HudsonValleyGoodStuff

Wild Hive Farm Store, Bakery & Cafe in Clinton Corners: Country Cool Farm to Table Menu & Maybe a Celebrity!

The Wild Hive Farm Store is a very cheery organic cafe in Clinton Corners, the only place to eat in this little town. I could tell by the fancy organic take-home food that the menu was going to be farm to table healthy. They serve breakfast all day, but I was in the mood for lunch so I ordered a grass-fed burger with local cheddar cheese and a side salad. My husband had the veggie burger. We started with the soup. The vegan broccolie rabe and cheddar for me. He had the potato bacon. Both were served piping hot and yummy! For dessert I couldn't resist Erika's Chocolate Oatmeal Bar. It was very good, and not overly sugary, which leads me to believe it was probably healthy (gasp!)  

A staff member there tells me that celebrities come to Wild Hive Farm often, especially during the spring and summer months. (Naomi Watts has visited before). While I was there I saw two tall blonde women sporting sunglasses who certainly looked and acted like celebrities, but I could not recognize them. Anyway, with its understated vibe, I can see how it would be a fun place to relax and people watch. They also do catering. I enjoyed eavesdropping on a catering meeting going on at the table next to me. Wild Hive Farm, 2411 Salt Point Turnpike, Clinton Corners, NY. (845) 266-5863.

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).

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. 

Family Fun: Meet Kayli the Cow at the Woodstock Animal Sanctuary!

Yesterday was perfect day to visit the animals at the Woodstock Animal Sanctuary because it was overcast and not a great pool day in the morning. Kayli the Cow is a young cow that was recently rescued and she is adorable as you can see. Kayli has an interesting story about escaping from a slaughter house. The kids really love her! There also seemed to be a few New York city types enjoying the volunteer work on the farm. I may get into this one day too. Who knows! 

Sunfrost--Soups, Gourmet Sandwiches, and fancy cheese.

Razzberry Shake & Chicken Cutlet Sandwich at Sunfrost

I went here for 2 years without knowing their official name. (It's Sunfrost). There is no name on the wooden exterior. I will have to ask the owner one day why he likes to keep the name secret. For the small space, Sunfrost offers a good deal for the foodie-organic vegetables, fruits, nuts, imported cheeses, pates, and homemade salsa.  The sleek snack bar serves up hearty and spicy soups daily. (My favorites are Tofu Vegetable & Caribbean Kale). They have excellent sandwiches and smoothies, and very tasty take-out food. (Their garlic stuffed rotisserie chickens go quick!) The produce is top quality and a bit pricey. They also sell Christmas trees, firewood & holiday pies in the winter.  I once spotted Uma Thurman shopping for apples here-- my only celebrity sighting in the Hudson Valley to date. Sunfrost Farms, 217 Tinker Street, Woodstock, NY 12498 (845) 679-6690