HudsonValleyGoodStuff

Boice Brothers Dairy: Ice Cream in Kingston

Boice Brothers Dairy & Ice Cream stand in Kingston is a great place to go for an ice cream treat if you are running errands in Kingston's business district or the round-out area. I did just that a couple days ago. The Boice family have been in business since 1914 so they know their ice cream! It was very tasty. I had the mango banana Dole Whip (low fat) and the kids enjoyed the soft serve vanilla. The store is open year round and sells chocolate milk and egg nog too. Prices are budget friendly. The animal statues in the front are cute though, they have definitely seen better days. There are a few tables by the stand. Boice Brothers Dairy, 62 O'Neil Street, Kingston, NY.12401. (845) 340-2018.

Shakti Yoga in Woodstock--Jivamukti Yoga

I had an intense Jivamukti Yoga class today at Shakti Yoga in Woodstock. When I arrived a little before 10:30 the parking lot was packed. I thought that the 10:30 class would be full of detoxers, but it was the 9:30 class that was just leaving. By the looks of the sweaty participants and the muggy room, that class was intense as well. Whenever I take 1-2 months break from yoga, it always feels so good to get back on the mat. Since there were only 3 of us in the class, Julie, the instructor, gave all of us extra attention and frequent adjustments. The studio is set in a beautiful country setting, and it wassoothing to see the trees blowing in the wind as I was trying to follow the other two regular Shakti yoginis. Check out Shakti Yoga for class schedules. They have locations in Saugerties, Shokan, and Mt. Tremper. 

Wheat-grass at Sunfrost & Detox Week at Shakti Yoga

Had a very healthy lunch at Sunfrost on Route 212 near Woodstock last Friday. They were running a special where you get a free shot of wheat-grass if you spend over $10 at the counter. Since my husband had never tried it, we said, "Hit me!" It's very strong! If you are in the mood for detoxing this Spring, Shakti Yoga is having an Ayurvedic Detoxification Week from April 24th - May 1st. According to their newsletter, "classes will emphasize the purifying powers of asana through sequences that support our body's natural tendency to remove toxins through increased circulation." For more info visit Shakti Yoga's website.

Hamptons Detour: Sea Lions at the Atlantis Marine World Aquarium in Riverhead

Atlantis Marine World Long Island's Aquarium in Riverhead is a great place to take the kids on a rainy day or even a sunny day when you are looking for something fun and educational to do with the kids when you are in the Hamptons area of Long Island. I never get tired of it!  The indoor section contains a stingray tank, shark tank, sea lion cove, reptiles, exotic fish, and even sea horses. Outdoors you will see Japanese snow monkeys and penguins among other creatures. There is also a cafeteria and a fun ice cream place (Scoops). It was very crowded there today, but it was still enjoyable. If you plan on visiting the Atlantis Aquarium more than once, it is well worth it to get a family membership as the entrance fee is pricey. I go there about four times a year. Admission 2 adults and 2 children between 3-12 total is $80. A family membership for 2 adults & 2 kids is $135, and you can go as many times a year as you like. It's also nice to go to the member's entrance as you don't have to wait on line.

The parking lot next door to the Aquarium charges $8 for parking. It was packed to full capacity that day (March 31st during Spring break), but it only took us a few minutes to find free parking in the street a block away. Check out the Atlantis Marine World--Long Island's Aquarium website for more info. They also have birthday parties there.

Gardiner Cupcake Festival: Save the date & calories for Hudson Valley cupcakes!

The cupcakes are coming! The 2nd annual Gardiner Cupcake Festival will be held on Saturday, May 8th from 1-6pm on Mother's Day weekend. Rain date is May 9th. Vendors will have tables set out with their cupcake creations, a cupcake contest (not an eating contest), but a judging where cupcakes will be rated by Prettiest, Most Creative, Most Delicous, and People's Choice. For more information on the cupcake festival, visit the Gardiner Cupcake Festival website or join their Facebook Fan Page. 

Joshua's Cafe: Healthy Mediterranean Weekday Brunch--Woodstock, NY

I had a really good Mediterranean lunch at Joshua's Cafe and Lounge in Woodstock the other day. It definitely has a real Woodstock vibe. I over heard one of the white-haired ladies at the next table bragging to her friends about a skinny-dipping experience. Well, the menu has plenty of healthy, vegan entree choices. I was also surprised to see a Brunch menu on a weekday. Tofu Rancheros was a special today, but I opted for the #4 Melt (avocado, tomato, swiss on a pita bread with tahini sauce). My husband is on a doctor-imposed low-sugar-low-fat diet so he had the Veggie Burger with Feta. The veggie burger was pretty juicy for a veggie burger. Next time I will check out the desserts! Joshua's, 51 Tinker Street, Woodstock, NY 12498. (845) 679-5533. Joshua's World Cuisine. Upstairs is the popular Java Lounge, which has free Wi-Fi. 

Woodstock Chimes Spring Warehouse Sale is coming!

 

 The Woodstock Chimes Spring Warehouse Sale is almost here. This year it is scheduled for Thursday through Sunday, May 13-16 (9-5 each day). Besides windchimes, you can find tons of instruments for children here. Great place for parents, teachers and education therapists to shop! For more info visit Woodstock Chimes Sale.

Cool Gift Shop: Vintage Designs & Hip Gifts at Still Life Mercantile--Woodstock, NY

 
  
Still Life Mercantile is a cool gift shop in Woodstock. It's a great place to go if you are shopping for a one-of-a-kind witty kind of gift or need to find something for a hip host. Sarah, the owner, says that the store is a design-oriented gift store and most of the merchandise is made by independent designers. You'll find gifts like handmade jewelry (geode slice necklaces), pottery by local artist Shoshona Snow, Envirosax-reusable shopping bags with funky graphic prints on them. (These bags feel kind of silky not like most reusable bags). The gift shop also has crafting books, beautiful designer clothing (under $100). You can see more at the store's blog, Still Life Mercantile, 3 Mill Hill  Road, Woodstock, NY 12498. (845) 679-5172.

Retail therapy alert: Gigantic Flea Market at Dutchess County Fairgrounds April 17-18

Attention Hudson Valley bargain hunters: Gigantic Flea Market at Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck is happening this weekend (April 17-18). There will be over 350 vendors there so there should be something for everyone.  I have never been to this event, but I have been to other events at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds like the Hudson Valley Autism Walk & Expo (coming up on April 25th), and the NYS Sheep and Wool Family Festival. These events are always well organized, and there is plenty to do!  Free admission to the Gigantic Flea Market & it's rain or shine. Call (845) 876-4000 for more info.

Pancake Breakfast at the West Hurley Firehouse: Yummy!

My family is becoming addicted to these firehouse pancake breakfasts! Unfortunately, the West Hurley firehouse won't be having another one until October of this year. I will have to try to scout out other local volunteer fire departments who host these breakfasts. If you ever see a sign for one while you're driving about and you can go to one, don't miss it! It's a great way to support a Hudson Valley volunteer fire department, and the breakfast usually comes with bacon, pancakes, french toast, sausage, coffee, and orange juice. Today the cub scouts did a great job serving the oj!  Also look out for local BBQs during the summer. The one hosted by the Zena firehouse was one of the best ones I ever went to. Will try to see if there is a website that lists all these firehouse fund-raisers. What is your favorite firehouse fund-raiser in the Hudson Valley?