VISITVortex Hudson Valley Summer 2024

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.

publisher

creative D irector

editor designers sales production photography cover writer

Jesse Marcus

Melissa Hewitt

Jane Anderson

Melissa Hewitt, Melissa Orozco

Jesse Marcus, Alisha Dingee

Melissa Orozco

Rachel Collet

Jenifoto

Anne Pyburn Craig

if you’d like to advertise in this quarterly magazine or on the website, please call us at 845-687-3470. ©2024 visitvortex

VISITvortex.com | PO Box 82, High Falls, New York | 845-687-3470 | visitvortex@gmail.com

instagram: @visitvortex | facebook.com/visithudsonvalley | visitvortex.com

summer stays Stay

The right place to stay can transform your journey. What matters most to you—a refreshing pool to chill in? A great pub on premises, or a superb spa? Hiking trails? Swapping stories around a roaring fire? Bringing the pup? Fancy or funky? Picking the right

lodging means you’re having fun ‘round the clock.

You’ll find any or all of those options and more at our cottages, resorts, boutique hotels, and lodges—along with a warm, heartfelt welcome from artful hosts.

cs coach house

Clove Cottages offers eight varied choices, from the Green King with its ensuite jetted tub to the Blue Studio, with its covered deck furnished with Adirondack chairs. All have hammocks, grills, WiFi, and smart TVs for rainy days. Your hosts are pet-friendly (wait till you meet the llama) and sustainability-minded; 70% of the property’s power is solar.

CS Coach House is a lovely, freshly renovated 18th-century barn beside a stream and seasonal waterfall, on eight nicely landscaped, wooded acres. The three guest rooms each have a private balcony or deck with a splendid view and preserved architectural details, and feature bath amenities; the communal lounge has a water-filling station to get you ready to hit the trail.

200 Rock Hill Road, High Falls | 845-687-4170 | clovecottages.com

913 Route 213, High Falls | 845-419-1764 | cscoachhouse.mydirectstay.com

clove cottages

Harmony Inn offers cozy, sun-filled studio rentals at Stone Wave Yoga where you can customize your own retreat experience in a cozy apartment surrounded by love and Zen energy, with glorious Shawangunk Ridge views, unlimited yoga, pantry snacks, and outstandingly comfortable beds. You’re just minutes from the historic Tuthilltown Distillery and the restaurant and spa at Wildflower Farms, amid glorious places to hike and sun- or forest-bathe.

Hemlock Neversink offers superb wellness amenities, from a spa with an extensive treatment menu to goat-petting, stargazing, and a well-appointed crafts studio. The restaurant, Bittersweet, is vegetable-forward with hyperlocal flavors. They’ll ask what you might like to do and plan you a potential itinerary, which you are perfectly free to adjust as you see fit; the vibe is low-key and deeply welcoming.

Photos provided by Hemlock Neversink.

Hotel Dylan pays adept creative homage to the laid-back vibes of the hippie era—you’ll find curated music on vinyl and books to read in every room along with all-natural LATHER bath products. Then there are things the hippies never had, like free WiFi and independent mini-splits for climate control.

Also check out Casita Santana, a new beautifully appointed two-bedroom, two-bath residence. Your own private entrance is just five minutes from all the fun of Woodstock.

320 Maverick Road, Woodstock | 845-684-5422 | thehoteldylan.com

Hutton Brickyards is a vivid chunk of Hudson Valley history, with cabins, firepits, spa, and saunas situated right on the once-industrious riverbank—or you can stay in a meticulously renovated 1873 mansion. Either way, you can enjoy archery, yoga classes, or complimentary bikes that are perfect for exploring the neighboring Empire State Trail and Sojourner Truth State Park. You also have your choice of two fine dining and drinking establishments.

200 North Street, Kingston | 845-514-4853 | huttonbrickyards.com

hutton brickyards

hotel dylan

jessie ’ s harvest house & lodge 5819 Main Street, Tannersville | 518-589-5445 | jessiesharvesthouse.com

resort & spa

Jessie's Harvest House & Lodge is a restaurant serving wildly creative, superbly tasty bistro-style comfort food. The six comfy hotel-style rooms upstairs overlook the Catskill mountains—you’re in Tannersville, and there’s a reason it’s called the Painted Village in the Sky. The hiking and biking opportunities are as stellar as Grandma Jessie’s meatballs—which is truly saying something.

Menla Resort & Spa is a nonprofit retreat center operated by Tibet House that gently commands its very own tucked-away valley and creek in the Catskills. You’re amid thousands of acres of forest, enjoying treatments infused with ancient wisdom at the state-of-the-art Dewa Spa and private lessons in yoga, qi gong, or meditation. Take a guided hike to learn the mountain ecosphere, feast on farm-to-table vegetarian food, and relax around the alcohol-free bonfire.

Minnewaska Lodge is the ideal base camp for relaxation in between exploring the Shawangunks (you’re steps away from the Mohonk Preserve and the world-famous Trapps cliff faces) and/or dancing the night away in New Paltz. Some rooms have cathedral ceilings, others private balconies; the views are spectacular, especially from the Great Room with its spacious deck. Got a little work to do? Your room has a space for that, free WiFi, and a dual-lined phone with voicemail.

3116 Route 44/55, Gardiner | 845-255-1110 | minnewaskalodge.com

Mohonk Mountain House, our very own castle on the hill, won Conde Nast’s Readers’ Choice as the number-one resort in the northeast and mid-Atlantic. Beside a brilliant-blue sky lake deep amid the gloriously unique Shawangunks, they’ve got everything—great food, spa, swimming, rock scrambling, horseback riding, golf, immersive family activities, an augmented reality app for a self-guided history tour of the storied interior that’s hosted several presidents, and more.

1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz | 855-883-3798 | mohonk.com

mohonk mountain house

minnewaska lodge

the brigham group

Norsdale is a unique Phoenicia property perfect for a reunion, wedding, or milestone, accommodating up to 18 in a combination of the four-unit CMYK Motel and a five-bedroom residence. Each luxuriously appointed CMYK room is monochromatic in a different color, and the house has two living rooms, a wraparound deck, and an eight-person hot tub.

6300 State Route 28, Phoenicia | 201-724-3912 | norsdale.com

The Brigham Group offers curated vacation experiences that match all your desires. Choose from glamping on two wooded acres at The Nest@Woodstock; waterfront glamping with tubes, kayaks, and your own private dock on the Esopus at Hudson Cove; a gorgeously refreshed 1920s Craftsman at Glass Co. Hill; a designer cabin, the Washburn, in Saugerties; and Brigham Place, a quirky 2-bedroom in Lake Katrine with 150 feet of creek frontage and glorious Catskills views that’s tucked away behind an organic bison farm.

Lake Katrine | 845-217-1027 | thebrighamgroup.com

norsdale

the graham & co .

The Graham & Co. is a retro boutique retreat in the splendid hamlet of Phoenicia, a classic Catskills vibe reimagined with Tivoli radios, Priority bikes, rental micro-spikes for climbing, plush bedding, and private-label bath products. Unwind with a gong bath and a dip in the pool, then grab a S’mores kit for an evening beside the fire under the stars.

the perch cottages

The Perch Cottages are set in a lovely meadow beside the Esopus and Beaverkill Creeks (there’s even a swimming hole where the two meet!), and each is lovingly renovated by a husband-and-wife team of a master carpenter and a designer into your very own modern, bright and cozy retreat. Picnic tables, hammocks, and a generous lawn to play on make this an ideal perch for families, puppers included.

80 Route 214, Phoenicia | 845-688-7871 | thegrahamandco.com

Beechview Gardens Circle, Boiceville | 646-389-6677 | perchcottages.com

whistlewood farm bed & breakfast

Whistlewood Farm Bed & Breakfast is a genuine working farm, with animals to befriend and chickens that provide the eggs for famously lush and delicious country-style breakfasts. There are fireplaces, abundant antiques (the comfy kind), and handmade quilts, and every room is unique.

Sunset cocktails on the farmhouse porch will have you feeling like landed gentry, and you’re a stone’s throw from the village of Rhinebeck.

52 Pells Road, Rhinebeck | 845-876-6838 | whistlewood.com

YOUR OWN PRIVATE GUEST COTTAGE.

Unwind and refresh your spirit.

Simply furnished. Kitchen, bathroom, WIFI, A/C and heat in each; fireplace and jetted bath in some. Pet and eco-friendly. Hiking trails nearby.

Outdoors

get the most out of summer

We love our Mama Earth with a passion.

This is, after all, the region that birthed the Hudson River School artistic movement, a romantic one at that. We cherish the flow, the craggy rocks, the lush curves, the trees, and the critters.

So naturally (so to speak) there’s a focus on protection. Between New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation and a long list of nonprofit land trusts, hundreds of thousands of acres are le-

gally forever wild; much of that is laced with trails and waterways that beg to be explored. C’mon out and play. You could roam these parts for a lifetime of summers and never run out of fresh adventure.

Here are some great starting points for favorite summertime activities: a sampling of the possibilities, just to get you started. Checking out these places will often lead you to camping, fishing, and swimming opportunities too. Go prepared, have a blast, leave no trace…and welcome to our wonderland.

Hundreds of thousands of acres are legally forever wild; much of that is laced with trails and waterways that beg to be explored.

BIKING AND HIKING

RAIL TRAILS

The Hudson Valley’s network of rail trails is a triumph of adaptive reuse: wide, hard-surfaced pathways whose moderate grades and gentle curves lead through forests, meadows, and urban centers. Every few miles, you’ll find yourself within easy walking or riding distance of a town or village; that’s to say, some good food and a cold mug of craft brew.

O&W Rail Trail:

27 miles, Kingston to Ellenville Riding the Rondout Valley means great views of the Shawangunks and the Catskills and a dose of canal-era history. theoandwrailtrail.org

Wallkill Valley Rail Trail:

22 miles, Gardiner to Kingston

Incredible Shawangunk Ridge views, the Water Street Market in New Paltz, and the 940-foot Rosendale Trestle high above the Rondout Creek. wallkillvalleylt.org

You could roam these parts for a lifetime of summers and never run out of fresh adventure.

William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail:

13.4 miles, Hopewell Junction to Poughkeepsie

East end: Fascinating exhibits at the restored 1870s Hopewell Depot Museum and plenty of food options just a five-minute ride away.

West end: Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, truly bodacious views, and an elevator to Poughkeepsie. dutchessny.gov/Departments/Parks/Dutchess-Rail-Trail hopewelldepotmuseum.org walkway.org

Hudson Valley Rail Trail:

9 miles, Highland to New Paltz

Seven miles of pretty trail followed by two miles of on-road riding gets you from the Walkway to the Village of New Paltz. empiretrail.ny.gov/poughkeepsie-albany/lloyd-new-paltz

Ashokan Rail Trail:

11.5 miles, West Hurley-Boiceville

Glorious lake and mountain views, and a full-service bike shop at the Ashokan Station trailhead. ashokanrailtrail.com

Catskill Scenic Trail:

26 miles, Bloomville to Stamford

Weaves through some of the Western Catskills’ most glorious country:

River to Ridge Trail, New Paltz.

Photo by Greg Miller.

Ashokan Rail Trail

Checking out these places will often lead you to camping, fishing, and swimming opportunities too.

through farm fields, along the Delaware River, and into quirky, artsy Catskill towns like Hobart (the Book Village), Stamford, and Roxbury. catskillscenictrail.org

RIVERSIDE ROAMING

Sojourner Truth State Park in Kingston reclaims formerly industrial land for humans to play on; right beside the mighty Hudson you’ll find splendid biking and walking paths amid a mix of woods and riverfront history, plus a new pavilion on the water that’s a lovely spot for a picnic. sojournertruthstatepark.info

CARRIAGE TRAILS

These Shawangunk specialties will gain you a lot more altitude than the rail trails, but they’re still generally bicycle-friendly and fine for less trail-hardened hikers; you won’t end up outright rock-climbing.

Mohonk Preserve maintains an 80-mile network of carriage roads that links to others maintained by Minnewaska State Park and

View from Sojourner Truth State Park.

Photo by Robert Rodriguez Jr.

Bonticou Crag at Mohonk Preserve.

Photo by Kate Schoonmaker.

Mohonk Mountain House. Their Visitor Center on Rt. 44/55 is a great starting point for exploration. mohonkpreserve.org parks.ny.gov/parks/minnewaska

CATSKILLS TRAILS

The Catskill Mountain Club maintains a half-dozen choice trails throughout the Western Cats and High Peaks. catskillmountainclub.org/cmc-trails-all

The Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center maintains a database of every trail in the region. catskillvisitorcenter.org

Sullivan County Hiker maintains a list of all the trails in their part of the Cats, complete with maps, coordinates, and difficulty ratings. sullivancountyhiker.org/trails

EAST OF THE HUDSON HIKING

Dutchess County has a glorious variety of trails, from gentle riverside rambles to climbing the aptly named Breakneck Ridge. There’s a full directory online with loads of outdoor recreation information. dutchessny.gov/parks-and-trails

BOATING

CRUISES

Hudson River Cruises, based in Kingston on the Rondout, offers 90-minute sightseeing and sunset cruises aboard the Rip Van Winkle. hudsonrivercruises.com 845-409-0205

Hudson River Maritime Museum, on the Kingston waterfront, offers lighthouse tours and sightseeing cruises onboard its solar-powered Solaris.

hrmm.org/cruise-schedule

845-338-0071

Tivoli Sailing Company, based in Saugerties, offers an Adventure Sailing School, charter sailboats, and private champagne sunset cruises just for two, complete with music and crab cakes. tivolisailing.com/champagne-sunset 845-901-2697

The Pride of the Hudson offers two-hour sightseeing tours of the Hudson Highlands, departing from Pride’s Landing in Newburgh. prideofthehudson.com

845-220-2120

Hudson River Cruises

HRMM Solaris on the river.

PADDLING: GEAR, GUIDES, AND INSTRUCTORS

A Day Away Kayak Rentals, based in Kingston, offers rentals of single and double kayaks, standup paddleboards, and canoes with complimentary lifejackets and tutorials. adayawaykayakrentals.com

845-750-6538

Atlantic Kayak Tours, based in Saugerties, offers over 75 different kayak tours and instructional programs, and offers canoe rentals for those who like to bring it back old-school. atlantickayaktours.com 845-246-2187

Canoe and Kayak Rentals in Portlandville offers gear and instruction for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing the Susquehanna River. canoeandkayakrentals.com 607-286-7349

City of Kingston Parks and Recreation Department offers guided kayaking tours between Memorial Day and Columbus Day: Kayaking 101, Good Morning Paddle, and Friday & Monday Night Paddles 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. kingstonparksandrec.org 845-481-7336.

Hudson River Expeditions, based in Beacon at Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park, offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, tours, and instruction for all skill levels. They’ve also got locations in Peekskill and Cold Spring. hudsonriverexpeditions.com 845-809-5935

Kittatinny, based in Barryville, has been offering raft, canoe, and kayak adventures on the Delaware River for 80 years.

kittatinny.com

845-682-3539

Storm King Adventure Tours, based in Cornwall, offers guided tours of the spectacular Hudson Highlands, including a tour of Bannerman’s Island.

stormkingadventuretours.com

845-534-7800

The River Connection in Hyde Park offers the latest in equipment and gear, expert guided tours, and instructional programs and information.

the-river-connection.com

845-229-0595

PADDLING: PLACES

For those with some experience and their own gear, here are more spots worth exploring:

Chodikee Lake/Black Creek, Town of Lloyd dec.ny.gov/places/chodikee-lake

North-South Lake, Hunter dec.ny.gov/places/north-south-lake-campground-and-day-use-area

North-South Lake. Photo by Mark Fickett.

Tivoli Bays, Red Hook hrnerr.org/visit/tivoli-bays/

The Great Swamp, Wingdale/Patterson/Brewster frogs-ny.org

ROCK CLIMBING: GUIDES & OUTFITTERS

The legendary cliffs of the Shawangunks are managed by Mohonk Preserve.

Alpine Endeavors

Based in Rosendale, offers instruction and guides for all skill levels. alpineendeavors.com 877-486-5769

High Xposure Adventures

Based in New Paltz, offers a wide variety of clinics and instruction. high-xposure.com 800-777-2546

Alpine Endeavors.

RAILBIKING

Rail Explorers, in Phoenicia, offers an entirely different take on the Catskills rail trail experience. Glide through the hills alongside the Esopus Creek on a pedal-powered railbike.

railexplorers.net/tours/catskills-ny 877-833-8588

HANG GLIDING

Mountain Wings, located in Ellenville (aka the Hang Gliding Capital of the Northeast) will teach you what you need to know to take to the spectacular skies above the Rondout Valley.

mtnwings.com 845-532-5525

Rail Explorers.

Mountain Wings.

Experience great healthy outdoor recreational activities. Discover the natural world in our forests, fields and streams. Our Visitor Center is open free of charge daily 9am-5pm. The land is open sunrise to sunset with an annual membership or day pass, which are available for purchase at all trailheads.

Photo: Testimonial Gateway by Bill Winter

A Day In

poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie took a hit as the industrial revolution drew to a close; however, it is pivoting brilliantly, with adaptive reuse projects in full swing and creative locals busy making their dreams real.

In case you’ve ever wondered, Poughkeepsie’s name is derived from a Munsee word meaning “the reed-covered lodge by the little-water place,” which historians believe must have meant a local creek or spring, since it’s obviously right by the big water too. Colonists arrived in 1686 and established their first church by 1720; it was a busy riverport by the time brewery heir Matthew Vassar founded the college that bears his name.

Lured by the work of Hudson River School painters and adventurous writers, a slew of tycoons chose to site their mansions along the Hudson’s east shore, with its glorious Catskills-backed

sunsets; much of the Millionaires’ Row of grand estates is now open to the public for tours, picnics, and special events. In 1941, IBM—landing first in a repurposed pickle factory—began making munitions here, then electric typewriters, and eventually the first mainframes and “supercomputers” in history.

Like other Hudson Valley port towns, Poughkeepsie took a hit as the industrial revolution drew to a close; however, it is pivoting brilliantly, with adaptive reuse projects in full swing and creative locals busy making their dreams real. Here are some of our favorite reasons why the Queen City deserves her jeweled crown more than ever:

eat & drink

KING'S COURT BREWING COMPANY

has a great selection of beers—hoppy, dark, and light—and serves local ciders, wines, and spirits along with simple, well-made snacks like pretzels and pizza. Along with weekly trivia and game nights, they frequently host live music and festivals; their Summer Sundays on Cannon Street, the second Sunday of each month, are epic block parties with all of the above plus food trucks, kids' activities, and crafts.

40 Cannon Street, Poughkeepsie 917-697-3030, kingscourtbrewingcompany.com

MAHONEY'S IRISH PUB AND STEAKHOUSE is the place to head on a Friday or Saturday night for a kickin’ party. Located in the historic Vassar Brewery building, Emmet Mahoney’s serves a wide selection of hearty Irish and American fare with a few vegan selections and a delectable pub grub menu served till 2 am. Live music happens here six nights out of seven, including acoustic and jazz on weeknights; hilarity is served up hot at the Laugh It Up Comedy Club, and murder mystery dinners happen regularly.

35 Main Street, Poughkeepsie 845-471-7026, mahoneysirishpub.com

LA DELIZIOSA ITALIAN PASTRY SHOPPE in Poughkeepsie’s Little Italy has been making choosy local pastry lovers happy for 50 years now, and they just keep getting better. There are sugar-free and gluten-free choices on a vast menu of Old World comfort food, all of it baked and hand-dipped right here—biscotti, cookies, cannoli, sfogliatelle, baba au rhum, and custom specialty cakes. Two of the kids are filmmakers; the whole family worked together to make Cannoli, Traditions Around the Table, a film that explores the intersection of food and family.

10 Mt Carmel Place, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 845-471-3636, ladeliziosany.com

ADAMS FAIRACRE FARMS got their start right here, with a farmstand that has grown into their Poughkeepsie store and family-run empire of all things fresh and delicious. Today, you’ll find a cafe here serving breakfasts, burgers, wraps, soups, and salads, along with a hot bar full of takeout and the signature Adams selection of fine produce, meat, seafood, baked goods, flowers, and candy. Gardening fans will get joyously lost in the adjacent five-acre Mark Adams Greenhouses, which supply the entire Adams operation with bedding plants, poinsettias, and perennials.

765 Dutchess Turnpike, Poughkeepsie 845-454-4330, adamsfarms.com

farmers markets

POUGHKEEPSIE WATERFRONT MARKET

is a vibrant, international award-winning, seasonal farmers market down by the riverside that's open every Tuesday afternoon from May through October. It features farm-fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, poultry, baked goods, maple products, and live music.

79 North Water Street, Poughkeepsie 845-471-0589, mhdm.org/experiences/poughkeepsie-waterfront-market

ARLINGTON FARMERS MARKET over on the east end of town, beside the Vassar College tennis courts, is open Thursdays until November from 2-6 pm with a wide variety of vendors of local deliciousness. Raymond Avenue, Arlington 914-474-7533, arlingtonhasit.org/farmers-market

shop

DREAMING GODDESS is an oasis of beauty and warmth where caring people will help you find exactly what you’re seeking. The woman-owned shop, located in the Arlington district near Vassar College, has a wide selection of gemstones, oils, candles, herbs, jewelry, and bath and body products meant to help awaken your intuitive wisdom along the path to enlightened wellness. A diverse and trustworthy team of readers is available for consultations both in-person and remotely, and there are ceremonies, rituals, workshops, and monthly “CommuniTeas” to bring like-minded souls together.

44 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie 845-473-2206, dreaminggoddess.com

VINCITORE'S HUDSON VALLEY PIANO CENTER is the oldest family-owned Yamaha piano dealer in the US, founded in 1946 and dedicated to music for everyone. They’ve got all kinds of instruments—new, pre-owned, digital, hybrid, portable—and financing that can make your piano dreams real, including a rent-to-own program. If you already own a piano and need to move, tune, restore, or sell it, they’ve got the expertise, and they’ve got 10 instrumental music teachers teaching not just piano but violin, guitar, trombone, flute, and accordion.

748 Main Street, Poughkeepsie 800-303-8462 or 845-452-4990, vincitorepiano.com

WALKWAY OVER THE HUDSON, a repurposed 1.28-mile-long former railway bridge soaring 212 feet above the water, offers incomparable Hudson River Valley views that have delighted millions of visitors from around the world. You can board the glass elevator right at the Metro-North train station; the whole experience is accessible to all (even if the elevator’s closed, the approach is flat and paved), and for just $5 you can join astronomers there at one of the frequent “Walkway at Night” events.

61 Parker Avenue, Poughkeepsie Elevator entrance: 83 North Water Street 845-454-9649, walkway.org

MID HUDSON DISCOVERY MUSEUM is designed with kids in mind, offering five exhibit galleries, a Children’s Garden, and an Imagination Playground designed to foster and satisfy every child’s curiosity. There are frequent programs for all ages, from Toddler Tinker Time to STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts and Math) Lab, live science demos, and planetarium shows, as well as arts programming at the waterfront pavilion.

75 North Water Street, Poughkeepsie 845-471-0589, mhdm.org

THE ART EFFECT empowers young people to develop their creative voice to shape their futures and bring about positive social change. They provide immersive, hands-on programming in all sorts of media, from drawing and painting to cutting-edge multimedia production, to ages 4-24, sorted into Explore (ages 4-11), Experience (for teens), and Excel, which readies students for higher education and professional roles. The public’s invited to learn more via frequent festivals and juried exhibits at the Poughkeepsie Trolley Barn (489 Main Street).

45 Pershing Avenue, Poughkeepsie 845-471-7477, thearteffect.org

FRANCES LEHMAN LOEB ART CENTER at Vassar

College has gathered a permanent collection of 22,000 works of art—paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, textiles, and glass and ceramic wares—spanning 6,000 years in time, and the public is welcome to come see these in their elegant surroundings free of charge from 10 am to 5 pm every day except Mondays. A free digital guide offered on the Bloomberg Connects app lets you craft your own tour with an interactive map and in-depth audio.

124 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie 845-437-5237, vassar.edu/theloeb

side quest : mansion madness

Besides developing the telegraph and the code that bears his name, Samuel Morse was an accomplished artist. Locust Grove Estate comprises the Italianate mansion he once called home, along with five miles of riverside trails on its 200 acres.

Explore American history in nearby Hyde Park, just seven miles north of Poughkeepsie on Route 9, home of the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, the home and library of President Franklin D. Roosevelt (also a national park), and the Culinary Institute of America.

Less than five miles further north is Mills Mansion, which is now surrounded by 1,000 acres of state park land with loads of trails, a scenic 1893 golf course, and a summer-long Music in The Parks concert series.

The gardens at the Home of Franklin

D. Roosevelt National Historic Site

•

•

•

•

•

delicious desserts for a sweet summer

What’s your dream dessert, sweet reader?

Summer’s a great time to linger over something decadently delicious, and our chefs are here for it, baking the classics to perfection, crafting unique taste treats you’ll find nowhere else.

Here’s a guide to some of our favorite desserts around, from classics to wildly creative concoctions. Most of these places, of course,

pies Local Eateries

Hoffman House in Kingston serves a slammin’ homemade apple cobbler. hoffmanhousetavern.com, 845-338-2626

might overlap, have lots more choices and menus that adapt to what’s fresh, what’s available, and whatever the chef is inspired by that day; check out online menus or—better yet—call to find out about still more possibilities. But this guide should give you a sense of direction when you’re hankering for that special flavor or want to try something new and wonderful.

Meredith's Bread in Kingston offers several flavors of gluten-free tarts. meredithsbread.com, 845-331-4318

Saunderskill Farms in Accord serves fresh fruit pies—try the Vegan Peachberry or the Blueberry Crumb. saunderskill.com, 845-626-2676

Tetta’s Market in Olivebridge offers a whole other pie-dea: a personal-size Nutella Pizza, studded with fresh berries that are topped with melted marshmallows and dusted with powdered sugar. tettasmarket.com, 845-657-2338

The Parish Restaurant in New Paltz serves Key Lime pie among its Cajun-influenced fare. theparishrestaurant.com, 845-255-4205

Wallkill View Farm Market in

New Paltz encourages you to bring home a Bumbleberry made with apples, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and rhubarb. wallkillviewfarmmarket. com, 845-255-8050

pastries

Aba's Falafel in Rhinebeck offers decadent homemade

Baklava. abasfalafel.com, 845-876-2324

A Slice of Italy in Kingston serves delicious Cannoli. asliceofitaly7115.com, 845-336-7115

La Deliziosa Italian Pastry Shoppe has biscotti, cookies, cannoli, sfogliatelle, Italian ices, and custom specialty

cakes. ladeliziosany.com, 845-471-3636

Morning Sunshine in Ellenville is a market, and cafe; stop in for their yummy pastries. morningsunshine.market, 845-272-1012

Runa Bistro in New Paltz makes seasonal Galette. runanewpaltz.com, 845-419-5007

Aba's Falafel

La Deliziosa

Meredith's Bread The Parish Restaurant

cakes and cookies

Angela's in Lake Katrine serves a delicious cheesecake and chocolate mousse cake. angelaspizzarestaurant.com, 845-382-2211

Bacchus Restaurant, Brewery & Billiards in New Paltz makes an outstanding Lava Cake. bacchusnewpaltz.com, 845-255-8636

Bistro to Go in Kingston offers a wide range of fresh-baked choices including their Opera Cake, chocolate almond sponge cake soaked in coffee syrup with French buttercream filling and whipped ganache frosting. bluemountainbistro.com, 845-340-9800

Brio's Pizzeria & Restaurant in Phoenicia has a large selection of appropriately named Heavenly Cakes. Try the Boston Cream 2 Layer, Strawberry Tres Leches or Vanilla Bean Cheesecake. brios.net, 845-688-5370

Catamount Restaurant at Emerson Resort in Mount Tremper offers classic Chocolate Fudge

Brownies and Vic’s Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake with strawberries and whipped cream. emersonresort. com/catamount, 845-688-2828

Chef Zach Berger's Cultural Paradise LLC, various locations and possibly your home: Chef Zach can bake you a cinnamon cream cake with chocolate, Tree Juice Maple Syrup, and pine dust. takeachef. com/en-us/chef/zachary-berger, 914-924-2946

Hickory BBQ & Smokehouse in Kingston changes their homemade dessert menu daily; we love the Hummingbird Cake. hickoryrestaurant.com, 845-338-2424

High Falls Café in Marbletown serves up fresh, locally made desserts;

Main Course Catering Mahoney's Irish Pub

Chef Zach Berger

Bistro to Go

typical examples include pistachio cheesecake and Irish Whiskey cake. highfallscafe.com, 845-687-2699

Jessie's Harvest House in Tannersville makes Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake. jessiesharvesthouse. com, 518-589-5445

Mahoney's Irish Pub and Steakhouse in Poughkeepsie serves classic chocolate lava cake. mahoneysirishpub.com, 845-471-7026

Main Course Catering & Marketplace in New Paltz offers cheesecake varieties like Vanilla Chai, Peanut Butter, and Carrot Cream.

maincoursecatering.com, 845255-2600

Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz makes Crunch Cake with Vanilla Sponge, Toffee, Pecans, Chocolate Ganache, Salted Caramel, and Orange Peel. They’ve also got an old-school soda fountain. mohonk.com/dining, 855-883-3798

Olsen & Company in Saugerties offers pound cakes and loaves, classic chocolate chip cookies, and vegan biscotti. olsenandcompany.com, 845-247-7189

Rosie General on the Kingston waterfront makes a Hudson Valley Almond Honey Loaf and a lavender cookie sandwich. rosiegeneral.com

Sportsman’s Alamo Cantina in Phoenicia, under the same management as Brio’s, offers equal access to the Heavenly Cakes array—there are at least nine flavors on any given day, and the manager highly recommends the carrot. alamocantina.com, 845-688-5259

Terrapin Restaurant in Rhinebeck serves fresh-baked shortcake topped with locally sourced peaches, strawberries, and honey-sweetened whipped cream. terrapinrestaurant.com, 845-876-3330

Brickmen Kitchen + Bar

Mohonk Mountain House

Brio's Pizzeria & Restaurant

Rosie General

Asia in Stone Ridge sells fried ice cream for a sweet finish to your Asian fusion meal. asiastoneridge.com, 845687-9800

Brickmen Kitchen + Bar in uptown Kingston serves Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich Sliders. brickmenkingston.com, 845-882-7425

Colony Woodstock tops their black-and-blueberry crisp with vanilla ice cream. colonywoodstock.com, 845-679-7625

First Capital Poke Bar in Kingston offers Hawaiian Rainbow Shaved Ice in your choice of flavor. firstcapitalpokebar.com, 845-514-2801

Jar'd Wine Pub in New Paltz serves delicious Boozy Ice Pops that change each week. jardwinepub.com, 845-255-8466

Kelder’s Farm in Kerhonkson is the only place to get your Gnomie Shake, a creamy vanilla concoction named for

giant mascot Gnome Chomsky. keldersfarm.com, 845-626-7137

Mill & Main in Kerhonkson makes Tropical Sundaes: vanilla ice cream or seasonal sorbet with toasted coconut, caramelized pineapple, passion fruit syrup, and Luxardo cherries. eatmillandmain. com, 845-626-1458

Nancy's of Woodstock Artisanal Creamery makes homemade ice cream using only fresh, natural ingredients. Try a sundae, a float, or a custom cake. nancysartisanal.com, 845-684-5329

Stella's Station & Stella's Scoops in Saugerties lets you choose from among 24 flavors of Jane's Homemade and Hershey's Ice Cream made into milkshakes, floats, and cyclones. stellasstation.com, 845-246-5998

The River Pavillion at Hutton Brickyards offer open-air dining with desserts like Spumoni Gelato Bomba. huttonbrickyards.com, 845-514-4853 ice cream & pops

Jar'd Wine Pub

Nancy's Artisinal Creamery

Stella's Scoops

Kelder's Farm

pudding and custard

Garvan’s in New Paltz serves delicious Guinness creme brulée. garvans.com, 845-255-7888

Peekamoose Restaurant & Taproom in Big Indian makes their fresh chocolate pudding with Fruition Chocolate and their Buttermilk Panna Cotta with wildflower honey and blueberries. peekamooserestaurant.com, 845-254-6500

Sportsman ’s Alamo Cantina in Phoenicia makes delicious Flan. alamocantina.com, 845-688-5259

Seconds Restaurant in Athens has housemade rice pudding, along with servings of fresh berries topped with English cream. secondsrestaurant.com, 838-945-0702

The Pandorica in Beacon makes Apalapucia Bread Pudding—buttery bread and fruit baked in a creamy egg custard. thepandoricarestaurant.com, 845-831-6287

The Phoenician Steakhouse in Phoenicia (natch) serves creme brulée, traditional French custard topped with caramelized sugar. thephoeniciansteakhouse.com, 845-688-9800

Yum Yum Noodle Bar in Kingston offers Lychee Rose Panna Cotta. yumyumnoodlebar.com , 845-338-1400 donuts

Cider Donuts are a local farm staple. Whether plain, cinnamon or powdered— make a plan to try them all and see what farm you think has the best!

Cafe Marguerite in Margaretville makes donuts in unique flavors, huge chocolate

cookies, and lemon madeleines. cafemarguerite.com, 718-484-2121

Ole Savannah Southern Table & Bar on the Kingston waterfront offers Nutella & Salted Caramel Stuffed Beignets. olesavannah.com, 845-331-4283

Cafe Marguerite

Yum Yum Noodle Bar

Most of these places have more choices and menus that adapt to what’s fresh, what’s available, and whatever the chef is inspired by that day; check out online menus or—better yet—call ahead.

bonus : dessert for breakfast

Cafe Mio in Gardiner makes seasonal and special French toast varieties weekly. Past flavors have included citrus croissant French toast, blueberry-coconut croissant French toast, and orange cranberry bread pudding French toast. miogardiner.com, 845-255-4949

bonus , part two : zero guilt desserts

Bittersweet, the restaurant on the Hemlock Neversink resort campus, makes nontraditional desserts that will actually help you get healthier, crafted from ingredients like sweet potatoes and silky tofu. hemlockneversink.com, 845-985-1183

Photo by Upland Creative

Cafe Mio

Bittersweet at Hemlock Neversink

stella ' s station , saugerties

“We like to say we’re serving summer, whatever way you want it.” - Mike DePoala, chef/owner

Frozen drinks. Patio seating.

Fresh Jane’s Homemade or Hershey’s ice cream. Summer in Saugerties is Stella’s Station season, and 2024 is looking like the best one yet.

“We’ve redone the back patio,” says chef/owner Mike DePoala, “and added fire pits and some backyard games like corn hole and a concrete ping pong table. We do all kinds of frozen beverages: mudslides, daiquiris, margaritas, frozen blueberry lemonade, and Miami Vices—that’s half strawberry daiquiri and half pina colada. We also just added a whole section of nonalcoholic beers and mocktails to the menu. We like to say we’re serving summer, whatever way you want it.”

They’re also serving burgers, steamers, sandwiches, and salads—simple summer fare made with Culinary Institute flair. (Mike’s a grad.) And over the 12 years of Stella’s summers, they’ve focused on doing what people love at a price they can afford. “We know folks are struggling with the economy right now, and it's so important for us to keep our prices reasonable,” says Debbie DePoala, who handles Stella’s social media and marketing and runs communications for a global anti-hunger organization—and is Mike’s wife. “Even if folks maybe can't go out to eat as often, can't get that extra appetizer, we want to make sure they can have the experience. It's so important to get out and socialize.”

“We know folks are struggling with the economy right now, and it's so important for us to keep our prices reasonable.” - Debbie DePoala

You can do that in fine style here. Last summer, Stella’s Station began what will now be a fresh tradition: theme nights with DJ and dancing. “We had a Hawaiian night, a 90s night—the turnout was incredible,” says Debbie. “So you can expect a lot more of that. Follow our socials—we put the specials and the events on Facebook and Instagram.”

Even on a regular evening, there’s something about the vibe here that’s pure Saugerties.

“There’s so many more tourists, and so many more folks leaving the city life and moving upstate for more nature, more of the small-town vibe,” says Mike. “We welcome them and appreciate their business, and we're constantly amazed at how much of our local community

comes out and supports not just Stella’s, but really all the small businesses in town. We have a ton of regulars, and we’re loving how the tourist and newcomer community is really meshing with the longtime locals.”

As seasonal hosts, they relish each spring’s arrival, saying hello all over again and reuniting

“We're constantly amazed at how much of our local community comes out and supports not just Stella’s, but really all the small businesses in town.” – Mike DePoala

with their crew, about half of whom have been at Stella’s since the start. “We were just marveling at it, today, how supportive this community is,” says Debbie. “We’re both just turning 40 now, we have little kids, and it’s wonderful to live in a town

that does so much—the car show, the Saugerties Stallions games. The way people take care of each other. We watch their kids grow, they’ll be watching ours…The little one has just now figured out that Mommy and Daddy own an ice cream stand.”

stella ' s station

150 Partition St, Saugerties 845-246-5998

stellasstation.com

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!

Explore

the shawangunk wine

( and cider / distillery ) trail

The art, science, and history of quality beverage production are a Hudson Valley specialty. You could try something new and different every week and not run out of fresh ideas for a long, long time. We’re proud of the craft beverage wave that’s carried Hudson Valley vintners, cider makers, distillers, and brewers to national acclaim. Through the lens of getting to know our beverage makers, you can learn a whole lot of Hudson Valley history, geography, and agriculture—and most of all, experience the hospitable spirit we’ve been perfecting in these parts for centuries. Each of our indie beverage operations is somebody’s dream come to life, and they’d love to have you come over and taste the results.

The best way to organize your explo-

ration, the Shawangunk Wine Trail, has been going strong for about three decades, all through the craft beverage revolution. These days, they’ve added some cideries and distilleries to the mix. Why not make this the summer you become a connoisseur? Grab a Shawangunk Wine Trail Passport, on sale through July 31 and good through August, and pick yourself an enticing spot for your first complimentary tasting flight.

No matter where you land, the hospitality and scenery will be splendid. If you want to make a day of it and visit three or four, they’ve got transportation companies who’ll provide you a designated driver. There’s even a blank page in the Passport so you can note down your favorites for future reference.

Grab a Shawangunk Wine Trail Passport, on sale through July 31 and good through August, and pick yourself an enticing spot for your first complimentary tasting flight.

ANGRY ORCHARD has built a national brand from its unique Cider House in Walden, where you’ll find exceptional hospitality and fun, inclusive, educational experiences. Cider-making traditions are honored and celebrated through captivating storytelling; there’s a Tree House to discover and an in-house kitchen, and this year you can sample their brand-new line of fruit-based canned cocktails. angryorchard.com, 800-362-7110

APPLEWOOD WINERY in Warwick makes tasty International Red, Riesling, Chardonnay, blackberry wine, and much more, including their Naked Flock Cider. (We hear the new Lemon Ginger Cider tastes like summertime in a can.) At the Pavilion Bar and the Cafe, you can pair your selection with a charcuterie board, a wood-fired pizza, or some empanadas. applewoodwinery.com, 845-988-9292

BENMARL WINERY in Marlboro, proud producers of small-batch deliciousness, is home to the oldest vineyard in America and holds New York Farm Winery License #1. They’re hosting a Seafood and Wine Fest June 22, Sangria Festivals in July and August, an “Off the Vine” comedy series that promises “palette-busting” laughs, and grape stomping in September. benmarl.com, 845-236-4265 beverage destinations

BROOKLYN CIDER HOUSE/TWIN STAR ORCHARDS in New Paltz got its start when renowned wine buyer and connoisseur Peter Yi tasted natural Basque cider straight from the barrel, came home, and told his sister Susan he knew what they needed to do next. Nowadays, cider from their Twin Star Orchards wins awards; come visit the cidery, tasting room, farm store, and pond-side pavilion, munch on a wood-fired pizza, and watch the dream coming true before your eyes. brooklynciderhouse.com, 845-633-8657

BROTHERHOOD WINERY in Washingtonville is a beverage epic. Its first commercial vintage was released in 1839, it survived Prohibition by producing wine for medicinal and sacramental purposes, and artfully made wines still age in huge oaken casks in dimly lit cellars. They’d love to have you come by for a tour and a taste and some “tall tales of folly and tragedy” while you learn how it’s done; follow up your tour with some creative American cuisine at the 1839 Restaurant and Bar. brotherhood-winery.com, 845-496-3661

CITY WINERY HUDSON VALLEY in Montgomery is what happens when a venue-maker with a love of wine and music sees the possibilities in a 130-year-old mill: a fully functioning hydro-powered winery, tasting room and restaurant, wedding venue, private event space, and indoor / outdoor concert venue. Come by for world-class wines, Mediterranean-inspired small plates, and an adventure; the calendar is always packed with live music, stand-up comics, podcast recordings, and more. citywinery.com/hudsonvalley, 845-424-0222

MAGNANINI FARM WINERY in Wallkill loves hosting big, sixcourse, family-style dinners: there’s one for Father’s Day on June 16, a Pesto Pasta Party on July 14, a Cheesy Ravioli Party on August 11, and the Val Taro Accordion Extravaganza on August 25. The Magnaninis bottled their first 1,000 gallons 40 years ago, and they just keep getting better. There are eight different wines grown, harvested, fermented, and bottled on-site and exclusively available here, and house-made gnocchi, ravioli, cappelletti, salami, coppa, and prosciutto to go with. magwine.com, 845-895-2767

QUARTZ ROCK VINEYARD AND BEDROCK CIDERY in Marlboro is kid- and pet-friendly, and you’re welcome to bring your own food and have a picnic. There’s live music happening every weekend (check their calendar for comedy and food fests) and all of it pairs beautifully with their selection of exceptional wines and ciders; a Wine Associate will bring a flight right to your outdoor table for a uniquely relaxed tasting experience. quartzrockvineyard. com, 845-236-3265

ROBIBERO WINERY in New Paltz is a passion project for Harry and Carole Robibero, who purchased these 42 acres in 2003. There was a winery there, and Harry was fascinated: his grandfather had made outstanding wines, and when that winery relocated, Robibero was born in its place. Come by for a taste of the artisanal results, and check the calendar to see what special celebrations might be coming up. robiberofamilyvineyards.com, 845-255-9463

STOUTRIDGE DISTILLERY & WINERY in Marlboro has been crafting small-batch spirits and natural wines from local ingredients since 2000, tucked away beside a grand limestone ridge, on land where grapes have been grown since the late 1700s. Making all-natural wines with a gravity-flow process, they’re also one of only eight distilleries in America doing their own malting and the only one to use a traditional Scottish malting floor—come experience, learn, and taste the results for yourself. stoutridge.com, 845-236-7620

WARWICK VALLEY WINERY & DISTILLERY in Warwick is the oldest cidery in New York State; they’ve been making cider from real fruit since long before it trended, creating their Doc’s Cider brand in 1994, adding a locally sourced, scratch-made cafe back in 1998 and launching their American Fruits line of brandies, liquors, and cordials in 2001, when they became the first craft distillery in New York since Prohibition. Since 2012 they’ve run Black Dirt Distillery, the largest craft distillery on the East Coast. Come, enjoy—there’s live music at the natural amphitheater every weekend. wvwinery.com, 845-258-4858

WHITECLIFF VINEYARD is a 30-year passion project created by a couple deeply dedicated to sustainability, environmentalism, and great vegan wines. Both of Michael Migliore’s grandfathers made wine; he’s a graduate-level organic chemist who works closely with Cornell Cooperative Extension on pushing the grape-growing envelope with ever-evolving results. His wife, Yancey Stanforth-Migliore, has absorbed extensive knowledge of the field that she’ll gladly share when you visit their lovely tasting room, which often hosts a variety of pop-up events. whitecliffwine. com, 845-255-4613

Shop Locally

stone ridge spirits & wine

Going to a fine liquor store should feel like the first stage of your celebration, and that’s just what customers had come to expect at Stone Ridge Wine & Spirits, lovingly curated by Tim and Laurel Sweeney for almost

three decades. And when it came time to pass the torch, the Sweeneys found the ideal successors: Jamie Cobb and Gene Fina, talented partners in work and life whose love story began at one of the shop’s very own wine tastings.

Jamie Cobb and Gene Fina are talented partners in work and life whose love story began at one of the wine tastings at Stone Ridge Spirits & Wine.

Cobb, a Rondout Valley native, had found a professional home at the store for 15 years, honing her gift for customer service alongside her informed fascination with wine. Fina grew up in Yonkers, but spent summers and weekends in Tillson, just outside Rosendale; his career in retail design took him all over the world, and when it was time to stake out a nest in the 2000s, he chose Stone Ridge.

The couple bonded over their mutual fondness for the fine wine shop that first night, and when they were offered the opportunity to take it over and keep the magic alive, they didn’t hesitate. The store—rechristened Stone Ridge Spirits & Wine to mark the changing of the guard—became theirs in October of 2023, and from the first, they’ve known

exactly how they wanted to blend their carefully crafted cocktail.

“We want to be the best wine and spirits shop in the whole Hudson Valley,” says Cobb, “with the best selection, finest customer service, and most beautiful shopping environment. We really want to make sure you have an exceptional buying experience, and we do that with our education and experience and the welcome you get. We offer lots of local, small-batch, and hard-to-find products; we’re proud of our unique selection, and excited to share it with everyone who comes in.”

They’re always exploring. “This industry is forever changing, and we love to learn new things every day,” says Cobb. “We’re passionate about all aspects of

“We want to be the best wine and spirits shop in the whole Hudson Valley.”

– Jamie Cobb, co-owner, Stone Ridge Spirits & Wine

wine and spirits. Plus, we love hearing from our customers how much they loved a product—or didn’t. There’s always more to be learned.”

They’ve expanded the shop’s legendary wine and spirits tastings, adding Friday night events to the traditional Saturdays by popular demand, bringing in still more variety from all over the planet. (Lest the reader forget, it was at one such event that Cobb and Fina found each other and a life path. Your mileage may vary, but that’s a high-proof evening in anyone’s book.)

“We love trying new products with staff, family, friends, and customers,” Cobb says. “We get such a great mix, from the local regulars to the visitors who discover us, and there’s a trust-building process that happens. We listen, really listen, and get a sense of what special item might be just the right thing for their taste and their occasion. We—everyone who works here included—pride ourselves on wonderful recommendations.”

Cobb, of course, knows the business inside and out, having helped it grow

“We're looking forward to many great seasons of growth, expanding your experience as our own gets wider and deeper.”

– Gene Fina, co-owner, Stone Ridge Spirits & Wine

and expand and weather the pandemic. Fina brings his three decades of design and merchandising. “I understand the aesthetics of retail, and the ways in which customers interact and connect with a space,” he says. “We’re both working harder than we ever have in our lives and loving it. We're looking forward to

many great seasons of growth, expanding your experience as our own gets wider and deeper.”

At press time, the website of Stone Ridge Spirits and Wine was under construction; give them a call and get on the email list to stay updated on the latest tasty offerings.

stone ridge spirits & wine

3853 Main Street, Stone Ridge 845-687-7125

Meet the Owners

blue heron books

Rejoice with us, dear readers, as we welcome “Blue Heron Books—New * Used * Banned” to our banquet of artful Rondout Valley retail. Owners Jean Mills and Martha Haag's mission statement, “An eclectic selection of new, used, and banned books for all ages and all budgets…our store is dedicated to your right to read” gets straight to the core of what makes an indie bookstore great.

Mills grew up in Weymouth, just south of Boston, and ever since reading Harriet the Spy as a kid, knew she wanted to lead a literary

life. “Basically, I wanted to be a famous writer,” she says. “Both of my parents worked in factories, and neither went to college, but my mother loved reading and read voraciously in literature, history, mystery, science fiction, science fact, ancient Greek and Roman, Babylonian, Sumerian… She instilled that love of reading and knowledge and learning in each of us.”

After college, she headed to the literary frontier of New York City, and had a great many adventures. “In a way, I've been training for this experience my entire life,” she

Blue Heron’s mission statement, “An eclectic selection of new, used, and banned books for all ages and allbudgets…our store is dedicated to your right to read” gets straight to the core of what makes an indie bookstore great. says. “As an academic, I obviously have an interest in literature and the arts, but before that I was a freelance writer and a ghost-writer and worked on the business side of publishing at Literistic and then Sterling Lord Literistic. I worked briefly on the business side of television, as a script coordinator and assistant to the producer in the first year of Law and Order. I can attest to the fact that Dick Wolf is a good writer and cares very much about the writing on his shows!”

ning Blue Heron Books, she’s the chair of the English department at John Jay College.

After 15 years in the professional world of words, she dove even deeper and earned her doctorate in English literature; besides run-

2015 was a watershed year in which she said farewell to both her mother and her intellectual mentor, feminist literary pioneer Jane Marcus. Their departures set her on the path to opening Blue Heron. “I guess (the catalyst) was conversations with the recently but dearly departed!” she says. “I spent two years establishing archives in each of their names at two separate colleges…but after they both passed away, I kept seeing blue herons alllll over the place. And, in one of these conversations I thought, gee, that would be a great

“I love talking to people about books…I'm guiding their reading interests, but they're also guiding mine, and I love that. It's a win-win interaction.”

– Jean Mills, co-owner, Blue Heron Books

name for a bookstore. I could even see how I wanted the sign and logo to look. It was crystal clear to me. They both agreed. But it really wasn't until my wife, Martha, insisted I turn this crazy idea into a reality that I, with her support and encouragement and input at all levels, began to think that it was crazy enough to work— and off we went.”

There was a lot to learn, as neither Mills nor Haag had ever worked in retail. “Nevertheless, we leaped, and things started to click into place, almost as if it were meant to happen,” says Mills.

On September 16, 2023, Blue Heron opened its doors, offering a full-service book-buying experience and a wide range of choices. “We lean to-

wards the literary, politics, history, and education, towards LGBTQ+ and BIPOC writers, open forums and events, but also towards mysteries and thrillers, sci-fi and fantasy, light reads, quick reads along with the weighty tomes,” Mills says. “We don't just do new or used, we have both, and we're very attuned to the banned.” Links on the store’s website will take you to online platforms

“In a way, I've been training for this experience my entire life. As an academic, I obviously have an interest in literature and the arts, but before that I was a freelance writer and a ghost-writer.” – Jean Mills

where books or audiobooks can be ordered for home delivery, and you can also place special orders for in-person pickup.

Celebrations on the calendar at Blue Heron include frequent author events for all ages and descriptions, Pride Month events in June, and a “Shakespeare in the Park(ing lot)” series through the summer featuring local actors and readers. “Our goal is to be a meaningful member of the High Falls and wider Hudson Valley community,” says Mills. “If the pandemic taught us anything, it's the importance of community and connection in

real time. It has been upsetting to us, as it has been to many in our community, to see a national appetite for banning books, policing ideas, and prescribing thought. Blatant, egregious attacks on ordinary citizens who are doing the most important work, in our public libraries and schools, people who volunteer as election workers and the like, are beyond the pale.

I'm sure that one little independent bookstore isn't going to be the cure for all that ails us, but we are happy to be a part of a response that's based on civic engagement, compassion, and conversation.”

The community has embraced Blue Heron, and Mills says she is having a blast. “The High Falls community is here for it, and so are we. I love hearing from the kids—we love our conversations with all of them, and with their parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins… the groups of friends who come up for the weekend, the solitary browsers, everyone. And the biggest surprise for me was that wow, I really like people! Writing, especially the kind I’ve focused on, is a very solitary pursuit—it can be isolating. But people aren’t the way social media portrays them. When you have a chance to hang out and talk, before, you know, buying a book and grabbing a slice—we’re so glad to have Ollie’s right across the street—it's enormously rewarding. I feel like I'm someplace that matters when I am able to have conversations with actual people, surrounded by books and sometimes by the people who wrote them. Learning what my customers are reading, thinking, and laughing about; opening those delivery boxes and finding the treasures inside—every day feels like a holiday.”

blue heron books

1209 Route 213, High Falls

845-377-1089

Shop Local

hamilton & adams

:

upstate and chill

In spring 2017, a fresh new brand made its debut on John Street in Kingston: Hamilton & Adams, a men’s emporium offering top-notch clothing and gear, the creation of Clark Hamilton Chaine and Andrew Adam Addotta, whose middle names just happen to evoke a whiff of the Revolution that happened here so long ago. “If I’d stood here in 2017

when we opened and said, ‘This is what I want to do,’ I don't know if we ever would have been able to accomplish that,” says Addotta.

“It's all happened organically and, I think, just the way it was supposed to.”

The store weathered the pandemic in style with a major website expansion and has now

‘Upstate & Chill’ has really gotten out into the world. So many people have made this place a part of their story, and it’s really neat and sweet to be part of that connection when they’re looking for a gift or a piece of memory lane for themselves. - Andrew Adam Addotta

The

500-square-foot Atrium holds women’s wear with the same kind of classic clean lines and versatility that have made the shop a destination for men.

shipped to every state in the union. “So ‘Upstate & Chill’ has really gotten out into the world,” says Addotta, sounding pleased and a bit amazed. “So many people have made this place a part of their story, and it’s really neat and sweet to be part of that connection when they’re looking for a gift or a piece of memory lane for themselves. And it totally works as

a way to balance out the highs and lows of a bricks-and-mortar store.”

As the brick-and-mortar world bloomed back to life, Chaine and Addotta carved out a larger piece of it, starting with the 500-squarefoot Atrium, which holds women’s wear from brands like Alex Mill and Karen Kane with the

same kind of classic clean lines and versatility that have made the shop a destination for men: clothes you can wear everywhere.

“People wanted women's wear from us, and it just wasn’t going to fit in the original space,” says Addotta. “So when we got the opportunity to add additional storefronts and combine

them, we grabbed it, and we’ve gotten a nice reception. I feel like we’ve carved out a niche as a place where a woman can find casual clothes that look and feel wonderful—from a great pair of jeans onward.”

In 2021, when the realtor on the corner sold his business, the third piece of the puzzle fell into place. It’s now the Lodge, home to all the home goods, personal care products, and “Upstate & Chill” merch. “That was a shower idea, actually,” says Addotta of the slogan, “back when we were first thinking up T-shirt graphics. It really encompasses what visitors find here: you can enjoy great art, great food, great nature, all of it

among great people, and just show up as yourself. That acceptance, that’s the essence of chill, and it’s also the essence of upstate.”

This past spring, H&A expanded the Upstate & Chill line with new sunwashed graphic tees, hoodies and sweatshirts for spring and summer, all 100% American cotton, printed in Kingston using environmentally friendly water-based ink. They’re playing to their strengths: flannels, sweaters, and woven goods that will last and look great for years and years.

“We're continuing to edit and refine what we have,” says Addotta. “I

“You can enjoy great art, great food, great nature, all of it among great people, and just show up as yourself. That acceptance, that’s the essence of chill, and it’s also the essence of upstate.” - Andrew Adam Addotta

really want to focus on our assortment, balancing the needs of our local and digital customers—finding great brands that people maybe haven't heard of or haven't been able to try on in person, matching people to products that they've not seen before. We definitely have better success with things that are unique, not basic or common.”

right at home here as soon as he arrived, and he relishes watching the place change, grow, and diversify.

Possibly it’s that flair for the unique that’s made Hamilton & Adams such a neat fit for the Stockade District, a place for the singular to thrive: This is where a woman born a slave won her court case in 1828, and where an annual festival lets performers and artists swap work for medical care. Addotta told us in 2008 that he felt

“I think the neighborhood is much more vibrant than it was when we opened,” he says. “Some of the places that closed left big holes, but overall, there are more businesses to support the people that are living or visiting here. The restaurant scene has expanded—more places to go and break bread together is always good. And it feels much more like a community than it did. For a whole bunch of reasons, this area just seems to attract like-minded people, each one of them completely different, so many of them absolutely wonderful.”

hamilton and adams

32 John Street, Kingston 845-383-1039

hamiltonandadams.com

•

Meet the Owner

stone wave yoga - the collective

“The main thing about Stone Wave Collective is friendliness at every level. We’re beginner-friendly, returning-friendly, body-friendly.” – Liz Glover Wilson

When East Village event planner and longtime yogi Liz Glover Wilson opened Stone

Wave Yoga Collective in the shadow of the Shawangunk Ridge back in 2017, she had a vision: a comeas-you-are space where anyone interested in what yoga has to offer could dip a toe in and see what happened—and where those wishing to deepen their practice would find the training they needed. She wanted to create a place that transcended the stereotype of yoga as suited only to the lithe and fit, or to any one type of person, age group, or other demographic.

Seven years later, that vision is a reality, solid as a rock and flowing like a wave; the studio has grown into the power its name implies.

“Stone Wave is so much more than a yoga studio. It is a place of comfort, community and sharing,” writes a Google reviewer in one of over 90 five-star reviews. “The people who teach, as well as the people who attend are what make this place so wonderful. The minute you walk in, you feel welcomed and free of judgment. In my experience, yoga can be intimidating to newcomers, especially in certain studios. I've never felt

When Liz Glover Wilson opened Stone Wave

Yoga Collective, she wanted to create a place that transcended the stereotype of yoga as suited only to the lithe and fit, or to any one type of person, age group, or other demographic.

“My instinct is just to say that it all works because of authentic love—just staying focused on the love-based vision of creating a community that is truly about come-as-you-are.”

– Liz Glover Wilson

this here. It's somewhere where you can learn and grow your practice without feeling hindered by others. I cannot recommend this studio enough. Between the welcoming space and the gorgeous views, there is so much to love here.”

People are finding what they seek, whether it’s regular exercise, easing sore muscles, trauma-informed teacher training, or “Mindful Movement and Music” after-school sessions for the kids. People come here to meditate and to marry, to heal and to help.

Sunflower Art Studios, the associated nonprofit, has nurtured the creativity and flexibility of over 600 children; none are ever turned away for finan-

cial reasons. Stone Wave teachers provide yoga instruction at two local resorts, the neighboring Wildflower by Auberge and Audrey’s Farmhouse in Walden. People book the on-premises getaway space, the Harmony Inn, on a regular basis and design their own retreats, which can include anything from rock-climbing to skydiving to a distillery tour without ever leaving the Gardiner town limits.

So, besides the glorious setting, what is the secret sauce that’s helped Stone Wave flourish? “My instinct is just to say that it all works because of authentic love,” Wilson says. “I think staying true to that vision, despite all the ups and downs and outer threats—just stay-

ing focused on the love-based vision of creating a community that is truly about come-as-you-are and fostering that environment has made it all work. The deeper I go into my own studies, the more I find the same truth: that is what true love is. It's not conditional. It's about staying steady and staying authentic, no matter what is said or done from the outside. Coming from a place of non-judgment, maintaining that open-armed environment and really honoring people, whether students or instructors.”

Beyond fostering that environment in its own studios in Gardiner and Poughkeepsie, Stone

Wave radiates it into the wider world. “We've graduated 240 teachers from here since 2019,” says Wilson. “We are so happy to see our teachers everywhere, in studios all over the Hudson

Valley and down in the city, in Wisconsin and Connecticut and Florida. And that's the goal—to make sure that yoga is being offered to all different types of communities in all different locations so that we really can have a further reach and give people the access to this beautiful modality. So yeah, go and take this wherever the river leads you.”

Maintaining a high-touch business through the pandemic shutdown was a challenge, but the love-centered business model turned out to offer solutions.

“We immediately launched a sustainable membership program and a lot of members signed on, which really helped us through that first eight months,” she says.

“We converted the second half of our building into the Harmony Inn, and it's been doing extremely well coming into its second

year—very affordable, with panoramic views of the ridge, and it includes unlimited yoga, pantry items, and the most comfortable bed in the Hudson Valley. It’s an oasis, this little Zen apartment for people to come and get a night away.” The studio itself can be rented for “compatible uses that don’t compete— book clubs, milestone parties, kids’ parties,” says Wilson. “All in all, it kept us going. And we’re still offering most of our classes accessible by Zoom, so we now have people dialing in from all over the place for our daily classes. We had to figure it out as we went along; at first, we were all a bit unsure, trying to understand how to teach people who weren’t physically in front of us. But we’re really good at it now.”

I took that time to create a yoga bolster that’s antimicrobial and can be sprayed down; I mean, you can bleach it if you want, and the vegan vinyl holds up. It’s actually a pretty great thing for studios and places where equipment gets shared.” The bolsters can be purchased on Stone Wave’s website.

Stone Wave Poughkeepsie, despite having opened just eight months before the shutdown, also survived and is currently thriving. “We have a dedicated hot yoga studio upstairs, and then we have a boutique storefront studio downstairs offering everything from prenatal to senior yoga to karate to Zen vinyasa.”

When the going gets tough, the flowing gets going. “When we closed for the pandemic, I couldn’t use my props because of the germs, and

Growing since the pandemic: senior classes, trauma-sensitive instruction, and core strengthening. “Your core is everything: your digestion, your sensuality, your willpower,” Wilson says. “So we have mat Pilates and

HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts that focus on that.

“The main thing about Stone Wave Collective is friendliness at every level. We’re beginner-friendly, returning-friendly, body-friendly. Even if you’re here for hot yoga that’s generally very scripted, we stay open to you modifying and finding what works for your body. All of us strive to make sure that we’re not aesthetic teachers—we’re not looking for people to look a certain way. We’re looking for them to find true freedom in their body, and we just create the space for that. That’s everything to me.”

To give Stone Wave a try, you can sign up for a New Student Special—five classes within two weeks for just $35, chosen from an encyclopedic menu of options. And on Saturday, June 8, Stone Wave will be celebrating the first seven years of growth by inviting anyone interested to come by for food, yoga, music, dancing, and fun.

“Seven is a key number in numerology,” observes Wilson, “having a lot to do with completion, perfection and stability, which embodies where we are right now. And I am just so incredibly grateful—this is all such a huge gift.”

stone wave yoga - the collective 845-419-5219

2694 US 44 55, Gardiner 2 LaGrange Avenue, Poughkeepsie stonewaveyoga.com

Meet the Owner

traditional okinawan karate at new paltz karate academy

Ever consider karate as a fitness pathway? If you haven’t, it’s possible you’re missing out. Studies show that karate helps just about everything about your body: better flexibility, toning, range of motion, posture, and energy are just a few of the main benefits. Then there’s the psychological and spiritual payoff: Discipline, confidence, patience, and alertness are all enhanced by the century-old art form. Karate can be transformative, whether you start at age 5 or 65. At New Paltz Karate Academy, you can check it out

free of charge for two full weeks.

After graduating from SUNY at New Paltz, Catskills native Maurey Levitz moved to New Jersey for a computer programming job. To keep life balanced, he took up traditional Okinawan karate. “I wanted to learn something new and do something physical,” he says. “And I seemed to have a knack for it. They started advancing me faster than most people.”

A few years later, New Paltz beckoned him back. The crisis hotline

he’d been involved with was about to shut down if no one stepped in, and he couldn’t let that happen, so he moved back up here and started graduate work in psychology. “But I missed the karate people I knew in Jersey,” he says. “I was not moving back to New Jersey, and I couldn’t get my New Jersey people to move up here, so I said, well, I’ll just have to make some more karate people up here.”

In 1992, already an adjunct professor and doing therapy for an internship, he founded New Paltz Karate Academy and did just that. “I liked teaching, and I liked counseling, and being

a karate teacher was just a really good opportunity to put those two facets together,” he says. “Being a therapist is very rewarding, but you’re primarily dealing with the negative aspects of people’s lives. And as a professor, you deal mainly with college-age people. As the karate teacher, I get to work with people across the lifespan, for longer periods of time, and not just focus on a certain aspect of their life, but whatever aspects of their lives that they invite you into and that you're able to help with. I still teach a couple of courses, but psychology's been the hobby and karate's been the main focus.”

Karate can be transformative, whether you start at age 5 or

65.

Discipline, confidence, patience, and alertness are all enhanced by the century-old art form.

It would be fair to say he’s made quite a few more karate people up here to hang with. Today, Levitz runs Traditional Okinawan Karate, an organization with outposts in East Fishkill, Pleasant Valley, Brooklyn, and Kinnelon, New Jersey, all of them offering martial arts and fitness for all ages.

“It’s enormously rewarding,” says Levitz. “You get to just help people get healthier. I’ve seen people stop needing medications, seen people switch from needing a chiropractor three times a week to taking karate three times a week. I’ve had people tell me that without the school, they wouldn’t still be

around—that it was such a community that it kept them from making bad choices.”

Levitz says people begin their journey for a variety of reasons and then discover bonus benefits along the way. “It varies a lot,” he says. “A lot of times it's exercise. Sometimes, it's self-defense. Sometimes, it's confidence. Often, it's a social thing. Social connections, gathering to do things together, has always been something that's made America great, and that's on a big decline. The karate school is one of these places where that's still happening— you can get together and work out hard and have a soda or

The dojo is a place to face your fears in a supportive environment, and everyone can benefit from that.

beer with them after class, and you’re with a group of people who are all trying to make themselves better in some way, so the common denominator is very positive.”

Karate is a useful form of self-defense, and Levitz recalls one particular scenario in which a bullied student turned the tables—landing in minor trouble but with his larger problem, with a larger kid, ultimately resolved with a peace treaty. But he says that having karate skills and the confidence that comes with them is more likely to prevent a fight in the first place. “People ask me how teaching a kid how to punch and kick can make them less likely to fight, and I have various ways of explaining it. First of all, a lot

of aggression comes from insecurity. Bullies aren’t happy, right? So imagine this: you’re an eighth-grader and a little fifth-grader is picking on you. How seriously do you take it, what’s your response? You don’t feel like you need to hurt a little kid. You walk away. But if the roles are reversed, it’s scary and upsetting. The smaller person can feel helpless. What martial arts can do for you is make anyone who’s bothering you into the equivalent of that fifth-grader you don’t need to bother with, so you don’t feel any shame in turning away from the fight.”

Many karate schools in the US, he says, are about 80-90% kids, and he’s proud of the fact that New Paltz Karate Academy is much closer to 50/50

kids/adults. “I love the diversity of it,” he says. “And I love the diversity of issues that bring people in. One parent might bring in a kid to build confidence, because they’re shy; another might bring in a kid who has a hard time controlling himself and being peaceful. What happens in the class is that both of those kids will get pulled toward the center, toward taking charge of their own behavior through practice, so kids with seemingly opposite needs both get what they need from the same class. Adults, too; they’ll come in for one reason and gradually discover a lot of other benefits. The dojo is a place to face your fears in a supportive environment, and everyone can benefit from that.”

Shop Locally

a & m hardware

Since it opened in 1980, A&M Hardware has been bringing the essentials of country living to the Accord area: the nuts and the bolts, the tools and the tips on using them. That, in itself, is a beautiful service—but to be a great hardware store takes a little more. It’s a constantly evolving business that demands creativity, flexibility, and efficiency—and customers find all that and more at A&M. Sure, they can sharpen your chainsaw or sell you the best pair of pliers in the known universe. But you can also find an oilfree infrared turkey fryer, maple sugaring supplies in season, and a cruelty-free mousetrap.

Hardware sales is a constantly evolving business that demands creativity, flexibility, and efficiency— and customers find all that and more at A&M.

Creativity is baked into this store’s DNA. “It’s definitely become a cornerstone over 41 years,” says owner Jeremy Mirto. “My mom and dad, Anthony and Michele, were the original A&M in the name. But the roots go back before that, to my mom’s father. He used to have a hardware store in the middle of Accord, near Mettacahonts Road; he closed it to help finance my parents when they wanted to open A&M. He went on to do his own thing at flea markets, but he definitely played a huge part in getting this started. And when it first got going, it wasn’t exactly a hardware store—it was sort of a flea market itself; they’d buy things wholesale and sell whatever they thought people would want. It evolved into a hardware store because that’s what the community needed.”

Mirto has vivid memories of those early years. “My dad had a giant 15-passenger van and he ripped all the back seats out, and we’d go to the wholesale store and load it up with deals on overstock or stuff from places going out of business, and then go stock the store. We never knew what we’d find: I remember at one point having 2,000 baseball caps. We didn’t get deliveries. I don’t think delivery trucks were even a thing for small indie stores back then.”

The freestyle approach led to lots of interesting moments. “I remember a time years ago when we sold women’s underwear and bras for a while because we got a dynamite deal on them. We had a big bin of them outside, and people were swarming it, a real feeding frenzy. Bras were flying

“It’s definitely become a cornerstone over 41 years."

– owner Jeremy Mirto

through the air everywhere.”

Helping out at the store was a big part of Jeremy’s childhood and teen years. “Violating all the labor laws,” he chuckles. “But it’s the same with my daughter—she’s 9 now, and she absolutely loves being behind the counter ringing up customers. And I’d have to say I learned a whole lot of technical stuff from our customers.”

In 1994, the store’s elderly building burned to the ground. “I was maybe 11 or 12,” Jeremy recalls. “The building was a couple hundred years old—it had been a theater, and I think it might have been a church before that. The electrical wiring was ancient. It caught fire in the middle of the night, and there was just nothing left. My grandparents had been living in a little apartment in the back; thank goodness they got out, but it was all gone. We were down for the count.”

But long before the count concluded, the Mirtos were on their way to a brighter future. “The community was amazing,” Mirto says. “I remember the local ice cream shop delivered a gallon to our house on Christmas Day to cheer us up. One of the highway department guys, just a kid then really, used to show up to help us rebuild every day and shovel when it snowed. Everyone just joined forces for us.”

Mirto studied economics in college, but soon realized a desk job would never satisfy him. Nevertheless, he wanted to do his own thing. His inspiration came from A&M customers. “In 2006, we were selling loads of standby generators, and everybody wanted to know how to install them, who could help them with that. So I learned, and that’s one of the things we still do in my other business to this day.”

That other business, Reliable Energy Solutions, was officially founded in 2010 and now installs not just generators but ductless AC/heat pumps, high efficiency boilers, and propane heating and hot water systems. “We offer a very select menu of services that are in high demand,” says Mirto. “We do what customers want: give them the options and the pros and cons of each and empower them to make an educated decision. I also tell them what I’d do if it was my house, because that’s the one question everyone always asks.”

In 2022, “it came time that my dad wanted to sell this place,” says Mirto. “He was the sole owner at that point, and fortunately I’d done well enough that I was in a position to purchase it from him. I have my customers to thank for that; they’re the ones who made it possible.”

had the place running like a fine Swiss watch. “I love being here, always have, but management and delegation is key,” he says. “We train our own people, we promote from within, so it’s been organic growth. And I love watching glass ceilings shatter. I love diversity. I’d love to see more applicants from all over the spectrum of humanity. Hardware and the trades aren’t just a guy thing—I work with a female-owned electrical company all the time. It’s about your ethics and knowing what you’re doing, doesn’t matter who you are—I actually replaced our skid steer with one that was better for shorter people. I don’t know who designs those dang machines, but the pedals were hard to reach, so we immediately replaced it.”

He wouldn’t have been as interested, he says, if Tony hadn’t already

Those employees might have wondered what changes the transition from father to son would bring, but they were immediately reassured. “I took them all out to dinner, gave

“We’ve got people who’ve been here for 15, 20 years and have the best knowledge on how to make it better." – owner Jeremy Mirto

everyone a well-deserved raise, and asked for their feedback,”

Mirto says. “They were all very informative, and we’ve been making some subtle changes, like opening up some more square footage inside the store. We own another building next to the store, and we’re going to be doing something with that next year, and I’m taking everyone’s opinion into account. That way, nobody’s upset and we get the benefit of a very smart organizational culture— we’ve got people who’ve been

here for 15, 20 years and have the best knowledge on how to make it better.”

As a new, proud owner, Mirto wants to see A&M evolve and keep its cornerstone status for the next 40 years and beyond. “My father did a great job for 40 years, but he wasn’t big on change,” he says. “He kinda rode the wave, you know? It’s been a really great wave, and I’m grateful for the foundation. But we’re not done surfing yet.”

a & m hardware

5000 US-209, Accord , 845-626-2788

amhardware.doitbest.com

hv summer fun & events

If there’s one thing we adore around here, it’s a great excuse to get together. What follows is just a sampling; there are craft fairs, Fourth of July celebrations, music, food truck convocations and all sorts of things going on all over the place.

Here are some highlights—grab your sunscreen, lace up your comfy footwear, and get ready for some truly spectacular fun.

Kingston nonprofit Harambee (The Coming Together of People) will host its 7th annual JUNETEENTH: CELEBRATING FREEDOM gathering along with the opening and dedication of the new African Cultural Center on Saturday, June 15, with a procession, music, performance art, children’s activities, and vendors.

KINGSTON, JUNE 15 harambeekingstonny.org

THE HUDSON VALLEY INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE VOICE brings world-class opera performers upstate to let their hair down and sing their hearts out. This year’s highlights will include star-studded galas (the 15th Anniversary celebration will be hosted by the world-renowned Opera Cowgirls); a powerhouse a capella performance from Lady Parts; and performances of Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” and Puccini’s Messa Di Gloria.

NEW PALTZ, JUNE 28-30 hudsonvalleyvoicefest.org

THE SAWYER MOTORS 2024 CAR SHOW, a.k.a.

The Best Little Car Show in the Northeast, will take over the village of Saugerties for its 20th celebration, closing Main and Partition Streets to welcome hundreds of gleaming classic autos, with live bands on every corner. Shops and restaurants will be wide open for business, 50 trophies will be handed out, and kids of all ages will be having a blast.

SAUGERTIES, JULY 7 sawyermotorscarshow.com

The second annual BORSCHT BELT FESTIVAL will be a rollicking, heartfelt celebration of a cultural phenomenon that ruled the Catskills for a good part of the 20th century and radiated out into mainstream culture in countless ways, birthing modern standup comedy, launching dozens of stars. The street fair, exhibits, musical performances, and movie screenings are free; tickets to the comedy shows and lectures help fund the Borscht Belt Museum that’s been created in a grand historic building.

ELLENVILLE, JULY 27-28

borschtbeltfest.org

At DUTCHESS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, you’ll find the region’s largest county fair happening in August, packed with rides, games, exhibits, live performances at the grandstand, and fabulous fair food. The fairgrounds also host major antiques, crafts, and livestock celebrations—check their calendar for details.

RHINEBECK, COUNTY FAIR AUGUST 20-25

dutchessfair.com

THE AFRICAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL AND PARADE will rock the Kingston waterfront with an 11 am parade followed by an afternoon full of music, spoken word, food and crafts, children’s activities, and an Elder Village. It’s presented by Harambee, whose events help to support a summer youth drop-in program, community garden, the Pine Street African Burial ground and Museum, and more.

KINGSTON, AUGUST 24

harambeekingstonny.org

THE WOODSTOCK-NEW PALTZ ART AND CRAFTS FAIR, produced by Quail Hollow Events, takes over the Ulster County Fairgrounds each Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend with a massive, juried extravaganza of dozens of makers and their wares; you’ll find amazing items in wood, metal, leather, ceramic, mixed media, and more. Watch loads of demonstrations, enjoy regional live music performances, sample fine local food and beverage, and let the kids enjoy their own demonstrations and experimentations at the supervised Children’s Center.

NEW PALTZ, AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 2 quailhollow.com

HUDSON VALLEY WINE AND FOOD FEST is one of the state’s premier showcases for New York wineries & gourmet specialty foods. This will be the 23rd annual fest; over the years, they’ve expanded the concept to include craft breweries, distilleries, cideries, and more, along with a tasty Gourmet Food Truck Corral. Demonstrations from celebrity chefs and mixologists will be happening throughout the fest. At the Dutchess County Fairgrounds.

RHINEBECK, SEPTEMBER 7-8

hudsonvalleywinefest.com

ACCORD SPEEDWAY is the beloved local home of weekly Friday night dirt track racing, with a warm family atmosphere and a tasty concession stand. They’re going to be hosting some special celebrations this summer; check out accordspeedway.com for details

ACCORD, ALL SUMMER LONG accordspeedway.com

BETHEL WOODS CENTER FOR THE ARTS, on the site of the Woodstock festival, is a nonprofit that makes excellent use of the superb natural amphitheater and its gorgeous setting, celebrating both the site’s storied past and the best of today’s music and art. This summer’s concert lineup is packed with big names playing everything from country to hard rock; a lineup of camping options let you lay your head just steps from the action. Don’t miss the award-winning, multimedia exhibit museum.

BETHEL, ALL SUMMER LONG bethelwoodscenter.org

COLONY WOODSTOCK is a splendidly hospitable music venue with a packed schedule of doings in the ballroom and the beer garden all season. June bookings include Brown Eyed Women, an all-female Grateful Dead tribute band; The Silos and David Gans, and harpist Mikaela Davis with Rich Ruth, weaving together melodic 60s-style pop, psychedelia and driving folk rock. The calendar will fill out as summer goes on; every Monday evening, you can come enjoy (and join in!) the Colony’s justifiably famous open mic night.

WOODSTOCK, ALL SUMMER LONG colonywoodstock.com

At the SAMUEL DORSKY MUSEUM OF ART at SUNY New Paltz, they’ll be showing “Global Connections: Miguel Covarrubias, Isami Doi, Aaron Douglas, and Winold Reiss,” tracing the complicated channels of influence and inspiration within the multiculturalism of American art before the Second World War, through July 21, and “Mis/Communication: Language and Power in Contemporary Art,” highlighting video, sculpture, drawing, and interactive media artworks by fifteen contemporary artists exploring the power of language, through the rest of the summer.

NEW PALTZ, ALL SUMMER LONG newpaltz.edu/museum

MAVERICK CONCERTS presents a rich season of weekend concerts, featuring classical, jazz, contemporary, folk and world music at their historic, timber-framed concert hall. This year’s Chamber Music Festival, the latest in a world-renowned series with a history stretching back over a century, is “TRANSFORMATIONS: Celebrating East Asian-American creators and the Music of France.” There’s a beloved free program for all ages, Maverick Family Saturdays; new this year, the Phoenicia Diner will be providing eats at the concession stand.

WOODSTOCK, ALL SUMMER LONG maverickconcerts.org

OPUS 40, the incomparable bluestone sculpture park described by Architectural Digest as “one of the largest and most beguiling works of art on the entire continent,” will be presenting exhibits, concerts and workshops all summer. Highlights include Pride celebrations and An Evening with The Beatles: HELP!

In June; Sun Ra Arkestra’s “cosmic tones for mental therapy, impressive jazz, space chants, and some of the most beautiful universal music imaginable” for two nights in July; August brings a vegan festival entitled Animalia and a benefit evening for the Akwesasne Freedom School.

SHADOWLAND STAGES hosts live professional theater on the MainStage all summer long, with this year’s highlights including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Hound of the Baskervilles,” “Dear JackDear Louise” and “Lend Me a Soprano” by Ken Ludwig, and “Beehive: The 60s Musical,” described by the Berkshire Eagle as “Comfort food for the heart, soul and spirit.” Shadowland also hosts acting classes for youth and adults.

ELLENVILLE, ALL SUMMER LONG shadowlandstages.org

SAUGERTIES, ALL SUMMER LONG opus40.org

WOODSTOCK BYRDCLIFFE GUILD hosts a variety of exhibits and events at assorted venues all around the historic art colony. On the calendar at press time: “Artist Talks” on Sunday, June 9, when participants in the Guild’s Artist in Residence program will be showcasing and discussing their creations. You can experience “Pixerina Witcherina,” a “conversation about slant authority, languages of the absurd, and the abundant pleasures of too muchness,” from June 22-August 4, and the dense, vividly colorful works of painter Ford Crull from August 17-September 29.

WOODSTOCK, ALL SUMMER LONG woodstockguild.org

WOODSTOCK SCHOOL OF ART will be showing student works all summer long in two exhibitions; Showcase I will hang through July 6 and Showcase II from July 13-September 7. For Upstate Arts Weekend, July 20-21, they’ll be hosting their WSA Art Fair. Created and managed by artists for artists, the WSA sets the bar high for excellence; you may just be inspired enough to want in on the fun and study drawing, painting, sculpture, or printmaking with their experts.

WOODSTOCK, ALL SUMMER LONG woodstockschoolofart.org

sing

Sing with the band at the site of the ’69 Woodstock concert. Our creative spirit is alive all over our charming small towns, which are bursting with food, drink, and outdoor fun all summer long.

& Seek for Yourself STEP ABOARD SUMMER

With so many idyllic outdoor options in the gorgeous Hudson Valley, Ulster County makes summers legendary. From tranquil lakes to streams full of trout, from lazy walks to rugged hikes on the Shawangung Ridge, Ulster County levels up your summer fun. With so many local farms and outdoor dining options, choose what delicacies you want to enjoy after all of your adventures. Paddle your way towards your best summer yet.

Plan your trip at VisitUlsterCountyNY.com