VISITVortex Hudson Valley Summer 2022

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CELEBRATING IN THE HUDSON VALLEY | ________________ CATSKILL | ________________ ________________ 2018 CANOE & KAYAK | SPRING HIKE MOHONK PRESERVE | MEET LOCAL| VISIT OWNERS | SPRING GARDEN TIPS | | SPRING ECO-CAMPING

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Apparel Accessories Skin Care Gifts Curiosities

hamiltonandadams.com | @hamiltonandadams | #staycurious 32 John Street, Kingston, NY 12401 | 845-383-1039 4

ta b l e o f c o n t e n t s Outdoors

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Shop

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Home

Outdoors

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Recipe

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Home

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C aNO E and K A YA K birdwatching spots HIKE THE TRAILS OF M O H O NK P R E S E R VE ECO-CAMPING TIPS THE BRIGHAM GROUP

why shop local?

SHAWANGUNK WINE TRAIL your car, our driver SPRING GARDEN PARTY MI L L & M A I N E J B O NBONS

JOSI E’S COFFEE SHOPPE R I CCI A R D ELLA ’S R E ALM BUY? SELL? AIRBNB? PA T I O P LEA SU R ES GET YOUR GARDEN GROWING spring checklist

VISITvortex.com | PO Box 82, High Falls, New York | 845-687-3470 | visitvortex@gmail.com instagram: @visitvortex | facebook.com/visithudsonvalley

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

visit vortex

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

Visit one of our showrooms - special orders available!

Kingston Route 28 (less than 1 mile off 87) 845.338.5119

Fishkill Route 9 (Lawrence Farms Plaza) 845.297.2941

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All Roads Lead to The Plaza

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Auto-care Crafts Dining/Take-out Fashion Grocery Hardware Home Decor Flowers Furniture Wine/Liquor

City of Kingston’s premier shopping Plaza.

Plaza Road, Kingston, NY

www.KingstonPlaza.com 8

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

GRILLS

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PAINT

LAWN MOWERS

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

CELEBRATE SPRING ON THE MOUNTAIN Take a timeless escape to the Hudson Valley’s most iconic resort. Explore 85 miles of trails with unparalleled views. Enjoy live music, entertainment, and farm-to-table cuisine— all included in your overnight rate. Indulge in a nature-inspired treatment at our award-winning spa.

Book an unforgettable overnight getaway and feel your stresses melt away.

888.416.6472 | mohonk.com | New Paltz, NY 10

Est. 1869

v i s i t vo rt e x

ABOUT US

who we are be drawn in

our mission

is to help stimulate the local economy by promoting and introducing the faces behind independently owned businesses and organizations.

VISITvortex is a celebration of each season and a portal to the great people and places of the Hudson Valley. Sharing the very best of local.

Jesse Marcus Melissa Hewitt Jane Anderson Izy Bass-Brown, Melissa Orozco Jesse Marcus, Alisha Dingee Melissa Orozco Rachel Collet Anne Pyburn Craig

if you’d like to advertise in this quarterly magazine or on the website, please call us at 845-687-3470. ©2022 visitvortex VISITvortex.com | PO Box 82, High Falls, New York | 845-687-3470 | visitvortex@gmail.com instagram: @visitvortex | facebook.com/visithudsonvalley | visitvortex.com

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publisher creative Director editor designers sales production photography writer

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In perfect harmony with its environment and storied past, situated beside a waterfall and rushing brook, just steps from town center. Woodstock Way – the Catskill’s newest contemporary hotel.

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10 Waterfall Way, Woodstock • 845-684-5911 • woodstockway.com

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RESTAURANT & KITCHEN SUPPLY

Shop Where T he Chefs Shop!

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Love Bake Give Cook Ea t Repeat Open To The Public Monday through Saturday 11am - 6pm 17 Grand Street, Kingston, New York 12401 845-339-2858 Cook@TheCulinaryWarehouseNY.com

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OUTDOORS Explore the Hudson Valley by

c a n o e o r k aya k b y va n e s s a v e lt r i

areas. When we connect to nature, our past bubbles up to revive the spirit and soul, reminding us of our roots. And this summer, there’s no better way to connect than to take an adventurous journey through the same channels and canals our ancestors once traversed.

The Hudson Valley is a great place to be a recreational boater—from the Hudson River to small whitewater creeks, there is something for everyone.

visitvortex.com

Nature. It’s the one thing we can count on from day to day, year after year. Thousands of years ago, Native Americans paddled through the waters of the Hudson River and its connecting tributaries, discovering the fruitful bounty of the Hudson Valley and surrounding

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We spoke to Wynter Kennedy of Kenco in Kingston, and he gave us the insider’s scoop: The Hudson Valley is a great place to be a recreational boater—from the Hudson River to small whitewater creeks, there is something for everyone. Because flat water kayaks and other personally powered watercraft sit so high in the water, it is possible to paddle in very shallow bodies of water, as well as very deep. Because you are your own motor, it is also very silent, making them great for bird and animal spotting. New to boating is the stand up paddleboard (SUP), which is a great workout and lots of fun. Kayak fishing is also a rapidly growing segment of this sport, enjoyed by people who are avid kayakers picking up a fishing rod for the first time and avid fishermen climbing into a kayak as beginners. Kayaking is easy for beginners as there is almost no learning curve—if you can sit and move your arms, you can kayak. Personally I like to kayak in the Hudson, as the conditions are always changing. I can put in at the Rondout Creek at the Strand in Kingston, and from there paddle north or south in the river. I have seen bald eagles diving for fish twenty feet in front of me, as well as giant carp knocking into the side of my kayak, and sometimes I even take multi-day trips and camp along the way.

So, come with me on my voyage, as I uncover the finest kayaking and canoeing the Hudson Valley and Ulster County have to offer, and together we’ll discover the pristine waters of our past. With its numerous lakes and miles of rivers and streams, this area provides an abundance of opportunities to get our paddles wet; highlighted here are just a few launching points and outfitters: 18

kenco

For 32 years, Kenco in Kingston has been outfitting adventure-seekers in the Hudson River Valley. A family-owned business, they offer a wide selection of outdoor equipment for even the most daring nature lover, including kayaks, canoes, fishing supplies, archery equipment, outdoor clothing, and footwear. Whether you paddle, ride, hike, shoot, fish, or run, they carry the tools! Kenco and Kingston Parks and Recreation also join forces each year in early June to put on the Kingston Kayak Festival. Try different types of kayaks right on the Hudson River, so you can really get a feel as to what makes each kayak different. Plus, try out the latest craze— stand up paddleboards. Call 845-340-0552; atkenco.com

k i n g s to n pa r k s

& rec

The City of Kingston Parks and Recreation Department offers guided Kayaking tours between Memorial Day and Columbus Day. These programs include Kayaking 101, a Good Morning Paddle, a Friday & Monday Night Paddle, generally include a 1 hour and 45 minute guided educational tour of the Hudson River or Rondout Creek, use of kayaks and safety equipment, and basic instruction. These programs can be reserved by Kingston Parks and Recreation Department at 845481-7336. For a complete schedule click here. To register check out kingstonparksandrec.org

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the river connection

h u d s o n va l l e y o u t f i t t e r s

The River Connection in Hyde Park is your source for all things kayaking.

Not only do they offer the latest in equipment and gear related to paddling, but they also offer expert guided tours and instructional programs to suit your specific level of expertise. Husband and wife team Dorothy and Marshall Seddon will give you the advice you need to enjoy a wonderful paddling experience as you cruise through the currents with them guiding you along.

Visit their website for more information on gear, tours, and upcoming events.

Call 845-229-0595; the-river-connection.com

Just a one-hour scenic train ride from NYC, Hudson Valley Outfitters in Cold Spring provides paddlers and hikers alike with great clothing and footwear so you can hit the waters or trails in style. Kayak sales, rentals, tours, and instruction are available to you at this Cold Spring location. Their most popular tour will bring you through Constitution Marsh, where beginner kayakers—like me—will feel at ease as we paddle through scenic marshland, rich with wildlife. Lunch, enjoyed next to a waterfall, is included in this tour. Contact 845-265-0221; hudsonvalleyoutfitters.com

Esopus Meadows Preserve shown above gives us just a glimpse of the breathtaking views we can experience when our hulls touch down upon the nostalgic waters of New York. This perfect destination to take in Mother Nature first-hand is one of many “put-in” spots along the Hudson River where our journey can begin. at l a n t i c k aya k to u r s

Local adventurers also recommend the following spots as favorites not to be missed:

Atlantic Kayak Tours is a large, experienced kayak outfitter in the New York tri-state area, touring primarily in the Hudson River Valley. Based in Saugerties, they offer over 75 different kayak tours and instructional programs and are committed to the highest standards of kayak training for all learning levels. Paddling is exciting even the very first time, but it becomes sheer joy as the paddler learns to control a boat with grace, ease, and confidence. With just a little bit of training, practice, and experience, you’ll be on your way! They also offer canoe rentals for those who like to bring it back old-school. Their website provides extensive information on tours, equipment, and pricing. Call 845-246-2187; atlantickayaktours.com

c h o d i k e e l a k e / b l a c k c r e e k , l l oy d n o rt h - s o u t h l a k e , h u n t e r t h e t i vo l i b ay s , r e d h o o k b a s h a k i l l , w u rt s b o ro

Additional links of interest: stormkingadventuretours.com paradisecanoeandkayak.com 21

YOU’RE GOING TO NEED WATER. Let Binnewater Ice Co. provide all of your ice and water needs.

25 S Pine Street, Kingston, NY 845-331-0504 binnewater.com

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Handmade & Natural • Bath & Body Products • Soap Making Classes • Events

263 Main Street Beacon • nourishnaturalsoap.com @nourishnaturalsoapco

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OUTDOORS Great Hudson Valley

We can all identify at least a handful of birds: for example, the ubiquitous crow, the noble bald eagle, or the elegant red cardinal come to mind. But as you start to think about it, or—better yet—as you start to pay attention to the birds around you, the sky is the limit on what we can discover about birds.

A great first step to birding in the Hudson Valley is the pur-

chase of a Northeastern United States field guide. Every time you spot a bird, find out what it is and mark the page to remember that you’ve seen that species in your yard. Then when you’re ready, head out to one of the following birding sites to see for yourself where a variety of birds congregate. Remember to check local hunting season dates to make sure you’re dressed appropriately.

visitvortex.com

bi r dwatch i n g spots

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t h e g r e at v ly The Great Vly, on the Ulster/Greene County line north of the Town of Saugerties, is a large freshwater marsh bordered by rock cliffs and wooded hills.

Osprey, bald eagle, American bittern, blackbirds, and 30 species of warblers pass through The Great Vly during spring migration. Common nighthawks assemble in small flocks to rest and feed over the open marsh. Common and black terns have been observed in migration. Woodcocks, swamp sparrows, rails, and herons nest here, along with three species of vireos, warblers, and other woodland birds. In late summer and early fall, unique floating mats of vegetation provide good shorebird habitat.

Visit dec.ny.gov for information.

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b r i s to l b e a c h s tat e pa r k Bristol Beach State Park, in the Town of Saugerties, provides views of the Hudson River. Migrating passerines and waterfowl follow the river inland during spring and back to the coast in the fall. Among summer nesters are eastern bluebirds. Scan the river from an elevated parking area and walk quietly out on the peninsula to the south end, checking for waterfowl in the cove on the west side. Exposed mudflats in the cove attract herons, egrets, and shorebirds during low tide in late summer and early fall.

Bald eagles may be seen throughout the year. More info: palisadesparks.org/bristol-beach

k i n g s to n p o i n t Kingston Point includes Kingston Point Beach and Kingston Rotary Park on the Hudson River. From late fall to early spring, look for ducks, gulls, and bald eagles on the Hudson River and in the lagoon.

Shrubbery around the edges of Rotary Park and the adjacent BMX course provide cover for winter sparrows, finches, and Carolina wrens. A loop trail from Rotary Park to the intersection of North Street and Delaware Avenue follows reconstructed trolley tracks and an old railbed, providing views toward the Rondout Lighthouse, across the mouth of the creek to Sleightsburg Spit, and into a shallow lagoon that was part of the Victorian-era Kingston Point Park. Visit kingston-ny.gov for info.

esopus meadows Esopus Meadows, in the Town of Esopus, is a shallow underwater shelf of the Hudson River offshore of Lighthouse Park and Esopus Meadows Environmental Center. Emergent river vegetation nurtures insects, small fish, and other food species that attract wading birds, waterfowl, and swallows during migration. In winter, look for ducks, bald eagles, and great cormorants. The adjacent forest is a 100-acre Scenic Hudson preserve. It is a magnet for warblers and other passerines migrating along the river. Summer nesters include worm-eating warbler, Louisiana waterthrush, and scarlet tanager. Five species of woodpeckers remain all year. More info: scenichudson.org.

ov e r l o o k m o u n ta i n Overlook Mountain Wild Forest is a 590-acre area within the Catskill Forest Preserve. A twomile-long route climbs to the top of the mountain, where there is a fire tower and a restored firewatchers cabin. Migrating and nesting warblers and other montane species can be seen and heard along the red-blazed route. On weekends in good weather, the top of the fire tower is open and there are exhibits in the firewatchers cabin. The trailhead for Overlook Mountain is located on Meads Mountain Road in Woodstock. Visit dec.ny.gov for information.

s l i d e m o u n ta i n Slide Mountain, at 4,180 feet, is the Catskills’ highest peak and the site of the original discovery of Bicknell’s thrush. The peak is reached via a moderately difficult 2.8-mile foot trail. At higher elevations there is an extensive balsam fir/red spruce boreal forest where Bicknell’s thrush, Swainson’s thrush, blackpoll warbler, white-throated sparrow, and yellow-bellied flycatcher nest. The lower elevation deciduous forest hosts numerous species of breeding thrushes, warblers, woodpeckers, and scarlet tanager, winter wren, and yellow-bellied sapsucker.

Crossbills, pine grosbeaks, and rarely boreal chickadee are potential winter invasion species. More info: nynjtc.org 27

m o h o n k p r e s e rv e Mohonk Preserve, on the Shawangunk ridge west of New Paltz, spans 6,600 acres. The day use fee for nonmembers is $15. There are several areas of the Preserve that can be especially rewarding for bird-watching. The open fields at Spring Farm have a large population of nesting indigo buntings. Duck Pond hosts many woodland and “edge” species of warblers, plus wood thrushes, scarlet tanagers, and, usually, an Acadian flycatcher. More montane species, like slate-colored juncos, blackburnian warblers, eastern flicker, and winter wrens, nest on the north-facing slopes of Rock Rift. The ridge supports nesting peregrines, ravens, and black and turkey vultures. Info: mohonkpreserve.org.

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b u r ro u g h s s a n c t ua ry Burroughs Sanctuary, in the Town of Esopus, is the site of Slabsides, the rustic cabin retreat of the famous late 19th and early 20th century naturalist, John Burroughs. The Sanctuary consists of 192 acres on a wooded hillside, with several trails and a large pond. Migrating passerines visit in the spring; lowland woodland and “edge” species—wood thrush, scarlet tanager, eastern bluebird—nest here. An osprey or bald eagle may visit the pond, which is also a good place to study dragonflies and damselflies. The Sanctuary is open dawn to dusk daily, year round.

For more information about John Burroughs himself, visit: http://research.amnh.org/burroughs.

b r a c e m o u n ta i n ( ta c o n i c s tat e pa r k ) Part of the 1,547-acre Taconic State Park in the Town of North East. Highest point in Dutchess County, 2,311 feet, located where New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut come together. Deciduous and coniferous woodland and open areas at the summit.

Spring, summer, and fall. Good vantage point for fall hawk migration. Breeding hermit thrush and darkeyed juncos, as well as other woodland species. Requires a two-mile hike each way, moderate from the west or partially strenuous from the east. More info: BerkshireHiking.com

e l e a n o r ro o s e v e lt n at i o n a l h i s to r i c s i t e ( va l k i l l ) 190 acres in the Town of Hyde Park. Lake, marsh, forest; varied habitat. Best in spring and summer.

Herons, wood duck, belted kingfisher, swallows, warblers, barred owl, pileated woodpecker, bluegray gnatcatcher, common snipe. Walking distance: 1 mile. Allow 2-3 hours. More info: nps.gov/elro/ index.htm.

p o e t ’ s wa l k 120 acres in the Town of Red Hook with varied habitat and great views of the Hudson River. Grassland and woodland birds, including bobolink and orchard oriole. Walking distance: 2 miles. Allow 3 hours. More info: scenichudson.org/explore-the-valley/scenic-hudson-parks/poets-walk-park/

va n d e r b i lt m a n s i o n n at i o n a l h i s to r i c s i t e 212 acres overlooking the Hudson River in the Town of Hyde Park. Varied habitat including meadows, woodlands, ponds, streams, inlets, and bays. Best birding is in spring between the mansion and the river. Warblers, thrushes, kinglets, woodpeckers, swallows, waterbirds, gulls. More info: nps.gov/vama

more info John Burroughs Natural History Society’s website has great content about birdwatching locally.

They also have a downloadable ‘Birds of Ulster County’ checklist to take along with you.

Go to jbnhs.org/where-to-bird-in-our-area/ for more info.

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS!

Be sure to visit CRC just on the Arkville “cut-off” road.

Enjoy commanding views of Pakatakan Mountain from our outdoor running/walking trail; come in for some laps in our six-lane, 25-yard pool; experience our state-of-the-art gym, and check out some of our group yoga sculpt, Tai Chi, and water aerobics classes. We offer two cycling events each year, as well as lifeguard training.

Affordable rates with a clean and friendly atmosphere.

Find your fit at the CRC!

651 County Highway 38, Arkville • 845-586-6250 catskillrecreationcenter.org

$1O OFF your next purchase of $30 or more!

RULES: This coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase. One offer per household, per day. May not be combined with any other offers or discounts, or applied to the purchase of gift cards. Not valid on previous purchases. Some other exceptions may apply. Expires August 30, 2022

Camping. Paddle Sports. Footwear. Archery.

Fly Fishing. Mens & Womens Outdoor and Casual Clothing. Mens and Womens Work Clothing.

Come See Our NEW INTERACTIVE Archery and Footwear Departments.

1000 Hurley Mountain Road, Kingston, NY 12401 845-340-0552 Check out our website: www.atkenco.com 30

Spring into Nature at Mohonk Preserve Experience great healthy outdoor recreational activities. Discover reemerging plants and animals in our forests, fields, and streams. Our Visitor Center is open daily 9am5pm and trailheads open at 7am for members, 9am for visitors and close at sunset. Memberships and day passes are available at all locations.

Photo by John Hayes

mohonkpreserve.org 845-255-0919

OUTDOORS

Hike the Stunning Trails

m o h o n k p r e s e rv e by anne pyburn craig

Up here are panoramic vistas to lift your heart, enchanted groves, and a plethora of rare species and ecological communities. Prepare for a first visit by visiting the Preserve’s web-

site, then make a stop at the Visitor Center to learn a little about what you’ll be seeing.

The Preserve has five trailheads and over 70 miles of carriage roads and trails, offering you the chance to get to know the Shawangunk Ridge in all its precious, rugged, and breathtaking glory. Below are suggested hikes from each trailhead. Note: The Visitor Center and its immediate grounds are free to the public. To access the land, you need to have a current membership or pay a day use fee.

visitvortex.com

Protecting over 8,000 acres of mountain cliffs, forests, fields, streams, ponds, and other beautiful places, Mohonk Preserve is New York’s largest nonprofit nature preserve and a true local treasure, preserving what the Nature Conservancy has called one of Earth’s “last great places” for its bounteous biodiversity.

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Photo by Kate Schoonmaker

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Photo by Gerald Berliner

Photo by Renee Zernitsky

b o n t i c o u c r ag

t h e j & s g r a f to n s e n s o ry t r a i l

va l l e y v i e w l o o p

In just 3.2 miles, you’ll travel from Spring Farm Trailhead’s open fields through the woods and hike to the top of a prominent, stark-white crag overlooking the Wallkill Valley. This popular hike Includes an optional rock scramble for adventurers.

Step outside the Visitor Center for an easy stroll on a family-friendly, accessible, quarter-mile path with views of the Shawangunk Ridge. Signs describe natural features along the way, including a butterfly garden.

This 5.7-mile hike from the Coxing Trailhead features the Split Rock waterfall along the Coxing Kill and a tranquil forest path through hemlock groves that connects to Overcliff Carriage Road featuring views of the Clove Valley and Catskills beyond.

Photo by Maryalice Citera

Photo by John Hayes

u n d e rc l i f f - ov e rc l i f f l o o p

foothills loop

Begin your 3-mile journey at the Testimonial Gateway Trailhead—the Preserve’s newest trailhead—as you explore the Mohonk Preserve Foothills.

Pass through the historic Testimonial Gateway Tower arch and along the

Pin Oak Allee on the Lenape Lane Carriage Road to the Mohonk Preserve Foothills Loop of the River-toRidge Trail. This hike features beautiful farm fields and majestic views of the Shawangunk Ridge.

This iconic West Trapps Trailhead 5-mile roundtrip loop hike includes soaring cliffs and sweeping vistas of the Wallkill Valley (from Undercliff) and the Catskills

and Clove Valley (from Overcliff).

The hike is entirely on historic carriage roads. Do the entire loop, or pick one of the two carriage roads for an out-and-back hike.

For a list of suggested hikes, trail maps, and fee information, visit mohonkpreserve.org/visit/activities/suggested-hikes. m o h o n k p r e s e rv e

845-255-0919 mohonkpreserve.org 33

TH E

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• shop our gift boutique • therapeutic massage • organic skincare and waxing

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Soak in the healing power of nature. Escape the city and enjoy life in a mountain oasis just two hours from New York City. Create Your Own Getaway.

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OUTDOORS

Photo provided by Stephanie Mossey.

by anne pyburn craig

visitvortex.com

e c o - c a m p i n g : t i p s f o r a h e a lt h i e r t r i p

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There is no better way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Hudson Valley and the Catskills than with a good camping trip. To make a good trip a great one, brush up on your recreation ecology skills. Using techniques adapted from serious backcountry explorers and researchers will make your outdoor experience more comfortable for both you and Mama Nature, whether you are going full-primitive camping, camping at a campground, or pitching your tent in a backyard.

We asked Stephanie Mossey, a Hudson Valley native who grew up exploring the Gunks, for some tips on camping clean and comfy. Steph and her husband, Andy Mossey, provide outreach and environmental education, working with state parks, Scout troops, nonprofits, and other outdoors-oriented organizations to teach the principles of environmentally friendly fun.

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Photo provided by Stephanie Mossey.

Using techniques adapted from serious backcountry explorers and researchers will make your outdoor experience more comfortable for both you and Mama Nature, whether you are going full-primitive camping, camping at a campground, or pitching your tent in a backyard.

Leave No Trace skills are based on seven science-centered principles that make camping kinder to the planet and more fun: plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp only on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.

Plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp only on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.

Bringing the right gear is a big help when going on a camping trip, and Steph shared some of her favorites. Backpacks from Deuter, Kelty Linger high-back chairs that fold into compact bags, and Lighthouse 250 LED lanterns from Goal Zero that can charge USB devices and be hand-cranked in an emergency are some of the products in the Subaru kit that have won her seal of approval, as are the stainless steel drink bottles from Klean Kanteen in pint and growler sizes. Plus, Steph says the two-burner CampChef stove makes campsite cooking simple.

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Bear canisters, she says, should be stowed for the night at least 200 feet from your trailer or tent; though bears may be drawn to the smell, they will be unable to get at your goodies.

“It’s totally rad,” she says. “You don’t even need a lighter to light it. They make a teapot that makes life a lot easier, too.”

But a lot of the knack of eating well in the woods—or wherever you decide to go camping—is in the packing.

“Always repackage your food,” she says. “I put ten-minute, steelcut oatmeal into zip-lock bags, for example—you eliminate the bulky packaging and only bring what you’re going to eat. That not only eliminates waste and lightens your load, [but] you can use the bag as a trash bag when it’s empty. If you bring instant oatmeal, pour the hot water right into the package—no dirty dishes.”

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They also have a CampChef cooler, and it’s bear-proof—not just for the sake of the food.

“When wildlife gets into your food, they can become habituated to rely heavily on it and can no longer find food for themselves,” Steph says. “We like to say ‘keep wildlife wild.’ Find out in advance if you need a bear canister—which is required in bear country—and remember to store not only food but [also] things like toothpaste and sunscreen that have an odor.”

Bear canisters, she says, should be stowed for the night at least 200 feet from your trailer or tent; though bears may be drawn to the smell, they will be unable to get at your goodies.

When you are ready to leave, give your campsite a thorough freshening up. Steph says to always pack out everything you brought in, and even take it a step further.

“We like to leave a campsite better than we found it,” she says. “If we see trash on the ground that wasn’t ours, it really doesn’t take long to pick it up and pack it out with us. This way, the next people who come along can enjoy the space as well.”

Also recommended is something the Leave No Trace folks call “fluffing the duff.”

Photo provided by Stephanie Mossey.

“Camping on a duff layer of organic material—like leaves—for two nights or more, we begin to compact the soil under our tent,” Steph says. “When we pack up camp, we fluff the compacted layer so that it doesn’t look as if we were there.”

To learn more about the art and science of Leave No Trace camping, you can visit lnt.org and enroll in a free online awareness program.

L e av e N o T r a c e Center for Outdoor Ethics lnt.org

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

OUR HOMEMADE FUDGE IS WORTH THE TRIP!

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Elevating Glamping style in the Hudson Valley

fa n c y

‘ f o rt ’

fun

by anne pyburn craig

Are you looking for an escape from your everyday surroundings? How about a luxurious suite?

A peaceful and private campsite in a beautiful

Brigham Place

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spot? Maybe you’d prefer one of those things, and the person you want to escape with prefers the other. Well, how about both at once?

STAY

“We found our passions later in life, took a leap of faith, and couldn’t be happier about it. We love doing this, creating experiences.”

- Alexandra Yosh

The thing about camping is, it typically takes a fair amount of gear and setting up for most of us to get truly comfortable in the great outdoors. The thing about luxury suites is, you’re typically surrounded by other people. But if you’re looking for a getaway that combines the best aspects of both, check out the offerings of The Brigham Group for an experience that’s anything but typical.

That joy comes through in the forts they design and build. The Nest @ Woodstock, located on two private acres, is a three-platform “glampsite” featuring a 14x16-foot safari-style sleeping tent amidst the trees, fitted out with a queen-size bed with memory foam mattress and plush luxury bedding.

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Hudson Cove

“People ask what we do and I say, ‘We build forts,’” laughs Alexandra Yosh, who owns and operates The Brigham Group with her husband, William Yosh. “And we absolutely love that. We’re happy fort builders.”

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The Nest @ Woodstock, located on two private acres, is a three-platform “glampsite” featuring a 14x16-foot safari-style sleeping tent amidst the trees, fitted out with a queen-size bed.

If you’re thinking this sounds glorious and the only thing that could make it better would be being right on the water, Alex and William have another “fort” that’s right up your alley—Hudson Cove, a luxe safari tent right on the Esopus Creek equipped with kayaks and tubes for your pleasure.

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So who are the people behind this concept? William grew up in Saugerties, then spent 15 years in the city as a design professional. Alexandra, born and raised in Queens, worked in banking and had found her way as far upriver as Rockland County before she met William and fell in love with both the man and the laid-back part of the Hudson Valley he called home.

“We found our passions later in life, took a leap of faith, and couldn’t be happier about it,” says William. “We love doing this, creating experiences. We’ve stayed at both places in all kinds

The Nest

Nearby is a rustic, beautifully appointed outdoor kitchen with Keurig, teapot, mini-fridge, propane grill, and rollaway bar, and a gazebo with a comfy couch and chairs, with overhead lighting and insect netting. Oh, and you’ll have electricity.

of weather, to be certain guests would have everything they need—and there’s something very magical about being able to sit out by the fire pit late into the evening and then fall into an incredibly comfy bed just steps away.”

“People will spend three or four days and say it’s life changing— we change their minds about relaxation, about the importance of disconnecting and connecting.”

As a reviewer puts it, guests can “go from a five-star hotel, to mountain living in one zip of the tent.”

“Listening to the owls and crickets, watching the fireflies—it's magical and enchanting; we strive to make it super-tempting and I like to think we have a little something for everyone,” says Alexandra.

“For many people it’s their first time outdoors. I love when they message us ‘sitting in the car just waiting for the bear to walk by.’ People will spend three or four days and say it’s life changing—we change their minds about relaxation, about the importance of disconnecting and connecting. These are experiences, not just stays.”

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The not-so-hidden agenda is the hope that guests who fall in love with the outdoor experience will come away with the kind of appreciation for nature that leads them to walk lightly on the earth. “Our goal is to enhance without destroying,” says Alexandra. “We like

commodations so extra-special.

“Any time my husband puts something into Photoshop, it comes to life,” says Alexandra proudly.

“That’s how The Nest was born: His beautiful drawings became a reality. He makes it look amazing, then we bring it to life. He gets up

to make things green. We have an amazing contractor who builds any madness we can think of; he brings us reclaimed wood and stainedglass windows. We collect rainwater to use at The Nest; it’s fun!”

at dawn and draws, researches, cuts, pastes, until it’s perfect.”

William’s design background is at the root of what makes these ac48

If the outdoors are not for you, The Brigham Group also has two fully appointed houses. Try Brigham Place in Lake Katrine—with 150 feet

Woodbine Way

Your hosts are welcoming and responsive, just a text, phone call, or email away depending on your preferred communication method.

“I am super-picky in setting up, and if there’s any issue we try to resolve it within an hour,” says Alexandra.

“We drop everything for guests.

They are our lifeline, and if they are happy they will tell their friends.”

In the future, the special hospitality style that defines The Brigham Group will be available in even more carefully selected locations.

The couple has a property in a Puerto Rican fishing village that they plan to get up and running as soon as the pandemic finally and truly abates, because “the woods are glorious, but so is the ocean,” William observes. “We’d like to have something for everyone.”

of frontage on the Esopus Creek, rolling hills, and barns on an organic bison farm. Or enjoy Woodbine Way in New City in Rockland County, where you can kick back at your private retreat and leave the worries of the city behind. In the fall and winter, enjoy the cozy fireplace; in late spring and summer, enjoy the pool oasis.

Also in the works: more Hudson Valley spots. They have their eye on one in Saugerties and are scouting for another. There may be geodesic domes in the picture.

Whatever may come, the basic recipe of design-forward luxury in

a private camp-style setting handled with white-glove service will define their offerings.

“We like to dream big and then make it happen,” says Alexandra.

“My husband’s wild, quirky ideas, my practicality, and the fact that we both love people have made this work really well so far; people are loving it. The Nest was even booked over New Year’s—it’s got a propane heater. We’re just going to keep building our forts, while staying small enough that we can anticipate and meet your every need.

We kinda took a leap of faith, doing this—and now our dream is real.”

t h e b r i g h a m g ro u p :

t h e n e s t @ w o o d s to c k , h u d s o n c ov e ,

William and Alexandra

w o o d b i n e way , b r i g h a m p l a c e

845-217-1027 brighamgroup@gmail.com thebrighamgroup.com You can book The Nest or Hudson Cove through AirBnB; there’s a direct link on The Brigham Group’s website.

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Dreaming Goddess

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

est 1995

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44 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie NY | 845.473.2206 DreamingGoddess.com | @dreaminggoddess 50

10 Main St #307, New Paltz 845-256-0522 • maglynsdream.com

SHOP LOCAL

Bosco’s Mercantile, Saugerties

why shop local?

W

hen you shop at local businesses, you invest in your community, in your neighbors, and in yourself. It is estimated that for every dollar you spend, twice as much will be reinvested in the community by a local store than a national store.

If it costs more to shop at local stores, that little extra money creates a strong local economy. Consider the following reasons to shop locally, and enjoy the stores your neighbors have created:

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Independent business alliances and related “buy local” campaigns help local business prosper even through an economic downturn.

Businesses from communities with ongoing campaigns to promote local independents report sales increases seven times greater than businesses from communities lacking such efforts, according to one national survey.

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g r e at r e a s o n s

1 More money is kept in the community because locally owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses, service providers, and farms.

2 Economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

3 Competition and diversity lead to more choices. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based on the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

4

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Karina Dresses, Kingston

Local businesses are owned by people who live in the community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.

5 Customer service is better because local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise, and more time is spent with each customer.

to s h o p l o c a l ly

6 Our one-of-a-kind local businesses are an integral part of our region’s unique character.

7 Locally owned businesses help reduce environmental impacts by requiring less international freight transportation. They also usually set up shop in town which means less sprawl, congestion, habitat loss, and pollution.

8 Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.

9 Most new jobs are provided by local businesses.

Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally.

10 Local business owners give back to their communities.

Nonprofit organizations receive an average of 350% greater support from local business owners than they do from non-locally owned businesses.

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EXPLORE The Perfect Path of Vintages

by anne pyburn craig

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way s t o s e e t h e s h awa n g u n k w i n e t r a i l

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I

n the Hudson Valley, the winemaker’s art goes back 175 years; our wineries

are studying, practicing, teaching, and refining that body of art and science—the

connection of memorable taste with uniquely challenging terroir.

Evidence indicates that humans have been making wine for over 8,000 years now, so it’s no wonder some of us do it with enormous passion and skill. In the Hudson Valley, the winemaker’s art goes back 175 years; our wineries are studying, practicing, teaching, and refining that body of art and science—the connection of memorable taste with uniquely challenging terroir.

The Shawangunk Wine Trail is your entry point to that welcoming world. If you’re a wine lover who’s never gone tasting, you owe it to yourself to give it a try—especially among our glorious hills and valleys. The member wineries are award-winners and history-makers in their own right. The wines are superb. The scenery is gorgeous.

So here are a few suggestions for getting your taste on and savoring the experience.

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spend an afternoon

hire a car

pa c k a p i c n i c

Check out the events being offered by Wine Trail members—there’s probably some music or a cookout happening someplace pretty that pairs extremely well with the vintages produced there. Get a couple of friends together and be prepared to relax, unwind, and savor.

Ten transportation companies offer Wine Trail touring options that will leave you all free to drink in the scenery and the offerings too. VIP Winery Tours of Ellenville now offers an affordable and flexible Your Car-Our Driver option.

There are several wineries that welcome your crew and your picnic basket and even have a picnic table waiting in a lovely location. Hit up your favorite grocery or one of our many restaurants that have upped their takeout game; when you arrive at the wineries, find out what pairs well with the feast du jour.

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read up

Two excellent works that illuminate the landscape are Hudson Valley Wine: A History of Taste & Terroir by Tessa Edick and Kathleen Wilcox, and The Story of Brotherhood, America’s Oldest Winery by Robert Bedford. p i c k a c lu s t e r

Check out the events being offered by Wine Trail members— there’s probably some music or a cookout happening someplace pretty that pairs extremely well with the vintages produced there. Get a couple of friends together and be prepared to relax, unwind, and savor.

Like a bunch of grapes, the 85-mile wine trail has little branches of juicy good taste.

b o o k a ba n qu e t

Wineries make spectacular venues, whether you’re tying the knot, celebrating a milestone, or just want to get the crew together.

s h awa n g u n k w i n e t r a i l

85-mile trail of wineries from New Paltz to Warwick 845-256-8456, shawangunkwinetrail.com 60

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Hudson Valley Winery, Distillery & Brewery Tours

your car

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Since 1960

The Hudson Valley’s Premiere Source for Wine & Spirits WINE AND SPIRIT TASTINGS Fri 4-7pm & Sat 1-4pm EVERYDAY DISCOUNTS for Seniors (62+) and Veterans CASE DISCOUNTS On All Wine Enroll in our CUSTOMER REWARDS PROGRAM! 845-336-5155 Open Mon-Sat 9am-9pm Sun 12-6pm 15 Boices Lane on the Corner of Rt. 9W, Kingston, NY

EXPLORE

Getting You Safely from Here to There

yo u r c a r , o u r d r i v e r ou probably know that locally crafted adult beverages have been flooding the Hudson Valley and Catskills through most of the 21st century, transforming “beer caves” into boutiques, reinventing the cider that won the revolution, and providing restaurateurs with nearly infinite options with which to complement their offerings. You may also know that even before that, the region was experiencing a resurgence of its wonderful wine culture, embracing our unique terroir and Grandfather’s old-country

expertise to create award-winning vintages in splendid settings.

Have you been to the sources? Perhaps you’ve stopped at a brewery for wood-fired pizza, a couple of flights, and a six-pack to go; maybe you’ve been to a winery concert.

But have you taken a full day or so to delve into the culture, following the Shawangunk Wine Trail and its 14 wineries, or touring multiple cideries for a flavor comparison?

It’s likely that more of us would do so if it weren’t for the huge co-

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Y

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Jamie and Marcus Guiliano, owners of the Aroma Thyme Bistro in Ellenville, bring us yet another tasteful innovation that blends culinary delights with health, safety, and convenience: Your Car, Our Driver.

nundrum of the Designated Driver.

Which of your friends do you love enough to want to spend hours with, while they watch you having a blast and restrain themselves from partaking? If you drive yourself, what are the odds that you won’t feel at least a tiny bit deprived by the need to hold yourself to a sip here and a single glass there? Sure, there are limos and Uber—if you don’t mind quadrupling the cost of your expedition.

For good reason, our cops don’t mess around when it comes to intoxicated driving, nor should they; self-restraint is surely preferable to being arrested or worse. But “self-restraint” and “deliciously decadent beverage tour” hardly belong in the same sentence.

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Jamie and Marcus Guiliano, owners of the Aroma Thyme Bistro in Ellenville, were doing award-winning, socially responsible farm-to-table food before those phrases became de rigueur on local menus. It’s unsurprising, then, that they’d be the ones to bring us yet another tasteful innovation that blends culinary delights with health, safety, and convenience: Your Car, Our Driver.

The concept is elegantly simple: Reach out to BestHudsonValleyWineTours.com and let them know what kind of tour you’d like, which can be anything from a detailed itinerary along the 80-mile-long Shawangunk Wine Trail to “Show me some spots with great views and good wine, and throw in a great

“We have an intimate knowledge of wine and food destinations, and sharing that brings us a lot of joy.” –Marcus Guiliano lunch stop,” or “So what’s this Hudson Valley beverage stuff all about?”

They will send a vetted, fully insured, and personable driver to meet you at your chosen time and place and drive your car while you luxuriate in the scenery, the friends, the welcomes, and the flavors.

“We love to travel, and we love destinations with outstanding wine culture,” says Marcus. “Travel-

ing in Italy and California, we found this service available and loved it. It really makes beverage touring so much simpler. And we noticed no one was doing it here.

“Our drivers are longtime locals who know their way around and enjoy sharing what they know,” he adds. “Your plan can be as detailed as researching some specific aspect of the beverage

scene, or as wide-open as ‘We want to have a beautiful day.’ We can find you an outdoor concert, take you to the oldest winery and oldest vineyard in the nation on the same tour, and schedule a restaurant stop or a side trip to the best local sights. If you get to one winery and it’s just not your thing, our driver can probably find you another choice just a few minutes away.” Drivers arrive bearing bottled water and, should you 65

They will send a vetted, fully insured, and personable driver to meet you at your chosen time and place and drive your car while you luxuriate in the scenery, the friends, the welcomes, and the flavors. so desire, bring along a charcuterie board or other picnic fare of your choice.

So you’ve talked to your friends about this, and more of you want to go than your car will hold? Your Car, Our Driver will help you find the perfect rental for the day, and you’ll still spend just a fraction of what it would cost for a limo.

Marcus and Jamie also operate VIP Winery Vacations, and can set you up with everything you need

to have a glorious time in the wine country of the Finger Lakes, Italy (on hold at this writing due to pandemic travel restrictions), or Mexico. There, as in the Hudson Valley, you’ll have access to a curated cornucopia of gourmet choices.

“We have an intimate knowledge of wine and food destinations, and sharing that brings us a lot of joy,” says Marcus. “It’s what we love to do ourselves, so we have personal connections and know all the best spots.”

Your Car, Our Driver Best Hudson Valley Wine Tours 845-272-2070, besthudsonvalleywinetours.com

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STONE RIDGE WINE AND SPIRITS

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APPLE BIN

Farm Market

810 Broadway (Rt 9W), Ulster Park, NY 12487 Check our facebook page for reopening info and hours. 845-339-7229

Cheers to Fresh Air, Fun and Berries!

Wallkill View Farm Market & Garden Center GARDEN CENTER: Seeds, Plants, Hanging Baskets, Pottery, Mulch, Soil MARKET: Farm Fresh Produce, Bakery, New York State Specialty Foods & Gifts Open 7 days a week 9am-6:30pm 845-255-8050 15 Route 299 West New Paltz, NY www.WallkillViewFarmMarket.com Like us on Facebook!

Follow us on instagram @wallkillviewfarm Follow us on Pinterest @wallkillview

Pick your own fruits & veggies!

Friendly Farm Animals Jumping Pillow and Mini-Golf Visit The Loading Dock Taproom Farm Market Season Passes Available Please reserve your tickets online at: KeldersFarm.com 5755 Route 209, Kerhonkson 845-626-7137 69

A Simple Meal for Sharing

s p r i n g g a r d e n pa rt y by phoenix trent

The satisfying crunch of garden-fresh and seasonal asparagus. The sweetly tart bite of a bursting ripe cherry. The newly floral air blowing through the endless fields. These are the wonders that come along with springtime in our valley. Family and friends from all around visit to enjoy the sweet nectar of dining within your joyfully alive home garden. The table is set with bouquets

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of freshly cut local flowers, the fresh cherry lemonade is being sipped upon by your loved ones, and a seasonally delicious and wholesome meal is on the way. The world has become green and vibrant again—and with the wonderful weather, it’s time to throw a garden party to remember.

These recipes are a wonderful springboard for a fabulous springtime celebration.

RECIPE c h e r ry l e m o n r e f r e s h e r

For a refreshing drink that’ll be sure to keep your guests cooled off and asking for more, mix up some fresh cherry lemonade. Cherries are at their peak ripeness and now is the time to take advantage of their juicy goodness and vitamin C kick.

1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemons 1 cup sugar 3 quarts cold water 1 cup finely chopped fresh cherries

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Mix all ingredients in your favorite glass pitcher; stir until sugar dissolves. Garnish each glass with a fresh, whole cherry and a lemon slice, if desired.

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to s s e d m e s c l u n s a l a d w i t h c h e r ry a n d c h e v r e :

Entice your taste buds with a sprightly and lightly tossed mesclun salad with cherry vinaigrette. Visit your local farm stand or market to pick up the greens, cherries, and cheese.

1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon chopped rosemary pinch sea salt and black pepper 2/3 cup olive oil 6 finely chopped fresh cherries 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese 4-6 ounces mesclun greens Begin by combining vinegar, mustard, rosemary, pepper and salt, oil, and cherries in bowl and mix briskly until the oil and vinegar have been well combined. After making sure the greens are cleaned and dried, toss mesclun greens with dressing until the leaves are properly coated. Toss in the goat cheese and serve fresh with a crack of pepper and thinly sliced and toasted sourdough bread for a nice crunch.

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g a r l i c k y a s pa r a g u s

Spring is the time when asparagus comes shooting through the soil for an early-season nutritious burst.

2 bunches fresh asparagus 2 cloves minced garlic 3 tablespoons olive oil 4 plum tomatoes, finely diced 1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley

To prepare the asparagus, break away the tough lower stem and thoroughly wash each stalk. Boil for three minutes and shock in ice bath to maintain the vibrant green color. Strain and begin to heat the olive oil in a medium pan. Before the oil reaches its smoke point (test by placing a small piece of garlic in the oil. If the oil sizzles then it’s at the perfect temperature), sauté the garlic until lightly golden brown. Add chopped plum tomatoes and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add asparagus and simmer on medium/low for 5-10 minutes. Include chopped

parsley two minutes before completion and serve with kabobs.

Don’t forget a fresh hunk of baked artisan bread and you’ll be on your way to a roller coaster of deliciousness. For a simple and delicious dessert, clean, halve, and pit a few bunches of fresh cherries. Add a few tablespoons of lemon juice and a dash of sugar to intensify the delicious cherry goodness. Serve with a sprig of fresh garden mint and a dollop of fresh-made and honey-sweetened whipped cream. Fresh fruit cleans the palate and provides for a perfect finale to a wonderful meal.

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grilled steak and veggie kabob

1/3 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 clove finely minced garlic 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper 1 teaspoon salt

8 metal skewers 1 1/2 pounds lean beef, cut into 1-inch cubes (size consistency is essential to ensure even cooking) 15 mushroom caps, cleaned of excess dirt with a damp paper towel 2 green bell peppers, cut into chunks 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks

Start the marinade by briskly whisking the oil, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, pepper, and salt together in a deep mixing bowl. Add the beef and mushrooms and coat with the marinade, being sure to mix thoroughly. Seal with plastic wrap and allow to marinate in the fridge for at least eight hours. Preheat an outdoor grill on high, and lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking. Remove the beef and mushrooms from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Carefully pour the marinade into a saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Next, reduce the heat to medium/low, and gently simmer for 10 minutes; set aside for basting. Stack pieces of green pepper, beef, red pepper, mushroom, and onion onto skewers until all ingredients are skewered and accounted for. Cook the skewers on the preheated grill, turning frequently and brushing with the flavor-packed marinade reduction, until the kabobs are nicely browned on all sides and the meat is only slightly pink in the center (about 10-15 minutes).

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PETER’S MARKET

under new ownership 845-210-4661 petersmarket.business.site 7700 State Route 209, Napanoch, NY 12458

ROCK HILL TRADING POST

845-796-3060 tradingpostmarket.com 214 Rock Hill Dr, Rock Hill, NY 12775 OPEN HOURS: 7:30AM - 8:00PM 76

Come Visit Us!

Annuals • Perennials • Hanging Baskets • Vegetable Plants • Gardening Supplies Fresh Produce • Soups • Salads • Sandwiches Fresh Brewed Coffee • Apple Cider Donuts • Bakery • Gifts TUES. - SUN. 8am - 5pm • Closed Mondays • 845-626-CORN (2676) • www.saunderskill.com 5100 Rte. 209 • Accord, NY 12404

Founded in 2000. Independently owned coffee roaster.

Sustainable, single-origin coffees, roasted in-house weekly.

WHOLESALE • RETAIL • ESPRESSO BAR

478 Broadway Midtown Kingston 845-331-4598 • monkeyjoe.com 77

34 Wallkill Avenue, Wallkill (914) 589-8108 hudsonvalleychocolates.com

56 Main Street, New Paltz hvcheesecake.com hudson_valley_cheesecake

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COFFEE BAR • MARKET • LOCAL PROVISIONS

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317 MAIN STREET, KERHONKSON, NY 12446 845-626-1458

millandmainstreet

www.millandmainstreet.com 78

• curbside & delivery service woodstock • 4 rock city rd • 845-679-7992 • 7 days a week kingston • 275 fair st • 845-338-1400 • online ordering red hook • 7496 south broadway • 845-835-6383

MEET THE OWNERS

Meet the Owners

mill

& main, kerhonkson by anne pyburn craig

Main, the heartfelt project of a family with superb hospitality chops who let themselves be drawn in as full-timers just two years ago after five years of weekend-home ownership.

visitvortex.com

At this writing, locals and visitors to southwestern Ulster County around Kerhonkson are hungrily awaiting the opening of the hamlet’s newest casually fabulous dining destination, Mill &

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“Staying close to food was always something that provided me with great satisfaction, even though it’s a demanding business.”

– Claudia Sidoti

Mill & Main opened its doors in October as a coffee bar and local marketplace, and lost no time in winning fans. “A true gem of a find!

Haven’t had such a great cappuccino since I left the city…and don’t get me started on the baked goods...in a word, fantastic!” wrote neighbor Janine Carchidi in October.

“Our neighbors in Kerhonkson, upon hearing that we had owned food businesses in the past, half-jokingly suggested we should open a cafe,” says Paul Weathered. “We have all had professional hospitality careers, both as entrepreneurs and working for others.” Although Paul admits he’s not actively worked in restaurants in decades, his wife, Claudia Sidoti, and son, Christopher Weathered, have.

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Paul, who describes himself as “the Jack of All Trades,” spent 30 years in the film business after spending time in the restaurant world as a young man. Sidoti, who comes from a long line of “great home cooks—my mother, father, grandmother and mother-in-law all excelled in the kitchen,” devoted her talent to food and hospitality as a chef, caterer, and test kitchen director.

“Staying close to food was always something that provided me with great satisfaction, even though it’s a demanding business,” Sidoti says. “Each job I’ve ever had, whether behind a counter or a stove, serving customers, developing recipes, catering an event, or heading up culinary teams at places like Food Network or HelloFresh US, has offered me an opportunity to learn, grow, and apply those

“We did our research and [the

building] just felt like the perfect location for us because it was so close to Minnewaska and the Rail Trail, nestled between New Paltz and Kingston.”

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learnings into the next venture. After 40 years in the industry, it’s in my DNA. “ That DNA was clearly in play as their son Christopher grew up in the kitchen at Mom’s side and opted for a bachelor’s degree in Food Sustainability from Evergreen State College, then an internship at Blue Hill @ Stone Barns in Tarrytown.

“Our neighbors in Kerhonkson, upon hearing that we had owned food businesses in the past, half-jokingly suggested we should open a cafe.

We have all had professional hospitality careers, both as entrepreneurs and working for others.”

Paul has fond memories of climbing the ’Gunks as a teen, and ski weekends at Belleayre followed by hearty meals in Big Indian were a family favorite. Seven years ago, they found their upstate haven. “We wanted a weekend place that was within two hours of NYC,” says Sidoti. “We looked at many houses and towns, and ultimately fell in love with the quiet little hamlet of Kerhonkson.

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“I want to grow a talented team at Mill & Main and develop a staff that

shares our passion for food and hospitality. I also want to create energy within

the community that supports other small business owners, and work collabora-

tively to produce fun events in the downtown area that bring people together.”

I love the nature, the fresh air, the slower pace, and the amazing people I’ve been fortunate to get to know. I also love how close it is to the city so when I get the urge to visit, it’s easy enough to do.”

At the end of the hamlet’s Main Street was a disheveled and flood-damaged 1971 building that struck Paul and Sidoti as just the spot for a food destination. “We drove past it every weekend and kept our eye on the building,” says Sidoti. “We did our research and it just felt like the perfect location for us because it was so close to Minnewaska and the Rail Trail, nestled between New Paltz and Kingston.”

Becoming an anchor business in the heart of the hamlet is something Sidoti, Paul, and Christopher see as an honor and an opportunity. “I want to grow a talented team at Mill & Main and develop a staff that shares our passion for food and hospitality,” says Sidoti. “I also want to create energy within the community that supports other small business owners, and work collaboratively to produce fun events in the downtown area that bring people together. I love the idea of having Kerhonkson Day, a food, wine, music, and art event…

But first, we need to get the doors to the restaurant open!”

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“I want to keep curating interesting things, offering samples, and creating events that bring people in, like our Mill & Main After Hours events.”

At this writing, Mill & Main offers that fabulous coffee, a few prepared choices, and a curated selection of local groceries; the full restaurant menu will be unveiled in April. Expect to be astonished. “We are a unique family with a very hands-on approach,” says Sidoti. “Our multicultural roots (Sidoti’s are Colombian and Italian, Paul’s are Caribbean) offer unique diversity. Our business is a reflection of our heritage and culture and work ethic, and the food is a reflection of that.”

“Our goals are simply to create an establishment where hospitality, comfort, and community are priorities,” says Paul. “The kind of place we like to go back to regularly. We’ll have a full menu with specials based on seasonal availability. We take the concept of hospitality to heart.”

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Grocery offerings are expanding as Sidoti discovers new goodies and takes the suggestions of her clientele. “I love our customers,” says Sidoti, “getting to know them, finding out what they want, and listening to feedback. I love discovering delicious new treats I know they’ll love.

I want to keep curating interesting things, offering samples, and creating events that bring people in, like our Mill & Main After Hours events.”

There will be outdoor seating and considerable rejoicing going on this spring, as Mill & Main ramps up to full speed and the talented trio can finally invite you to their table, with a simple business philosophy baked in the fires of downstate sophistication and seasoned with local love.

“Treat others as you want to be treated,” says Sidoti of Mill & Main’s company policies. “Respect the work and work will pay off. Cook from the heart and serve from the soul.”

mill & main

317-319 Main Street, Kerhonkson 845-626-1458 millandmainstreet.com

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• Rustic American style cuisine

• Overnight accommodations

• Locally sourced ingredients

• Cozy private rooms

• Inside & Outside Dining

•Take-Out Available

Check our website for the most current menu and dining hours

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

• COFFEE BAR • BREAKFAST & LUNCH • LOCAL PROVISIONS • • SERVING WINE & BEER • ORDER ONLINE •

11 Jane Street, Saugerties • 845-247-7189 OLSENANDCOMPANY.COM 86

Jar'd Wine Pub

Water Street Market, New Paltz 845-255-8466 Covered, dog friendly porch. Sunset views. Open daily. jardwinepub.com

craft beer & cocktails. eclectic wine. tapas.

Historic Rondout

Waterfront Dining

Authentic Barbecue & Comfort Food with a Modern Twist

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

New Orleans Style Menu With Locally Sourced Ingredients • Sunset Views • Craft Cocktails, Beer and Wine • Live music every Thursday!

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Outdoor seating with the best view in town! theparishrestaurant . com

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Artisanal chocolate in the heart of Woodstock, New York

EE

JJ

The perfect gift for your special occasion

Bonbons Bonbons &Confections &Confections

EJ Bonbons & Confections 2 Old Forge Road, Woodstock ejchocolates.com

farmhouse cuisine · killer cocktails · nightly bonfire 8373 State Route 28, Big Indian, NY (845) 254-6500 www.peekamooserestaurant.com 88

BREAKFAST BRUNCH LUNCH DINNER

17 TINKER ST WOODSTOCK NY 845.679.5763

Delicious, Authentic Turkish Cuisine in Midtown Kingston 666 BROADWAY, KINGSTON 845.514.2214 MASAMIDTOWN.COM

MEET THE OWNERS by anne pyburn craig

visitvortex.com

beautif ul bonbons in wood stock

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“Every product we make is something we are personally connected to and enjoy. My one rule is if we don’t like a flavor, we don’t try to make it. We hope our care for the product shows through.”

Emily Kellogg says she took

of America in Hyde Park. Then she

Woodstock for granted as a kid.

“I left and lived in the city for eight years before returning,” she says. “Now that I am back, I appreciate it much more. I think getting to see all four seasons is one of my favorite parts. The foliage. The peace that comes with fresh air. The scenery. There’s a lot of inspiration you can get just from taking a walk.”

ventured to the city, where she worked for Gotham Chocolates and then became head chocolatier at Per Se, a three-star Michelin place on Columbus Circle. “Chocolate is a science and, as long as you follow the rules, it's a joy to work with,” Emily says.

Not that Emily found city life lacking in inspiration. She’d been baking since age six, doing it professionally since 14, excelling her way through the Culinary Arts program at Ulster County BOCES and the Culinary Institute 90

At Per Se, Emily “really deep-dived into bonbons.” She also found a partner in Pierre Pouplard, born in Nantes in western France, continuing his own culinary adventures as Per Se’s savory chef after honing his skills in Paris. The two had plenty in common: passionate love of food, rock solid work ethic, and adventurous spirit.

Then came COVID-19, and Per Se shut down along with everywhere else. “We spent a lot of time in a one-bedroom apartment. We began re-evaluating our lives and what we wanted out of our future.

There was lots of discussion about what made us happy and the value of our time,” says Emily. “We made the move back to the Hudson Valley after a weekend visit to my mom; we decided to take a walk through Woodstock and saw a space available.

That day in town started this whole business venture. It was very serendipitous. We hadn’t planned on starting a business at all, and then everything just happened at the right moment.”

“If we want to try something new, check out new techniques and flavors, we just go for it.

We get to come to work and play with chocolate!”

What happened was, well, delicious. EJ Bonbons and Confections opened on May 28, 2021, offering small-batch artisanal handcrafted bonbons, caramel, nougat, and chocolate-covered nuts in the heart of town, and Woodstockers rejoiced.

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“Chocolate is a science and, as long as you follow the rules, it's a joy to work with.”

– Emily Kellogg

“We were very fortunate with the location,” says Emily. “We were looking at a different space but when the previous tenant of our current location, a family friend, heard we were looking, they offered to give up their lease for us. Once we met with the landlord and showed her our business plan, the rest was history. We were very lucky with the number of people who believed in what we wanted to do as much as we did.”

It’s easy to see why the community welcomed what Emily describes as “feel-good sweets. Every product we make is something we are personally connected to and enjoy. My one rule is if we don’t like a flavor, we don’t try to make it. We hope our care for the product shows through.”

It does. Hudson Valley magazine celebrated the shop’s launch by speculating that it might be time to proclaim our area the “sweet tooth capital of the world.” “Each chocolate looks like a little piece of 92

art. The flavors are delicious, smooth, and surprising. I still think about the texture and flavor of the lemon one,” writes Jasmine Angelique Smith in one of a great many five-star Internet reviews.

Customers, says Emily, have been “a blend of locals and tourists. Chocolate is good for any occasion or to just enjoy for yourself, so we get a good mix of

people going to dinner parties wanting something to bring, giving a gift, or just simply looking to enjoy our product for themselves.”

Between the two of them, Emily and Pierre handle everything from production and counter service to sweeping up, along with social media and email; with some help from Emily’s uncle, they even did

“We hadn’t planned on starting a business at all, and then everything just happened at the right moment.”

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“Each chocolate looks like a little piece of art.

The flavors are delicious, smooth, and surprising. I still think about the texture and flavor of the lemon one.”

their own renovations. It’s been an adventure, one they’ve been navigating by steering a steady course. “I think we are just trying to stay genuine and true to who we are,” Emily says, “two people who quit our jobs and put our savings into a new business with no idea how things would turn out. But we love what we do and there is something special about it being whatever we make it. Our business can only be as successful as we are willing to put the time into it…I think when people come in and see that it’s us working, the experience becomes even more personal. We aren’t some large company with a ton of employees.”

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The upside of handling everything for themselves is the liberty that comes with it. “So much of working in the restaurant industry is long, taxing hours,” says Emily, “working most major holidays, not having a lot of time off. I think having our own business really allows us to take care of our mental and physical well-being. Although we work extremely hard and long hours to build a successful business, if we need a moment for ourselves, we close the shop for a day.”

That said, you’ll find them open most days—and with a superb selection of seasonally inspired delectables handcrafted using

as many local ingredients as possible. It’s where they love to be, after all, and after eating, breathing, and sleeping the pressurized world of haute New York City cuisine, they’re both finding fresh inspiration in the freedom among the mountain vistas and music of the creeks.

“I think just being our own bosses makes work the most fun,” says Emily. “We always have products to sell but if we want to try something new, check out new techniques and flavors, we just go for it. We get to come to work and play with chocolate! Now that we’ve gotten the hang of our current offerings, we’re going to start making some new items. We’ll be adding chocolate and candy bars, and we’re discussing doing ice cream soon as well.”

“Art never tasted so good,” proclaims the store’s website—as if we needed any more proof that out of the pandemic shuffle has emerged the candy store that Woodstock truly deserves.

Come, let it melt in your mouth.

ej bonbons and confections

2 Old Forge Road, Woodstock ejbonbons@gmail.com ejchocolates.com 95

YOUR LOCAL

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

ONE-STOP-SHOP SINCE 1952

• COFFEE BAR • BREAKFAST & LUNCH • LOCAL PROVISIONS • • SERVING WINE & BEER • ORDER ONLINE •

11 Jane Street, Saugerties • 845-247-7189 OLSENANDCOMPANY.COM

786 Main Street, Poughkeepsie 845-471-4110

OPEN DAILY 6am-9pm • 845-657-2338 • tettasmarket.com

“This is the kind of food I had fallen in love with: not trendy, souped-up fantasies, just something very good to eat.” Julia Child Serving Breakfast & Lunch Daily (no Lunch on Sundays) 4 Dining Areas - in the Caboose, Dining Room, Covered Porch or Front Deck 43285 State Rte 28 Arkville, NY 845-586-1122 Just across the tracks at the Crossroads (Rtes 28 & 38) Open Daily 7-2 Closed Wed Sun 7-‘til 1’ish 96

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

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150 Partition Street, Saugerties • 845-246-5998 • stellasstation.com 97

Meet the Owner

josie’s coffee shoppe by anne pyburn craig

Vanessa Piazza grew up in Brooklyn, but weekends and vacations were for her grandfather’s home up in Saugerties, where the aunts, uncles, and cousins all came together in good times and bad. “Had this place never existed, we would not

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have had such a close-knit family,” she writes on her Josie’s Coffee Shoppe website. “As a child, of course we never see the value in these things. As an adult I couldn’t be more thankful to this man for creating this place.”

MEET THE OWNER

“The coffee is delicious and the detail from decor to desserts, the curated shop and friendly service will keep us coming back even if we have to plan a whole trip around it.”

As an adult, Vanessa was a traveler: After she hit a wall of exhaustion in the Manhattan retail world, she packed her bags and went off to Europe, then to Central and South America. She spent a year away, letting a series of adventures sweep her into new revelations about how she wanted to live her life.

During her travels, and on returning home, one yearning kept nagging at her. “Create space,” it whispered.

She wasn’t even certain entirely what sort of space she was meant to create, but the urge felt very real.

visitvortex.com

“When I returned to New York I realized that I had become a different person,” Vanessa says. “I had changed, but nothing around me had. Things were the same, but I wasn't. I kept spending more and more time up at my family's home here in Saugerties. Within a few months I had found myself in Saugerties permanently.”

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“My goal is to continue to share this space with the community and allow it to be a place where people come to gather for many, many years.”

“I didn't know what that meant for

something more. “We now have

a long time—did I need to create space for myself or for others? The answer was both! So that's what I did, and this space was created to make others feel what I wanted to feel when I walked in.”

a full menu of breakfast and lunch,” she says. “It has helped the business grow and evolve into something I wasn't expecting.” Breakfast offerings range from gluten-free rolled oats with berries and maple syrup to omelets; for lunch, you can grab a BLT, a honey turkey club, or The Upstater (fig jam, Brie, and greens on ciabatta) among other tasty options.

Vanessa sensed that her beloved adopted town would love the kind of space she had in mind. Josie’s Coffee Shoppe, named for Vanessa’s beloved grandmother, opened to the public on May 15, 2020, as a place to grab coffee and pastry.

Saugertesians rejoiced at the offerings, but with other businesses temporarily or permanently closing, Vanessa saw a need for 100

People feel lots of good things stepping into Josie’s. The bare wood tables, white walls, wooden slab floor, colorful area rugs, and brick fireplace wall lend a cozy, clean, and cheerful Mo-

roccan-inspired vibe. All the little touches are done right.

“I stopped by for a London Fog (Harney's tea) and a scone,” writes a Yelp reviewer. “I appreciated that they offered oat milk, and to be able to have it in a lovely ceramic cup. The space indoors is well-designed—spacious and cozy at the same time. I could definitely see myself visiting again and

bringing a book to read. They also sell a few items from local artisans. Just a lovely place for a tea (or coffee) and a pastry.”

“The coffee is delicious and the detail from decor to desserts, the curated shop and friendly service will keep us coming back even if we have to plan a whole trip around it,” writes another happy visitor from out of town.

Breakfast offerings range from glutenfree rolled oats with berries and maple

syrup to omelets; for lunch, you can grab a BLT, a honey turkey club, or The Upstater (fig jam, Brie, and greens on ciabatta) among other tasty options.

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“The owner's travels inspired the overall look and feel, and the sophisticated yet unpretentious style is a win for everyone who is lucky enough to walk in.”

Vanessa’s grandfather passed away a year before the shop opened, but to her joy, he lived long enough to see her getting settled in Saugerties. Now, the warmth and welcome at Josie’s Coffee Shoppe serves as her monument to him. A real place, a place where people can relax, read, have long, meandering conversations over a mocha latte or a dirty chai.

“My goal is to continue to share this space with the community

and allow it to be a place where people come to gather for many, many years,” she says. “I also hope to expand and offer more social and private events. Maybe a second location in time as well.”

That’s great news for Saugerties.

“The owner's travels inspired the overall look and feel, and the sophisticated yet unpretentious style is a win for everyone who is lucky enough to walk in,” writes a reviewer. So stop in anytime you could use a win: After all, isn’t that every day?

josie’s coffee shoppe

174 Partition Street, Saugerties 845-217-5588 josiescoffeeshoppe.com

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ME

RE D

ITH ’S C

OU NT RY B

AK ER Y, L LC

ALL-NATURAL • LOCAL • NO PRESERVATIVES

· BREAD · PIES · COOKIES

Traditional Bakery and Dedicated Gluten-free Bakery

· MUFFINS · QUICHE · JAM & more!

Meredithsbread.com | (845) 331-4318 | 415 Route 28, Kingston, NY 12401

845-217-5588 josiescoffeeshoppe.com 174 Partition Street, Saugerties, NY 12477

restaurant | bistro | bar

two moods. one sensibility. casual bistro dining. refined dinner service. always the freshest, highest quality food, celebrating the robust local bounty. indoor dining | patio seating | takeout

lunch 10 Plattekill Ave, New Paltz, NY

• •

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845-303-4752 call/text

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a cozy boutique inn and restaurant

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FALAFEL, SABICH, SALADS & MORE

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940 Rt. 28, Kingston • 845-853-8207 105

Meet the Owners

ricciardella’s realm by anne pyburn craig

The eating just got even better in the tiny yet infinitely cool hamlet of Phoenicia. Brio’s, a community landmark serving superb and creative pizza and more since 1973, has added a mouthwatering selection of fresh-made desserts—their Heavenly Cakes. There are actually

106

16 cake varieties, 10 different cheesecakes, and 11 varieties of pie, ranging from classic standbys to exotics (Pumpkin Pecan Swirl cheesecake, anyone? How about Cranberry Blueberry Lattice pie?) and any or all of them sound worth the trip to Phoenicia just to be experienced.

lifetime local Mike Ricciardella, and if you’re hungry anywhere near this part of the Cats, you need to know the ins and outs of the empire he’s crafted. Your taste buds will thank you.

Mike grew up in the restaurant business—his parents ran the

prior Phoenicia landmark spot Ricciardella’s—and revolutionized the all-important pizza aspect of the business while still a teenager, opening Brio’s at age 19. Tourists and locals flocked to enjoy wood-fired pizza and splendid breakfast skillets.

A few years later, Mike bought the neighboring building and created the Sportsman’s Alamo Cantina, a showcase for the Mexican specialties of his culinary team. Phoenicia once again had, and still has, reason to rejoice in a solid source of creative tacos, burritos, and sizzling fajitas.

visitvortex.com

But there already has been a whole lot to savor at Brio’s Pizzeria and Restaurant and the neighboring Alamo Cantina, opened just a few years after Brio’s. Generations of skiers, hikers, and mountain vagabonds of all sorts have enjoyed the feasting and fun provided there by

LOCAL EATERIES

Generations of skiers, hikers, and mountain vagabonds of all sorts have enjoyed the feasting and fun provided there by lifetime local Mike Ricciardella.

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The restaurants have never quite merged into one.

Brio’s is still the pizza destination, endlessly creative.

“Nothing like a goat cheese pizza to fill you up after a day of hitting the slopes!” Brio’s posted on Facebook last January. “This particular customer asked for us to drizzle some maple syrup on this one and now it’s our new favorite! And let me tell you—it smells amazing in here!”

“I built a foundation for me and my family to stand on through hard work and investing back into the business.

I like creating my own destiny.”

The Alamo Cantina contributes the Mexican and Tex-Mex, while Brio’s still specializes in Italian and American, but guests in either place get to order from the eclectic, extensive, and delicious combined menu. Both places have the laid-back feel of family-friendly neighborhood pubs with a practiced welcome for travelers. The vibes and food played a role in Phoenicia’s being declared Coolest Small Town a few years back. (This designation was not news to lifelong locals like Mike.)

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Fresh, local free-range eggs for breakfast, houseground grass-fed burgers, and delicious takes on classic comfort food (try the Apple, Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese, or a Grilled Eggplant Wrap) are standard operating procedure here, along with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. To drink, you’ll find all the mountain essentials: a nitrogen-infused cold brew tap alongside

22 varieties of tap beer from near and far, frappes and lactose-free smoothies, and creative cocktails.

You can certainly find plenty of hearty entrees on this menu, whether you’re in the mood for steaks, chops, seafood, or Mike’s Homemade Meatloaf.

But if you want to kick it up yet another notch, Mike’s got another option for you, up near the

Mike grew up in the restaurant business—his parents ran the prior Phoenicia landmark spot Ricciardella’s—and revolutionized the all-important pizza aspect of the business while still a teenager, opening Brio’s at age 19.

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hamlet’s signature eagle statue: The Phoenician, a classic American steakhouse he opened in 2014 when Phoenicia landmark Al’s Seafood closed.

such as Eggplant Rollatini and Gluten-Free Chick Pea Pasta.)

There are scrumptious specials and decadent desserts to match, and plenty to drink.

The Phoenician is the place to go if you’re looking for that special occasion vibe and a menu to match, with a clam bar and things like Oysters Rockefeller and Tuscan Mussels on the appetizer menu. It’s the place to go if you fancy a dry-aged steak or a rack of lamb. (There are vegetarian selections, creative-sounding ones

Clearly, Phoenicia got lucky when this particular native decided to stay right here and pursue his dreams. “I built a foundation for me and my family to stand on through hard work and investing back into the business,” Mike told VISITVortex in 2016. “I like creating my own destiny.” Happily for the Catskills, that destiny is delicious.

b r i o ' s p i z z e r i a & r e s tau r a n t

68 Main Street, Phoenicia 845-688-5370 | brios.net s p o rt s m a n ’ s a l a m o c a n t i n a

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

Check our site for fun upcoming events!

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Outdoor Dining & Events. Live Music! Private Events. Full Service Bar. GREAT FOOD. GREAT MUSIC. GOOD TIMES. Open Year Round At The Stone Dock Golf Course.

Open Open Open Open year year year Round year Round Round Round atatThe at The at The Stone The Stone Stone Stone Dock Dock Dock Dock Golf Golf Golf Course Golf Course Course Course 1212Stone 12 Stone 12 Stone Stone Dock Dock Dock Dock Rd. Rd. Rd. Rd. 845-687-2699 845-687-2699 845-687-2699 845-687-2699 High High High High Falls Falls Falls NY Falls NY NY NY www.highfallscafe.com www.highfallscafe.com www.highfallscafe.com www.highfallscafe.com

Regional American Cuisine 94 North Front Street, Kingston, NY 12401 845-338-2626 HoffmanHouseTavern.com

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• Hundreds of Craft Beers, Full Bar and Wine List • Billiard Hall with Ping Pong and Games 5 STAR HEAD CHEF Chris Braun brings in a new era at Bacchus that includes an evolving menu of seafood, steak, and comfort foods with many vegan/gluten-free options.

Online ordering available. Live music on weekends.

4 South Chestnut Street, New Paltz 845-255-8636 • bacchusnewpaltz.com 112

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Woodfired Pizza & Entrees

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COUNTRY LIVING AT ITS FINEST

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HOME Tips to Help Navigate the Market

buy? sell? airbnb?

After experiencing its hottest two years in living memory, our Hudson Valley real estate market is still sizzling. It’s a nationwide trend, of course; most areas within striking distance of urban centers experienced the boom. Hudson and Kingston, though, led the country for the most folks moving into cities with populations under 50,000 in 2020. Now, in 2022, the headlines can be confusing.

Are we seeing a bubble at risk of bursting, or an increase that’s fueled by systemic features like lack of inventory? What will happen when the Fed raises interest rates? Are last year’s buyers disillusioned, or living the dream? On any given day, you can read analysis predicting a cooling, analysis predicting a crash, and breathless accounts from realtors of bidding wars that are still blowing up.

visitvortex.com

by anne pyburn craig

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w o rt h y t i p s

What to do if you’re hunting right now? Have your financial ducks in a row, and be ready to move fast if you find The Place. But now that showings have gone live again, avoid sight-unseen panic purchases. There will be something else along. Promise. Someone will downsize or move up, someone will relocate to Houston, more homes will be built.

Do make an ally of a trustworthy realtor. The best ones know these hills like no one else, are great listeners, and will approach finding your home like a savvy matchmaker, with intimate knowledge of your wants and needs and of the homes and neighborhood.

Do pick the right town. There are subtle and vast differences between, say, Rhinebeck and Saugerties. Realtors try to give you some insight, but the only way to know for sure where you’ll fit is sneakers on the ground. Spend a weekend and a Thursday afternoon. Try a fancy dinner and a budget lunch, take the nearest hike, chat up the locals, and see if you can imagine daily life here. Maybe (this is extra credit) check out a town or village meeting on YouTube and get a feel for the governance.

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And keep an open mind. “Many families live in managed buildings in the city, so they may have never maintained a home and want to buy a low-maintenance house,” says Alan Li, owner of Catskill Concierge. “Whilst they may be correct that a newly built home often minimizes such con-

cerns and an older home may need more attention, there are, fortunately, local companies who specialize in the needs of weekenders. So go ahead and buy that beautiful Victorian home with all the charm of a bygone age!” If you’re looking to rent for a while—not the worst idea in the world—

don’t be dismayed by the tight market. Do some research, or find a realtor who has, and check out some of the new developments under construction; there are some lovely ones building out this summer and coming online soon, and you may still be able to get in on the ground floor.

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s h o rt - t e r m r e n ta l i n c o m e

New neighbors, we hope you’re not among the disillusioned, and that you’ll find among these pages lots of new reasons to love your Hudson Valley home.

If you’re on the fence—loving upstate, but missing the corner bodega and the concrete underfoot, the constant zinnng— you may be thinking about putting your upstate digs on the market some of the time as a short-term rental.

A market study from vacation rental company StayMarquise analyzed Airbnb and VRBO statistics and found that the demand for short-term rental properties has surged. The supply of rentals grew by 9 percent in 2021; during roughly the same time period, the amount spent on short-term rentals grew by 99 percent, from $140 million to $278 million.

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The market is definitely there, and it’s entirely possible to own a part-time Hudson Valley home that helps to pay its own mortgage. But it’s not as simple as it sounds, and it’s not a set-it-andforget-it passive income stream.

We asked some experts about the ins and outs of managing your Hudson Valley property as a part-timer, and here’s the word: Know the rules of the game. “If you are planning on listing your house on Airbnb, or renting it for less than 30 days, it is crucial to understand the laws each town has in place for short-term rentals.

Several towns upstate have strict laws regarding Airbnbs, which ultimately could affect property values,” says Erika Sampaio, founder of Manage This Home.

Be a good neighbor, even if you’re not always there. “It's important to understand if the neighborhood you are buying in is warm to the idea of having Airbnb guests or not so much, and going the extra mile to ensure your neighbors' comfort is key,” says Sampaio. What starts out as a warm welcome may quickly cool if your property becomes a source of noisy chaos, so screen your guests and set your rules with a neighborly mindset.

“I strongly recommend homeowners find a good property manager with its own network of service providers if they are keen on keeping maintenance up to date.”

Don’t expect things to move at an urban pace. “If you are a second homeowner coming from the city, it's important to calibrate your expectations in regards to services and timelines. While in Brooklyn and Manhattan people have access to virtually 24/7 everything imaginable, here in the Catskills it can take months,” says Sampaio.

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“Whilst we do have very good local contractors, newcomers are often frustrated by the casual attitude that is too common amongst many others in our area. Persevere: You will find good construction contractors, handymen, cleaners, and whatever you need,” says Li. Expect a learning curve. “A lot depends on how familiar you are with the workings of a house, and how comfortable you are dealing with issues when they arise,” says Sampaio. “Houses can be complex, and they will act differently each season. Get intimately familiar with how things work, such as: septic, HVAC, drainage systems, and boilers. Assemble a

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reliable network team with contractors, cleaners, landscapers, and emergency call-out person, make sure they are going to show up when you call, and have a plan B in case they don't.”

Consider hiring a hands on management company, a step that can maximize your property’s earnings while protecting its value by resolving problems before they reach nightmare size.

“I strongly recommend homeowners find a good property manager with its own network of service providers if they are keen on keeping maintenance up to date,” says Sampaio. “Alternatively, you could hire a full-service Airbnb property management

firm. Trusting our team with your keys means you can skip all the potential headaches and simply enjoy your weekends, plus the freedom to earn money when it works for you. Help fund your next vacation, your remodeling, and all of life’s extras!”

The amount of time you spend here, and your level of involvement, may vary as time passes.

What should remain steady is the joy you feel pulling into your driveway.

m a nag e t h i s h o m e

Managing properties in the Catskills and Hudson Valley 929-418-9519 managethishome.com

c at s k i l l c o n c i e rg e i n c .

Main Office: 910 Lenape Lake Road, Livingston Manor 845-288-2650 catskill-concierge.com

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Welcome spring with the delicate blooms of Helleborus.

These beautiful owers push their pedals up through the remaining March snow.

Seeds and seed starter kits are available as well as fruit trees, edible plants, house plants, potting soil, tools, and more.

Fireside Warmth Inc. A full service hearth shop.

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Our expert staff, unmatched selection and reasonable prices have helped Fireside Warmth Inc. earn our reputation for convenience, quality and value.

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Your weekend home is for relaxing, let us do the rest.

Property Management Home Renovation and Airbnb Management

3656 Main Street, Stone Ridge 4887 State Route 52, Jeffersonville 845.288.2650 alan@catskill-concierge.com www.catskill-concierge.com 123

SOME OF OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

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Serving Ulster County and the Hudson Valley for over 18 years

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HOME

pat i o p l e a s u r e s by anne pyburn craig

looks like. Before you even start making it your own, spend some time in the space. Grab a cushion or a folding chair and “set a spell,” as our grandparents might’ve put it. Sample the view from various angles. Close your eyes and listen. Feel the breeze on your face. Let your imagination run wild.

Your patio or deck is a place to indulge your fantasies of what the perfect chill space looks like.

visitvortex.com

Ah, the delights of patio life.

Uniting your favorite creature comforts with the beauty of open sky and fresh breeze is simply the best thing you can do for yourself as the temperatures edge up and the evenings lengthen. Your patio or deck is a place to indulge your fantasies of what the perfect chill space

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Water features add serenity, whether we’re talking about a nearby koi pond or creek, or a hot tub, pool, or fountain, and make a spectacular focal point.

The first choice you’ll need to make is your surface. Local contractors can advise you about the comparative virtues of wood, stone, and gravel, and the possibilities of combining them.

Water features add serenity, whether we’re talking about a nearby koi pond or creek, or a hot tub, pool, or fountain, and make a spectacular focal point. If you have nearby traffic noise, running or bubbling water can serve as a white noise machine to soothe the aural environment. Reflected light on water is great medicine for the psyche; keep that in mind when you’re making complementary lighting choices.

Speaking of light, it comes in so many glorious forms. Solar LEDs come in an almost infinite variety of shapes, colors, and config-

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urations. Get inspired and try them different ways.

Drape a graceful tree branch. Outline a structure.

Place lights so that they sway and sparkle in the breeze.

Firelight is known for making evening magic easy.

Just as solar lights do, firepits now come in all kinds of design-forward styles these days; grab your favorite from a store, or use their inventory

as inspiration. You can DIY a beautiful firepit from simple materials like a cut-down burn barrel or a collection of native stones. Don’t forget: Cooking tasty snacks over your firepit can be as simple as peeling a few sturdy green branches and impaling some marshmallows or hot dogs.

Of course, outdoor cooking can also be a gourmet extravaganza. A sturdy table beside a grill and a

Native plants, whether in containers or planted beside your patio surface, can serve as focal points, a privacy screen, or both.

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cooler for ingredients and drinks, and you’re well on your way to memorable feasting.

You can always go farther and commission a stone mason to craft a stunning outdoor kitchen that you may come to love more than your indoor one.

Native plants, whether in containers or planted beside your patio surface, can serve as focal points, a privacy screen, or both. What else? Wind chimes? Gazing ball? Gravel pathway to the edge of the woods for evening walks? Music? A telescope?

Besides comfy, furnishings should be easy to clean and

either portable or so sturdy and permanent that they can withstand anything Mother Nature can dish out. You’ll find plenty of local furniture merchants and builders who can hook you up with anything from a simple table and chairs to a custom sectional that will fit the need.

Time and energy invested in crafting yourself the ideal outdoor haven this spring will reap rich dividends in the long, gentle evenings of summertime. So let yourself be inspired now, and you’ll be enjoying the enchanted results by swimming season.

to g e t h e l p m a k i n g yo u r d r e a m s r e a l i t y ,

r e a c h o u t to t h e l o c a l b u s i n e s s e s t h at a d -

v e rt i s e w i t h u s . t e l l t h e m vo rt e x s e n t yo u !

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Simple Steps to Outdoor Glory

g e t yo u r g a r d e n g ro w i n g by anne pyburn craig

There’s nothing like the colors, scents, and tastes of a flourishing, thriving garden. If the ground is still frozen or muddy, rejoice: You have a little extra time for planning, designing, and getting your seeds, seedlings, and equipment together. Once the earth softens and

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warms, it’s on! Remember, you don’t need to get everything done in a day. Rotate among these tasks and do a little at a time, and before you know it your garden will be looking great. (And so will you, between fresh air, sunshine, and microbial antidepressants in soil.)

GARDEN 2. t i dy u p

3. p r e p yo u r b e d s

Are there empty spots that need to be filled in? (Remember, every plant you love and want lessens the space available to the weeds you don’t want.) Are the tools you need in good repair? Sharpen blades and check wooden handles for weak spots that might crack or splinter. Got a hat? Gloves?

Start from the top: Are there trees that need pruning or dead limbs whacked off? Cut down and compost perennials. Check hardscapes for winter damage that needs repair. Get rid of standing water where mosquitoes will breed. Rake and redistribute mulch as needed. In short, handle all the tasks that will be much, much easier now while your baby plants are still sleeping—before you need to be extra careful where you step to avoid damaging them.

Get rid of any dead weeds or other winter debris. Get down deep and turn and aerate your soil, then amend with four inches of compost or seasoned manure and work that in with your spade to a depth of about a foot. Rake smooth. It’s a hump, but your plants will love you for it.

visitvortex.com

1 . e va l uat e

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4. p l a n t

5. m u l c h

6. w e l c o m e s o m e c r i t t e r s

First to go in should be bare-root choices like roses and fruit trees, best planted on a cool and overcast day. Take care to water container plants thoroughly right before and right after planting—and be gentle with those precious roots! Seeds to plant in early spring include sweet peas, poppies, calendula, lettuce, parsley, arugula, and spinach.

Finished compost, straw, or wood chips between your plants will retain moisture and help prevent weeds from taking hold. Plus, it looks great.

Consider the critters. Clean bird feeders and baths with a vinegar solution (about 1 cup to two gallons water) and rinse thoroughly. Lady bugs, spiders, grown beetles and parasitic wasps are to be welcomed, as they feed on the bugs that eat your plants. Consider adding pollinator-friendly native plants along your perimeter.

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Home

spring home checklist The warmer days and softer breezes are inviting us outdoors again. As the saturated ground gives way to sprouts and blossoms, we can’t help but notice there’s work to be done.

The big-picture look at everything that needs to be done can feel overwhelming. But with proper planning and consistent progress (even if it’s just a

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few minutes every week), your task list will become a thing of the past.

Rely on this home improvement checklist to see what this spring may hold. Stroll around your property with the list; add to it as you go. When you’re ready to get the work done, dive in yourself or hire one (or more) of the many reputable local service providers.

HOME

interior and exterior of the home Clean leaves and debris out of gutters.

Check roof for leaks by inspecting your attic.

Make sure water drains away from the house.

A French drain or rain garden can help.

If you have a sump pump, check that it’s functioning.

If you have frequent tripping of circuits, talk to an electrician.

Consider installing a generator.

Upgrade to solar power.

Paint or stain worn areas of your home.

Check the strength of your decks or the straightness of the supports.

Get your chimney woodstove cleaned and avoid the fall rush.

Purchase an energy efficient air conditioner.

Install low-flow toilets.

Install a new carpet, or switch to hardwood or tile floors with throw rugs.

visitvortex.com

Renovate your kitchen or bathroom to add value to your home.

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ya r d a n d g a r d e n a r e a s Sit and enjoy the sun and warmth.

Clear felled trees, or turn them into firewood or woodchips.

Have lawn equipment serviced, or hire a lawn care pro for the season.

Take out and clean your barbecues, wheelbarrows, and lawn furniture.

Consider amending the soil of your garden beds to create healthier plants.

Install rock walls or pathways.

Get your septic pumped, if necessary.

Order fresh gravel for the driveway and rake it out.

Work on landscaping around the house and yard.

Plant fruit trees and bushes.

Add a patio.

Decide on the annual flowers you’d like to see this year.

Consider what perennials you have around the property and whether you’d like more.

A good list is the first step toward moving forward. Don’t stress out if it’s long.

Good things take time. When you look back at a list like yours in five years, you’ll be shocked to see how much of it got done. Good luck, and enjoy!

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a story of rebirth

you are invited to be both witness and player on an enchanting visceral journey through the candlelit woods where performance meets the sacred. meet magical creatures who just may inspire you to rediscover your true self.

BLOOM is living theater wrapped in a prayer... an offering to the earth and our collective future. memorial

day weekend

MAY 27th & 28th | Stone Ridge Orchard

Timeslots between 8pm to 12am in groups of nine or less. Advance tickets required: CIRCLECREATIVECOLLECTIVE.ORG

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41st ANNUAL

Stone Window Gallery Brinton P. Baker

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

200 + juried artists and makers ongoing craft demonstrations beer, wine, spirits | gourmet specialties live entertainment | children's craft tent

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 5/28. 5/29. 5/30.

ULSTER COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS NEW PALTZ, NY VOTED #2 BEST CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY CRAFT SHOW NATIONWIDE BY SUNSHINE ARTIST MAGAZINE Artwork: Owl Furniture, Sweetpeas & Gypsies, Bold Version Design Co., Hester's Studio

America’s Oldest Family Owned Yamaha Piano Dealer Celebrating 75 years of service to the Hudson Valley music community OPEN Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-1pm Appointments Recommended

748 Main Street, Poughkeepsie • 845-452-4990 • vincitorepiano.com 145

IS EVERYBODY HAPPY?

Join Us & You !

Will Be

2022 Dutchess County Fairgrounds Seasons Of Fun

PEACE, LOVE & SO MUCH MORE HISTORY | CONCERTS C R E AT I V I T Y | F E ST I VA L S BET

S U N D AY 5 / 2 2

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May 6, 7 & 8 Rhinebeck Antique Car Show & Swap Meet May 28 & 29 Barn Star Antiques at Rhinebeck June 4 & 5 Vintage Vibe Markets

Summer

June 25 & 26 Rhinebeck Crafts Festival August 23 - 28 176th DUTCHESS COUNTY FAIR

HEL WOODS

THE WALLFLOWERS with The Nude Party

Spring

Fall

September 10 & 11 Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival October 1 & 2 Octoberfest Handcrafted at Rhinebeck October 8 & 9 Barn Star Antiques at Rhinebeck October 15 & 16 NYS Sheep & Wool Family Festival

For A Full List of Events, Tickets, & More Information Visit dutchessfair.com

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So Unexpected!

SullivanCatskills.com 1.800.882.CATS

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© Mulography / Levon Helm Studios

Creativity is alive and well in the Hudson Valley’s home for arts, music and culture. Walk in the footsteps of Bob Dylan and The Band at Woodstock, catch electrifying live music at any of our venues, hike the trails of the Byrdcliffe Art Colony, and explore quirky shops and cafes on Tinker Street in the heart of Woodstock. With the majestic Catskill Mountains as your backdrop, get inspired by the place where counterculture is the culture.

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SEEK FOR YOURSELF FEEL THE VIBES ulstercountyalive.com