Chronogram's Explore Fall/Winter 2024-2025

Explore FALL/WINTER 2024-2025

Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Turns 150

Sunset Hikes for All Abilities Guide to New Restaurants Vintage Store Round-Up

HUDSON VALLE Y / CATSKILLS / BERKSHIRES

explore This is Catskills cool. Stay in a cozy full-service resort, charming inn, B&B, or vacation rental. Wander our charming small towns bursting with food, drink, and outdoor fun in any season.

Dove Trail • Craft Beverage Trail • Hiking Skiing • Catskill-icious Dining

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Fly to Europe or head south for some sun from New York Stewart International Airport.

Visit swfny.com for current airline destinations.

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES START HERE GEAR YOU NEED FROM BRANDS YOU LOVE Locally owned since 1955 and conveniently located in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Whatever your adventure, we’ll outfit you.

Visit Us In-Store or Shop Online 78 Oak Street, Walden, NY | 845-778-1400 thruwaysportinggoods.com |

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INSIDE 8

Hudson Valley Map

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Food & Drink

Savor the Season

Explore the vibrant Hudson Valley culinary scene with new restaurants like Nansense, Cafe Silvia, and The Governess, offering diverse, innovative dishes.

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Hudson Valley Vintage Seven spots for your retro fix.

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Events

Cultural Harvest

Accommodations

The season’s offerings include music, cmoedy, and haunted hayrides!

Explore distinctive accommodations, from historic inns to boutique hotels, blending luxury, local culture, and natural beauty.

History

From Factories to Farmhouses

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Craft Beverage

A Taste of Tradition

Klocke Estate blends old-world distilling methods with modern design, offering farmto-table dining, regenerative practices, and a serene, immersive experience.

CAPTION Lake Awosting, TK Minnewaska State Park 4

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Shopping

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150 Years of Light

The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse celebrates its sesquicentennial.

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Outdoors

Sunset Hikes

The region offers a seemingly endless array of sunset-viewing locations.

99 Service Road, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986 Reservations: (855) 548-1184

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EDITORIAL Editor Brian K. Mahoney brian@explorethehudsonvalley.com Art Director Kerry Tinger kerry@explorethehudsonvalley.com Branded Content Editor Ashleigh Lovelace Contributors Marie Doyon, Remy Commisso, Anne Pyburn Craig, Liam Drauf, Melissa Esposito, David McIntyre, Sean O’Dwyer, Mikayla Stock PUBLISHING CEO Amara Projansky amara@explorethehudsonvalley.com Executive Vice President Jan Dewey jan@explorethehudsonvalley.com Sales Manager Andrea Fliakos andrea@explorethehudsonvalley.com Media Specialists Kaitlyn LeLay, Kelin Long-Gaye, Kris Schneider Ad Operations Specialist Jared Winslow New Business Development / Media Assistant Gabriella Gagliano

On the cover: The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse began operating in 1974, helping ships navigate the hazardous Middle Ground Flats of the Hudson River.

Photograph by David Oliver @shelteredexistence.

How to Use this Book

1. Browse 2. Read

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our feature stories for curated insight into all things Hudson Valley.

about our spotlight communities for a snapshot of some top destination towns.

3. Find

what you’re looking for quickly by searching our listings online.

4. Visit

Chronogram.com/explore to learn more!

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ADMINISTRATIVE Business Manager Nicole Clanahan office@explorethehudsonvalley.com MARKETING Marketing & Events Manager Margot Isaacs margot.isaacs@explorethehudsonvalley.com PRODUCTION Production Director Kerry Tinger kerry@explorethehudsonvalley.com Production Designer Kate Brodowska

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HUDSON VALLEY MAP

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FESTIVAL OF TREES

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NOVEMBER 23 - JANUARY 5

City and Harbor of New York, 1889, Edward Moran (American, 1829 – 1901).

Collection of Berkshire Museum, Bequest of Richard Lathes, Jr.

EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF SEA TRAVEL ON HUMAN CIVILIZATION

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Ring in 2025 with 2 days & 3 nights of eclectic fiddle & folk music & dancing and an epic New Year's Eve party!

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FOOD & DRINK

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FOOD & DRINK

SAVOR THE SEASON

BY MARIE DOYON

T

he Hudson Valley’s vibrant culinary scene continues to flourish with a fresh wave of new restaurant openings, each offering a distinctive dining experience that captures the essence of the region. From the artisanal flavors of Cafe Silvia at Magazzino in Cold Spring, where Italian cuisine meets farm-to-table freshness, to the bold Afghan dishes at Nansense in Beacon, these new spots are redefining local dining. In Kingston, Sorry, Charlie combines intimate ambiance with creative bar bites and craft cocktails, while the Governess in Poughkeepsie brings waterfront dining back with a modern twist on American classics. Whether you’re craving a taste of Italy at Via Cassia in Hudson or a casual meal at Underground Ales in New Paltz, this round-up of recently launched eateries promises to delight food lovers across the Hudson Valley. Discover your next favorite spot and savor the diverse flavors that define this beloved region.

La Sorella Mercato FISHKILL

La Sorella Mercato, Fishkill

In Italian, La Sorella Mercato translates as “sister market,” a nod to its dual function of cafe and retail. In the bright, airy space, patrons can buy a pound of La Sorella coffee while sipping the same hot, grab a package of imported pasta to fix for dinner, and pick up fresh flowers to dress up the dinner table.

The menu isn’t complicated, but it’s lovely: Breakfast options include smoked salmon toast ($15) and quiche ($10) for those who want to linger, and egg sandwiches ($8.50) and pastries ($3 to $7.50) for customers who are on the go. Soups, salads, and sandwiches range from creamy tomato soup ($8) to salade Nicoise ($18) and mortadella with pistachio pesto and burrata on focaccia ($15).

“La Sorella is a love letter of food I like to eat; it’s hard to put a title on it,” owner Scott Rosenberg says. “It definitely has an Italian overtone, but grabs influence from all over.”

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FOOD & DRINK

Sorry, Charlie, Kingston

Sorry, Charlie KINGSTON

The owners behind Poughkeepsie’s neighboring establishments Goodnight Kenny bar and Hudson & Packard pizzeria have teamed up to open Sorry, Charlie in Kingston. The group upgraded the intimate space inside and out, adding new tilting windows that open out for passersby to peep inside. Bar snacks range from mixed nuts to 12 C H R O N O G R A M . C O M / E X P LO R E

potato beignets to pimento cheese dip ($6$12), but the 12-inch pan pizzas are an easy favorite. For drinks, try the signature Charlie’s Sour—bourbon, lemon, and angostura, topped with an edible wafer-paper design ($12). Nonalcoholic slushies are available ($8); add a nip of booze for $4. Two rotating draft beers and a selection of bottles and cans combine local favorites and domestic brands.

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FOOD & DRINK

The Governess Bar, Poughkeepsie

Nansense BEACON

With stunning turmeric-toned Zellige tiles, a live-edge walnut counter, brass stools, penny tiles, and hanging rugs, the recently opened Nansense in Beacon is swankier than your standard burger bar. But touches of neon, legible signage, and playful art keep the Afghan restaurant casual. The chapli kebab smash burgers are made with ground beef with diced onions, tomato, cilantro, and traditional Afghan seasoning. Order yours single, double, or triple ($7, $11, $15) and add masala fries for $5. The small bites include crispy bolani (stuffed flatbread) with a mint-garlic yogurt dipping sauce ($11) and banjan, an eggplant dish with a tomato and onion base, topped with the same yogurt and served with naan ($10).

The customizable bowls come with a base of basmati rice, kabuli, and salata, and you can choose either beef, eggplant or bean as your protein ($15-17) and designate your spice level.

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Add sauces and flatbread for extra. The $25 Mehmani plate is perfect for sharing.

Cafe Silvia at Magazzino

COLD SPRING Last September, Magazzino debuted its new Robert Olnick Pavilion to the public, adding 13,000 square feet of exhibition space to the grounds—and an Italian-style eatery. Cafe Silvia, which Magazzino director Vittorio Calabrese describes as “a killer combination of Italian food and farm-to-table,” is headed

by Milanese chef (and current Garrison resident) Luca Galli. The restaurant combines high-quality Italian products and recipes with local Hudson Valley produce, some of which is grown in a small garden right on the museum property. Of course, espresso in all its many forms is available for a post-art jolt, along with sweet treats like sfogliatella, tiramisu, and crema al limon. If you’re in the mood

FOOD & DRINK though not local, the seafood offerings are a nod to the waterfront setting and include a family-style seafood boil ($72), a raw bar platter of clams, oysters, and shrimp ($36), and pan-seared salmon ($37).

Shelter Woodstock WOODSTOCK

The spot at 21 Mill Hill Road on Woodstock’s main drag has had many incarnations—most recently as the twee diner Maria’s Bazaar and gift shop Sparkle. In May, like so many of its residents, Williamsburg bar and restaurant Shelter traded Brooklyn for the Hudson Valley after a decade-long stint. Like at their other spots, the newly Woodstock-based eatery spotlights open-fire cooking with a menu that ranges from pizzas to Argentine empanadas and grilled meats and fish.

Via Cassia HUDSON

Shelter Woodstock, Woodstock

for something more savory and substantial, the cafe also serves hot paninis, housemade lasagne, ricotta and spinach ravioli, and a cannellini bean and scallop soup. The star dish, named for Italian artist Mario Schifano features an umami mix of chickpea puree with shrimp, crunchy guanciale, and parsley sauce.

The Governess Bar POUGHKEEPSIE

Waterfront dining and drinks are back at the ice house in Poughkeepsie’s Waryas Park.

The Governess offers cocktails and signature twists on classic American food, like its two sister restaurants in Queens, the Baroness and the Huntress. Dishes include their lava macaroni with six cheeses and pretzel crumbs ($16); maple sriracha wings ($14); and burgers like Le Ranch with shaved ribeye, Swiss cheese, buttermilk ranch, a runny egg, and barbecue sauce ($22). The restaurant is working with local vendors like Earth to Table to bring in Hudson Valley ingredients. And

Ca’Mea was a fixture of the old-guard Hudson dining scene for two decades. When owner Roy Felcetto retired earlier this year, the restaurant passed to a chef committed to continuing and elevating the tradition of Italian cuisine. Chef Gaetano Arnone has trained in some of New York City’s top Italian restaurants, including Eataly, Babbo, and Otto, before living in Italy for the past four years. Via Cassia is his homage to the country’s casual sidestreet eateries where you can get an aperitivo or a pasta to blow your socks off and a glass of exceptional wine. Like all good Italian food, the dishes are simple, focusing on execution. For pastas, think cacio e pepe ($21) and bucatini all’Amatriciana ($23). The concise secondi selection has one fish, one steak, and a grilled quail. With Arnone’s direct connection to Tuscan vineyards, this isn’t a spot to skip wine.

Underground Ales NEW PALTZ

Schatzi’s Pub was a staple of the New Paltz scene until its final night, New Year’s Eve last year. The space underwent a light makeover and recently reopened as the second location of Highland favorite Underground Coffee & Ales. With espresso drinks, tasty bar food, and a vast selection of craft beers, it’s the perfect fit for the college town, plus the spacious patio is open in time for the warm weather.

Whether you spring for the iconic crispy chicken sandwich ($16), the fried buffalo Brussels ($12), or something breakfasty like the avocado toast ($14), the grub is the platonic ideal of pub food. Wash it down with one of over 100 beers on offer.

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Urgent Care in the Mid-Hudson Valley

t can be disheartening when minor illnesses strike during a winter getaway upstate. Instead of heading straight to the hospital emergency room, however, visitors in the Mid-Hudson Valley who find themselves dealing with sprains, strains, cuts, fractures, and respiratory symptoms can consider seeing a community clinician in the Albany Med Health System.

With more than 15 rapid and urgent care centers across the region, providers in the Albany Med Health System—the area’s only locally governed health care system—treat illnesses and injuries for patients of all ages in comfortable, state-of-the-art settings close to home or where they’re staying.

Seven days a week, patients have access to highly trained providers who provide the care they need to get back on their feet and on their way. In Columbia, Greene, and Ulster counties, the Albany Med Health System operates urgent care clinics in Coxsackie and Saugerties, and rapid care clinics in Catskill, Copake, and Valatie through its community-based providers, Albany

Medical Center and Columbia Memorial Health (CMH).

“Our urgent care centers are staffed by providers with training and experience in emergency medicine. They have the skills and knowledge needed to accurately and quickly diagnose each patient,” says Dr. Michael Weisberg, the chief of emergency medicine at CMH who also oversees its rapid care sites in Catskill, Copake, and Valatie.

By linking together providers in more than 100 different medical specialties with the region’s only academic medical center and Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma center, the Albany Med Health System is expanding access to healthcare across the region, particularly in rural communities where it’s needed most.

“Many of our providers have been in the area for years,” Dr. Weisberg says. “Our patients are our neighbors, and we have a true connection to our community.”

For a complete list of rapid and urgent care providers, visit Albanymed.org.

Produced by Chronogram Media Branded Content Studio.

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ACCOMMODATIONS

FROM FACTORIES TO FARMHOUSES Where to Stay in the Hudson Valley

BY ANNE PYBURN CRAIG

The Henson, Hensonville

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ACCOMMODATIONS

T

he Hudson Valley is anything but generic. Each community has its own distinctive zeitgeist, and our accommodations reflect that. The best are often founded by hospitality pros with local roots and connections, people who take great joy in welcoming guests to the community they deeply love.

“This is my fourth hotel and it’s one I got incredibly excited about doing,” says Bethany Souza, developer of the Factory in Beacon. “I grew up here and my father drove a truck for the Nabisco box factory that’s now the Dia museum. So the name is a nod to Beacon’s industrial past, and also to Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory.”

Innkeepers draw on our cultural and historical bounty to build the experiences they offer, seasoning with luxe amenities and fresh local food at arm’s reach, all to one end: Making guests feel exquisitely at home and inspiring the local love and delight that they themselves know so well.

The Henson HENSONVILLE

Tucked away in the Windham hamlet of Hensonville (pop. 378), the Henson offers 16 guest rooms flooded with natural light, warm tones, and generously appointed personal spaces in a renovated 19th-century inn a stone’s throw from both Windham and Hunter ski mountains. The garden is Ely and Danielle Franko’s answer to the question “How can we create an outdoor space that we’d absolutely fall in love with and never want to leave?”— intimate yet spacious, organic and dynamic. The rooftop deck is an ideal spot for a cocktail and a deep sigh of contentment, with views of Windham Mountain and Black Dome Valley to the east and the Catskills rolling away in the western distance. The restaurant, Matilda, does magical things with local produce, meat and dairy, and the same team operates a luncheonette and a general store within easy walking distance. “Juliet” rooms feature private balconies overlooking the garden.

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ACCOMMODATIONS

The Leeway MT. TREMPER

Located on the Esopus Creek in Mt. Tremper, The Leeway is the former Kate’s Lazy Meadow and has kept the best of what B-52s singer Kate Pierson’s operation had going while giving the boutique luxury motel a well-deserved refresh. Rooms feature high-quality sound systems, locally roasted coffee, and outdoor gear to enhance your adventures; cabins and suites come in a variety of configurations to suit your needs and whims, and you’ll have reliable Wi-Fi, not always easy to find up in these hills.

There’s a midcentury modern aura blended with up-to-the-minute luxe amenities and skilled, warm hospitality. The private creekbank is the ideal setting for long, relaxing afternoons or evenings, with picnic tables, grills, bonfire pit, comfy seats, ambient lighting, and hammocks to lounge in. You’re surrounded by mountains, and many of the loveliest hikes and attractions in the Catskills are just minutes away, as are Phoenicia and Woodstock.

Old Dutch Inn KINDERHOOK Old Dutch Inn, Kinderhook

The Old Dutch Inn has been described as “the heart of the village,” and the four front rooms offer royalty-worthy views of the busy village square and village green. The inn dates back to the 1820s, and its public hall hosted an 1861 meeting at which the locals voted to raise a regiment for the Union. Nine guest rooms have been lovingly restored by locals who honored the rich history while adding an elevator, marble finishes in the bathrooms, rainfall showerheads, cast iron soaking tubs, smart TVs, and advanced air purification technology. Shared spaces include a lounge with kids’ corner, game room, gathering room, and business desk, should you need to get some work done. There’s no on-site dining, but guests receive complimentary gift cards to restaurants on the square, and you’re just 20 minutes from Olana, Art Omi, the Martin Van Buren Historical Site (he was a Kinderhook kid), and loads more attractions.

The Factory BEACON

The Leeway, Mt. Tremper 20 C H R O N O G R A M . C O M / E X P LO R E

This boutique hotel is entered through a secret garden gate to a courtyard lush with flowers, sculpture, and evening firelight. Once a sewing factory where bomber jackets were made for World War II fighter pilots, the two-story building has been reinvented as 14 luxe rooms and suites, no two alike, decorated in all-original art (available to purchase and take home should you so desire) with QR codes that link to the artist’s bio and statement on the piece, and offering

immersive, hands-on art making to guests. One, for example, surrounds guests with fiber art and has an eight-by-nine-foot wall into which they’re invited to weave strips of fabric and leather. And that’s just one. Creator Bethany Souza, a former HGTV on-air personality and native Beaconite, says every room has what she calls a “play” component of its own. Should you seek more fun, Beacon’s Main Street offers tons of it.

Eldred Preserve ELDRED

Located in the hamlet of Eldred in the Sullivan County town of Highland, the Eldred is a thoughtfully sophisticated, resplendent reimagining and merger of classic hospitality brands by local entrepreneur Dan Silva and his wife. The lodging aspect, the Bradstan Boutique Hotel, offers 28 luxurious accommodations featuring five different thematic options, all of them fitted out with first-rate linens, furnishings and fixtures. There’s a private Sunrise Lake, private walking trail, 1,300-square-foot fitness studio, and a shuttle that will take you to nearby attractions like Bethel Woods and the Resorts World Casino. Five stand-alone cabins offer floor-to-ceiling windows and large fireplaces.

Guests can dine at the Homestead Restaurant + Lounge, a farm-to-table steakhouse designed to bring the outdoors in, and explore the 600 acres of wildlands at their pleasure; there are paddle boats and kayaks available, should you prefer to watch the 300 species of resident birds from the water.

The Heartwood POUGHKEEPSIE

A new 50-room hotel at the edge of the historic and lovely Vassar College campus, The Heartwood features a lobby with floor-toceiling glass facing that view and an immersive art exhibit from conceptual artist Mark Dion, showcasing memorabilia from the college’s 163 years of history; other public spaces showcase Hudson Valley art, all of it curated by the college’s Francis Lehman Loeb art museum. There’s a focus on sustainability: natural materials and native landscaping, geothermal heating and cooling, and a zero-fossil fuel operation aided through photo-voltaic solar panels and solar thermal heating panels, and the property participates in Hotels for Trees, meaning that if you forego linen service they’ll plant a tree in your honor. En suite baths feature stone and marble finishes, rainfall showers and soaking tubs, and there’s a 24-hour gym. Dine at the locally gourmet Salt Line Restaurant, or grab a late drink at the intimate Night Owls cocktail lounge.

“Stay Smart” Closest Hotel to West Point HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES

1106 Route 9W Fort Montgomery, NY 10922 holidayinnexpress.com 845-446-4277

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WINTER WONDERLAND Planning a Cold Weather Getaway in the Great Western Catskills

Photo by Joe Damone

A

fter all the hubbub of autumn and the cold weather holidays, the quiet respite of a winter getaway offers the perfect chance to rest and recharge.

The season is a particularly dazzling time to pay the Catskill Mountains a visit, with the stark beauty of its high peaks and rolling valleys covered in fresh snow. Whether it’s a craving for hitting the slopes or just the serenity of time around a roaring fire with friends and family, here are a few can’t-miss spots to hit during a winter vacation in the Great Western Catskills.

Outdoor Abundance Independent and family-owned Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury is known for its authentic, easy going vibe. With 1,100 feet of vertical and 38 trails for skiers and snowboarders—from gentle, beginner runs to double black diamonds—plus tubing for the kids and kids at heart, there’s something offered for every skill level.

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Plattekill Mountain

Considered the busiest snowmobiling destination in the Catskills, Delaware County has over 350 miles of well-maintained trails, including 23 miles of the state’s C2 trail system. Enthusiast snowmobile clubs abound in the county, with special events hosted all winter long.

Cross-country skiers and snowshoers will enjoy an excursion on the Catskill Scenic Trail, a 26-mile path that weaves through fields, along the Delaware River, and past small towns. For a gentle introduction to the region’s wintertime beauty, go for an easy hike on the 3.9-mile Andes Rail Trail, located just minutes from the shops and eateries on Main Street Andes.

Majestic Mountain Accommodations Looking for an accommodation within walking distance from Main Street shopping, dining, and more? Stay at the Andes Hotel, a recently renovated circa 1850 inn at the hamlet’s center.

Its restaurant serves up crave-worthy spins on

Cozy Eateries Located right off of Main Street in Andes are the restored red barns that are home to Wayside Cider’s taproom and bottle shop.

Sip ciders made from wild and abandoned homestead apples and nosh on locally sourced small plates next to a wood stove, or steal away to the game room in the barn loft complete with a pool table, shuffleboard, and board games aplenty.

Centrally located on Route 28 in Arkville, Oakley’s is a favorite for wood-fired pizza and grilled classics. Located next to the wood stove, its large bar is a great perch for people-watching while enjoying a cocktail, glass of wine, or crisp draught beer from a local brewery.

Established in 1893, the stately Hidden Inn in South Kortright serves casual tavern food as well as juicy prime rib and filet mignon. With a roaring fireplace in the dining room, it’s a welcoming spot to enjoy a comforting meal and escape for a few hours from the bracing mountain air.

Photo by Natalie Chitwood

Wayside Cider, Andes Photo courtesy of Stratton Falls at The Roxbury

comfort food, and the large outdoor courtyard is a picturesque spot to enjoy the nip of a bonfire and a craft cocktail.

Have a flair for drama? The larger-than-life Roxbury Motel and the Roxbury at Stratton Falls feel directly pulled from a Broadway stage. Located in the quiet village of Roxbury, the vivacious sibling accommodations were created by former theater professionals.

Roxbury Motel room themes range from the Wizard of Oz to Indiana Jones, while Stratton Falls has eight fantastical tower cottages and a circa-1800s mansion with rooms inspired by the property’s storied past.

Craving the timeless, full-service comfort one expects from a classic mountain getaway?

Perched high on a hill outside of Margaretville, Hanah Mountain Resort and Country Club is a hidden gem of a hotel with rooms that offer beautiful views of its secluded 387 acres, the surrounding mountains, and the Delaware River below. The cozy indoor pool offers a retreat from winter’s chill, and its bar and restaurant serves farm-to-table American cuisine that showcases ingredients sourced in season from Catskills farms and purveyors.

For more inspiration on where to go and what to do in Delaware County, visit Greatwesterncatskills.com.

Produced by Chronogram Media Branded Content Studio.

Stratton Falls, Roxbury

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CRAFT BEVERAGE

Mint julep at Klock Estate 24 C H R O N O G R A M . C O M / E X P LO R E

CRAFT BEVERAGE

A TASTE OF TRADITION Klocke Estate

BY MELISSA ESPOSITO PHOTOS BY ERIC MEDSKER

Klocke Estate, Claverack

T

he transportive experience of visiting Klocke Estate, a new distillery with farm-to-table restaurant in Claverack, begins as soon as you reach its front gates. A long winding driveway toward the main building’s hilltop setting takes guests through vineyards and orchards bearing fruit to be used for making brandy and vermouth. Once inside, a muraled entryway with hand-painted coffered ceilings offers a vibrant welcome to the restaurant’s bar, elegantly designed with a marble top and copper accents. Large windows overlook the Catskills, allowing nature to provide its own seasonally changing backsplash. You’ve only just arrived, but the wow factor doesn’t stop.

“In creating our experience, we had this classic Hudson Valley vision for a space that feels as though you’ve been transported, that’s also very distinctly of this region,” says Kristine Danks, general manager. “The same can be said about the brandy and vermouth we make.”

With a focus on spirits crafted in an oldworld European style, but with fruit and botanicals grown on-site and in-state, CEO John Frishkopf’s goal was to combine both

classic, traditional distilling methods and the modern design of a progressive farm-to-bottle operation. Although he purchased the property in 2018 and began planting in 2020, the $21 million farm, distillery, and restaurant opened in July.

Originally from Boston, Frishkopf became fascinated with brandy making while living in Europe for a decade. “I’d been making brandy for years and always wanted to create a place like this that’s focused on making high quality spirits in a regenerative way that positively impacts the environment and community,” he says. “I chose the Hudson Valley for three main reasons: The beauty of the region, the acceptance and support for slow food and farm-to-table food and beverages, and the ability to grow fruit that’s ideal for making brandy. It took two years to prepare the land for farming before setting vines with cold-hardy grapes like vidal blanc and Ugni blanc—both of which are typically used in making brandy and cognac—and planting 43 varieties of cider apple trees.”

(The cider they make is not bottled, but used as an ingredient.)

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CRAFT BEVERAGE

Almond cake

Traditional Methods, Progressive Design Frishkopf’s passion for tradition includes centuries-old distilling and aging methods. He had a traditional cognac still delivered from the Cognac region of France that took three weeks to construct with multiple teams. It takes 48 hours for a full batch to be distilled before being transferred to French oak barrels to age for a minimum of three years. The on-site barrel house was designed in the same fashion they were made 200 to 300 years ago in Europe; sunken into the ground, insulated with straw, and with a dirt floor to maintain ideal temperatures and humidity.

“We really leaned into the history of cognac, which was actually invented by the Dutch in the 1600s,” Frishkopf explains. “Claverack is also a Dutch name, which is all part of why we came up with our name, Klocke, Dutch for ‘clock’—it’s about an appreciation of patience and time, while acknowledging local history and the history of bringing brandy to the new world.”

While classic methods are held sacred, the facility is progressive in its design. Although not certified, the estate employs regenerative, organic farming practices including composting fruit remnants from stillage, low-till methods, no herbicides, and organic sprays to ensure a living soil. Heat produced from the stills are sent through a system that reuses the heat for the building, hot water, and floors; any leftover heat can be directed outside to melt icy sidewalks during snowy seasons.

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Comfort with Panache This and more can be learned during a tour, which includes a visit to the still bay, a walk through the learning garden, and a tasting within the restaurant’s tasting room. Those who stay for dinner can enjoy the same storied ambiance carried through to the dining room, where two antique chandeliers that are simultaneously massive yet unobtrusive in their farmhouse simplicity complement jewel-toned patterned wallpaper and cushy neutral seats at farmhousestyle tables.

“Our designer, Ken Fulk, is known for creating these dimensional, textured spaces in which you feel at home, while still adding a level of panache,” Danks explains. “And although some people prefer to enjoy brandy or a cocktail in our fireplace lounge, you’ll see that it actually pairs well with a number of items on our dinner menu.”

Executive chef Becky Kempter—a California native who’s held previous local positions at Deer Mountain Inn and Cedar Lakes Estate—worked with a team to design what she calls American cuisine with European flavors using local ingredients as much as possible.

A small selection of light snacks, caviar, and flavorful appetizers are available to start; seasonally changing entrees currently include cavatelli with heirloom squash, cherry tomato, and ricotta ($32); sea scallops with sweet corn, oyster mushroom, spigarello, and pickled pepper ($48); and Bavette steak with lentils du puy, baby carrots, and chermoula ($36). Finish with a treat like almond cake with absinth cherries or chocolate semifreddo (both $15).

Beverage captain Brian Crocco says the cocktail program was designed to support brandy offerings, but also the cuisine. You’ll find classics like the Klocke Estate Sidecar ($18) with cognac, Cointreau, and demerara; innovative flavors like the Draper’s Guild ($18) cognac, sweet vermouth, and Cointreau with a smoky touch of lapsang souchong; or a homegrown appletini ($24) made with limited-batch Klocke Estate apple brandy, honeycrisp apple, and Klocke Estate white vermouth. That same limited-batch apple brandy is available for purchase while available; only 1,000 bottles were made and it will never be produced again ($150/bottle). Red and white vermouth are also available at $45 each.

“We recognize that brandy is a little less explored, so we have something for everyone,” Crocco notes, “but we’re also interested in introducing people to quality brandy—not pushing it, but quietly waving a flag about how wonderful brandy can be.”

HOME RANGE WINERY

Great Small Batch Wine & Live Music

146 Flints Crossing Rd, Canaan, NY 518-610-6821 @HOMERANGEWINERY Open Friday 3-7pm, Saturday/Sunday 1-6pm (Closed Nov-Apr)

BEER ON TAP IN ONE OF HUDSON’S ORIGINAL TRAIN STATION By award-winning brewmaster AARON MAAS 708 STATE ST, HUDSON, NY 12534 @UPPERDEPOT

©2024 ANGRY ORCHARD CIDER COMPANY, LLC. ANGRYORCHARD.COM ­

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A local destination in New Paltz for Handcrafts, Jewelry, and Clothing for over 50 years.

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SHOPPING Lovefield Vintage, Kingston

HUDSON VALLEY VINTAGE Where Timeless Fashion Meets Sustainability

BY MELISSA ESPOSITO

V

intage fashion always seems to carry its own distinctive appeal, whether that stems from the nostalgia of a bygone era or from the appreciation of clothes designed with deeper intention than some of today’s faster-cheaper fashion.

There have even been studies around consumer behavior driven by nostalgia; research done by customer engagement platform Emarsys shows that three fifths of US shoppers regularly buy vintage, inspired by fond memories of old products, stores, and commercial jingles.

But another reason why vintage has grown immensely popular over recent years has more to do with the growing public awareness of sustainability in the fashion industry, and how much more attention needs to be given to that topic. There’s no doubt that fast-fashion is convenient, but it’s also undeniable that thoughtfully designed apparel from decades past tends to offer more durability and longevity, more hard-tofind designs and fabrics, and a better chance

of reducing waste—both of resources and landfill space.

Here are some vintage hot spots around the Hudson Valley where you can find not just a cool, old-school aesthetic, but also stunning designer pieces, like-new denim, nostalgic accessories, and other rare finds.

Lovefield Vintage KINGSTON

From bright and whimsical separates to effortlessly chic dresses, Lovefield Vintage offers a wide array of apparel and accessories born of yesteryear. The brand, started by Darbie Nowatka, originally began as an Etsy shop and flea-market darling before settling into its brick-and-mortar home in Kingston’s historic uptown Stockade district in 2017. Almost 10 years later, this long-standing favorite has earned a reputation for offering a highly curated selection of eye-catching pieces, including designer denim, stylish shoes and accessories, casual daytime wear, night-out ’fits, and other one-of-a-kind finds.

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SHOPPING Clubhouse Vintage, Rosendale

Nettle and Violet NEW PALTZ

With origins in Rosendale, Nettle and Violet is now an intimate boutique nestled down a side street off of New Paltz’s main drag that offers timeless designer vintage clothes for women and men. Owner Shabbat Rusciolelli, who is also a clothing designer, sources rare and hard-to-find garments with a preference for natural fibers, durability, and collectability, opting for designer pieces by the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Givenchy, Chanel, and other desirable brands.

Shop seasonal apparel like cashmere sweaters, classic finds like slinky silk gowns, or casual cool must-haves like denim styles culled from collections over the last 50 years.

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Three Turtle Doves WOODSTOCK

Woodstock’s Tinker Street is known for its colorful array of gift shops, eateries, and hidden gems, and Three Turtle Doves fits right in. This high-end vintage shop, owned and curated by Heather Nicosia, features the finest fashions of yesterday and today, focusing on exceptionally crafted pieces that are rare, eye-catching, and long-lasting. The boutique’s unique ambiance begins the moment you walk in the door, greeted by early-century design, and carries throughout the shopping experience of highly curated racks of colorful nostalgia—dresses, blouses, pants— as well as thoughtfully displayed tables of handbags, sunglasses, jewelry, and housewares.

Vintage: Beacon BEACON

Part of what makes vintage designer brands so coveted is their combination of superior quality and timeless style. That’s what stylist and owner Angela Hastings of Vintage Beacon searches for when curating pieces to sell in her shop of mint-condition vintage womenswear. From design empires like Chanel, Prada, and Valentino, to ever-popular brands like Anthropologie, J. Crew, and older Levis, this Main Street boutique offers a wide range of womenswear, shoes, and accessories that can withstand the passing of trends and hold value for years to come. What’s more, is that you’ll find most of these pieces offered at a fraction of their original price.

BIODYNAMIC ® FARM ORGANIC CREAMERY + BAKERY ORGANIC NATURAL FOOD STORE K-12 WALDORF SCHOOL DAY + OVERNIGHT FARM CAMPS ART COURSES FOR ADULTS + MORE!

Clubhouse Vintage ROSENDALE

A clubhouse is a place for laid back comfort, gathering with friends, and reliving nostalgia— and that’s why it’s the perfect name for this vintage shop in Rosendale. Not only is Clubhouse Vintage a family-owned and operated business, but their focus is on old-school Americana that’s inclusive of all bodies, no matter what age or size. With an ever-evolving selection to choose from, shoppers can almost always find something new for men, women, and occasionally children: denim, workwear (hello, vintage ties), casual and formal dresses, outerwear, military garb, and shoes are all just part of what they offer.

HARVEST FESTIVAL OCTOBER 13 YULETIDE FAIR DECEMBER 7

H A W T H O R N E VA L L E Y . O R G

Narnia WOODSTOCK

This vintage shop is just as ethereal as its name suggests. Narnia began more than 10 years ago in the Lower East Side, eventually sprouting a second location in Williamsburg. But plans changed in 2020, as they did for many, and the shop made its way up the Hudson to Woodstock’s Tinker Street. Narnia offers a high-rotation selection of vintage garment and accessories, with a focus on world patterns, natural palettes, and globally procured textiles. They also offer a unique selection of gems, crystals, globally inspired home goods, and other worldly finds.

Newburgh Vintage Emporium NEWBURGH

Newburgh Vintage Emporium, true to its name, offers so much more than just vintage clothes.

However, the threads you’ll be lucky to browse at both their original location and their sprawling warehouse just minutes away, are too good not to mention. Distinctive finds from across the generations are displayed around either location, by vendors who carefully choose high-quality apparel and accessories, from formalwear to outerwear to unique jewelry and vintage designer handbags.

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EVENTS

CULTURAL HARVEST

BY LIAM DRAUF AND REMY COMMISSO

Photo by Courtney Scout

A

Dark Star Orchestra play MJN Convention Center November 17.

s the Hudson Valley transforms with crisp autumn air and frosty winter nights, a vibrant array of events beckons locals and visitors alike. From artisanal markets and haunted hayrides to flamenco rhythms and iconic rock performances, the region’s cultural calendar is packed with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re in the mood to shop handcrafted goods at the Field + Supply MRKT, groove to the sounds of Todd Rundgren, or immerse yourself in the eerie charm of the Headless Horseman Hayrides, the Hudson Valley offers something for everyone this season. Let the season’s magic unfold with these must-attend events!

Headless Horseman Hayrides

ULSTER PARK Weekends through October 27 For over 30 years, Headless Horseman has entertained and frightened over a million guests with its haunted attractions. This year’s theme, “Darkest Offering,” is set in the town of Crow Hollow, which invites you to join in their ancient rites and festivities.

For centuries, the celebration has been shrouded in secrecy but now outsiders have been asked to participate for the first time in town history! Don’t refuse the invitation to be an honored guest for Crow Hollow’s most sacred celebration.

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“Bat Boy: The Musical”

CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS IN RHINEBECK October 11-27 Bat Boy is a comedy horror about a half-bat/ half-boy creature that is discovered in West Virginia. The Rhinebeck Theater Society presents this spooky show to the community in the perfect setting of an intimate barn house theater. “Bat Boy” first premiered in 1997 on Halloween night. This rendition is directed by Lisa Delia and includes musical direction by Karen Dalmer-Sheehy, and choreography by Brooke Wallace.

Field + Supply Fall MRKT

HUT TON BRICK YARD October 11-13 This biannual curated makers’ market is back, hosting over 200 vendors at the gorgeous riverfront Hutton Brickyards property. Smaller items for sale include dainty brass cuffs from 8.6.4. and Skippy Cotton’s ornaments made from natural linen, organic cotton stuffing, and fragrant lavender. There’s also an array of highend products, including handcrafted, zero waste furniture from Sawkille in Kingston. Enjoy views of the Hudson River while snacking on a sweet treat from Nancy’s of Woodstock Artisanal Creamery and listening to live music from artists like the Saints of Swing, who’ll be performing the best of swing, ballroom music, Dixieland jazz, and down-home blues.

DISCOVER

OLANA PARK HOURS + TOUR TICKETS OLANA.ORG HUDSON NEW YORK

HILL STREET GALLERY

Photo Credit : Peter Aaron/OTTO

A NEW YORK STATE HISTORIC SITE & NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK

Dia Beacon Riggio Galleries 3 Beekman Street Beacon, New York

diaart.org

BRADFORD GRAVES SCULPTURE PARK Kerhonkson, NY

In the middle of somewhere

The Limestone Cowboy

“Brad was the most naturally stoned person”

65 HILL STREET CATSKILL ny 917.992.1453 hillstreetgallery.com Photography Painting ceramics Prints

(845) 230-0521

Schedule your visit May 1–October 31

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New Paltz, NY

Come see what’s new!

SAMUEL DORSKY MUSEUM OF ART STATE U N I V E R S IT Y O F N E W YO R K AT N E W PA LTZ www.newpaltz.edu/museum

(845) 255-1660 / info@huguenotstreet.org For more information on tours and events visit: www.huguenotstreet.org

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS 1874 - 2024

Hudson-Athens Lighthouse

150 150 YEARS YEARS

1874-2024

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halps.org

EVENTS

Las Migas, Stissing Center

New York State Sheep and Wool Festival

DUTCHESS COUNT Y FAIRGROUNDS October 19-20 This Rhinebeck event, which celebrates the Northeast’s thriving livestock and fiber industries, offers an expansive number of activities and a one-stop shopping destination for all things fiber and fiber arts. Whether you want to fawn over little lambs in the livestock shows, browse the fleece sale, stock up on yarn, take crafting workshops, visit the petting zoo, or shop finished wool garments, there’s something for everyone. There’s also a used equipment auction where you can get everything for livestock raising and fiber crafts from lambing pens to spinning wheels and shears.

Todd Rundgren

BEARSVILLE THEATER October 22 Playing at the Bearsville Theater is a homecoming for Rundgren, who worked at Bearsville Studio as a staff engineer and producerin the early `70s—he was dubbed Bearsville’s “boy wonder”—as well as recording his first three albums there. Rundgren’s monster hits include “I Saw the Light,” “Hello It’s Me,” and “Bang the Drum All Day.” The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer brings his all-star band (including bassist Kasim Sulton) on the “Me/ We” tour to Woodstock in October.

Noirvember: Film Noir from Yesterday to Today

JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER November 2-17 With Noirvember, the Jacob Burns Film center celebrates the iconic art of film noir with classics like Gilda, Mildred Pierce, Chinatown, and Bound. Guests can enjoy pre-screening themed “unhappy hours” at Take 3 Wine and Cafe bar. The series offers film lectures from select NYU Tisch professors during the first three Sundays of November. To kick off Noirvember, the center will screen Who Framed Roger Rabbit? for a family-friendly beginning on November 2.

Las Migas

STISSING CENTER November 9 The Spanish quartet of Carolina La Chispa (vocals), Marta Robles (guitar), Alicia Grillo (guitar), and Laura Pacios (violin) comes from different cities that span not only the geography of Spain but also its cultural diversity. They all came to the group with one common passion: flamenco. Over the years, the group’s music has evolved: Latin rhythms add a happier, more upbeat sound; violin lines are more pensive; and the guitar arrangements have become more complex and intertwined, creating a fascinating blend of flamenco and Mediterranean music styles. Pine Plains.

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EVENTS

“The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord”

Gillian Welch and David Rawlings

BRIDGE STREET THEATRE November 14-24 These three historical icons come together for an 85-minute battle of wits. Discord is written by Scott Carter and is based on Jean-Paul Sartre’s No Exit through the filter of Steve Allen’s Meeting of the Minds.

The play, written in 2015, is thoughtprovoking yet comical considering historical circumstances. The set, and props like the door without a handle and a table with a drawer that doesn’t open, add satirical elements to the show. Carmen Borgia designs and directs the Bridge Street production.

ULSTER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER November 30 Gillian Welch’s rich and remarkable career spans over 25 years, and she and her musical partner David Rawlings are a pillar of the modern acoustic music world rooted in the sounds of Appalachia. They have been hailed by Pitchfork as “modern masters of American folk” and “protectors of the American folk song” by Rolling Stone. The duo makes tense and eerie acoustic music about desire and devastation, connecting modern music to the “old, weird America” that Greil Marcus coined about the tunes Bob Dylan and the Band created for the Basement Tapes.

Mark Normand’s “Ya Don’t Say” Tour

“Sesame Street Live! Say Hello”

Dark Star Orchestra

“Teddy Sandoval and the Butch Gardens School of Art”

BARDAVON November 15 Normand is a New York comic who has made appearances on the “Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and the “Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Originally from New Orleans, he moved to New York City right after college to get his start in the comedy scene. Since then, he has had stand-up specials on Comedy Central and Netflix as well as a self-released special “Out To Lunch” on his YouTube channel. His witty and relatable humor gained attention from other comics, like Jerry Seinfeld, who called him the “best young, up-and-coming comic.”

MJN CONVENTION CENTER November 17 The premier Grateful Dead cover band—if you don’t count Dead & Company as a tribute act—has been celebrating the Dead concert experience for 30 years and makes a return visit to Poughkeepsie. For most performances, Dark Star Orchestra presents the complete original set list, song by song, and in order, while adapting their phrasing, voice arrangements and specific musical equipment for the various eras of the Grateful Dead shows in which they perform. The band has now performed over 2,500 concerts, surpassing the Dead’s own staggering concert tally of 2,318 between 1965 and 1995.

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MJN CONVENTION CENTER December 4 This 90-minute family friendly show brings everyone’s favorite “Sesame Street” characters to life. The show travels all around the country inviting families everywhere to experience the performances. Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster will sing and dance for the Poughkeepsie fans. After the show you can purchase merchandise like T-shirts and plush toys and even take pictures with the cast during the “Sesame Street Live!” photo experience.

WILLIAMS COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART Through December 22 This retrospective in Williamstown, Massachusetts is dedicated to the work of the inventive though long-overlooked Teddy Sandoval (1949–1995), who was central to Los Angeles’s queer and Chicano artistic circles and was active in both US and international avant-garde movements.

The exhibition covers a quarter century of the artist’s work, revealing how Sandoval produced subversive yet playful works that explored the codes of gender and sexuality, often mining archetypes of masculinity through the signature icon of a faceless man sporting a mustache.

Antonia’s Theater Company, Movie Matinees Writers Circle, Art Gallery, Diversity Celebrations Open Mic, Events, Staged Readings, Showcases Learn More & Register Today!

antoniaarts.org • (914) 393-2382 925 SOUTH ST, PEEKSKILL, NY

Experience the Woodstock Golf Club Visit Woodstockgolf.com for more information

www.alrci.com HOWLAND CULTURAL CENTER ART CULTURE HISTORY

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2001 South Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY | (845) 632-6797

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Always free and open to the public

Exhibitions and Information ccs.bard.edu Thanks for joining us in 2024

New Work Local Talent Affordable Tickets

Always a new surprise!

Daniel Gerroll, Sarah Keyes, Vincent Randazzo, Carolyn Hennesy; Survival of the Unfit, 2024

BEACON NY

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150 Years of Light The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse

BY MIK AYLA STOCK

I

n November 1874, the HudsonAthens Lighthouse began operations after a $35,000 appropriation for its construction was approved by Congress.

Its beacon guided boats as they passed through the lively shipping route along the Hudson River and ensured their safety as they navigated the hazardous Middle Ground Flats. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the lighthouse—both a cause for celebration and a reminder of the structure’s need for restoration.

The lighthouse serves as an educational facility welcoming tourists, students, and locals to uncover its history and strengthen their connection to the Hudson Valley. Until the 1960s, it was operated entirely by live-in lightkeepers and their families, who went 38 C H R O N O G R A M . C O M / E X P LO R E

The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse

without access to plumbing or heat for many years. “You have to be really devoted to your work to bring your family all the way to the lighthouse. Their job was difficult. They weren’t just lighting the beacon, but sometimes when a boat got stranded or had an accident they would help rescue the passengers,” says Kathleen Tan, chair of the 150th lighthouse committee.

Despite the joy surrounding the anniversary of the historic structure—which sits in the middle of the river—its future is in a precarious position because of the situation unfolding below the water’s surface. As large vessels pass nearby, underwater wakes cause exponentially quickening damage to the lighthouse’s foundation, which is composed of 200 wooden pilings. A portion of the pilings has become

HISTORY

Photo by David Oliver @shelteredexistence.

exposed, speeding up their decomposition and sacrificing the integrity of the base. The roof and interior have been impacted too as cracks from the foundational shifts are leading to the potential for further harm.

Historic preservation engineers forecast that within three years the structure will tilt towards collapse unless significant restoration and preservation work is completed. The not-forprofit Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society (HALPS) has stepped up to raise the funds needed to halt the lighthouse’s demise so it may thrive while serving local communities for years to come. The situation is dire and gaining widespread nationwide attention—this year the National Trust for Historic Preservation has named the lighthouse as one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.

“We’re gonna get there,” says Tan as she expresses hope for the lighthouse’s future. “If you see the lighthouse from the outside it may appear to be fine, but if you see the inside, it’s shocking. The cracks have really escalated.”

She and other HALPS members—some of whom have been volunteering for as long as 30 years—remain optimistic that their efforts will restore the lighthouse for future generations to experience its marvel. Among the actions planned is an extensive preservation project: the 100-year fix. It begins with repairing the wooden pilings that support the structure and filling in the gaps with rocks to guarantee the integrity of the foundation. Interlocking metal sheets will be placed around the pilings to protect against natural elements.

To boost educational and recreational opportunities, a new 100-foot circumference of deck space will be added around the lighthouse. “We want to expand the lighthouse and really make it a nice community place,” Tan says. “Here in the Hudson Valley we have these iconic landmarks like Olana, where people can jog, picnic, and enjoy themselves.

We want the lighthouse to be the same way.”

HALPS has initiated a campaign to raise the $7.5 million necessary for the lighthouse’s restoration. In 2021 they received a $500,000 grant from the Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation to help reduce water intrusion. A second grant of the same amount was secured to prepare design plans and obtain permits in preparation for the start of HALPS’s major preservation project when the necessary capital of $7.5 million is appropriated. Given the high monetary demands of the plan, Tan notes that anyone can pitch in by writing to state legislators and urging them to secure the federal funding needed for the project.

“I always say that the beauty of the lighthouse is because it’s in the middle of the water, but the challenge of the lighthouse is because it’s in the middle of the water,” Tan states. And she’s right—the French Empire-style structure set against the rolling mountains is a sight to behold, and its presence is a gift for members of the Hudson and Athens communities.

On November 2, there will be a lighting ceremony at Henry Hudson Riverfront Park and Athens Riverfront Park to culminate the lighthouse’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

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SUNSET HIKES IN THE HUDSON VALLEY

BY SEAN O’DW YER

Hunter Mountain Fire Tower

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OUTDOORS Photo by Sean O’Dwyer

T

he Hudson Valley offers a seemingly endless array of great locations to witness a sunset— but well-prepared hikers have their pick of the most spectacular sunset scenery that New York State has to offer. Perch yourself high on the rocky promontory of Anthony’s Nose and gaze down on the bustling Hudson River. Climb the highest-situated fire tower in New York State, on Hunter Mountain in the Catskills, and take in the late-evening layers of hazy high peaks. Or just grab the kids and stroll up Burger Hill in Rhinebeck for an easy-but-epic sunset view. Each of these hikes provides a stunning vantage point for watching the day come to a close.

Hiking out in the dark is a thrilling, life-enriching experience but requires extra caution and some safety gear. Be sure to bring a navigational aid like the AllTrails app with your route pre-downloaded, a fully-charged headlamp, and one other backup light source. Stick to these well-known trails to ensure a safe return.

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OUTDOORS

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OUTDOORS

Hunter Mountain Fire Tower

TRAILHEAD LOCATION: SPRUCETON HIKE LENGTH: 6.9 MILES TOTAL ASCENT: 1,900 FEET TIME: 4-5 HOURS INTENSIT Y: CHALLENGING HIKE The fire tower trail is the easiest and safest route to the summit of Hunter Mountain; it also offers some of the best Catskills scenery along the way. Following an old road, the trail is wide and even and presents no technical challenges.

Switchbacks help smooth out the steepest parts, making for a straightforward climb that’s easy to navigate back down again in the dark. At the summit, the 360-degree view from the fire tower is stunning. As you’d expect from the highestsituated fire tower in New York State, the lines of sight are amazing: from the Blackhead Range to Plateau’s intimidating bulk to Slide and West Kill mountains. But don’t sleep on the view from the John Robb lean-to; the view down Spruceton Valley is unforgettably impressive.

Poets’ Walk Park

TRAILHEAD LOCATION: RED HOOK HIKE LENGTH: 2.3 MILES TOTAL ASCENT: 280 FEET TIME: 1-2 HOURS INTENSIT Y: EASY HIKE Poets’ Walk Park, near Rhinebeck and Red Hook in Dutchess County, has inspired poets and artists for centuries. This accessible loop offers gentle paths through lush woods and open meadows, leading to a charming pavilion with stunning river views.

Originally designed in 1849 by landscape gardener Hans Jacob Ehlers, Poets’ Walk was commissioned by the Astors and Delanos to honor literary figures like Washington Irving and Fitz-Greene Halleck, who are said to have strolled here. The park’s design, with its hidden benches and rustic summerhouses, invites quiet reflection and a deep connection with nature. The park closes at dark though, so hustle out to not get locked in.

Burger Hill in Drayton Grant Park

Poets’ Walk Park, Red Hook

TRAILHEAD LOCATION: RHINEBECK HIKE LENGTH: 0.8 MILES TOTAL ASCENT: 180 FEET TIME: 0.5 HOURS INTENSIT Y: EASY HIKE This might be the easiest “hike” in the Hudson Valley but what a view! A short walk from the car park to the top of Burger Hill affords excellent views across the Hudson River to the central and eastern Catskills High Peaks. You’ll be up and down in just a few minutes. (Bonus info: when the snow hits the Hudson Valley, this hill is excellent for sledding!)

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OUTDOORS

Photo by Sean O’Dwyer

Brace Mountain

Anthony’s Nose

TRAILHEAD LOCATION: GARRISON HIKE LENGTH: 2.5 MILES TOTAL ASCENT: 650 FEET TIME: 2 HOURS INTENSIT Y: MODERATE HIKE Anthony’s Nose via Camp Smith is a short but delightful hike to incredible views. The sun sets directly across the Hudson River behind Bear Mountain and Popolopen Torne, and the wide views up- and down-river are nothing short of spectacular. The small trailhead for this popular hike is on Route 202, on a bend 1.1 miles south of Bear Mountain Bridge.

An alternate route to the summit starts just north of the bridge on Route 9D. From either trailhead, make your way to the rocky promontory and enjoy stunning sunset views.

Brace Mountain

TRAILHEAD LOCATION: QUARRY HILL ROAD HIKE LENGTH: 3.6 MILES TOTAL ASCENT: 1,500 FEET TIME: 3 HOURS INTENSIT Y: CHALLENGING HIKE Brace Mountain’s broad, meadow-like summit is absolutely magical at sunset. This is a stunningly scenic hike with fantastic views of the extensive Hudson Valley floor below. The first mile of this route is steep 44 C H R O N O G R A M . C O M / E X P LO R E

and includes a tricky section that requires careful climbing; without that section, the hike would be moderate, perhaps even easy.

As you climb to the main ridge, you’ll pass a classic Taconic waterfall. The ridge itself makes for easy hiking and, finally, the open, grassy summit of Brace is a wonderful place to picnic and watch the sun go down.

Sunset Rock at North-South Lake

TRAILHEAD LOCATION: NORTH-SOUTH LAKE CAMPGROUND HIKE LENGTH: 6.2 MILES TOTAL ASCENT: 790 FEET TIME: 3-4 HOURS INTENSIT Y: MODERATE INTENSIT Y HIKE One of the most beloved locations in the Catskills, North-South Lake has an incredible array of trails and viewpoints, none more aptly named than Sunset Rock.

This spot offers hikers an absolutely classic Catskills view, with clear lines of sight to Kaaterskill High Peak and Round Top—and, of course, the setting sun. For a shorter hike, you can make your way along the southern shore of the twin lakes directly to Sunset Rock. However, the full loop takes in memorable escarpment views from Newman’s Ledge, as well as Artist’s Rock, and is well worth the time.

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