HudsonValleyGoodStuff

Rainy Day Kid Activity: World's Largest Kaleidoscope & Jane's Gourmet Ice Cream

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I have been to the Emerson Place many times over the past 6 years, but I have never braved the World's Largest Kaleidoscope at the Emerson Country Store . The Emerson Place is a quiet group of stores next door to the Emerson Resort and Spa.  There are a few fancy home decor stores (avoid them if you have wild toddlers), a nice toy store which specializes in kaleidoscopes, and a very chic and cozy snack bar that serves Starbucks coffee and Jane's Gourmet Ice Cream. (In case you have never tried Jane's Ice Cream, try it...It's amazing!) The snack bar/book store also sells homemade danishes, cookies and sandwiches.  The Kaleidoscope show runs 10 minutes long and costs $5.40 for adults and is free for children 12 and under. It is sort of built like a miniature planetarium. When the lights go out, you can see Kaleidoscope patterns change on the ceiling. Today's show was "America, The House We Live In"  which included many Americana, political images, and a very colorful 70s segment. It's good fun for kids and grown-ups! For more info visit http://www.kaleidostore.com. Emerson Country Store, 5340 Rt. 28, Mt. Tremper, NY (845) 688-5800. Shows run daily from 10am-5pm.

Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner & a Turkey Trot in the Hudson Valley

If you are headed up here for the long weekend, here are links to get you well-fed and entertained. (br>  For music lovers Hudson Valley Music has a list of venues including bars and restaurants that have performances this weekend:  http://www.hvmusic.com/listing/calentry_list.php  If you want to burn a few calories before pigging out on the big bird, you can join the runners at the Thanksgiving 5K Turkey Trot to benefit the Ferncliff Forest. You can register online or the same day beginning at 7am. Race begins at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck. Go to http://www.Active.com to register.  If you don’t feel like cooking this year these restaurants are offering Thanksgiving Dinners:   http://www.mohonk.com/dining/dining_holidaymeals.cfm ($75 per person) http://www.vintagehudsonvalley.com/vhv_111009.shtml The above link lists several places in the Hudson Valley that are serving Thanksgiving dinner.  http://skytop.moonfruit.com/#/thanksgiving-day/4519775316 ($20.95) http://beekmandelamaterinn.com/events.htm ($41.95)   If you are looking for fun Thanksgiving Eve parties visit http://www.hudsonvalley.metromix.com for ideas. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Savona's Trattoria: Decadent Italian Fare by the Roundout--Kingston, NY

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The Round-out area in Kingston is a nice place to walk around, and there a few lively night spots on the waterfront, but during the week, it is very quiet. There was hardly a soul walking around when my husband and I were trying to find a lunch spot on Monday. Savona's was the only restaurant that appeared open . We even saw a two happy business people having lunch there. I got a good vibe from the place right away. It is elegant inside, but not stuffy. They had a special 3 course lunch for $11.95 that was tempting, but I didn't want dessert.  We split an Antipasto Salad for an appetizer. I had the soup of the day (butternut squash) which was rich and tasty. For my main dish, I had the Eggplant Rollentini, which came with spaghetti. The portion wasn't huge, but I was so full from the starters and the sinful garlic bread that I really couldn't finish my plate anyway. Savona's Restaurant, 11 Broadway on the Roundout, Kingston, NY. (845) 339-6800. http://www.savonas.com.

Hudson Coffee Traders: Good Coffee & Wi-Fi in Kingston

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 I recently discovered a great place to have coffee and work on your laptop in Kingston's business district.  Hudson Coffee Traders is a cute coffee spot with comfy chairs and Wi-Fi. Coffee is also good. I had mini-lemon muffin, which was also pretty tasty. The service is very friendly, and it's right across from the court house--perfect for jurors!  I also noticed a new Indian restaurant near Wall Street, which I'd like to check out some day. Hudson Coffee Traders,  288 Wall Street, Kingston, NY  12401. (845) 338-1300. http://www.hudsoncoffeetraders.com/

Peaceful Power Walk on a Gloomy Day: Ashokan Reservoir--Ashokan, NY

I love the Ashokan Reservoir! In the summer it's a perfect place to ride a bike, power walk, or push a stroller, especially if you like flat easy  terrain.  When the weather is gloomy and drizzly as it was last Sunday, it's nice too because it is never muddy and the view is gorgeous no matter what the weather is like.  It's not good though if you have a terrible fear of heights!  I just have a mild phobia so it's not so bad.  Getting there is half the fun!  For more info go to:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashokan_Reservoir#Permitted_Activities. I can't find an official website, but this will give you a little history and information.

Sale Alert: Woodstock Chimes Semi-Annual Warehouse Sale

If your kids love playing musical instruments, the Woodstock Chimes Semi-Annual Warehouse Sale is a great place to buy a few advance holiday gifts or stocking stuffers. I went here a few years ago and bought a huge bongo drum. The sale is starting tomorrow, Thursday, November 12th and runs until this Sunday, November 15th. Open 9-5. For more details visit their website, http://www.chimes.com.

Rhinebeck Sunday Farmers ' Market: Vegetables, Turkeys & Homemade Goodies

Thanksgiving is coming!

 

If you are a foodie or a chef, the Farmer's Market offers a lot of fresh vegetables, fruits, and homemade goodies. The market will take place every Sunday from 10-2 up until November 22nd. For more info on the Farmers' Market you can visit http://www.rhinebeckfarmersmarket.com.  What are some other towns that have Farmers' Markets?

Wet Halloween of 2009: Wizards, Witches, Hippies & Pres. Karzai!

Costumes at the Halloween Parade in Woodstock, NY.

 What a fun Halloween I had, but I am exhausted!  It started off with a drive to New Paltz for an early lunch at The Gilded Otter. Will blog about that restaurant soon. On the way back we wanted to stop off at Gill's Farm as it looked like they were about to launch the pumpkin shooter as we were driving by. Someone was behind us so we couldn't safely make the turn to go there. It was raining anyway so we decided to rest up before braving the parade in Woodstock. Woodstock was jam-packed with trick or treaters, and I bumped into just about everybody I know. Halloween Day and the Woodstock Christmas Open House (this year that will be on Dec. 4th), are the busiest times from my experience. Of course, it's all about the costumes and this year there were a few that stood out. My favorite was Pres. Karzai of Afghanistan. I wish I had taken a photo of his look-a-like. At least I got a photo of the road sign ladies.  I'm left with a candy surplus...not a good thing!