HudsonValleyGoodStuff

Healthy & delicious dinner at Fez Cafe in Saugerties on a quiet Winter night

My husband and I had a very delicious and healthy dinner at Fez Cafe in Saugerties last Sunday night. I hadn't eaten there since August. After our yummy Mediterranean/Moroccan meal, we decided that we should try and come here more often. I wish they were still open for lunch. Saugerties was very quiet last Sunday night, but that never stops us from enjoying date night. 

Tom started with the Mezze special. I had the cream of cauliflower soup. I'm usually not crazy about cauliflower, but this soup was really good. It was very rich and spicy. I think it was the dash of roasted paprika oil that made it extra good. For my main course I ordered the veggie sampler with an extra side of couscous. Everything on the vegetable platter was really fresh and tasty. He ordered the Fez Salad with a chicken and lamb kabob since he was very hungry.  They really cook with love here. I think it is one of the best kept secrets in Saugerties. You can follow Fez Cafe on Facebook or visit their website. Fez Cafe, 71 Partition Street, Saugerties, NY (845) 247-7198.

Saratoga Springs revisited: Hilton Garden Inn vs. Hampton Inn & Suites

My family went on a mini-vacation at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Saratoga Springs recently thanks to a relative's generous Hilton Honors points donation. In the past, we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn when we went to Saratoga Springs for an overnight with the kids, but this time we decided to try something new.  

The Hampton Inn won us over. The hotel has a beautiful heated pool, which is much larger than the one at HGI. The breakfast which was included had more to offer than the HGI one, and the location is more convenient. It is close to the center of town. We somehow got upgraded to a suite room. I slept very soundly in the comfortable bed. My husband didn't sleep too well though.

He claims there were a group of middle-aged women having a girls night who had a bit too much to drink and were yelling in the hallway. I heard a little bit of this too, but I was so relaxed from the mineral bath, I guess I just slept through the fun. This aside, I would definitely come back to the Hampton Inn & Suites in Saratoga Springs, NY.

I had a great time at the Gideon Putnam several years ago. The hotel is more formal, and has much more character, and is home to the Roosevelt Baths & Spa.  (I'd recommend the Gideon Putnam if you are looking for a couples getaway without kids or a low-key honeymoon).

Day Trip: Clinton Corners: The Book Booth--America's Littlest Library & Wild Hive Farm

Clinton Corners is the perfect day trip for book worms. It is home to The Book Booth, which is America's Littlest Library, a book exchange built from an old British Phone Booth. I have been wanting to visit Clinton Corners since late August when I heard that The Book Booth was opening. It is the brain child of Claudia Cooley. You can follow the life of  the Book Booth on Facebook. The idea is "Take a book, leave a book."  I planned on donating a few children's books, but I forgot to bring them with me. But, wait that is not all, we had a really delicious lunch at the Wild Hive Farm Store Bakery Cafe right next to the Book Booth too. Stay tuned for the Hudson Valley Good Stuff review. It is the only restaurant in Clinton Corners, but it is very understatedly cool.  

Clinton Corners is a tiny hamlet, and the roads are beautiful. You will drive by farms with cows, sheep, and horses.  You can alsoI also stop by Clinton Vineyards which is also in Clinton Corners. (Blog post to follow).

Family Fun alert: Hoppin Halloween Party at Fun-E Farm this Friday, October 28th!

Fun-E Farm will be having a Hoppin Halloween party on Friday, Oct. 28th from 5 -8pm with lots of bouncing, snacks, treats, and goodie bags for all kids who attend! They will also be raffling off a birthday party and gift cards too! Admission is $9.99 or only $7.99 if you wear your Fun-E Farm T-Shirt.

Fun-E Farm got a couple new bouncy houses since I last blogged about them. So very happy to have them on as a Hudson Valley Good Stuff sponsor. A bouncy house fun center was very much needed in this area. I have a lot friends who go here. The kids always leave here tired and happy! Happy Halloween!

Day trip: Accord: Family Fun at Kelder's Farm & Organic Pizza at Pizza Barn!

We had a lot of family fun at Kelder's Farm on Route 209 in Kerhonkson today! There are great farm U-pick stands along Route 209, but Kelder's Farm appealed to me because I heard it had a petting zoo and a bouncing area for kids. This "Jumping Pillow" turned out to be such a big hit for my kids that we didn't even get around to the hayride or the milking of the cow for $2. We bounced for an hour!  There is no time limit. You pay $5 per person for a wristband, but you can bounce all day if you like. 

It is a really beautiful place so if you go, don't forget your camera! You can also pick your own fruits and vegetables in season at Kelder's Farm. Due to the flooding from Irene though, there are no raspberries to be picked there now. You can pick apples and flowers though. I would definitely recommend Kelder's Farm for any child who loves to jump and bounce. There is also a small edible mini-golf course. The hardest part will be getting them off the jumping pillow! Also, just FYI, the restrooms are porto-potties so if you have a porto potty phobia, best to go somewhere else before you start the jump-a-thon.

There is also a nice gift shop with locally made goodies and ice pops.  For more info visit Kelder's Farm.  We ended up having slices of yummy organic pizza at Pizza Barn in Accord later. (Blog post to follow).

How could I forget to mention, they also have the world's largest garden gnome at the entrance! Makes for a great Hudson Valley photo opportunity! 

Trevor Zoo in Millbrook NY: Tranquil Family Fun & Quirky Animals

The Trevor Zoo in Middlebrook has been on my To-Visit list for awhile so yesterday the family and I had took a day trip to Middlebrook. According to the website, Middlebrook School is the only high school that oversees a zoo. At the Trevor Zo, you'll see over 180 exotic and indigenous animals, including 7 animals on the endangered species list like the red panda, and the red wolf.

I liked it because it is small enough to just walk around at your leisure, and you won't get exhausted with kids. It is a beautiful zoo with plenty of shade and lush trees and bushes.  (It's set on 6 acres of land). It's a perfect place to take kids on a damp, over-cast, rainy day as the lush trees protect you from the elements. It is very tranquil, quiet, and didn't seem too busy when I visited We walked around visiting the porcupine, red panda, lama, deer, and the emu. I didn't see the wallaby. Is he still there? Maybe he was busy. 

Afterwards we drove to Millbrook village and had a nice lunch at the Millbrook Deli. The village of Millbrook also has a very beautiful park with a nice playground. If I had more time, I'd check out Slammin Salmon or Charlotte's in Milbrook. I'd also like to go for a tasting at the Milbrook Winery one day soon. My To-Visit List gets longer every week. Hopefully, next time. For more information on the Trevor Zoo visit their website. 

REO Speedwagon Rocks the Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck!

 

 

 





REO Speedwagon rocked the Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck tonight to a very enthusiastic crowd. The crowd seemed very calm at the onset, but by 9pm they were all pumped up and let loose in the front row.  They played all their hits ("Take it on the run") and ("Keep on loving you") and ("Time for me to fly"). It wasn't until I joined all the trespassers in the front towards the end of the concert that I noticed the drummer was shirtless. Nothing shocking here, but the drummer looks like he is well into his 50s at least--just well-preserved! 

Working on uploading video footage from the REO Speedwagon. Will try and post later. If you are looking for something fun to do with your date or your family this week, and you're in the area--don't miss the Dutchess Fair.

Catskill Animal Sanctuary: Cute farm animals, nice landscape & a friendly human!

I decided to go to a different farm today and visit the Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties, New York because we always go to the Woodstock Animal Sanctuary as we are members there. The Catskill Animal Sanctuary is on 100-acres and is a a very peaceful place for families to go. It was Sunday though, and apparently there were no tours going on this day.  The welcome office was closed. On the website it did mention that an event for that day was canceled, but I assumed it was open although I couldn't get anybody live on the phone. (I'm such an optimist!) So we visited the chickens in the parking area, and that was it. 

We did meet a friendly human who told us that there are tours on Saturdays and that we could sign up online for those, or just come back on Saturday.  Since the place was closed we could hang out by the chickens, but we weren't allowed to walk around and explore. She was very sweet and gave the kids a few cookies as a consolation gift. It does look like a nice place though, and I would go back for a tour in the future. Follow them on Facebook or email to make sure they are having a tour. 

7 Fun things to do in the Hudson Valley 4th of July Weekend 2011

If you are lucky enough to be in the Hudson Valley this weekend, here are a few ideas of fun things to do. I can't believe 4th of July Weekend is here and the weather forecast looks flawless, so far!

Woodstock Animal Sanctuary's July Jamboree (July 2nd & 3rd) : I went to this last year and had a really great time. Don't forget to eat an organic grilled corn on the cob! There will be live theater for the family, yummy vegan food, and an awesome Woodstock vibe. 

Saugerties, 4th of July Parade on Monday, July 4th. Parade starts at 11:00 am, but I'd get there about 20 minutes early if you want to get a good parking spot. I went to the parade last year and seemed to go and on for a very long time. Get comfortable! Don't forget to stop by Lucky Chocolates to try out their new juices, or patriotic chocolates.

Fireworks at Cantine Field at dusk!  I haven't done this yet, but could be extra romantic for baseball lovers.

There will be an all day BBQ party at The Rhinecliff, the gorgeous hotel right near the Amtrak train station.

 The Roxbury Sidewalk Fair on July 2nd should be a blast. There is also a beautiful wooden playground right behind the church in Roxbury.  I never leave Roxbury without a huge jar of buckwheat honey. 

Check out a Hudson Valley Renegade Game. Didn't one of last year's team members make it to the majors? I can't remember who. Games on July 1, 2, and 3rd will be at home, also known as Duchess Stadium.

 Prefer to just be lazy and lounge on the beach? Check out Pine Hill Lake at Belleayre Mountain. At only $8 for a car load, it is bargain. 

If you want to celebrate the 4th of July with a Hudson Valley fireworks display, visit the Rhinebeck's Community Open Forum blog for a list of towns hosting fireworks display.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy weekend in the Hudson Valley and beyond. Have another great idea for 4th of July weekend in the Hudson Valley? Please post it in the comments.

Le Petit Bistro: Romantic, Warm, and Cozy French Restaurant in Rhinebeck

 
 
 

 

 

Le Petit Bistro is a very cozy and intimate French restaurant in Rhinebeck, that I had never been too until last week. A friend of mine who grew up in Rhinebeck recommended it as the best French restaurant around. Since I just returned from a 10 day vacation in France recently, I had high expectations. I also know that even the best French restaurant here can't compare to a home cooked meal at my cousin's house in France. The delicious dinner I had at Le Petit Bistro came very close though. The service was outstanding. (Don't be intimidated by the knowledgeable staff there! They are eager to answer any questions you have about any dish on the menu.

We had the pate and the escargots to start. Both appetizers were delicious. The bread wasn't French bread, but it was yummy. I had the duck, which was perfectly cooked. My husband ordered the skirt steak which was a special. Though I really enjoyed the duck, if I go there again, I will order the lamb as it comes with mashed potato, and the woman seated next to me, raved about them. I don't know why they served plain old white rice with such a magnificent duck. 

Dessert was totally over-the-top! I got the eggnog creme brule. (I'm sure there was a bit of alcohol in there!) My husband had the apple crisp. I would definitely recommend Le Petit Bistro as a perfect place to splurge a little on date night. Be sure to make a reservation, especially on a weekend. For more information, go to Le Petit Bistro, 8 East Market Street, Rhinebeck, NY.