HudsonValleyGoodStuff

Mellow, but Happy Halloween in Woodstock, NY: Rod Stewart look-a-like, zombies & a Queen!

I went to the Halloween Celebration in Woodstock last night. It was great to see the community out and about enjoying Halloween post-Sandy, though it did feel a bit anti-climatic as I did my trick or treating the night before on Halloween. It didn't seem as crowded as previous years, but there was a decent turnout and the vibe was kind of mellow. I spotted Rod Stewart, dozens of zombies, and a Queen. Were you there? What did you think? Lots of people are still without power here so probably not in a celebratory mood. Hoping next Halloween will be storm-free though that is what I said last Halloween!

Good-bye Superstorm Sandy: Counting my blessings and having a latte!

When Superstorm Sandy came knocking, my neigbors and I were expecting an extended black out. When Tropical Storm Irene came last August, we lost power with the first few wind gusts. We were out for 5 days.  With Sandy, we felt and heard howling wind all day, but only lost power for 15 minutes around 4:30pm on Monday. I had the hot coffee in the thermos and Hurricane cupcakes ready. We all did a happy dance when it came back on. (Friends in Saugerties, Rhinebeck, and Woodstock reported similar 10 minute-blackouts on Facebook).

The next day my relief was quickly replaced with worry about loved ones in Long Island who lost power.  Seeing the photos coming in from NYC and NJ made me realize just how lucky we were to have escaped the worst of Sandy's wrath. 

We took a ride to Ulster Avenue in Kingston yesterday afternoon to the Starbucks Drive-thru yesterday. For me, having Starbucks open is always a sign that things are kind of normal again. Everyone has that look of a combination of exhaustion and relief. (For the best coffee in Woodstock go to Oriole 9 or get the to-go coffee at Sunflower Natural Foods). 

I have yet to drive through Woodstock.  The Halloween Celebration is cancelled today, but has been re-scheduled for tomorrow, November 1st at 6pm. Wishing everyone a safe Halloween. I have to go out and buy candy. I was afraid if I bought it before Sandy, I would eat it all during the blackout! 

5 upcoming Spooky Halloween Events Happening in Orange County!

Beware the Forest of Fear!

Lots of folks have been looking for fun and scary things to do in the Hudson Valley so I thought I'd share this info from Orange County Tourism. Happy Halloween!

The Forest of Fear

Ghosts, ghouls, and fiendish freaks lurk in the shadows of one of the most terrifying haunted houses around! Take the Coffin Ride, see the Slaughterhouse Sideshow, then witness the Monster Smash battle. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through October 28^th. Route 17A, Tuxedo/Sterling Forest, NY 10987. (845) 351-5174, www.renfair.com/forestoffear. Stay nearby at the Comfort Inn, Goshen. (845) 291-1282 www.comfortinngoshen.com  

Pure Terror Screampark

 Visit the House of Terror, the Butcher's Revenge, and Terror under the Big Top at your own risk. Are you brave enough to enter all three? 7-11pm, Thursday through Sunday through October 28^th. The Castle Fun Center, 109 Brookside Avenue, Chester, NY 10918. (845) 469-2116, www.pureterror.com.  Stay nearby at the Holiday Inn Express, Chester. (845) 469-3000 www.hieexpress.com/chester

The Terror Dome

Barn of Terror, Dr. Mangle's Medical Clinic, and Lost in the Dark will have you screaming in fright. 7-11pm, Friday and Saturday through October 27^th. 84 Lakeside Road, Newburgh, NY  12550. e-mail: Scream@TerrorDome.com; www.terrordome.com

Stay nearby at the Homewood Suites, New Windsor. (845) 567-2700.  http://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/new-york/homewood-suites-by-hilton-newburgh-stewart-airport-SWFNWHW/index.htm l  Stay nearby at the Courtyard Marriott, Newburgh. (845) 567-4800 www.courtyard.com/hpnnb

Fright Nights at Pierson’s Farm 

The Haunted Barn, Ghastly Cemetery and Corn Maze are bloodier, creepier and bigger than ever before. Bring your flashlight for the maze or you may never find your way out.  7-11pm, October 20^th, 26^th & 27^th. 1448 Route 211 West, Middletown, NY 10940. (845) 386-1882, http://www.piersonsfarm.com/specialevents.htm

Stay nearby at the Hampton Inn, Middletown. (845) 344-3400, www.middletownhamptoninn.comStay nearby at the Courtyard Marriott, Middletown. (845) 695-0606,   http://www.marriot.com/SWFCY

 What’s not scary is the drive to Orange County, located just an hour from New York City. The New York State Thruway, I-84, and Route 17 are all direct routes. Find a complete list of attractions and events at www.OrangeTourism.org. For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide call 800-762-8687, or emailtourism@orangecountygov.com. Orange County Tourism is headquarters for tourism in the county and is part of the I LOVE NEW YORK program.