HudsonValleyGoodStuff

Chelsea Clinton Mania Consumes Rhinebeck: Will the moneymoon last?

 

 

  

 I drove through Rhinebeck today, as many locals and tourists did, to be part of the Chelsea Clinton wedding hoopla. People were coming out as the un-invited extension of the wedding party. I have to admit I don’t usually get to bop around with tv crews, and media types, hacking away on their laptops in the Hudson Valley. When I got there around 4pm, a fellow thrill-seeker told me that Bill Clinton had walked over to Gigi’s Trattoriafor lunch around 2pm. (I blogged about Gigi's Trattoria recently here)

 

When I was stuck in Rhinebeck traffic I traded eye-rolls with another lady, most likely another startled resident. Not all residents are crazy about this Clinton wedding. Yes, $3 million is a bit extravagant. But, I hope that this wedding weekend havoc will bring more tourists and tourist dollars to Rhinebeck, and the Hudson Valley. Monday morning residents can get their sleepy chic Rhinebeck village back and we’ll all remember this crazy week, but hopefully the money-moon won’t be over for local businesses. Here's an Associated Press reported on Bill Clinton's visit today in the Daily Freeman.

Anybody know who these kissing reporters are in the top photo? I didn't get to ask them where they were from. One had a British accent.

Update: Obviously I don't watch The Daily Show regularly. I had no idea these two guys were famous. They are indeed John Oliver and Wyatt Cenac.

Chelsea Clinton & Marc Mezvinsky make Rhinebeck wedding capital of the World!

The press has been reporting about the buzz and "wedding fever" in Rhinebeck, NY anticipating the wedding of Chelsea Clinton & Marc. So when my Rhinebeck gal pal suggested we have lunch al fresco at Terrapin this week to do some celebrity spotting, I couldn't resist. I have never ordered from the bistro menu at Terrapin. Rumors have it that Terrapin will be catering part of the wedding. I liked the barbecued duck quesadilla, and my friend enjoyed the falafel salad with tahini sauce. It was surreal seeing tv crews parked outside Rhinebeck businesses. Entertainment Tonight stopped by Winter Sun & Summer Moon boutique to shoot a story. I also saw YNN news crew in front of Pete's. Unfortunately, I didn't see any celebrities. I think Rhinebeck is the celebrity right now! Maybe Oprah will show up at the last minute. 

Judy Lewis, founder of HudsonValleyWeddings.com is positively giddy, as it is great for vendors in the Hudson Valley. People will have to be thinking, 'Well, if it's good enough for Chelsea, it's good enough for me." What advice does she have for the first daughter bride? "I would tell Chelsea what I tell all my brides. Don't sweat the small stuff. Enjoy every minute because it's over in a matter of hours. Every wedding, regardless of how organized will have a glitch or two."

 

Chamonix Bridal Boutique: Cute Wedding & Party Dresses for Chelsea Clinton Guests or Wannabes

Like many Hudson Valley residents, I was very excited to hear that Chelsea Clinton chose the beautiful town of Rhinebeck as her wedding location. Last month, I visited Chamonix Bridal Boutique in Rhinebeck. It's a small boutique, but they have a great selection of wedding dresses, prom dresses, mother of the bride, destination wedding dresses, or special event dresses for weddings. (Angelique, Joli, Bari Jay are the main designers). Sweet sixteen party girls can also find cute dresses here.

Co-owner Heather Graham says that she is not sure if any of Chelsea Clinton's guests have shopped at her store yet as certain customers are more secretive than others. Graham says that there has definitely been more traffic in her store since the news of Chelsea Clinton's wedding broke, and the "buzz" in Rhinebeck is definitely noticeable. If you have been invited to the big event, and have yet to make your wardrobe selection, it's not too late to visit Chamonix. Check out their website or visit them at Chamonix Bridal, 32 E. Market Street, Rhinebeck, NY. 845-876-6999. 

Woodstock Animal Sanctuary: Peace, Love, Goats, Pigs, and Turkeys!

I went to the June Jamboree held at the Woodstock Animal Sanctuary, and loved it. At the June Jamboree there was a nice vegan food spread and live music,  I came back to the Wodstock Animal Sanctuary last weekend, and discovered it's just as wonderful when there are no special events going on. There was an interesting mix of visitors. There were locals. (I bumped into somebody I knew), and fashionably dressed Brooklyn couples.

The Woodstock Animal Sanctuary is the perfect place to stop by if you taking a day trip in the Woodstock area. If you go on a tour, you will learn how each animal was rescued and came to live the good life there, and all about quirky animal habits, and a little bit about farm life. It's quiet and peaceful--just right if you are in the mood for a low-key relaxing place to take the kids. There is no pushing and shoving here! You can pet the pigs, even while they sleep. (And, they sleep a lot, about 85 percent of the day, according to our tour guide and co-owner Doug Abel). The turkeys are very approachable. At the June Jamboree I saw one brave toddler give one a kiss on the head. (I'm not that brave around farm animals though a sleeping pig is really non-threatening). Admission is $7 for adults, and $4 for kids. There is a cute vegan-themed gift shop, at the visitor's center, and also a very nice restroom. Family memberships are $50, a good deal if you plan on visiting a few times over the summer. For directions and more information visit the Woodstock Animal Sanctuary website

Bastille Day in the Hudson Valley: The Rhinecliff Hotel

The Rhinecliff Hotel is planning a night of French cabaret and cuisine tomorrow night in celebration of Bastille Day. Chanteuse Elaine Rachlin  will be performing.  I couldn't find any other Hudson Valley restaurants celebrating Bastille Day in the Hudson Valley with special menus or music. I have had memorable meals at Violette's in Woodstock, and La Duchess Anne in Mt. Tremper  though it's been years since I've dined at these places. I hope to check out a relatively new French restaurant next date night, so do stay tuned! Anybody else know of any Bastille Day celebrations? What are your favorite French restaurants in the Hudson Valley? For more info on The Rhinecliff visit The Rhinecliff website.

Scenes from the Saugerties 4th of July Parade

I had a great time at the Saugerties 4th of July parade yesterday. The town put on quite a show! There were firefighters, politicians, Uncle Sam on stilts, and a massive float of high schoolers. Maybe it was the heat, but it seemed like the endless parade. Thankfully the small town of Saugerties has a few cool places to chill out, beat the heat, and have coffee. First, we went to Tango, an Argentinian cafe in town to have a snack. They had a plate of alfajores (delicous frosted cookies) out. I resisted this time. For our second hydration stop, we went to the Inquiring Minds book store, where the a/c and ice coffee were really cranking. A friend told me that the Dutchess County Fairgrounds had the best 4th of July fireworks celebration. I think next year, I will check that out too. Did anybody go to that one?

July 4th Weekend Fun in the Hudson Valley

There are so many things to do this July 4th weekend in the Hudson Valley, and with the weather forecast being totally perfect, you are in for a great time no matter what you decide to do. I just returned from a short vacation in the Hamptons, which I will blog about soon. (These patriotic cupcakes are from the Blue Duck Bakery in Southampton, in case you are wondering). In the meantime, if you are interested in seeing fireworks, check out Hudson Valley Metromix's list of fireworks displays  in the Hudson Valley this weekend. I love small town Independence Day parades and Saugerties always has a great one. This year it will kick off at 11 am on Monday, July 5th at the Saugerties High School. For more info on the Saugerties parade, click here. There will also be live music and food vendors at Cantine Field after 4pm.  

A year ago I blogged about Amma "Sri Karunamayi" Divine Mother's visit to Woodstock, and this year she will be returning this weekend as well. Her public blessing day is Monday, July 5th at Bearsville Theater.

Wishing you all a happy July 4th weekend. Feel free to add you favorite events in the comments here.