Hudson Valley Shopping, Dining and Recreation
Phil Mandelbaum
Fractional CMO | Agency President + CEO | Brand, Digital, Social, Content, PR and Political Strategist | Award-Winning Writer, Ghostwriter and Editor | Sold 1 Business
Guides, Blog Posts and Interview written for Halter Associates Realty | Echo Sixty6. Click titles for full articles.
SHOPPING
Holiday Shopping Guide 2018: Woodstock, NY
Hanukkah may already be underway, but there's still time to make the most of your Christmas (and other winter holiday) shopping — especially if you're in Woodstock, NY, "the most famous small town in the world."
In Woodstock's walkable downtown, the shopping is easy, with most stores situated along (or near) the main strip, east and west of the Village Green. Whether you're looking for new or vintage clothing, art or art supplies, flowers, wine, home gifts or just about anything else, you'll find it here. Plus, you'll get to put it on, feel it out, or even give it a try before you buy.
#LiveLikeALocal. Support local businesses, and Shop Woodstock this holiday season!
Spring Shopping in Upstate New York: Woodstock Boutiques
In the last five years alone, the median home value in Ulster County has increased more than 15%, as reported last week in The New York Times — and world-famous Woodstock, NY, nestled in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains at the northern edge of the county, has spurred much of the growth in the area's popularity.
If you're fortunate enough to visit — or move — to town this spring, stop in at these five creatively curated, independently owned local boutiques, spread across the walkable shopping district that sprawls in all directions from the drum circles in the Village Green.
Hot Shops: Hudson Valley Vintage
The Hudson Valley — and its trend-setting tourist destinations like Woodstock, Saugerties, Kingston and New Paltz — is known not only for its music, arts and fine dining but also for its antiques, unique boutiques and creatively curated vintage shops. In our latest local guide, Hot Shops: Hudson Valley Vintage, we pick six that span our travel award-winning region of Upstate New York.
The Real Deal: 20 Questions with Suki Beeh of Woodstock's Tinker Toys
Tinker Toys Too! (AKA Tinker Toys of Woodstock) is an upscale toy store for children (and adults) of all ages, best known for its ever-changing collection of classic, quirky, artistic and hard-to-find toys from around the world. In this edition of The Real Deal, we interview the owner of this Hudson Valley hotspot, Suki Beeh, who opened up her shop in Woodstock three decades ago.
DINING
Five Unforgettable Hudson Valley Coffee Shops
Here in the Hudson Valley, everything we do, we do right. From our outdoor activities to our art museums and music venues, and from our bars and restaurants to our bakeries, cafes and coffee shops, we take pride in our quality, creativity, exclusivity, and independence. In other words, when it comes to our morning pick-me-up or afternoon recharge, we skip the Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks, even if we pass one on the way — and that goes for any season.
This spring and summer, live like a local. Bring your friends, or a good book; stay and lounge, or take it on the road. Whether you go for joe that's steaming hot, cold brewed or poured over ice, our five featured coffee chops will fulfill your craving.
Ditch the Delicacies for Good Old-Fashioned Diner Fare
There's no doubt, dining out is one of the great joys in life; but, if you're like many of us, limitations on time and money don't always allow for the extravagance we may covet. We all have to eat, and if you're looking for economy, coziness and convenience in the Hudson Valley, we have the answer.
Whether morning, noon or night, the offerings at these three high-quality Upstate New York diners will more than meet your expectations — and deliver an unforgettable, updated, all-American experience, too.
The Woodstock Film Festival: Where to Eat and Drink
“Hailed as ‘A True American Maverick Among Fests’ and named among the top 50 film festivals worldwide, the Woodstock Film Festival premieres exceptional films; hosts the most talented emerging and established professionals in the movie industry; presents A-list concerts, panels and parties; and creates stimulating, innovative programming year-round."
This year's 19th-annual Film Festival features another world-class lineup of fiercely independent films, panels and special events shown/held in Woodstock, Rosendale, Rhinebeck, Saugerties and Kingston.
The five-day event started today, October 10, but it’s not too late to buy tickets — and the schedule is jam packed.
We know you’ll be moving from theater to playhouse to community center, and back again, so we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite restaurants where you can grab a quick bite/drink to go, or sit back and absorb what you’ve just seen and heard.
RECREATION
Can't-Miss Fall Festivals in the Hudson Valley
There's nothing like escaping the city for the Catskills in autumn, cruising the winding country roads, and stopping to take in the crisp, clean air and colorful foliage. This year, plan your trips around the region's internationally renowned fall festival schedule.
Throughout the Hudson Valley, festivals are held to celebrate the harvest and showcase everything the area has to offer — from wine, cider and beer to film, poetry and music, and from sheep's wool, garlic and pickles to German culture and European cars.
The Catskills and Hudson Valley regions of Upstate New York are hot tourist destinations for their farm-to-table cuisine, music and film festivals, arts and theater, and so much more. However, the number-one reason urbanites escape north to the country has historically been the natural environment and all it has to offer.
From hiking to biking, birding to camping, skiing to skating and swimming to fishing, our area simply can't be outranked — and the international press (e.g., from National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Airbnb and The New York Times) has helped visitors from near and far find the local best of the best.
When it comes to fly fishing, though, the local secrets have been hard to come by — and for good reason: the activity is as much about quiet communion with nature as it is about reeling in that massive brown, brook or rainbow trout.
A Hudson Valley Winter: What to Do with All That Snow
Heavy snow, ferocious winds, icy roads and downed power lines... plus romantic fires, family board games, soothing hot cocoa, comfort foods and your coziest clothes — now that's a winter storm in the Hudson Valley!
But now that the season's first big storm is over, the roads are plowed and your windshield's defrosted, it's time to get outside.
Outdoor recreation is one of the biggest draws to our region, an increasingly popular international tourist destination, and there's no better time to indulge here than in winter.
New to the area or just visiting? No problem. We'll point you to our region's can't-miss frozen lakes, mountain trails and family-friendly attractions.
In our 2019 Winter Sports Guide, we feature the top destinations for winter activities in Ulster County, the Catskills and the Hudson Valley — whether you're a seasoned winter athlete or just here for the fun.
AN HUDSON VALLEY ROAD TRIP SERIES
At least once a month, beginning today, we’ll be taking you on a digital journey across the Hudson Valley through our On The Road series, guided only by our maps and our love for exploring the ins and outs of this National Geographic Traveler Top 20 Destination.
#MakeTheRightMove: #LiveLikeALocal on our curated expeditions, featuring the top stops for experiencing the area's storied history, scenic beauty, diverse culture and internationally renowned arts, music and cuisine.
THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR DOG IN UPSTATE NEW YORK: A SERIES
You’ve worked all week. You’re tired — tired of the screens, the car horns, the commotion. And your poor pup is tired, too — tired of waiting around for you, and taking walks on a leash on crowded concrete…
Whether you live in New York City, Hartford or any other urban area in short driving distance, you know there’s nothing like taking a dog-friendly day trip on a rain-free weekend in the Hudson Valley. Here, you can get away from it all, without leaving all the modern-day luxuries behind.
So pack your bags, leave room in the car for your furry friend, and hop on the New York State Thruway or Taconic State Parkway to experience the mountains, the music and the farm-to-table foodie movement that have made this area a top international travel destination.
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