HudsonValleyGoodStuff

Mama's Boy Cafe in Phoenicia: Mama's comfort food & Catskill gifts!

Mama's Boy Cafe has been open in Phoenicia for about a year now. I checked it out for the first time last week.  It fits right into Phoenicia's quirky, but righteous Main Street. It has a bit of "pot luck" vibe. All the dishes look like Mama just made them.  I only tried the soup and a cupcake this time around. I will be adventurous next time. Anybody have a favorite dish at Mama's Boy? I also love their Catskill-themed souvenirs and locally made preserves and syrups.  

I also noticed that Sweet Sue's is still closed. (This is due to a plumbing/septic issue).  Hopefully Sweet Sue's will be back in business by this Summer. Check out Mama's Boy Cafe! 845-688-3050.

Cat'n Around Catskill: Cat statues, quirky shops, good eats, and ice cream!

 
 

I spent a lazy afternoon walking around Catskill on Monday. I hadn't been there since last year, and it looks like there are a couple new restaurants that have opened up since I last visited. Unfortunately, it was Monday so a few shops and restaurants were closed. We stopped for ice cream at Cone-e Island ice cream stand. The vanilla soft serve was excellent! It had a real vanilla flavor that you don't find everywhere. There is also a small play area with coin operated rides for the kids to ride near the tables).  

I also loved looking at all the different Cats from the Cats of Cat'n Around 2010 in Catskill. There are 61 of them! The cats will only be on display until September 19th. Come admire them! My favorite is the Michael Jackson cat ("Black or White: Tribute to the Gloved One" by Serine Baeckmann-Elge). If you want to take a Cat home, come back for The Cat's Meow Auction & Gala on September 26th. Visit Cat'n Around or Welcome to Catskill for more info.  

 

2nd Annual Catskill Ride-n-Peak Bicycle Event May 22nd

The 2nd Annual Catskill Ride-n-Peak Bicycle Event is happening this Saturday, May 22nd. Here is a description of it from the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce:

2nd Annual Catskill Ride and Peak Bicycling Event will take place on Saturday, May 22, 2010. Gathering at the Pavilion and Village Park bicyclists will select from five options: 14 mile, 25 mile, NEW 26 mile, 54 mile, and 75 mile. Other events happening at the same time include: Guided Walk along the Historic streets of Margaretville, an Exercise Walk at 9am and an afternoon family-friendly 1st Annual Tricycle Race sponsored by the Margaretville Central School PTA. See separate event listing on this website. Registration is required for this event.

For more information and to register online, visit the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce site.  

Family Fun excursion: Hop Aboard the Catskill Mountain Railroad!

It was 37 degrees when I left the house today! Brrr...I didn't have anything planned for the kids so I checked out the event listing at http://www.hvparent.com and decided to bundle  them up and check out the Catskill Mountain Railroad's new line in historic Kingston. (The Esopus Scenic Train that leaves from Mt. Pleasant or Phoenicia is closed and will reopen in May. One day while I was driving on Route 28, I saw a re-enactment of a train robbery at the train stop. Not sure if this is standard on their trips!). 

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The Kingston train leaves from Aaron Court in Kingston Plaza--(right in front of the Hanneford's store). The train was packed with a church group when we boarded, but we still managed to find seating in the coach. Towards the end of the ride, after the big group left, we went outdoors where we got more of the full train experience (and diesel smell!)  The route isn't as scenic as the Mt. Tremper line, but I think a lot of kids just love the fun of being on a small train.  One family brought a blanket with them, which was a very smart idea! Also, the train is handicap accessible. A girl traveling in a wheelchair (non-electric) sat in the coach with her family, and had a great time too!  For more info visit their website, http://www.catskillmtrailroad.com. $6 for adults, and $4 for 4-11. The under 4 crowd ride free with a paid adult. Santa will be aboard the train from Dec-19th-Dec. 23rd. Ho-ho-ho! Hudson Valley Good Stuff!

Rainy Day Trip: Last Chance Restaurant--Tannersville, NY

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When the weather forecast in the Hudson Valley calls for 100 percent rain showers and I don't have any birthday parties or events to go to, I try to discover a new restaurant. Today we set out for a "drive-to-who-knows-where" around 12 noon. My husband remembered this diner in Hunter that we once went to during our courtship, but turns out his memory was a bit fuzzy. The diner was actually in Tannersville, which is a few miles from Hunter. When we got to the parking lot though I had a change of heart because I thought the Last Chance Restaurant in Tannersville had a bit more curb appeal than the greasy spoon diner.  I'm happy we made that U-turn!  The Last Chance restaurant is a very cozy and family friendly place. They also sell local cheeses, candies, maple goodies, and merchandise.  My husband was really hungry so had to ask the waitress his standard "What's the heartiest thing you got on the menu" question. She sold him on the chicken pot pie. As you can see from the photo it's huge! 

I was good and ordered the veggie cheese burger and donated the potato knish.  It was delicious!  They also have S'mores Dessert item for $13.99 that looked really interesting.   Maybe next time! I would suggest you avoid the candy selection up front until your kid finish their meals. If you want to spend an overnight in a quirky, but comfortable place then Villa Vossila is your best bet in Tannersville. I have to admit I haven't stayed there since the late 1990s so things might have changed, but when I stayed there the food was really good. The best part is hanging out in the jacuzzi watching the snow fall!  Here is the website in case you are curious, http://www.villavosilla.com. It's also within 5 minutes of skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating activities. There are a couple other cafe type places to eat in Tannersville, but it looked to me like Last Chance was going to really be our best chance at some fine dining! Tannersville is a cute sleepy town that really gets hopping once the snow comes!  For info on Last Chance Restaurant, visit http://www.lastchanceonline.com. Last Chance Restaurant, 602 Main Street, Tannersville, NY. 12485. (518) 589-6424.

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.

Hudson Valley Fall Weekend idea: Adirondack Mountain Club' s Fall Outing

"Hike, Canoe, Bike with the Adirondack Mountain Club"

Back in 1996 when I lived in Queens and my husband (then boyfriend) lived in Manhattan, I discovered the Adirondack Mountain Club. Our first weekend getaway together was a Spring trip to the Adirondack Mountain Club camp site.  I will try dig out a photo of that trip to post here. In the meantime, here is information on an upcoming Fall Outing the club is hosting in a few weeks. Register now so you don't miss out! Deadline to register is September 4th. Here's the info from the Adirondack Mountain Club: In September 1609, Henry Hudson and the crew of the Half Moon explored the magnificent Hudson River. Now, 400 years later, you can make your own voyage of discovery during the Adirondack Mountain Club’s “Fall Outing 2009: Discover the Lower Hudson Valley.”  Fall Outing, Sept. 25-27, features a full schedule of hikes, canoe and kayak trips, bike rides and other events highlighting the scenic beauty of Harriman State Park, Sterling Forest and other natural areas. The 32 events even include a hike in New York’s Central Park.  Preregistration is required and the registration deadline is Sept. 4. The registration fee for the weekend is $25 per person. There is an additional $35 fee for the Saturday buffet banquet. The event is open to Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) members and nonmembers.  Fall Outing headquarters will be the Holiday Inn, 3 Executive Blvd., Suffern (Thruway Exit 14 B). The hotel is holding a block of rooms for Fall Outing participants until Sept. 1.  For general information about Fall Outing, contact Noel Schulz, at (201) 445-6445 or noelschulz@verizon.net. To register, contact Janet Sibarium, at (212) 254-0738 or janet@adkny.org. More information is available at www.adktravel.org/fallouting.htm. The Adirondack Mountain Club  (ADK), founded in 1922, is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting the New York State Forest Preserve and other wild lands and waters through conservation and advocacy, environmental education and responsible recreation. ADK has 25 chapters in New York and New Jersey and about 30,000 members.

Shakti Yoga in Woodstock: Pigeon Pose in the Country

I'm feeling very relaxed and mellow as I write this post today. I finally made it over to Shakti Yoga studios to attend Corrinne's class. (I used to go to her class semi-regularly when she taught at Bliss Yoga).  Shakti Yoga studio has a bit more of a rural country vibe than Bliss Yoga Center does.  The windows in the bright studio were open and I could see the trees and here the birds tweeting while I worked through the poses. Corrinne likes to focus on strengthening the abdomen quite a bit, which I appreciate because my abs always need that due to my Summer ice cream project. Shakti Yoga also offers a Poolside Yoga class on Tuesday mornings at 9am, and on Saturdays at 10:30 am., weather permitting. I definitely want to check this out sometime as I've always wanted to take an outdoor yoga class. Drop-in class is $15. http://www.shaktiyogawoodstock.com

Tasty 4th of July: Baldwin Vineyard ' s Strawberry, Chocolate & Wine Festival

For couples who are looking for fun 4th of July dates in the Hudson Valley, you can't go wrong here! Baldwin Vineyards in Pine Bush is having a Strawberry, Chocolate & Wine Festival. Visit their website for more info. This Hudson Valley vineyard is on my "To Visit" list. I just have to find a designated driver.

Hudson Valley Beaches: 4th of July Fun!

[caption id="attachment_856" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="I took this photo while on assignment on 5/14/08 before beach season."][/caption] If you are looking for an alternative to the beaches of Long Island or the Jersey shore this weekend or any other Summer weekend, come check out the laid back beach scene of the Hudson Valley. We may not get all the celebs that the Hamptons get, but we've got mountains!  My favorite Hudson Valley beach is Belleayre Beach at Pine Hill Lake.  http://www.belleayre.com/summer/lake.htm. It has a very low atmosphere and small playground too. Here is a list of other beaches, courtesy of the Hudson Valley Tourism office. Peebles Island, Waterford. (518) 237-7000 ext. 220, http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=120  Constitution Island, West Point and Cold Spring. 845-446-8676, www.ConstitutionIsland.org  Bannerman Island, Newburgh and Beacon. 845-220-2120, www.prideofthehudson.com    Saugerties Lighthouse, Saugerties. 845-247-0656, www.saugertieslighthouse.com           Hudson Athens Lighthouse, Hudson and Athens.  518-828-5294, www.hudsonathenslighthouse.org   Schodack Island State Park, Schodack Landing. 518-732-0187, http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=87   Performance Art Flotilla Swimming Cities, Nyack. 845-358-4973   Playland Amusement Park, Rye Beach. 914-813-7000, www.ryeplayland.org          Greenwood Lake Beach, Greenwood Lake. 845-986-1124, www.villageofgreenwoodlake.org/beach.html   North/South Lake State Park, Haines Falls. 518-589-5058, www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24487.html  Have a safe & happy 4th of July!