HudsonValleyGoodStuff

Hudson Valley Green Drinks: Eco-curious network with the Eco-serious

 I attended my first Hudson Valley Green Drinks eco-schmooze event at The Rhinecliff Hotel. The Rhinecliff is a really beautiful historic railroad hotel right next to the Rhinecliff Amtrak train station. It recently became an offical "green certified" hotel. Before the live webcast ("The State of Local Food"), one of the owners gave a group of us a tour of the hotel, noting all the green remodeling that took over five years to complete. We also got to see a cozy romantic standard room there (one of the 9 rooms). Ear plugs are available in every room for those guests who might be bothered by the train whistles though that is definitely part of this hotel's charm. It was nice to meet a few green drinkers. I fall into the "accidental vegan" category, but I'm trying to be greener these days. It's good to know where the eco-serious folks go. The next Hudson Valley Green Drinks event will take place at The Would Restaurant in Highland on June 9th. 

Easter Weekend brunch ideas in the Hudson Valley

If you will be in the area this weekend, here are a few restaurants that will be serving up a fancy Easter brunch. Oriole 9 and Cucina in Woodstock. Beekman Arms restaurant in Rhinebeck. Skytop Steakhouse in Kingston. Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz. The Thayer House at West Point.The Gilded Otter in New Paltz More in a diner mood? Try the Kings Plaza Diner. I've never been to The Thayer House, but I've been to all the other restaurants, and they are delicious.

Roosevelt Baths & Spa: Mineral Bath--Saratoga Springs, NY

 

 
 

Happy New Year!  I just got back from a mini-vacation in Saratoga Springs.  Every year I go to Saratoga Springs for a winter weekend because as chilly as it is up there, it's the perfect place for a winter weekend getaway.  (It was 10 F our first night there). Part of our weekend ritual is to visit the Roosevelt Baths & Spa inside the Saratoga Springs National Park to experience a mineral bath.  I was very surprised to see that the spa has invested some money in refurbishing the place. The new lounge is so spacious and luxurious compared to the previous lounge, which had a doctor's waiting room feel. I thought  I only had a mineral bath, which cost $25-$30 depending on if you add aromatherapy essential oil to it. (In the spirit of the New Year, I had the Detox Synergy. It is not a big deal really. The attendant just squirts a little oil in the bath before leaving you to soak for 20 minutes). Don't mind the murky water. This is the real McCoy. Even though it looks like chicken bouillon, it feels really nice to just soak in the tub.  I always feel energized and relaxed afterwards. After 20 minutes, you get a knock on the door and a hot towel.  I love this place!  It's a good place to go for a girls weekend away or for a couple who like to spa. To check out all their services, visit them at http://www.gideonputnam.com/Spa.aspx. Be sure to book in advance during the holidays. They get busy!

Sinterklaas Festival in Rhinebeck--Aliens, Giant Cookie Tree, and Sword-fighters!

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I had a great time at the annual Sinterklaas Celebration in Rhinebeck even though our timing wasn't too good. We arrived too late for the indoor story-telling at the Beekman Arms so we just had fun walking around with friends and watching the live entertainment. We stopped off at the Reformed Church for snacks, and the highlight of the day was watching the aliens perform in the snow! The kids really loved that. I thought we saw part of the Children's Starlight Parade, but after looking at the schedule I realized we missed it!  It started at 6 pm. Next year I will make it a point to study the schedule before going!  Anyway, we had a nice meal at Foster's Tavern too, which I will blog about later. We were thinking about going to the Spaghetti Dinner at The Church of the Messiah, but we couldn't wait until 5pm and our toes were cold. (Next time!) The Sinterklaas Festival is a huge event in Rhinebeck, and everyone involved really puts their hearts into it. What are other must-see Hudson Valley holiday celebrations?

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.

Birthday Dinner: Mohonk Mountain House--New Paltz, NY

Since my husband made me promise him I wouldn't throw a big surprise party or plan anything too crazy for his 50th birthday, I decided to make a reservation for dinner for 4 at the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz. I under-estimated how long it takes to get there from the Kingston area. There is a long and winding uphill road that you must drive up to reach it, which took at least 10 minutes to climb. But once you get there, the Victorian castle is really magical.  (There is also an indoor pool and spa resort here that I would love to try one day).  We had gift certificates that we won, but the cost of a 4-course dinner for adults is $67, and for children 12 and under it is $34.  The dinner includes 2 appetizers, a main course, and a choice of desserts.  (Tax and tip is included in the meal price).

We both started with the Hudson Valley cheese plate, which was a thick slice of Camembert-style cheese on a cracker.  I had the artichoke fritter, which was also bite-size, but delicious.  My Tasmanian Salmon with onions melted in my mouth, and was cooked to perfection. My husband's Cowboy Steak was "hungry man size" and he had no complaints! The children had their usual grilled cheese and chicken strips, and ice cream for dessert.  I noticed that mainly couples had choice tables with the amazing views, but you can really see the glorious panorama from wherever you're sitting..though if you really want a romantic dinner, request a table by the window in advance.  The dining room also bakes cakes for special occasions. (They even will create a cake for 2-4 people). I chose the 4-10 serving cake, which ended up looking bigger than I expected. The service was very fast, which is always a huge help when you are dining with children. The staff pulled off the surprise cake with effortless finesse!  For more information on the Mohonk Mountain House, visit http://www.mohonk.com.  They also have a Sunday buffet brunch.  Check their programs. There are a zillion activities to choose from, and they are offering special weeknight packages.

Saturday Night Grand Buffet--Colonial Inn--Pine Hill, NY--Loosen your belt!

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I was so looking forward to enjoying the Grand Buffet at the Colonial Inn in Pine Hill tonight. We had a guest from France staying with us for a couple nights, who had only experienced NYC. He had never seen America's country side so it felt beffiting to take him to sleepy Pine Hill for a huge Hudson Valley buffet.  The Grand Buffet opens up at 5:30 every Saturday night. We got there a little early because we were all famished from our day at Belleayre Beach.  There was a small salad bar, and the hot entrees were all delicious and cooked like your aunt's favorite pot luck dish. There was eggplant parmesan, 2 different kinds of meatballs, mashed potatoes, vegetables, corned beef, roast beef, pasta dishes, shrimp, and a couple fish dishes. The desserts were so good. I had 2 servings of the banana cream pie. (Diet starts in earnest on Monday!)  I could tell there were quite a few repeat buffet customers here.  If you have a party of 6 or more, call ahead and let them know. Otherwise, reservations aren't needed.  At $13.50 per person, you can loosen your belt without loosening your wallet.  What are other great buffets in the area? I've been to Al's Seafood in Phoenicia before for their Monday night seafood buffet. Are there others out there I should know about? I just love buffets!  Children get a discount on the buffet. For more info, visit http://www.colonialinn.com.

Self-Promotion: Fodor ' s Guide to NY State 2nd Edition is out today!

[caption id="attachment_888" align="aligncenter" width="240" caption="Fodor's Guide New York State (2nd Edition)"][/caption] The Fodor's Guide Book that I contributed to is out today. I updated the Long Island chapter. For anybody who thinks working on travel guidebooks is a glamourous and well-paying gig, let me tell you it was a labor of love, a fun project to work on, but lots of work. I haven't seen the book yet, but I feel that all my efforts were worth it.  Check it out at your local book store or at Amazon. http://amzn.com/1400008972

11 Cool Places to Stay in the Hudson Valley this Summer

This groovy room at the Roxbury Motel may bring about some sweet 1970s dreams!

Before becoming full-time residents up here, my husband and I were renters, and before that we were weekend hotel hoppers! Here is a list of different Escape needs & lodging choices to accomodate them. Need a Splurge Escape-- The Lodge at Emerson-- The Lodge welcomes kids, but the Emerson Resort & Spa does not. The room was huge and very "elegantly rustic" . The kids loved the whirlpool bath! Get on the email list because they do have specials.  http://www.emersonresort.com/thelodge.php

Sweet & Simple Escape

Woodstock Twin Gables--Cute and friendly bed & breakfast. We lucked out and got the last room available during Woodstock Film Festival weekend several years ago. Shabby chic and cool vibes, but what else would you expect in the center of Woodstock?  It is close to all the shops so if you take the Trailways bus from NYC, you don't need a car to get around. http://www.twingableswoodstockny.com/rooms.html Active Family Escape--Rocking Horse Ranch--An all-inclusive family resort. I won a free day pass for four and a free-night stay here a few years ago. Insane indoor pool and tons of indoor/outdoor activities.  http://www.rhranch.com

Homecooked Food Escape

Riedelbauer Resort--Perfect place for a low-key weekend family vacation. German meals like Bratwurst and Schnitzel are served family style. The food is scrumptous. Kids love the German entertainers! Nice playground, sandbox, swimming pool (indoor/outdoor), and lovely grounds. Get on their mailing list because they have seasonal specials throughout the year. No TVs in the rooms so a good opportunity to totally unplug the family.  http://www.riedlbauersresort.com

Hotels I haven't stayed at, but heard great things about:

Yogi Escape--Pike Lane B & B, Woodstock, NY--Laura Weiss, yoga intructor at Bliss Yoga Center runs this bed and breakfast. My friend's sister stayed here and had an amazing time. Laura also leads yoga retreats in Costa Rica.http://www.pikebb.com/

Groovy Couple/Singles Escape--Roxbury Motel, Roxbury, NY --If you are looking for retro sleek hide-away in the Hudson Valley, come to the Roxbury.   http://www.theroxburymotel.com

Couples, Singles & Train Buff Escape: 

The Rhinecliff--New hotel that has generated some buzz. See this New York Times review.  Right near Rhinecliff Amtrak train station. http://www.therhinecliff.com/

Civilized Pampering Escape:  Beakman Arms Inn-Rhinebeck, NY. If you prefer sleeping in a more formal historic setting, try the Beekman Arms Inn in the center of Rhinebeck. http://www.beekmandelamaterinn.com/

King & Queen for the Weekend Escape: 

The Emerson Inn--I visited a couple rooms last year while on assignment for Planning magazine. The spa is over-the-top! This is where the Clinton's stayed during their Hudson Valley vacation last August. http://www.emersonresort.com

Green Escape:  The Fullmoon Resort--I saw Suzanne Vega play here, but I didn't get to see the rooms. The grounds are beautiful and it's a popular place for weddings.http://www.fullmoonresort.com/

Re-charge my Spirit Escape:  Omega Institute--If you are looking for more of an ashram-style getaway, you'll be among a bevy of life-coaches, yoga teachers, and gurus at this beautiful oasis in Rhinebeck Campus. The Rest & Rejuvination Retreat packages are good deals starting at $25/weekday and $38/weekend night! Check out http://wwww.eomega.org  for more info. Have you been to any of these places? What were your experiences there? What other places are worth staying at?

The Forest Suite at the Pike Lane & Bed and Breakfast