New York State Sheep and Wool Festival
October 18-19 at Dutchess County Fairgrounds
Rhinebeck’s Dutchess County Fairgrounds turn woolly for the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival, October 18–19. One of the largest fiber arts festivals in the country, it’s a sprawling showcase of heritage breeds, fleece competitions, shearing demos, weaving, and a juried craft fair that attracts makers and
Rhiannon Giddens with Silkroad Ensemble performs at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
Photo by Ebru Yildiz
knitters from across the globe. Food vendors highlight lamb in every form, while workshops teach everything from natural dyeing to felting. Families can meet alpacas and angora rabbits, while serious fiber artists stock up for the year. It’s Rhinebeck at its coziest: equal parts farm show, craft bazaar, and harvest celebration.
“Swan Lake”
October 24 at Ulster Performing Arts Center
The Ulster Performing Arts Center hosts “Swan Lake,” brought to life by a constellation of international ballet stars. Tchaikovsky’s 19th-century masterpiece, with its tale of love, deception, and transformation, remains the touchstone of the classical ballet repertoire. Under glittering tutus and sweeping orchestral strains, the timeless drama of Odette and Siegfried unfolds with technical precision and emotional heft. UPAC’s stage becomes a mirror of moonlit waters as dancers channel the otherworldly grace that has captivated audiences for generations, reminding us why “Swan Lake” endures as ballet’s most iconic flight of fantasy.
Modest Mouse
October 28 at Ulster Performing Arts Center
Since breaking out with The Lonesome Crowded West in the late ’90s, Modest Mouse have carved a singular path—jangly guitars, jagged rhythms, and lyrics that toggle between existential dread and skewed whimsy. Their 2004 smash Good News for People Who Love Bad News yielded radio staples “Float On” and “Ocean Breathes Salty,” cementing their place in the indie canon. Still restless after nearly three decades, Isaac Brock and crew continue to evolve, ensuring their live shows crackle with urgency, unpredictability, and the kind of catharsis only they deliver.
Beacon Bonfire
November 5-9 at locations in Beacon Beacon Bonfire lights up Main Street with four days of music, art, and spontaneous creativity in November. Think Edinburgh Fringe with a dash of Burning Man, scaled to Beacon’s mile-long stretch from Fishkill Landing to Matteawan. The festival kicks off with an opening ceremony, spills into screenings at Industrial Arts, and peaks with a 10K race to the Beacon Fire Tower and a full day of buskers, pop-ups, and cozy campfires. Some events are ticketed, many are free, and all spark that elusive Hudson Valley magic that’s turned Beacon into a creative beacon of its own.
Detail: Fede Galizia (Italian, ca. 1578-ca. 1630), Still Life with Apples, Pears, Cucumbers, Figs, and a Melon, ca. 1625-1630, Oil on panel, 13 7/8 x 23 ¼ in., National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Funds from Roger Sant, Patrons’ Permanent Fund, and Gift of Funds from Deborah Burklund, 2023.3.2.
Silkroad Ensemble
November 8 at the Mahaiwe
Performing Arts Center
The Mahaiwe in Great Barrington hosts the Silkroad Ensemble, the boundary-smashing collective founded by Yo-Yo Ma. Now under the artistic direction of Rhiannon Giddens, the group continues its mission of cultural cross-pollination, weaving together musical traditions from across the globe into something altogether new. Expect an evening where Chinese pipa converses with banjo, Middle Eastern percussion underpins Celtic fiddle, and improvisation bridges centuries and continents. Known for performances that are as joyful as they are virtuosic, the Silkroad Ensemble creates a soundscape that defies borders—reminding audiences that music is one of humanity’s oldest, and most unifying, languages.
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
December 4 at Bethel Woods
The sounds of New Orleans roll into Bethel Woods with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band in December. Founded in the French Quarter in 1961, the ensemble has carried the city’s musical DNA across the globe, blending traditional Crescent City jazz with fresh influences that keep the spirit alive and evolving. Their concerts are joyous affairs— equal parts history lesson, second-line parade, and communal celebration. Expect blistering horns, syncopated rhythms, and soulful improvisation that transcend generations. As winter sets in, Preservation Hall’s unmistakable swing will warm the Catskills with a living tradition that still feels urgent, vibrant, and defiantly alive.
Preservation Hall Jazz Band performs at Bethel Woods
Photo by Josh Goleman
FIELD TRIPS FOR ALL AGES
BY LIAM DRAUF
Fall and winter in the Hudson Valley and Catskills bring shorter days, crisp air, and the perfect excuse to duck into a museum. The region is rich with destinations that make learning feel like play, offering kids and adults alike the chance to explore history, science, art, and nature. From hands-on science labs and firefighting adventures to ice boats, steamboats, and painted landscapes, these museums are as entertaining as they are educational. Here are nine family-friendly spots to put on your seasonal itinerary.
Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum POUGHKEEPSIE
Formerly the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, this Poughkeepsie staple is designed for curious minds ages 0–12. Exhibits like the Imagination Playground, Rivertown, and Science Revealed! encourage hands-on discovery and full-body learning. Kids can role-play, tinker, and experiment,
while parents appreciate the blend of STEM and creativity. Bright, interactive, and fully indoors, it’s a go-to option for family fun yearround, especially during chilly fall and winter days along the Hudson.
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum CORNWALL
This Cornwall destination combines natural science with imaginative play. Grasshopper Grove, its outdoor nature play space, remains a hit into autumn, while indoor exhibits on local wildlife and habitats keep kids engaged through the colder months. Seasonal programs and guided hikes introduce young naturalists to the wonders of the Hudson Highlands. Equal parts educational and exploratory, it’s a perfect stop for families who want a little fresh air alongside indoor learning.
FASNY Museum of Firefighting HUDSON
If fire trucks make your kids’ eyes widen, this museum will thrill them. The FASNY Museum of Firefighting houses one of the world’s largest collections of firefighting equipment and memorabilia, from antique engines to modern gear. Interactive exhibits let children dress like firefighters, climb aboard rigs, and test fire-safety skills. Engaging, tactile, and colorful, it blends history and heroism in a way that sparks imagination—and offers a warm indoor escape during colder seasons.
West Point Museum WEST POINT
Set within the country’s oldest military academy, the West Point Museum holds one of the largest collections of military artifacts in the Western Hemisphere. Cannons, uniforms, and historic weapons line its halls, but the exhibits are designed to intrigue more than intimidate. Kids can marvel at knights’ armor and Revolutionary War relics, while adults soak up the deep history. Free admission makes it a budget-friendly family outing, and its sprawling galleries welcome multigenerational exploration.
Thomas Cole National Historic Site CATSKILL
The former home and studio of painter Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School, this Catskill landmark invites families to step inside art history. Seasonal tours explore Cole’s life and paintings, while workshops and art-in-nature programs
Hudson River Maritime Museum, Kingston
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Cornwall
Hudson River Maritime Museum, Kingston
engage children directly. The surrounding grounds offer space to stretch legs, and the Catskills views are pure inspiration. It’s a gentle introduction to American art that resonates with both kids’ imaginations and parents’ cultural curiosity.
Olana State Historic Site HUDSON/GREENPORT
Frederic Church’s exotic 19th-century villa, perched high above the Hudson, offers families an immersive art-and-architecture experience. Inside, lavishly decorated rooms showcase Church’s global inspirations, while guided tours bring his story to life. Outdoors, the designed landscape—open yearround—offers trails with sweeping vistas of the Catskills and Hudson River. Children can explore the grounds while adults admire the artistry. The mix of visual spectacle and seasonal scenery makes Olana a rewarding, family-friendly stop in any weather.
Empire State Railway Museum PHOENICIA
Housed in a historic 1899 rail depot, this museum speaks directly to train lovers young and old. Exhibits include restored locomotives, rolling stock, and artifacts from the golden age of rail. Kids can get close to the equipment, soaking in the romance of steam travel and the rugged Catskills setting. Though compact, the museum’s focus makes it a hidden gem, and its indoor displays
provide a cozy detour when the mountain air turns brisk.
Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site NEWBURGH
Perched above the Hudson in Newburgh, this site served as George Washington’s command post during the final years of the Revolutionary War. Families can tour the preserved 18th-century house, explore exhibits in the museum wing, and learn about Washington’s leadership in kid-friendly terms. Hands-on activities and special programs bring Revolutionary history to life. The riverside location and rich storytelling make it an engaging stop where children and adults can experience history together.
Hudson River Maritime Museum KINGSTON
Anchoring Kingston’s Rondout waterfront, the Hudson River Maritime Museum immerses families in river life past and present. Exhibits on steamboats, ice harvesting, and lighthouses capture kids’ imaginations, while the Steamboat Play Area offers hands-on fun. The preserved tugboat Mathilda is a highlight, alongside workshops at the Wooden Boat School. Affordable family admission, cozy galleries, and the chance to explore Kingston’s waterfront make it an ideal cold-weather outing, where history feels lively and accessible.
Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, Newburgh
SCENIC
HUDSON VALLEY TRAILS FOR NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS
BY SEAN O’DWYER
Giant Ledge, Oliverea
The Hudson Valley is a paradise for photographers seeking to capture nature’s grandeur. Celebrated for its breathtaking vistas and diverse landscapes, our region offers countless opportunities to frame the perfect shot, whether you’re an amateur enthusiast or a seasoned professional: rolling mountains, gushing waterfalls, and, of course, the iconic Hudson River.
From the highest summit of Slide Mountain to the verdant loops of Ferncliff Forest, each of the following trails unveils a different perspective of the valley’s splendor. Breakneck Ridge’s rugged cliffs offer panoramic views of the Hudson River, while Giant Ledge provides sweeping vistas that are primal and spectacular. Meanwhile, Sam’s Point and the Verkeerderkill Waterfall reveal nature’s intricate interplay between rock and water.
Especially during golden hour, when the low sun bathes the landscape in warm hues or the mist rises from the forest floor, the Hudson Valley transforms into a living masterpiece. So, pack your camera and prepare to capture the essence of a region that has inspired artists and adventurers for generations.
Giant Ledge
LOCATION: OLIVEREA
HIKE LENGTH: 3-4 MILES
TOTAL ASCENT: 1,000 FEET
TIME: 2-3 HOURS
INTENSITY: CHALLENGING HIKE
Giant Ledge, one of the most popular and picturesque spots in the Catskills, offers photographers an incredible view with relatively little effort. The hike to the main viewing ledge takes just about an hour, making it accessible for both early morning and late afternoon photo sessions. The trail, while moderately challenging, leads to a series of open rock ledges that provide expansive views of the surrounding mountains and wide Woodland Valley below. The panoramic view from each of them is truly breathtaking.
Photo by Sean O’Dwyer
Photographers can capture the rolling peaks of the Catskills stretching out in all directions, with the valley and peaks often cloaked in mist during the early hours. This spot is particularly stunning during fall, when the foliage transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors. Giant Ledge offers an unrivaled vantage point for capturing the majestic beauty of the Catskills.
Breakneck Ridge
LOCATION: COLD SPRING
HIKE LENGTH: 3 MILES
TOTAL ASCENT: 1,300 FEET
TIME: 2 HOURS
INTENSITY: A CHALLENGING, SKETCHY HIKE
Breakneck Ridge offers two distinct routes for hikers and photographers, each providing distinctive perspectives of the Hudson Valley. The classic scramble to Breakneck Ridge, known for its steep, rocky ascent, challenges hikers with a rugged climb that rewards them with sweeping, panoramic views of the Hudson River and surrounding highlands. This route is perfect for capturing dramatic, high-altitude shots of the Hudson River and the iconic Storm King Mountain.
A newer route that uses the Nimham Trail is shorter but still offers a challenging and very scenic hike. This path winds through wooded areas and gradual inclines, leading to
several vantage points with expansive views of the river and valley below.
Both routes highlight the striking natural beauty of Breakneck Ridge, making it a favorite destination for photographers looking to capture the essence of the Hudson Valley. Breakneck Ridge delivers unparalleled photo opportunities.
Ferncliff Forest
LOCATION: RHINEBECK
HIKE LENGTH: 2 MILES
TOTAL ASCENT: 190 FEET TIME: 1 HOURS
INTENSITY: EASY HIKE
Ferncliff Forest, a hidden gem in Rhinebeck, offers photographers a serene woodland escape coupled with panoramic views after a short and almost effortless hike; Mount Rutsen measures just 335 feet tall. The trail through Ferncliff Forest leads past a pond
View from Ferncliff Forest Fire Tower, Rhinebeck
and pavilion to a historic fire tower, which stands as a sentinel above the treetops. Climbing this tower rewards hikers with a breathtaking 360-degree view that stretches across the Hudson Valley to the majestic Catskills to the west.
Apart from the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, the view from Ferncliff’s fire tower is especially captivating during the fall foliage color change. It’s an ideal setting for capturing the timeless beauty of the Hudson Valley and its peaks.
Slide Mountain
LOCATION: BIG INDIAN
HIKE LENGTH: 7 MILES
TOTAL ASCENT: 1,900 FEET TIME: 4-5 HOURS
INTENSITY: MODERATE-TO-CHALLENGING HIKE
Slide Mountain is the tallest mountain in the Catskills, which might sound intimidating,
By Appointment Only
Photo by Sean O’Dwyer
but it also happens to be one of the more straight-forward and easiest of the high peaks to hike. Most people run up and down the basic route, which leaves out several of the very best scenic views. If you know where to look, and you’re up for a bit of adventure, you’ll be handsomely rewarded with spectacular views of major and minor Catskills peaks arranged in distant layers. This loop route of Slide Mountain extends the most common hiking route to the summit to a scenic view that’s past the summit. The descent is steep and includes a wooden ladder (the only one in the Catskills). It’s a challenging extension, but a whole lot of fun, and your camera will capture views that most people never see.
Sam’s Point and Verkeerderkill Falls
LOCATION: CRAGSMOOR
HIKE LENGTH: 6-8 MILES
TOTAL ASCENT: 1,000 FEET
TIME: 3-4 HOURS
INTENSITY: MODERATELY CHALLENGING HIKE
The hike from Sam’s Point to Verkeerderkill Falls in Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a photographer’s dream, offering diverse landscapes and stunning vistas. Starting at Sam’s Point, the trail meanders through an otherworldly landscape of rare dwarf pine barrens, which provide special photographic opportunities with their gnarled shapes.
The path then descends for a long time before arriving at the highlight of the hike, Verkeerderkill Falls. This 187-foot waterfall cascades down a rugged cliff, creating a dynamic and powerful scene that’s perfect for long-exposure shots.
The trail is approximately six miles round trip and moderately challenging, but the varied scenery and the spectacular waterfall make it well worth the effort. Along the way, look out for wildflowers, wildlife, and the changing colors of the seasons, all of which add to the photographic subjects on this rewarding hike. You may even see a porcupine.
Honorable Mention: The Catskills Fire Towers
Photographers should not miss the chance to visit the seven Catskills Fire Towers. These towers, strategically placed atop some of the highest peaks in the region, offer unparalleled 360-degree views of the surrounding landscapes. From these vantage points, you can capture sweeping panoramas of the rolling mountains, dense forests, and winding rivers. The fire towers at locations such as Hunter and Balsam Lake mountains provide some of the most breathtaking views in the Hudson Valley. Upper Esopus, Overlook, and Red Hill are the easiest to tackle.
Hunter Mountain Fire Tower, Hunter
