summer guide to family fun in the hudson valley & catskills
Photo by Monkey Business Images.
All over the Realm, you’ll find fun things to do as a family and places where your kids are welcome. Many of the things we discuss elsewhere in this magazine—rail trails, festivals, farms, parks, and nature preserves, even some of our Wine Trail destinations—are great family destinations as well.
But summertime, in particular, is kid time; we tall ones get to be their tour guides as they explore this amazing world. Help them feel rooted as they spread their wings and show them ways to have good fun among good company. You’ve come to the right place; a lot of smart, warm, kind people around here have put a lot of thought into the entertainment and enlightenment of youngsters. There are enough ways to enjoy life as a family to fill several lifetimes of summers, so here are our picks for some of the best and most intriguing—over 30 kid-centric outings that will make the kind of memories that are fun to talk about long after you’ve made your way back to your everyday lives.
Kelder's Farm.
Kelder's Farm.
fun farms
Kelder's Farm in Kerhonkson, was established in 1779; nowadays, they welcome you to pick whatever’s in season, meaning flowers, veggies, and berries this time of year. Kids will love the 35 creative farm attractions, including a candy cannon, giant chess and checkers, a milkable giant cow that talks, a Bunny Village, and much more. Try the Gnomie Shake, you won't believe it until you see it. keldersfarm.com, 845-626-7137
Saunderskill Farm in Accord, a family-run farm since 1680, provides delightful pick-your-own experiences throughout the seasons. Families can enjoy picking their own strawberries in early summer, blueberries in July and early August, and apples and pumpkins in fall. Also, do stop in for their yummy soft-serve ice cream. saunderskill.com, 845-626-2676.
meet some animals
Dirty Girl Farm in Andes is a working dairy goat operation; they’d love to have you visit their website to arrange a tour any summer weekend to meet the friendly goats; get the inside scoop on sustainable cheese, yogurt, and milk production; and bask in the gorgeous Catskills scenery. dirtygirlfarmandesny.com
Lilymoore Farm in Pleasant Valley provides a fun forever home for alpacas, goats, horses, llamas, a pig, and poultry; there’s even a pigeon sanctuary. Meet them all on an hour-long behind-the-scenes
Saunderskill Farm.
Dirty Girl Farm.
Lilymoore Farm.
farm tour, or make a reservation for an alpaca/llama trek, on which any guest over age 9 will be assigned a personal alpaca or llama escort. lilymoorefarm.com, 845-605-7002
Bailiwick Animal Park & Riding Stables in Catskill has a small, family-owned and operated zoo; they’re passionate about creating meaningful experiences that inspire love and respect for wildlife, and proceeds go to animal care and conservation efforts. Their riding stables offer scenic mountain trail rides and pony rides bailiwickranch.com, 518-678-5665
Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties invites you to connect and cuddle with 10 species of farmed animals, hear their inspiring stories, and learn about standard industry practices and how we can all create a more compassionate and sustainable future. All material is presented in a gentle, appropriate way, and there’s a 60-minute tour designed for maximum engagement and comfort of children under 5, which is also great for folks with limited mobility. casanctuary.org, 845-336-8447
Woodstock Farm Sanctuary , located in High Falls, is a forever home to over 300 critters, all with different stories and personalities. They’re open for public education tours most Saturdays from May to November; please purchase advance tickets, as they often sell out. woodstocksanctuary.org, 845-247-5700
Forsyth Nature Center. Woodstock Farm Sanctuary.
Bailiwick Animal Park & Riding Stables. Catskill Animal Sanctuary.
science and nature
Forsyth Nature Center in Kingston is a handicapped accessible outdoor learning center with more than two dozen animal exhibits and lush gardens to enjoy. There’s a picnic area, and it's free. forsythnaturecenter.org, 845-339-3053
Mohonk Preserve Discover the beauty and wonder of Mohonk Preserve! Immerse yourself in nature through their enriching classes, covering a range of topics for all ages. Explore their extensive network of trails, perfect for invigorating hikes with panoramic vistas or peaceful strolls through diverse habitats. Experience the magic of a guided butterfly walk, a unique opportunity to observe these colorful insects up close. Plan your visit and learn about upcoming classes, trail maps, and butterfly walk schedules. mohonkpreserve.org, 845-255-0919
Tidewater Center in Saugerties, run by Arm-of-the-Sea, offers free Waterfront Wednesdays at their transformed paper mill, featuring a live aquarium, interactive exhibits, crafts, and their signature mask and puppet theater. armofthesea.org/ the-tidewater-center, 845-246-7873
Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum in Poughkeepsie is an intellectual feast of fun for children up to age 12, with interactive experiences connecting the sciences to everyday experience. There’s an Early Learning Junction specifically for the 0-4 year old set to enjoy; older kids will love the immersive WonderDome, to name just one from an incredibly long list of creative exhibits. mhdm.org, 845-471-0589
Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum.
Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum.
the
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel offers a unique experience blending music, camping, and history. Enjoy a wide range of performances at their outdoor Pavilion and indoor Event Gallery. Enhance your visit with camping on their grounds, featuring various options close to the concert venue. Explore the story of the iconic festival and its era at the engaging Museum at Bethel Woods. bethelwoodscenter.org, 845-583-2000
Catskill Mountain Shakespeare, based in Hunter, loves weaving the magic of the Bard’s storytelling into the inspiring glory of a mountain backdrop. This July, they’ll be bringing the timeless tale of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, to their Main Stage outdoors and under the tent. Ticket prices are $20-$35. Check their website for free summer workshops, community events, lowand no-cost ticket options, and their summer Youth Company (YOCO). catskillmountainshakespeare.com, info@catskillmountainshakespeare.com
Maverick Concerts in Woodstock hosts free Family Saturdays, 1-hour interactive shows that happen every week at 11 am, custom calibrated to amaze and delight children in grades K-6. maverickconcerts.org, 845-684-5527
Quail Hollow Events hosts the justly renowned Woodstock-New Paltz Arts & Crafts Fair in New Paltz twice a year; if you’re in town this Labor Day weekend, grab
Catskill Mountain Shakespeare.
Quail Hollow Events Children's Center.
Catskill Mountain Shakespeare.
Quail Hollow Events.
a kid to bring. Their Children’s Center is extensive and exciting, with children’s demonstrations and supervised arts and crafts projects, as well as a variety of self-directed free play activities. quailhollow.com, 845-516-4342 or 845-389-3712
Shadowland Stages in Ellenville offers captivating live theater experiences! Immerse yourself in a season of engaging plays and musicals presented in their welcoming venue. Discover a cultural gem where compelling performances ignite imagination and foster dialogue. Explore their show schedule and ticket options. shadowlandstages.org, 845-647-5511
The Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild offers a rich array of artistic experiences for all ages. Explore workshops and classes in various mediums, attend exhibitions showcasing local talent, and enjoy family-friendly events on their historic grounds. Discover a vibrant arts community nestled in a beautiful setting. woodstockguild.org, 845-679-2079.
Woodstock Artists Association and Museum (WAAM)
Youth Expedition Space will inspire the young artist in your world with its exhibits of the works of students from kindergarten to college age. The YES Gallery also hosts interactive educational programs, special exhibits, and community engagement projects. woodstockart.org/youth-exhibition-space, 845-679-2940
Bydcliff Theater.
Maverick Concerts.
WAAM and Youth Exhibition Space.
Bethel Woods Family Concerts.
wet 'n' wild (or mild, should you prefer)
Lander’s River Trips offers eight launch-and-land locations along Sullivan County’s splendid stretch of the Delaware River for rafting, canoeing, kayaking, or tubing. Trips can be calibrated to your taste, whether you want to shoot some rapids or float along in carefree contemplation of it all. They’ve got camping, too. landersrivertrips. com, 800-252-3925
Zoom Flume Water Park in East Durham consists of nine slides, five play areas, and three restaurants. Intensity levels range from the hard-charging Typhoon Twister to the laid-back Lazy River. zoomflume.com, 518-239-6271
SplashDown Beach in Fishkill offers 15 different ways to slide, splash, and float your way through a humid afternoon; older kids can plunge through thrilling white waters and younger ones can splash around exploring the Shipwreck Lagoon, and the Coconut Pool brings everyone together in 100,000 gallons of crystal-clear cool. splashdownbeach.com, 845-897-9600
The Kartrite in Monticello is New York’s biggest indoor waterpark, with 80,000 square feet of rides, slides, and “splash-tastic” fun. It’s part of a larger resort, but day guests can purchase Splash Passes online and get in on the good times. thekartrite.com, 844-527-8748
Zoom Flume Water Park.
Lander's River Trips.
SplashDown Beach.
The Kartrite.
amusement centers
Bounce Sports & Entertainment Center in Poughkeepsie offers 10,000 square feet of interconnected trampolines, with a dedicated area for ages 5 and under. There are Jump & Glow sessions on weekends and bargain admission rates on weekdays, and they’ve got mini-golf, laser tag, roller skating, rope ladders, wall scaling, net climbing, and more. bouncepok.com, 845-206-4555
LEGOLAND New York Resort in Goshen lets kids aged 2-12 ride, climb, splash, and build their way through seven themed lands; they can transform into Minifigures on the LEGO® Factory Adventure Ride, master the art of Spinjitzu on LEGO® NINJAGO® the Ride, save the kingdom on The Dragon coaster, and explore awesome LEGO-built cities in MINILAND. legoland. com/new-york, 866-249-0908
Wood’n Wheel in Ulster Park is a jam-packed entertainment center with skating, arcade games, and laser tag, all designed with families in mind, offering activities that everyone can enjoy. Outdoor summertime activities include gem mining, a gyroscope ride, paintball target shooting, a climbing wall, and a bungee trampoline. woodnwheel.com, 845-331-9680
Skate Time in Accord is a 10,000-square-foot roller rink with a token-operated arcade filled with vintage favorites and a full offering of ticket redemption prizes, as well as a café serving beer, wine, and creative spins on classic fare. Bring your little ones for Sunday Tot Time wiggle cars, starter skates/skate mates, arcade fun, art tables, and buttermilk pancakes, as well as an espresso bar for grownups to help us keep up. skatetimeny.com, 845-626-7971
Time.
Bounce Sports and Entertainment Center.
York Resort.
Wood'n Wheel.
amazing journeys on the water
Hudson River Cruises, based in Kingston, is a terrific way to see the valley: guided sightseeing past picturesque lighthouses, nifty community waterfronts and million-dollar estates amid vineyards, orchards, and preserved wildlands, all while you relax on the cool, shaded deck of the Rip Van Winkle II. There’s a beverage and snack bar for tasty refreshments. hudsonrivercruises.com, 845-340-4700 or 800-843-7472
Hudson River Maritime Museum is an educational hub with an extensive collection of maritime artifacts, artwork and historic vessels that you can explore at your leisure or on a guided tour. You can also book a peaceful cruise on the very latest thing, the museum’s own solar-powered boat, the Solaris. hrmm.org, 845-338-0071
fun overland journeys
Catskill Mountain Railroad in Kingston offers Catskill Flyer Tours pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive that travel through some of the oldest and most enchanted farmlands in the United States, across the Esopus Creek on the restored C9 bridge, and across the Hurley Flats to Hurley Mountain. Choose between vintage coaches or open-air flatcars for your 90-minute ride. Twilight Limited Special trips feature live onboard music by local entertainers, pairing nicely with the Catskills sunset skies, and there are individually packaged selections of ice cream treats. catskillmountainrailroad.com, 845-332-4854
Trolley Museum of New York, on the Strand waterfront in Kingston, has a gift shop, exhibits, and interactive, hands-on activities for kids; you’ll see trolleys from Germany, Belgium, Sweden, and Norway. A major highlight is the 45-minute round trip trolley ride along the Rondout Creek. tmny.org, 845-331-3399
Rail Explorers: Catskills Division in Phoenicia gets you up close and personal with the scenery in a whole new way, zipping along the onetime Ulster & Delaware tracks in a pedal-powered vehicle. No need to carefully watch the road or steer as you must on a bike—riding is hands free, making it easy to take photographs and video or just melt into the glorious scenery as you roll along. railexplorers.net/tours/catskillsny, 877-833-8588
Catskill Mountain Railroad. Trolley Museum of New York.
Catskill Mountain Railroad.
some more cool museums
Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz is a 10-acre chronicle of 300 years of history containing seven stone-house museums, a reconstructed 1717 French church, the community’s original burial ground, and a replica Esopus Munsee wigwam. Period rooms and exhibits tell the stories of a French-speaking Protestant settlement as it evolved over time, as well as revealing the history of the area’s Indigenous and enslaved African peoples and Dutch settlers. Guided tours happen three times a day, Wednesday through Sunday; register online to reserve a spot or check their calendar for living history events. huguenotstreet.org, 845-255-1660
Motorcyclepedia Museum in Newburgh is an 85,000-square-foot space displaying the jaw-dropping collection father-son duo Gerald and Ted Doering have amassed over a combined 80 years. You’ll see over 650 bikes, with galleries devoted to subsets like Harleys, choppers, and police and military vehicles. motorcyclepediamuseum.org, 845-569-9065
FASNY Museum of Firefighting in Hudson is home to the world’s premier collection of American firefighting artifacts and apparatus, featuring over 60 vintage and rare fire engines, including one from 1731. They’ve blended the best features of a classic history museum and a children’s museum into a modern hybrid, with interactive areas and hands-on activities, including multiple firetruck experiences and fire safety training. fasnyfiremuseum.com , 518-822-1875
Historic Huguenot Street.
Motorcyclepedia Museum.
FASNY Museum of Firefighting.
Historic Huguenot Street.
Guided Tours Available Saturdays & Sundays OPEN DAILY 10AM–5PM
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural organization located at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, is committed to building upon our rich history of peace and music by providing extraordinary experiences and access to the arts.
maverickconcerts.org
woodstockguild.org
woodstockart.org
woodstockschoolofart.org
Photo by William Hertz.
Outdoors
hike bonticou crag
If you haven’t hiked Bonticou Crag yet, make this your year. It’s wildly popular with people who don’t rock climb with ropes and pitons but still enjoy a little adventure in their hike. It starts gently, becomes a rock scramble that’s just tough enough but not terrifying, and leads to superb views of the Catskills and the Hudson Valley. At just 2.3 miles, it’s some of the best fun you can have in the mountains in about 2 hours, which allows some time for gazing and photos at the summit.
Be warned, this isn’t a hike for
small children or people with mobility challenges. Getting to the top means 20 minutes of using both your hands and feet on what’s rated as Mohonk Preserve’s toughest rock scramble. Older kids and fully able adults will conquer it without much trouble, leading to a feeling of accomplishment that pairs perfectly with the view.
Bring water (that scrambling stuff is thirsty work!) and postpone if there are any thunderstorms in the forecast. Standing at the summit, you’ll be the highest point any lightning strike will find.
It’s a good idea to approach this one with decent footgear and the right day pack or bag. Happily, you’re not far from sources of such things. From the New Paltz side, try Pitch Pine Outfitters in Gardiner, where veteran Gunks explorers will know exactly what you need. If you’re up in the Great Northern Cats, stop in at Camp Catskill in Tannersville for gear and local wisdom. You can also hit Montano’s in Saugerties for professionally fitted footgear, or Kenco Outfitters—just west of Kingston on Route 28—where they’ll have anything you need.
the hike
Park at Mohonk Preserve’s Spring Farm Trailhead at 50 Upper 27 Knolls Road in High Falls. From the New Paltz side, you’ll find your turn on the right, 1 mile past the entrance to Mohonk Mountain House. From Kingston or Rosendale, take 213 west to Mohonk Road; 27 Knolls will be on your left in just under 4 miles. Parking fills up fast on lovely summer weekends, so get there early.
Head north from your car along Farm Road, and you’ll find the clearly red-blazed Crag Trail on your right. Take it past its crossings over Cedar Drive and Spring Farm Road.
You’ll soon come to a five-way intersection with a pond directly ahead. Take a left onto Bonticou Road, then bear right as it takes gear up
Photo by Jonathan Simcoe.
you around a small rise; look to your left for a little valley sprinkled with wildflowers. Now you’ll be catching your first sight of the Bonticou Crag, You’ll shortly see Bonticou Ascent Path on your left; follow its yellow blazes.
You’re heading upward through a talus pile, the rocks that accumulate at the base of a cliff. Be sure to look for and follow the yellow-blazed rocks to stay on track. They’ll lead you onward and upward to the climb-able notch in the cliff face that takes you to the top.
Some prefer to climb back down the way they climbed up, but the descent’s a bit more of a challenge than the ascent. Happily, you have a handy alternative. Follow the yellow blazes north along the ridge about half a mile, then take the Northeast Trail (blazed in blue) to your left. It’s steep but manageable, even if you need to grab a root or a boulder here and there.
You’ll pass through a small ravine; when the trail begins to rise again, you’ll see the red-blazed Cedar Trail on your right. Past Cedar Drive, Cedar Trail will dead-end; take a left onto Table Rocks Trail (more blue blazes) and you’ll soon be back at the parking lot.
Time to go grab a bite to eat and (if it’s your thing) post your jaw-dropping photos from the summit! Check our summer dining and picnic planning guides for great local options.
Enjoy great hiking, biking, climbing, birding and more. Start your experience at our Visitor Center, open free of charge daily, or one of our trailheads, open from sunrise to sunset. Memberships and day passes are available for purchase at all trailheads.
Learn more on our website at mohonkpreserve.org or scan:
Photo: Bonticou Crag Hike by John Mizel
summer stays and getaways : with nearby hudson valley attractions Stay
We love having company, and people love to come and stay here. Visitors have been showing up in numbers ever since they had to come by boat and horseback, and there are a great many great reasons why.
So collectively, our hosts and innkeepers have thousands of years of hospitality experience to go with the gorgeous scenery, delectable food and drink, vibrant cultural scene, and outdoor peace—or thrills, if
that’s your jam. There’s no better place to choose your own adventure.
We want to point you to the parts that will fill your soul, ease your mind, delight your senses, and just generally provide you with an epic good time. To that end, here’s our lodging guide packed with choices as individual as fingerprints, each paired with a few words about what you’ll find to enjoy nearby.
clove cottages
Clove Cottages offers eight cozy, furnished guest cottages (bathroom, kitchen, living area, WiFi, smart TV, porch, hammock, park grill, parking spot, and king or queen bed) set on a scenic quiet country road in the central Ulster County outback. Michelle and Noah are outdoorspeople, animal lovers (wait till you meet the llama), local area experts, and passionate environmentalists who get 70% of their power from solar panels.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: You’re in High Falls, and exploring the hamlet minutes away will give you a feel for why it’s been nicknamed the Center of the Universe; this tiny hamlet punches far above its weight in good eats, quirky shops, galleries, and a museum of canal-town history. You’re also perfectly situated to enjoy both Minnewaska State Park and the Mohonk Preserve, or to venture into neighboring Rosendale, where you’ll find cool vintage, more good food, and a community-owned theater.
200 Rock Hill Road, High Falls | 845-687-4170 | clovecottages.com
eastwind hotels
Eastwind Hotels has added two tasty new dishes to our region’s menu of luxe hospitality options. The brand-new Eastwind Oliverea Valley in Big Indian is a 26-room hotel nestled in a lush mountainside with both sunrise and sunset views; the Eastwind Windham, on Windham Mountain, offers breathtaking views of its own. Both locations offer on-site restaurant and bar, Scandinavian-inspired Lushna A-frame cabin options, saunas, complimentary
Clove Cottages.
Eastwind Hotels.
bikes, and fire pits and hammocks areas; Oliverea Valley has a new all-season pool.
Resort & Spa.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Oliverea Valley is in the midst of the 33,500-acre Big Indian Wilderness of Catskill Park, with direct access to the McKenley Hollow trailhead, from which you can scale Balsam Mountain, one of the storied High Peaks. It’s also a quick drive from the village of Margaretville and the hamlet of Arkville, both steeped in Catskills history and quirky creativity. In Windham, you’re minutes from two big ski resorts that offer summertime fun as well, and within easy reach of some of the lesser-trod but fun and funky places like Roxbury (to the west) and Catskill, down by the river.
Emerson Resort & Spa in Mount Tremper, named for Ralph Waldo, is all about choices: the luxe contemporary Inn or the rustic Lodge? Spa treatments or the fitness center? Unique shopping, a guided nature walk, or a free craft workshop? Then there’s the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope and a slammin’ good restaurant. That’s all without leaving the property; when you do, you’re surrounded by pure gorgeous Catskills.
WHAT
TO DO NEARBY: You’re very near the splendid Ashokan Reservoir with a rail trail that takes you from one great spot to the next and close to funky, enchanted little Phoenicia, a great place to explore on a Saturday afternoon. In one direction, you might spend a day delving into the charms of the Western Cats; in the other, you’re 20 minutes from lively (and also enchanted, in an entirely different way) Woodstock.
The Graham & Co in Phoenicia is a reimagined motel transformed into a stylish boutique hotel with a modern design aesthetic. Offering comfortable rooms with unique and fun touches, guests can enjoy amenities like a central fire pit for evening gatherings and complimentary bikes to explore the area. It provides a relaxed and design-conscious escape in the heart of the Catskills.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY:
Explore Phoenicia's charming Main Street with its unique shops and art galleries. There are lots of yummy eateries to choose from too. Enjoy sitting by or fly fishing at the scenic Esopus Creek. Catch a performance at the historic Phoenicia Playhouse. Hike nearby trails offering stunning mountain views or take a leisurely ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad. the graham & co
Harmony Inn by Stone Wave Yoga in Gardiner is a cozy, well-appointed AirBnB studio decorated with local art; it’s flooded with sunlight and peaceful vibrations from the adjacent yoga collective and features a hot tub. There’s also an 1100-square-foot loft with superb mountain views that can be booked if you’re staying more than 3 days.
harmony inn
Harmony Inn.
The Graham & Co.
WHAT
TO DO NEARBY: Being in the town of Gardiner, which has a quiet charm all its own and plenty to explore, puts you at the very foot of the Shawangunks, scant minutes from Minnewaska State Park and the Mohonk Preserve. You’re also just a few minutes from Main Street, New Paltz.
Hutton Brickyards Riverfront Hotel & Venue in Kingston is a unique 43room retreat featuring comfortable, individually designed king and queen cabins alongside a beautifully restored historic mansion, all boasting stunning panoramic views of the Hudson River. Guests can indulge in Swedish massage, relax in riverfront barrel saunas, and enjoy dining at two seasonal restaurants. The extensive amenities also include yoga classes, guided hikes through the surrounding landscape, engaging astrology readings, archery sessions, and invigorating kayaking experiences. Situated on a sprawling 100-acre property that was once a working brickyard, the hotel is bordered by a vast 200-acre state park, offering ample opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Just five minutes down the street you’ll find Kingston’s Rondout waterfront, the Strand, which is packed with goodies: museums to explore, great food, art, and boat cruises. Right across town is the Stockade, steeped in Colonial-era history.
Hotel Dylan is created and decorated in homage to Woodstock Nation’s immortal musical greatness; the decor is elegantly Bohemian, and your room comes with a record player, records, and books, along with the WiFi. Outside, you’ll find the Santa Fe Woodstock serving trad and modern Mex, the Abandoned Cider Hard Cider Tasting Room, and fires in the fire pits on weekend nights, the better to revel in peace, love, tunes, and tacos.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: You’re a 5-minute drive from the wonders of Woodstock—with its century-old arts institutions, creative retail and food, and a couple of great places for an evening of live music—and just down the road from the antiques and crafts of Saugerties. Both towns have indie theaters.
Jessie's Harvest House Restaurant and Lodge offers comfy rustic rooms above an exceptional restaurant. Chef Phil is a Culinary Institute of America graduate who honed his art at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Westchester County. (Jessie was his grandma and first instructor.) Sarah grew up learning how to run her family’s Hunter Mountain Resort. Walking into Jessie’s Harvest House is walking into a chapter in a true-life love story, with superb Hunter Mountain views for a backdrop.
Hotel Dylan.
Jessie's Harvest House.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: You’re right on the main drag in Tannersville, also known as the Painted Village in the Sky; it’s a lively, quirky place full of art, vintage, and good fun, great for exploring on foot. Just a little further away is a ski mountain that offers sky rides and off-roading in the summertime, and you’re minutes from the iconic Kaaterskill Falls.
5819 Main St, Tannersville | 518-589-5445 | jessiesharvesthouse.com
menla resort
Menla Resort dwells in a glacial valley beneath Panther Mountain, offering boutique rooms amid a 325-acre private nature preserve to explore. Choose treatments à la carte from the menu of the Dewa Spa, which has magnetized a wide range of experts in Eastern and Western healing modalities. Menla has deep roots in Tibetan wisdom traditions, and most visitors find it unforgettably refreshing; the experience is expertly calibrated to put you back in touch with your wonder and joy.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Your closest town is Phoenicia here, with its nifty Main Street, and you’re adjacent to the glories of the High Peaks and Western Cats. Margaretville and Woodstock are also just minutes away in either direction.
Minnewaska Lodge is tucked into the very edge of the glorious Gunks beside a 1200-foot cliff of sheer granite, surrounded by forest. Its 26 rooms, several featuring private decks or balconies, feature luxe amenities and a workspace, should you need one. There’s a glorious deck off the Great Room and a lavish free breakfast.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: As you might guess, you’re scant minutes away from Minnewaska State Park and the Mohonk Preserve, easily an entire summer’s worth of hiking options. You’re also just a few minutes from New Paltz, a town justly renowned for dining, shopping, and intelligent fun.
Mohonk Mountain House is an iconic Victorian castle set beside a pristine sky lake, welcoming guests since the 1860s with a sort of warm Quakerly savoir faire that can still be felt, even though you can now get signature handcrafted cocktails on the Sunset Porch. They’ve got an indoor heated pool with panoramic mountain views, a spa, a golf course, a riding stable, and too much more to list. Convenient to everything, but you may never want to leave.
mohonk mountain house
Minnewaska Lodge.
Mohonk Mountain House.
WHAT
TO
DO NEARBY:
Even Mohonk admits that the Hudson Valley it inhabits is a must-see, so bestir yourselves and visit nearby New Paltz. A lively college town, it blends on-trend, creative retail and food with deep history; one of the oldest continuously inhabited streets in the United States is now a 10-acre open-air museum, including seven stone houses you can tour.
1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz | 844-207-8368 | mohonk.com
the brigham group
The Brigham Group’s goal is that you will feel as though you’re sleeping in a five-star hotel, then unzip your door and be completely immersed in the outdoors. To that end, they build luxuriously appointed, design-forward waterfront “glampsites” with heated safari tents—everything you need to be super-comfy—and white-glove service that’s earned them a Hipcamp Star Host award. Sleep outdoors on MemoryFoam, or choose a cabin or home stay.
Choices include The Washburn, a cunning, comfy cabin set on a wooded site, and Glass Co. Hill, a beautifully refurbished 1920s Craftsman with a classic front porch, both just moments from the festivities, antiquing, and shopping of Saugerties. Hudson Cove, a safari-style tent with its own deck, and Brigham Place, a designer home with three decks and an outdoor cooking area, nestled on private wooded lots with 250 feet of Esopus Creek frontage, are just minutes from the history and charm of Kingston’s Stockade district.
Mohonk Mountain House.
the inn at kettleboro
The Inn at Kettleboro in New Paltz is a classic B&B set on a 12-acre apple and peach orchard, offering superb Shawangunk Ridge sunsets and pairing historic charm with modern bathrooms. You’ll find several charming parlors to hang in, a luscious breakfast served amid mountain views, and a stone patio to relax on once you finish hiking the orchard trails.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY:
New Paltz is just 3 miles away, close enough for easy access, yet far enough for peace and quiet. When you decide to venture into town, it’s easy enough to find cool shops, a good meal, and someplace to go dancing—and in the other direction, you’re in handy range of Gardiner and its assortment of quietly spectacular goings-on.
321 Route 208, New Paltz | 914-213-2487 | kettleboro.com
the perch cottages
The Perch Cottage Stays in Boiceville offers eight modern, bright, and functional little dwelling-spaces on a gorgeous eight-acre meadow, with your own stretch of the Esopus Creek to play in and glorious Catskills views. Hammock, fire pit, swimming hole with its own wee beach…all you’ll need to feel the laid-back best-summer-ever vibe. The cottages are beautifully decorated—you’ll find barn beams, upcycled items, and vintage prints throughout, yet no two are alike.
The Inn at Kettleboro.
The Perch Cottages.
Photo by Upland Creative.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: You’re perfectly positioned here to explore Phoenicia and/or Woodstock, or to venture further westward into the Catskills for even more quirky small-town vibes and some of the best hiking and fishing on Planet Earth. It’s also close to the Ashokan Reservoir and the glorious sunsets that can be seen from the rail trail beside it.
Whistlewood Farm Bed and Breakfast is a unique, classic bed-and-breakfast on a working farm 3 miles outside Rhinebeck, where you’ll find eclectic antique furnishings, fireplaces, comfy sofas and chairs, cozy handmade quilts, and delicious breakfasts. They’ve also got miles of hiking trails, horses, chickens, a donkey named Tigger, and 30 years’ worth of insider tips on Rhinebeck to share. There are three rooms in the Main Lodge and a two-bedroom Carriage House with its own kitchen.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: You’re well positioned at Whistlewood to enjoy the village vibes in Rhinebeck and also to visit the nearby attractions in Hyde Park, which are epic: the Vanderbilt Mansion and the FDR Presidential Library and Museum, as well as Eleanor Roosevelt’s Val-Kill. For dinner, you can go see what’s cookin’ at the Culinary Institute of America, which operates five diverse student-run restaurants and a brewery on its campus.
There’s nothing quite like wandering stall to stall in the sunshine, discovering things you didn’t know you needed or maybe finding a great deal on something you’ve always wanted, but genuine flea market spirit has gotten harder to find. Happily, we know where to get some: Head to Midtown Kingston when the Red Owl Flea is
up and running—from 9 am till 4 pm on the first Sunday of every month.
Vintage virtuoso Cindy Hoose breathed new life into midtown Kingston’s Wonderly Building back in August 2023, when Red Owl Collective opened its doors with 20 artful vendors’ wares on display. By October, she had over twice that many
photos provided by red owl collective
“I love unique objects and clothing and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. I have always shopped vintage, and I love buying and selling vintage.”
– Owner, Cindy Hoose
and a waiting list. There are now over 80, and the market is flourishing.
Hoose has clearly found her calling. “I don’t think I ever had a detailed plan of what I wanted to do with my life,” she told us in 2024. “I knew I wanted to be happy and creative and surround myself with beauty. And I grew up going to yard sales and rummage sales with my mom. I love unique objects and clothing and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. I have always shopped vintage, and I love buying and selling vintage.”
Once she went all in on a 10,000-square-foot space, the dream was infused with intention and detail. Hoose researched and investigated every vintage and antique mall she could reach; talked to shoppers, vendors and managers; and established what she considered essential elements: careful curation, a requirement that vendors keep their offerings fresh, a website where vendors could showcase their offerings, and a point-of-sale checkout system that simplifies the experience for shoppers and vendors alike. It didn’t hurt that there was plentiful free parking. On the
first Sunday of every month from April to November, a chunk of that parking will be filled with flea market stalls. (Don’t worry, you can still park for free in a municipal lot right across the street.)
“It’s great fun, just a real blast of happy energy,” Hoose says. “The initial concept of the flea was always part of the vision of Red Owl. The flea coordinator, Steph De John, also part of the Red Owl team, has infused it with her own magic. Steph is running the nuts and bolts of the market, curating the offerings from among the applicants every month."
You’ll find over 25 outdoor ven -
dors offering a fresh selection of vintage, antiques, books, vinyl, oddities, jewelry, handmade, and more every time. “It’s about a 50/50 mix of vintage and handmade,” Hoose says, “so it’s a little bit of a different vibe from inside, which is mostly vintage. You’ll find a couple of higher-end vendors in the mix—maybe some fine jewelry—but the price range is incredibly wide. We aim to keep it accessible so anyone can find some cool discoveries. And you’ll be dealing directly with the person who makes or collects the merchandise, so it has a bit more of a freewheeling vibe for wheeling and dealing. It
“It’s about a 50/50 mix of vintage and handmade,” Hoose says, “so it’s a little bit of a different vibe from inside.” – Owner, Cindy Hoose
“It’s curated, and it has a bit of a craft fair vibe, but by no means is everything expensive.”
– Owner, Cindy Hoose
is curated, and it has a bit of a maker's market experience, but by no means is everything expensive.” Each month will bring a new batch of vendors, chosen by an application process in order to provide a unique balanced experience at each flea. “We try to hit the sweet spot where you’ll find cool vintage and handmade in a variety of styles, without having to dig through dirty and dusty boxes.”
The Red Owl Flea has its own Instagram page, where you can find sneak peeks of the curations and creations in advance.
Come for a browse, then check out some of the mouthwatering eateries in Midtown these days, and follow up with a stroll along the Strand—hey, we may have just designed the perfect Kingston afternoon. Happy treasure hunting!
sip your way through scenic splendor : discover the shawangunk wine trail
Back in 1984, before the region’s brewing and distilling culture was even a glimmer in a farmer’s eye, winemakers already knew there was something special about the cool-climate wines produced here. To spread the word and encourage folks to taste the talent, several of them banded together to organize the Shawangunk Wine Trail, a journey of discovery that would lead wine lovers from one scenic, delicious destination to the next.
Each destination along the trail has a distinct personality, approaching winemaking and hospitality with its own special flair. You’ll find big wineries with all the trimmings and homey, mellow places to bring a picnic; you’ll find the oldest winery in the US (Brotherhood) and the first farm winery in the state (Benmarl.) You’ll find a hydro-powered winery (City) and a winery that loves hosting big family-style Italian feasts (Magnanini.) At Angry Orchard, you can sample fruit-based canned ciders; at Applewood, you can try the Smashed Cherry Mead; and Quartz Rock is constantly finding fresh ideas for the seven varieties of fruit (besides grapes) they produce on their Nightingale Farm.
Clearview is celebrating being named one of the nation’s best by Travel & Leisure magazine. Christopher Jacobs Winery at Pennings Vineyards celebrates summer sunsets each Friday and Saturday with music and feasting. Stoutridge Distillery & Winery crafts their all-natural wines with a gravity-flow process and does their own malting. Robibero handcrafts small-batch specialties that can only be found in their tasting room
and that pair beautifully with the wood-fired pizza. Whitecliff’s vegan wine was named Best White in Show at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, and Warwick Valley makes cordials, brandies, and liqueurs at the first craft distillery to open in New York State since Prohibition. And for the first time, thanks to a grant, our local Wine Trail will have its own page in the directory of Wine Enthusiast, connecting to thousands more wine lovers from everywhere.
There’s still time to grab a 2025 Wine Tasting Passport, entitling you to a free flight at each spot, and if there’s a milestone event in your future, remember that most of these gracious spaces will happily host your occasion in unforgettable style. Many are family friendly; many regularly serve up live music with the vino, and on the Wine Trail’s website you’ll find companies offering transportation service so you can sip to your heart’s content: shawangunkwinetrail.com, 845-256-8456.
Here’s a little directory to help guide your exploration:
beverage destinations
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 or a wood-fired pizza. 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 Rosè All Day Summer Kick Off Party June 21 and 22, Sangria Festivals in July and August, and grape stomping in September and October. benmarl.com, 845-236-4265
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
CHRISTOPHER JACOBS WINERY at Pennings Vineyard in Pine Bush, at the southernmost tip of the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway, planted their first grapes in 2006 and opened their farm winery in 2015; a visit here takes you off the beaten tourist track to a whole ’nother corner of our countryside. Try the Stoked Oak, the Holy Cow, the Appleoosa, or the Gold Rush and taste pure Hudson Valley wine passion. penningsvineyards.com, 845-728-8066
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
CLEARVIEW VINEYARD in Warwick, named in Travel & Leisure magazine as a top US vineyard, has just added a new front entrance and enlarged their entertainment platform, making this an even better place to savor the live music and wine pairing plates that flow here all weekend long. Take a walk up the hill to revel in the incredible view from the top of the vineyard, then plop down in the shade of an umbrella on the patio for a glass of something handcrafted. clearviewvineyard.com, 718-496-7848
MAGNANINI FARM WINERY in Wallkill loves hosting big fourcourse family-style dinners: there’s one for Fathers Day on June 15, a Pesto Pasta Party on July 20, a Cheesy Ravioli Party on August 10, and the Val Taro Accordion Extravaganza on August 24. The Magnaninis bottled their first 1,000 gallons over forty years ago, and they just keep getting better. Eight different wines made from grapes grown, harvested, fermented, and bottled on-site are exclusively available here, as well as 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 their 42 acres in 2003. There was a winery there, and Harry was fascinated; his grandfather had made outstanding wines. 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—tucked away beside a grand limestone ridge—has been crafting small-batch spirits and natural wines from local ingredients since 2000 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 kilning 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 & WINERY in Gardiner 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
Last, but not least, KEDEM WINERY in Marlboro has joined the Trail as a Beverage Partner. The Herzog family started making wine back in 1848, becoming the exclusive supplier for Emperor Franz Josef of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and achieving a reputation across the continent before coming to the United States a century later. And now, here they are, on our very own Shawangunk Wine Trail! kedemwinery.com, 845-236-3651
With a welcoming spirit and a taste for the extraordinary, the Shawangunk Wine Trail invites you to embark on a flavorful journey. shawangunk wine trail
845-256-8456
shawangunkwinetrail.com
Meet the Owners
lasting joy brewery , tivoli
If you love fine craft beer amid peaceful, intelligent fun, you owe yourself a visit to this place. Down a winding rural road in Tivoli, Emily and Alex Wenner are brewing up the good times with the finest local ingredients and welcoming guests to a beautiful, purpose-built tasting room flooded with natural light amid 32 gloriously rural acres, and there’s no better way to spend a weekend day than to fill it with Lasting Joy.
photos provided by lasting joy brewery
It works well for the Wenners, high school sweethearts who got to know each other building a umiak (an open-style boat traditionally used by Inuit people) together at the Berkshire School in Sheffield, Massachusetts. After college, the two got married and lived in Brooklyn. Alex worked in video games for a while, but the home-brewing hobby he’d begun playing with in college—starting with nothing but a one-burner stove—
soon began to feel like his true calling.
Brewing equipment takes up space, and so do four children; in 2018, the Wenners pulled up stakes and, with a little help from family, found their piece of paradise in Columbia County among kindred spirits. “Migliorelli’s Farm grows barley and sells it to Hudson Valley Malt, where they do old-school floor malting, and we buy from them, so it’s all-told
“Migliorelli’s
Farm grows barley and sells it to Hudson Valley Malt, where they do old-school floor malting, and we buy from them, so it’s a journey of about ten miles from the field to the glass.”
– Co-owner, Emily Wenner
a journey of about ten miles from the field to the glass,” Emily says. “We love this corner of Dutchess County. It’s vibrant and smart, and we’ve found so many collaborators— from the local crew during construction to the amazing growers producing local ingredients, and the regulars who come in.”
The atmosphere is family friendly. “Our kids have grown up in this by now,” Wenner says. “Our youngest is super-outgoing, and she loves it when the brewery’s open.
‘Are we open yet? Are any of my friends there?’ And oftentimes, they are.” Ticketed drag bingo parties are 21+; so was Trivia Night for a while, but that was switched back to all ages by popular demand. Well-behaved pets are also welcome, indoors and out, and
there’s plenty of lovely outdoor space for relaxation and refreshment. Local organizations—schoolteachers, historians—have taken to hosting their gatherings at Lasting Joy, which Wenner loves. And 7 years in, the brewery has magnetized an exceptional team. Hailey Luce, a sommelier, and her chef husband, Collin, first joined forces during college at the Culinary Institute. Manager Casey Krawczuk polished his hospitality chops at Zeus Brewery. Longtime server Jon Wunder is working the all-important cellar person role.
Lasting Joy offers five core beers: The earthy Heartbeet of the Hudson is served in fall and winter. Three more are available year round: the bittersweet fan favorite Clouds
“I think we’re going to do a berry and a grape this summer,” Wenner says. “And we’ll be serving our new American Light Lager, which is super drinkable—light and easy, low alcohol, the perfect beer for a relaxing summer afternoon.”
over Clermont; the Two Rivers Pilsner, a traditional Czech pilsner made with local malt; and the malty but light and crisp Ilovit [“Tivoli” spelled backwards] Lager, an homage to the village that was first created for Tivoli’s 150th birthday party. Finally, Beekeeper’s Bliss, which was inspired by Nordic honeymoon mead, is fruity with a dry hint of honey, “pairs well with love and marriage,” and is available in spring and summer. You’ll also find some experimental and seasonal offerings, like the Pick-
Your-Own series of light, fruity IPAs. “I think we’re going to do a berry and a grape this summer,” Wenner says. “And we’ll be serving our new American Light Lager, which is super drinkable— light and easy, low alcohol, the perfect beer for a relaxing summer afternoon.” You’ll also find cider, wine, house cocktails, and non-alcoholic choices, as well as tea, coffee, and hot cocoa.
This summer marks the debut of Gather at Lasting Joy, a custom full-time food truck
This summer marks the debut of Gather at Lasting Joy, a custom full-time food truck with a full menu of savory pub grub.
with a full menu of savory pub grub, and the Wenners are considering adding to the fun with ticketed dinners exploring terrific pairings. (Ingredients, of course, will be fresh and local.)
Live music will be happening all summer long, with events both small and large; DJ Sean will be back spinning a vinyl vibe on hol -
idays. “And the Tom Prettys, an all-women tribute band, is playing our anniversary party again,” Wenner says. “It’s always a blast. We love all of it; we love being Tivoli’s own brewery. I really enjoy seeing people develop that, you know, pride of place; I love seeing them relax and feeling like this is their backyard.”
lasting joy brewery
485 Lasher Road, Tivoli
845-757-2337
lastingjoybrewery.com
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.
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!
Outdoors
plan the perfect picnic
Fresh air, sunshine, and pretty scenery make everything taste better, and nothing sets the mood for a laid-back day better than an outdoor feast. To conjure the enchantment, preparation helps. You don’t need to overcomplicate things, but realizing that you forgot something essential while you’re unpacking your basket under
the hungry gaze of your loved ones and friends adds nothing to your joy. There are times for an utterly spontaneous picnic—you get hungry while on a mission, grab sandwiches, and hit the nearest scenic overlook—but there’s a whole other level of delight in gathering your people for a fabulous spread.
Photo by Svitlana Vronska.
location considerations
Who will be there? The perfect spot for a hearty crew of experienced hikers won’t work if your company will include small children or folks with mobility issues; luckily, we have plenty of choices around here, from mountains to mansions, and everything in between, including lots of choices by the lakes, ponds, creeks, and Hudson River.
Do you want a table? Picnic tables have sprung up in a wide range of lovely public spots; town, county, and state parks often have not just tables—but grills—which open up a whole new range of menu choices.
How far do you want to carry everything? Outback picnics are glorious, but summiting a mountain for superb views presupposes a very different picnic experience than pulling over and hopping out of the car at a park, one perhaps more suited to backpacking the meal than toting a basket. You can certainly find room for an elegant meal and all the trimmings in a decent-sized backpack, but try hefting it to make sure that hiking in will be more fun than struggle.
Consider the availability of restrooms and trash cans, which are not always a must-have but can be helpful with small children and/or large parties. (If there’s no trash can, you will, of course, pack out every scrap of debris.)
Three great sources for multiple location choices: Mohonk Preserve, the Shawangunk Wine Trail member wineries, and Scenic Hudson’s “1 Valley — 45+ Parks” page: scenichudson.org/explore-the-valley/.
Photo by Krisztina Papp.
what to bring : the essentials
Picnic baskets come in a wide range of types and sizes. There are classic wooden ones with cunning holders for your silverware built in, soft-sided lightweight coolers, and everything in between; reusable grocery bags are dandy in a pinch and available just about everywhere food is sold, meaning you can whip up a picnic on a whim. Whatever you’re using, consider food safety; reusable cold packs are much handier than ice for keeping it all fresh.
The condiments you’ll need depend on your menu, of course; many are available in picnic-friendly portions or can be transferred into smaller squeeze bottles.
You’ll want something on which to spread your spread. A waterproof tablecloth is about as perfect as it gets, keeping the eats clean and dry and making it easy to spot encroaching ants.
Waterproof placemats to sit on make a lovely compromise between chairs and bare ground; so do woven mats, or the towels you’ll be using after you take a dip. Of course, you can always get extra-fancy with lightweight camp chairs or stools.
A pack of wet wipes will come in very handy if you’re eating anything sticky or saucy. You’ll also want hand towels or napkins, either paper or cloth.
If your food plans require utensils, consider lightweight reusable bamboo or stainless steel. Don’t forget to bring a serving spoon and at least one knife.
Photo by Richmond Osei.
Reusable plates, or at least the stiff cardboard kind, are miles better than the paper ones that can soak through or get all bendy—no picnic ever benefited from someone getting a lap-full of the salad. Likewise, if you’re going with cups over individual cans or bottles of beverage, choose ones that will hold up well in the wild.
If your location choice doesn’t feature trash cans, you’ll want a bag for trash and another to hold soiled reusable items.
fun stuff
Toys are obviously a must-have if there are kids along, but don’t neglect the joy they can generate for the grownups!
Consider packing along a magnifier and a set of binoculars for exploration.
If your destination is sandy, shovels and pails spark creativity. A Frisbee or a ball to toss gets people up, moving, and probably laughing, as does a kite to fly or a rope for a friendly tug-of-war. But if you bring no other toy, do slip some bubbles into your pack.
Photo by Kayla Farmer.
the food
Now that you’ve got all of that together, you may be relieved to note that it is entirely possible to get delicious, healthy picnic fare at a wide variety of places; it’s more than likely that one of these will be right on the way to your destination.
PREPARED PICNICS
Blue Mountain Bistro-to-Go on Route 28 in Kingston has a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and paninis made with house-roasted meats and hand-crafted condiments. bluemountainbistro.com, 845-340-9800
Main Course Marketplace in New Paltz makes delish constructed salads, street food, and paninis. maincoursecatering.com, 845-255-2600
Mill & Main Restaurant and Provisions in Kerhonkson will pack you up some Honey Jerk Shrimp, Colombian-style Arepa, or Chicken Suya Skewers. Find their online order form at mill-main.square.site, millandmainstreet.com, 845-626-1255
Olsen & Company in Saugerties offers fresh local cheese on sourdough, grilled Gruyère with fig jam on whole wheat, and organic Greek yogurt with nuts, honey, lemon, and optional house-made granola. olsenandcompany.com, 845-247-7189
Cheese Louise in Kingston specializes in gourmet sandwich creations, , alongside a selection of soups, salads, and other comforting fare. Discover your next favorite cheesy indulgence at cheeselouiseny.com or call 845-853-8207.
Photo by Samantha Fernandes.
FARM MARKETS
Nothing goes better with eating outside than food fresh from the fields. Besides the fruits and veggies, our local farm markets go above and beyond.
Saunderskill Farm in Accord makes terrific sandwiches, prepared meals, and baked goods—and you can buy fresh fruit pie by the slice. saunderskill.com, 845-626-2676
Kelder’s Farm in Kerhonkson makes a famous burger featuring pulled pork and bakes fresh donuts daily. keldersfarm.com, 845-626-7137
Wallkill View Farm Market in New Paltz has fresh-baked muffins, breads, pies, scones, and pastries, as well as cheeses, jams, and jellies to put on them. wallkillviewfarmmarket.com, 845-255-8050
Pakatakan Farmers’ Market in Halcottsville, open Saturdays from 9 till 1, brings together Western Catskills farmers offering a wide variety of fruits, veggies, cheeses, pickles, salsas, and prepared foods in a lovely and historic setting; you may just decide to have your picnic right here. roundbarnmarket.org, 845-586-3326
LIBATIONS
For those looking to enhance their picnic with local libations or perhaps a curated cannabis selection, consider a visit to one of these fine establishments: Shawangunk Wine Trail, Ester Wine & Spirits, Miron Wine & Spirits, Stone Ridge Spirits & Wine, Back Home Dispensary, Stoutridge Distillery & Winery, Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery, and Union Grove Distillery.
Photo by Mor Shani.
MARKETS
Sunflower Natural Market in Woodstock and Rhinebeck stocks just about every picnic treat you could dream of, and there’s a solid emphasis on working with local farmers to provide the finest, cleanest, organic and sustainable versions of everything. sunflowernatural.com, 845-679-5361 (Woodstock) 845-8762555 (Rhinebeck)
Adams Fairacre Farms has locations in Poughkeepsie, Kingston, Newburgh, Wappingers Falls, and Middletown; all of them offer fine meats, produce, deli, prepared foods, and baked goods—and if you call ahead, they’ll cater you up a dream picnic. adamsfarms.com, Poughkeepsie 845-454-4330. Kingston 845-336-6300. Newburgh 845-5690303. Wappingers Falls 845-632-9955. Middletown 845-415-8500
High Falls Food Co-op in High Falls, welcomes non-members to come get some of the finest organic local and fair trade goodness. Their scones are justifiably famous, and their deli has all kinds of picnic-perfect eats. highfallsfood.coop, 845-687-7262
La Deliziosa Italian Pastry Shoppe in Poughkeepsie tempts with an array of authentic Italian pastries, breads baked fresh daily, delectable cookies, and custom cakes for every occasion, all crafted with traditional recipes and quality ingredients. Experience a taste of Italy right here in the Hudson Valley. ladeliziosany.com, 845-471-3636
Meredith’s Bread in Kingston offers a vast selection of breads, rolls, cakes, cookies, pies, and preserves, all scratchmade; gluten-free delicacies are made in a dedicated, separate facility, and everything is baked with enormous love. meredithsbread.com, 845-331-4318
Tetta’s Market in Olivebridge is a convenience store like no other. Between the market, the pizzeria, and the deli, they’ve got all the makings of a succulent picnic. The locally themed sandwiches and Nutella pizza are the stuff of culinary legend. tettasmarket.com, 845-657-2338
Photo by Josue Michel.
Photo:
RESTAURANT • BAR
LEMON CIAMBELLA
FALCON ENAMELWARE
Dining
hudson
valley summer eats : a visual journey of
Dlocal flavors
ining out in the Hudson Valley on a summer’s eve is a feast for all your senses. Breathe in the aromas of the kitchen. Listen to the laughter and the hum of celebration and contentment around you. Eat outside and enjoy the sky and water, the sunset over the mountains, the flow of a lively downtown. Relish every bite and find room for dessert; lots of places do wonders with fresh local fruit and are wonderful bakers. Share the experience with people you love.
Photo by Lucas Law.
summer ' s bounty of flavor
Several key elements intertwine in the Hudson Valley to cultivate a culinary tradition that stands among the finest. The presence of the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park acts as a powerful magnet, attracting and nurturing exceptional talent. Many graduates, captivated by the region's scenic beauty and intellectual vibrancy, choose to make their home and build their careers here, enriching the local dining landscape with their skills and passion. Furthermore, the Hudson Valley's proximity to the vast populations of the New York metropolitan area draws discerning diners seeking respite and recreation. These visitors arrive with high culinary expectations, pushing local restaurants to innovate and excel. Crucially, a strong
Bistro To Go, Kingston
Bacchus, New Paltz
Aba's Falafel, Rhinebeck
A Slice Of Italy, Kingston
Angela's Pizza, Lake Katrine
Asia Restaurant, Stone Ridge
network of dedicated local farmers works in close partnership with our restaurants, providing a constant stream of fresh, seasonal ingredients, ranging from everyday staples to more exotic and specialty produce. This farmto-table ethos ensures a level of quality and flavor that is truly exceptional.
savoring the experience
Even for those of us who find joy in the art of home cooking, there exists a unique magic in a truly superb restaurant meal. You are gracefully escorted to a table amidst the cheerful ambiance of fellow diners and presented with a menu brimming with enticing options—noneof which will require you to lift a finger in preparation or face the subsequent cleanup. Instead, each dish is meticu-
lously crafted by a passionate and practiced chef, utilizing hand-selected fresh ingredients at their peak flavor. This is an opportunity to relax, indulge, and fully appreciate the artistry and dedication that go into creating a memorable culinary experience.
raise a glass to local
While you eagerly anticipate the arrival of your perfectly prepared meal, a gracious server will attend to your beverage preferences, and here too, the Hudson Valley shines. Many local eateries proudly champion the region's burgeoning craft beverage scene, offering an impressive selection of locally made beers, wines, and spirits. Treat yourself to a thoughtfully crafted cocktail, perhaps
Jar'd, New Paltz
Kingston Social, Kingston Hickory BBQ, Kingston
Hutton Brickyards River Pavilion, Kingston
Garvan's, New Paltz
Hoffman House Tavern, Kingston
featuring seasonal fruits and herbs, or explore the innovative non-alcoholic options with a refreshing mocktail. Supporting local producers enhances the dining experience and provides a true taste of the Hudson Valley's terroir.
try a flavor adventure
Don't hesitate to engage with your knowledgeable server, sharing your culinary preferences and asking for their recommendations. You might be pleasantly surprised by their insightful suggestions, whic could lead you to discover a new favorite dish or flavor profile; the Hudson Valley's diverse culinary scene offers a wealth of opportunities for gastronomic exploration.
Mill & Main Restaurant, Kerhonkson
La Deliziosa, Poughkeepsie
Jessie's Harvest House, Tannersville
Olsen & Company, Saugerties
Lasting Joy Brewery, Tivoli
Main Course, New Paltz
local eateries with a story
Many Hudson Valley restaurants, ranging from refined establishments to charmingly unpretentious local spots, possess histories deeply rooted in the region's past and its unique stories. You might discover subtle acknowledgments of this heritage in their decor, perhaps through vintage photographs, or within their menus, where local ingredients with historical significance are often highlighted. The dynamic food culture of the Hudson Valley represents a compelling fusion of time-honored local traditions and exciting culinary influences from across the globe, creating a truly distinctive dining landscape.
Seconds Restaurant, Athens
Tetta's Market, Olivebridge
RŪNA Bistro, New Paltz
Stella's Station, Saugerties
Peekamoose Restaurant, Big Indian
Sportsman's Alamo Cantina, Phoenicia
a taste of place
Ultimately, the Hudson Valley's culinary scene offers more than just exceptional food; it provides a genuine taste of place. Each bite tells a story of the fertile land, the dedicated farmers, the skilled chefs, and the welcoming spirit of the region. Whether you're savoring a farmfresh salad, indulging in a perfectly cooked steak, or sipping a locally brewed beer, you're connecting with the essence of this remarkable area. The passion and commitment evident in every aspect of the dining experience create lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the Hudson Valley's rich agricultural and culinary heritage.
Terrapin, Rhinebeck
The Cornell, Kingston
The RDI Bar & Road Kill Grill, Napanoch
Yum Yum Noodle Bar, Kingston
The Parish, New Paltz
The Catamount, Mt. Tremper
New Eatery
the cornell restaurant + bar
Good news for people who’ve experienced the food, vibes, and community spirit at Ole Savannah on the Kingston waterfront: That warm, fun-loving heart hasn’t gone anywhere. If anything, it’s beating stronger than ever, thanks to restaurateur Dave Amato’s decision to transform the building’s brand into The Cornell Restaurant + Bar, a deeply felt homage to Rondout history.
photos provided by the cornell
Some people thought he was a bit crazy to be reinventing something that already worked so well, Amato says. Ole Savannah, a cornerstone of Kingston’s Strand for the last decade and drawing customers from all over the Hudson Valley and beyond, was already much loved. Why fix something that wasn’t broken? But at 10 years old, the restaurant’s interior needed a refresh anyway—and besides hospitality and great food, one of Amato’s primary passions is Kingston history, especially the lesser-told tales of the waterfront people who played a key role in building the wider world.
“Not everyone gets it at first,” Amato says. “They ask if I went to Cornell University or something. No,
these are pure Kingston roots.”
Back in the early 19th century, Thomas Cornell’s uncle ran a dock and a thriving general store in Eddyville, where the Delaware and Hudson Canal met the Rondout Creek. Thomas joined the team after high school, started the Cornell Steamboat Company with a single sloop at the tender age of 23, and put together the largest steamboat fleet in the United States, with over 60 vessels. He also founded a bank, bought the local newspaper, did some railroading, and served two terms in Congress, leaving an indelible mark on Kingston as we know it. Amato’s other location, the much-loved Brickmen Kitchen + Bar in Uptown, pays fond tribute to
At 10 years old, the restaurant’s interior needed a refresh anyway—and besides hospitality and great food, one of Amato’s primary passions is Kingston history.
Amato and Executive Chef Anthony Colon are leaning even deeper into innovative global fusion, grounded in comfort food and with a contemporary flair.
the laborers who shaped and fired the bricks that Cornell’s steamships carried downriver; one of those laborers was Amato’s grandfather.
In remaking Ole Savannah into The Cornell, Amato worked with the team that crafted Brickmen. The interior and exterior have been reimagined by Jackson Creative Group as a celebration of local maritime history. Coordinator Jessica Mino, a vital part of the success of Ole Savannah, Brickmen, and this latest transition, helped guide the vision and operations.
The name “Ole Savannah” evoked visions of barbecue, despite the restaurant’s wide range of menu choices, Amato says. With the rebrand, Amato
and Executive Chef Anthony Colon are leaning even deeper into innovative global fusion, grounded in comfort food and with a contemporary flair. Dishes range from a mini lobster roll appetizer to a fried chicken entree and handcrafted cappelletti bistecca, plus dim sum, sushi, and many other options perfect for sharing.
“What’s great about fusion is that if you’re dining out with even the biggest or most varied group, there’s something on this menu that each person will enjoy,” Amato says. “Asian, Italian, French, American, Jamaican jerk wings—whatever you love, whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find something that will make you happy.” Community spirit is another kind
of fusion: Amato loves to cook up fresh, and the high-spirited fun—an ice skating rink in winter, fireworks in summer, and community events and celebrations year round—will continue to grow. “None of that is going to change,” Amato says. “Hopefully, we can even expand on it. We love the nonprofits and the community events; we love being a place where people come together to eat great
food and enjoy life by the river.”
Open 7 days a week, offering lunch, dinner, drinks, and Sunday brunch, The Cornell is the perfect complement to a river cruise and/or a visit to the Hudson River Maritime Museum. Come feast and get a taste of this old town’s younger days that will help you understand how it got to be its fun-loving, soulful self.
Savor the Summer
3 simple farm - fresh recipes
Photo by Monticello
Summertime in these parts is flush with fresh flavor. Juicy tomatoes, crisp greens, justpicked sweet corn; it’s all so good and so good for you. Go straight to the source: farm stands and farmers’ markets—where it’s all laid out in bins full of Nature’s finest—and pick out your ideal ingredients.
Shopping locally is the way to make sure you’re getting the very freshest and tastiest.
Enjoy the best of summer with these three simple, delicious recipes that highlight the flavors of our beautiful valley.
Going straight to the grower for your bounty, whether at the communal market or on the farm, adds value to your purchases in so many ways. You’ll find unique artisanal products made with love. You’ll be able to ask experts any questions you have about preparing the food for the absolute maximum flavor, and you’ll meet the people who make a living from the land. You’ll be mixing with fellow foodies of all descriptions, especially if you choose to visit one of the many farms that have U-pick, fun things for kids, taprooms, and other creative good times to go with the good food. You’ll be helping us keep the Hudson Valley green, wonderful, and oh-so-nutritious.
grilled peach and charred corn salsa
• 4 ears of corn,, husked
Serves 4 Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min ingredients
• 2 peaches, halved and pitted
• 1 pint quartered cherry tomatoes
• 1 finely chopped red onion
• 1 finely chopped jalapeño
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• Salt
Photo by ChesterAlive.
directions
1. Grill the peaches (3-5 min, cut side down) and the corn (12-15 min, turning) until marked and slightly softened. Let cool.
2. Combine the tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and lime juice in a bowl. Season with salt.
3. Cut the corn kernels off the cob and dice the peaches. Add to the bowl with cilantro.
4. Gently stir to combine. Serve fresh or chilled.
balsamic glazed veggie kebabs
Serves 4-5 Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• Freshly ground black pepper
ingredients
• 2 pounds mixed vegetables (such as eggplant, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, tomatoes), cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 16 (9- to 10-inch) skewers, soaked in water
directions
1. Place the vinegar, mustard, garlic, 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, and a few grinds of pepper in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and reduced slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. Heat an outdoor grill for direct, medium- to high-heat cooking. Meanwhile, place the vegetables and oil in a large bowl, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Thread the vegetables onto the skewers.
3. Put the kebabs on the grill and cook undis-
turbed until grill marks appear on the vegetables, about 2 minutes. Using tongs, flip the skewers and grill for 2 minutes more.
4. Brush the vegetables with the balsamic glaze. Reduce the heat to medium (or move the vegetables to a cooler part of the grill). Flip the skewers every minute or so, brushing the vegetables with the glaze each time you flip them. Grill until the vegetables are cooked through and lightly charred, 10 to 15 minutes total. Brush the vegetables once more with glaze before serving.
Photo by Elena Veselova.
late summer caprese salad
ingredients
Serves 3 Prep: 5 min
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella
• 2–3 tomatoes
• 1 bunch basil
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
directions
Cut the mozzarella and tomatoes into thin slices. Lay tomato slices on a platter, top with a leaf of basil, and then layer with mozzarella. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Everything you need for your next summer cookout can be found at these great local farms and markets. Many towns have community farmers’ markets, usually on weekends; inquire at the farm stand or ask the town clerk. Ideas:
Adams Fairacre Farms (various locations)
Bistro To Go, Kingston
Cheese Louise, Kingston, Rhinebeck
High Falls Food Co-op, High Falls
Kelder’s Farm, Kerhonkson
Mill & Main Provisions, Kerhonkson
Saunderskill Farm, Accord
Sunflower Natural Foods, Woodstock and Rhinebeck
Wallkill View Farm, New Paltz
Photo by Green Art Photography
Photo by Maria Uspenskaya.
Sippin’ in the Sunshine
best summer cocktails to cool you down
Lots of things pair well with a great summer cocktail: lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard BBQ, enjoying a warm summer evening with friends, stargazing with a special someone. The perfect summer drink can elevate even epic moments like these with the perfect touch of relaxation. From fruity and fizzy to smooth and savory, these summer cocktails are designed to bring the splash, adding flavor and fun to summertime. Grab your shaker, ice, and a little bit of sunshine, and let’s explore some great summer drink choices!
Serves 4
• 2 (1/2-inch) grapefruit wedges, plus thin slices for serving
• 12 ounces Campari, chilled
• 12 ounces Prosecco or sparkling wine, chilled
• 8 ounces grapefruit seltzer or club soda, chilled
• Ice ingredients directions
1. Squeeze juice from grapefruit wedges into a medium glass measuring cup, then add Campari, and stir to combine. Divide Campari mixture among 4 wine glasses.
2. Pour 3 ounces Prosecco and 2 ounces seltzer into each glass. Add a thin grapefruit slice, then fill glasses with ice.
campari spritz
Photo by Captured by Augustine.
blackberry - mint julep
Serves 1
ingredients
• Small ice cubes
• 1/4 cup blackberries, plus 1 blackberry for garnish
• 2 tablespoons mint leaves, plus 1 mint sprig for garnish
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1-1/2 ounces bourbon
directions
1. Fill a rocks glass halfway with ice cubes.
2. In a shaker, combine 1/4 cup of blackberries, mint leaves, sugar, bourbon, and 1/3 cup ice cubes, and shake well.
3. Strain the drink into the glass through a coarse sieve, pressing on the solids.
4. Add a blackberry and mint sprig garnish on top.
Photo by DenisMArt.
strawberry - mint sangria
Serves 4
• 1 pound strawberries, sliced and divided
• 1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, divided
• 2 ounces simple syrup
• Ice
• 1 (750-mL) bottle dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
• 1-1/2 cup (12 ounces) soda water
• 2 ounces St. Germain
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced ingredients directions
1. In a cocktail shaker or large measuring cup, using a muddler, mash half the strawberries and half the mint into a chunky paste. Add the simple syrup and continue to muddle until the strawberries are completely broken down.
2. Fill a pitcher with ice, then strain the strawberry syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into the pitcher. Add the wine, soda water, St. Germain, and lemon juice, and stir to combine.
3. Stir in the lemon slices and the remaining 8 ounces strawberries and 1/2 cup mint.
Photo by Elena Veselova.
bourbon peach iced tea
Serves 4-6
ingredients
Peach Simple Syrup
• 1-1/2 pounds fresh peaches (about 3), peeled and sliced
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
directions
PeachSimpleSyrup
1. In a medium pot over medium heat, bring peaches, sugar, and 2 cups water to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until peaches have completely softened, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool.
2. Strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the peaches with a spoon to release more juice. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Make Ahead: Syrup can be made 1 month ahead. Keep refrigerated.
Tea
• 6 black tea bags
• 1 cup peach simple syrup
• 1/2 cup (or more) bourbon
• Ice • 1 fresh peach, sliced
PeachyTea
1. In a medium pot or kettle, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Let steep 5 to 8 minutes. Discard tea bags.
2. Pour tea into a heatproof pitcher. Add 1 cup peach simple syrup and 4 cups water, and stir to combine. Let cool.
3. When ready to serve, add bourbon. Taste and add more bourbon or simple syrup, if desired.
4. Serve over ice with peach slices.
Photo by Murzik Nata.
Meet the Owner
whole sky yoga
Stewardship of Whole Sky
Yoga, long cherished by seekers of deep-rooted, unpretentious yoga and wellness. changed two years ago when founder Sara Trapani turned the reins over to Anne Girvin. Like any devoted practitioner, the studio continues on its trajectory of getting better all the time, offering a diverse range of classes, workshops, and community gatherings, as well as a comprehensive Yoga Alliance-approved teacher training
and a low-key community hub.
“My goal with the whole refresh we’ve done since I took over is to keep making this space ever more accessible and welcoming,” Girvin says. “Every studio I’ve ever been part of and loved, the few minutes before and after class when you get to socialize and be in community with people you might not see anywhere else has been its own kind of sacred space. We nurture those moments here.”
photos provided by whole sky
“My goal with the whole refresh we’ve done since I took over is to keep making this space ever more accessible and welcoming.”
– Anne Girvin
the path to whole sky Having taught yoga on both coasts (it was a job with the Culinary Institute’s Napa Valley outpost that put her in touch with the Hudson Valley vibe), Girvin knows what she’s talking about—and how to blend simple ingredients that make the place homey: free tea, a comfy lounge, a welcoming spirit, and a peaceable hum of shared self-improvement. “You can come a little early or stay a little after, and it’s lovely,” she says. “People of all sorts, who might otherwise never meet,
connect. People greet their neighbors and catch up. I love that.”
finding home
When Girvin first moved to Kerhonkson in early 2021, she was teaching yoga online but found herself enchanted by the people she was meeting while out and about. “The area feels a bit like Napa, but less touristy and very closeknit and supportive,” she says. “Very kind-hearted. The whole Hudson Valley is lovely, but my sister had a house over here in Ulster County, and it feels just right being here .”
“Yoga studio time is a chance to let go of your everyday concerns—nothing else matters but the moment—and I really love being that hub for people, for their self-care.” – Anne Girvin
Looking around for a place to attend classes, she discovered Whole Sky a few minutes away and was soon in love with her new studio too. “After a few months of practicing there, I asked Sara if she was hiring any teachers, and I eventually got onto the schedule,” Girvin says. “Then I decided I wanted to get some more training, so I took the advanced teacher training course, 300 hours at Three Sisters Yoga down in Manhattan.”
embracing community
During the training, she continued teaching at Whole Sky, and as she finished her course, conversations
with Trapani about the possibility of taking over began to get serious. “I’d had thoughts about starting my own yoga business, but I was envisioning it as online only,” she says. “But then this idea took shape. It made sense for Sara and it made sense for me; it was a really great opportunity that I didn’t want to pass up.”
At the Culinary Institute’s Napa Valley campus, she’d been head of marketing, so owning a studio gave her a chance to use those skills on something that was all hers, in a field she’s passionate about. “I still have a marketing business online, but this is the first brick-and-mortar business I’ve ever had, and I’m
“The goal is to help people develop a practice that becomes integral, that they will keep and flourish in all their lives,” she says. “It’s about developing something that really serves you.”
– Anne Girvin
loving it,” she says. “Not just because I'm my own boss, but because I love having this space and tending to it. I love the customer service side, welcoming people. I even love the weird little mundane things like restocking the paper and tea. I love being the vehicle for people to have that community space. Yoga studio time is a chance to let go of your everyday concerns—nothing else matters but the moment—and I really love being that hub for people, for their self-care.”
the meaning behind it
Even the name Whole Sky feels deeply resonant. “I knew I wouldn’t change the name, partly in homage to what Sara built—she still teaches here—but also be -
cause it fits my story too. When I was a kid, I’d disappear for hours, and my sister would find me in the hammock just gazing up at the stars or the clouds. I have such an affinity for the sky, especially the night sky, and I’ve brought a lot of those elements—the phases of the moon, the stars, the sun—into our branding to just make it even more celestial, to bring in even more of the whole sky.”
expanded offerings
Anne has also expanded the menu of workshops and classes, most of them available both in-person and livestreamed “The goal is to help people develop a practice that becomes integral, that they will keep and flourish in all their
lives,” she says. “It’s about developing something that really serves you. When we offer the teacher training, we’re going to make some of that available to people who may not want to teach, but want to take a certain area of practice to the next level—deepen their study of yoga philosophy, say, or breath work. We’ll identify the specific sessions that will get them to that goal without the full 200-hour commitment.”
starting your journey at whole sky
You can start your Whole Sky journey with a Stargazer Intro Month for just $45, during which you can try out as many different classes and teachers as you like, and explore their comprehensive video library, and then take it from there to anywhere. From rigorous 7 am sunrise yoga to Sunday afternoon slow flow, Whole Sky strives to offer the whole spectrum. “We have lots of classes that offer an entry point to practice for anyone, and from there you can build it the way that works for you,” Girvin says. “What you’re drawn to, what you’re curious about, is what you’re meant to be learning, and we love to facilitate that beautiful journey.”
whole sky yoga
3588 Main Street, Stone Ridge 845-687-6060
wholeskyyoga.com
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WE IMPROVE OUR CLIENTS’ LIVES BY IMPROVING THEIR LIVING SPACES
WE IMPROVE OUR CLIENTS’ LIVES BY IMPROVING THEIR LIVING SPACES
We’re not your typical kitchen and bath company.
We are a design firm that creates functional spaces tailored to the unique needs and preferences of our clients.
We’re not your typical kitchen and bath company. We are a design firm that creates functional spaces tailored to the unique needs and preferences of our clients.
WE IMPROVE OUR CLIENTS’ LIVES BY IMPROVING THEIR LIVING SPACES
We pay close attention to detail and take the time to understand their lifestyle, needs, desires and vision, ensuring that every element is both intentional and beautifully designed.
We pay close attention to detail and take the time to understand their lifestyle, needs, desires and vision, ensuring that every element is both intentional and beautifully designed.
We’re not your typical kitchen and bath company. We are a design firm that creates functional spaces tailored to the unique needs and preferences of our clients.
collaborate with nature in creating your garden
So you’ve found your Hudson Valley paradise, and you want it to feel and look wonderful. You may be faced with a tangle of overgrown brush or a bland patch
of lawn and shrubbery, outdoor space that you want to make beautiful and useful, which means it’s time to indulge in some regenerative rewilding.
Rewilding works beautifully around here as a decorating scheme. You may notice that Nature Herself has done a wonderful job with large parts of the landscape, scattering wildflowers and berries, gracious trees, and flowing waters. For better or worse, humans have made their mark in still other places; better usually happens when we collaborate with Earth’s own urges instead of stomping on them with monocultures or too much blacktop.
There’s a lot of creative room between letting the weeds run completely wild and ruling your corner
of creation with an iron fist. Mild rewilding, the kind we’re talking about here, is a way to walk gently on the earth and respect our fellow life forms, and the more places where that’s going on, the better for us all.
That’s what rewilding is all about: intelligent collaboration with the living soil. Rewilding your yard is a powerful way of loving it, putting your own spin on your surroundings in ways that will make life beautiful for you and for every living being in your realm. Mildly rewilded lands have color, form, life, and fragrance that no monoculture can match.
getting started
Look around your outdoor space, including, but not limited to, any spot you’d like to fix up and anywhere you plan to plant a garden. Take photos so you’ll have images to guide you as you hunt for just the right ingredients to make yourself a lush little habitat. Note the patterns of light and shade, the low spots that stay damp, where the soil is deep and where it’s rocky.
Get to know the local wildlands. Take an herb walk or a mushroom walk; along with the herbs and mushrooms, look for plants you find beautiful and ask the walk leader to identify them for you. Visit a biodynamic farm and a native nursery.
Wild Ones Hudson Valley (midhudsonvalley.wildones.org) is a nonprofit
t hat offers webinars and workshops about transforming your land with native plants; Cornell Cooperative Extension (ulster.cce. cornell.edu/gardening) and the Hudson Valley Farm Hub (hvfarmhub.org/) are both great resources where you’ll find vast stores of data-based wisdom about living well with the local land.
building your wildlands : some basics
Look at the natural stone on your property. Some of it can be rearranged, which is one of the oldest gardening tactics going (that’s where the dry-laid stone walls you’ll encounter in the woods came from—from farmers rearranging stones), and the stones don’t seem to mind. Craft a pretty pile of stones, and you’ll be creating habitat for the small, adorable critters that help keep bugs in check.
If you’re looking to create a patio
space, consider using crushed stone to keep the surface permeable. Good stormwater management is an essential part of property maintenance and environmental harmony.
To avoid disappointment, do your research. Know how much shade, sun, and moisture various plants prefer, and plant accordingly. The beauty of planting native is that once established, your garden will be easier to care for,
Consider making your perimeter a food forest. Berries grow extravagantly well in most places in the Hudson Valley, producing loads of sunshiny sweetness with minimal care. Wineberries are officially invasive, and you’ll want to keep them under control, but they’re also outrageously tasty and have more or less already invaded. Blackcap raspberries are native and will also run wild if you let them. Huckleberries and blueberries will thrive, especially at higher elevations. Antioxidant-rich elderberries and the under-appreciated pawpaw grow happily into lush trees that produce sweet fruit, and black walnut trees bring free protein. Inoculating a mushroom log is a fairly simple process and can keep you in shitakes or oysters.
Add a meadow layer. Next to your food forest, plant things that grow to moderate height and add pops of color. Plants like echinacea (coneflower), anise hyssop, sweet
flag, Solomon’s seal, wild indigo, laurel, snakeroot, angelica, and jewelweed are just some of the natives with medicinal properties and the ability to set pollinators blissin’.
Add a water feature. It can be as simple as a birdbath or as elaborate as a pond with a small waterfall, but it adds a lovely vibe and wildlife will love you for it.
Reclaiming lawn space. Clover is drought resistant, pretty, and silky on bare feet. You can add some by mowing the grass low, raking out any dead grass or debris, and then broadcasting your chosen native clover seed, mixed with sand, sawdust, or light soil to help it spread.
Rake again to work your seeds into the soil, water for the first couple of weeks, and you will see clover starting to establish itself. Anyplace it takes over completely won’t need mowing more than a few times a year.
Plumbing Repairs & Installation Water Filtration Systems
Saugerties Antiques Center
One of the oldest antique centers in the Hudson Valley... Established in
What’s summer without an unforgettable music festival? How can you spend the sunny days and later nights in a city when everything you want is just upstate? From Mountain Jam on Belleayre Mountain in Highmount to the Ulster County Fair in New Paltz, a summer full of sunshine and festivals and fairs and comedy and hiking and views and swimming and fishing and memories are waiting for you when you summer upstate in Ulster County. Plan your trip at VisitUlsterCountyNY.com
