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Hudson Valley Good Stuff

Hudson Valley

Editor-in-Chief of Hudson Valley Good Stuff

Interests: travel, spa, restaurants, family fun, desserts, life in the hudson valley

Recent Activity

12 Things to do this Memorial Day Weekend 2013 in the Hudson Valley!

Delicious cobbler dessert special at Duo Bistro in Uptown Kingston Memorial Day Weekend is almost here! If you are looking for fun stuff to do in the Hudson Valley this holiday weekend, here are 12 ideas to get you started. 1. Belleayre Beach in Pine Hill opens up May 25th-June 14th for weekends only. You can rent a paddle boat here too. The snack bar is pretty limited so if you are hungry, bring your lunch in a cooler. 2. Jump on a Jumping Pillow at Kelder's Farm and pose with the World's Second Largest Garden Gnome. 3. The Trolley... Continue reading

Posted 1 hour ago at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Robbie Dupree: Same cool voice, fierce harmonica & "Steal Away" of course!

I really enjoyed seeing Robbie Dupree perform live at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock last Saturday night, May 11th. After seeing Todd Rundgren perform the previous week with day glow laser light show and iPads, I can say that it was a totally different musical experience. Dupree may be best known for his Summer of 1980 hit single, Steal Away but if you spend 90 minutes listening to his music, fierce harmonica playing, you realize he is a lot more than Steal Away though everyone in the audience still gets charged up when they hear Dupree sing that classic yatch... Continue reading

Posted 3 days ago at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Balkan Dance Party, live music, drum workshop & dinner at Breezy Hill Orchard on May 18th!!

In case you are looking for a fun Balkan Dance Party this weekend, go check out Spring Wassail at Breezy Hill Orchards in Staatsburg on Saturday, May 18th. Festivities begin at 2pm, and dinner starts at 6pm. Tickets are available for purchase at HudsonValleyCider.com Continue reading

Posted 4 days ago at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Lucky Chocolates Expands: Smoothies, Juice Bar, Paninis & Salads

Rae Stang, the owner and chocolatier of Lucky Chocolates invited me over to check out their new expanded cafe, and sample a delicious Hudson Valley salad. Last month Lucky's added soups, paninis, and fresh salads to their menu so now you can stop in for lunch, not just exquisite organic locally made chocolate. I tried the Spring salad, which had apples, pecans, romaine lettuce, dried cranberries, and asked for goat cheese instead of gorgonzola. You can design your own salad here, or add a topping to one of the Lucky salads. I haven't had a juice or smoothie here,yet, but... Continue reading

Posted 4 days ago at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Peekamoose Restaurant & Tap Bar in Big Indian: Cozy Mother's Day Brunch & Mimosa!

My family and I enjoyed a lovely Mother's Day Brunch at the Peeakamoose Restaurant and Tap Room in Big Indian on Route 28 yesterday. The Buffet Brunch was only $12 for adults, and $6 for children under 12, which was a good deal. (That is the main reason why we made our reservation here. I've also wanted to check out Peekamoose for a long time since I've heard so many good things about it). The buttermilk pancakes, the eggs benedict, bacon, and salad were all delicious. My husband who is Diabetic was a bit dismayed that there weren't many healthy... Continue reading

Posted 6 days ago at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Reginato Ristorante in Lake Katrine: Old-school Italian restaurant where everything is delicious!

Reginato Ristorante is an Italian restaurant in Lake Katrine that is off the beaten path. I've never had any reason to go down Leggs Mill Road, off of Route 9W in Lake Katrine before. When we arrived at 6:30 on Friday night, the restaurant was packed. I didn't make a reservation so we had to wait 10 minutes or so for a table. Reginato's is an elegant restaurant, but it is not glamorous or pretentious. I felt like I was eating in my aunt's fancy dining room. Our server seemed a bit distracted by the chaos, but turns out he... Continue reading

Posted 7 days ago at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Hi Steve, Thanks for commenting! I think Todd could have warmed up the performance with a bit more talking. That was the strangest part for me. (I wasn't that familiar with his music, except for his hits). Were you at the Sunday or Monday night show? It was probably the same, but singers/performers always talk to the audience, and it seemed strange that he didn't, but maybe it was first night jitters? My husband bought me the STATE CD for Mother's Day, and I have to say the 2 songs that I liked at the show sound much better on the CD without the blinding light-show. Vanessa

Commented 7 days ago on Concert review: Todd Rundgren kicks off "Official STATE Visit" Tour in the Hudson Valley at Bearsville Theater in Woodstock! at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

Hi Brian, Sorry you had to leave before the end of the show. I think all the songs on the set list were all new ones, and he only played a medley of his hits for his encore in a techno-style at the end. Techno is really not my style of music either, except if it's 1990s techno! I have seen clips on YouTube from a few years ago where Todd just performed a "normal" concert with a guitar and a piano, and his band. I heard him say in an interview, he doesn't want to become a "retro-act" but will more fans will miss the old Todd than embrace the new one? Hmm... I appreciate your concert review! :-) --Vanessa

Commented 7 days ago on Concert review: Todd Rundgren kicks off "Official STATE Visit" Tour in the Hudson Valley at Bearsville Theater in Woodstock! at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

Cool concert alert: Robbie Dupree and Friends to perform at Bearsville Theater on Saturday, May 11th!

Robbie Dupree will be performing at the Bearsville Theater this Saturday, May 11th at 8:30pm (doors open at 7:30pm, $20). I saw him in concert in October 9, 2010, and it was a great show. Just as the intro music to his hit, "Steal Away" started, he announced that one of his friends who has a TV show was going to be joining him on stage. Surprise! It was kind of surreal to see Jimmy Fallon and his Dad up there singing with Robbie Dupree and his band. You just never know who will show up at these shows as... Continue reading

Posted May 10, 2013 at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Indulgence: Eminence Organic Body Scrub, Wrap & Moisture Treatment with Vichy Shower at River Rock Health Spa in Woodstock!

I have been going to River Rock Health Spa for my bi-annual spa indulgence since I moved to Woodstock, and I was very excited to have them sponsor and pamper Hudson Valley Good Stuff. I love trying new spa services I haven't tried yet, and owner Babs Moley suggested I try the Eminence Organic Body Scrub, Wrap, and moisture Treatment with Vichy Shower for its indulgence. Well, I've always wanted to try a wrap so I booked it! It is better to shower before a wrap because if you shower afterwards you'll just lose all the good stuff that's been... Continue reading

Posted May 9, 2013 at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Scenes from Ulster County Young Professionals 1st Networking Mixer at the Skytop Steakhouse in Kingston!

The Young Professionals Network of Ulster County had a great turnout for their first mixer last night at the Skytop Steakhouse in Kingston. The event was sponsored by FALA Technologies in Kingston, and organized by the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce. As I looked around the room, I didn't see one single person that I recognized, except for Ward Todd, the president of the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce. He told me that the idea behind having this mixer for this age group (25-39 year olds) isn't necessarily to bring in younger chamber members, it is to serve this undeserved... Continue reading

Posted May 9, 2013 at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Sale alert: Woodstock Chimes Warehouse Sale May 16th through May 19th in Shokan!

You don't want to miss the 2013 Woodstock Chimes Warehouse Semi-Annual Sale happening May 16th through May 19th from 9am-5pm each day! Diane Kvistad from Woodstock Chimes says "This year we are going to have many new styles of windchimes, along with fountains, garden bells, crystal suncatchers, drums, gongs of all sizes, kid's instruments and more. People can save up to 80%. I always like to see returning faces at this sale! People always get a free concert with my drummer husband, Garry and any musicians that stop by." See you there! Woodstock Chimes, 167 Dubois Road, Shokan, NY Continue reading

Posted May 8, 2013 at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Hudson Valley Good Stuff gets interviewed by Jimmy Buff on Kingston Now!

On April 1oth, I was interviewed by Radio Woodstock's Jimmy Buff for a local TV show called Kingston Now, which aired on Regional News Network on April 24th. Kingston Now is filmed at 21Seven Media in Kingston. While I was waiting in the rec room at 21Seven Media, a man walked in and complained about missing half and half in his coffee. Then he asked me if I knew where Jeremy went. I told him I was just waiting to be interviewed for the Kingston Now show. Turns out this friendly gentleman was Richard Remsnyder, the director of Ulster County... Continue reading

Posted May 7, 2013 at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Concert review: Todd Rundgren kicks off "Official STATE Visit" Tour in the Hudson Valley at Bearsville Theater in Woodstock!

Todd Rundgren kicked off his new "Official STATE Visit" tour in the Hudson Valley last night at the Bearsville Theater on Sunday, May 5th to a sold-out revved up crowd. I have to confess that my husband Tom is a fan of his, but I'm not that familiar with his music. I do remember his hits "Hello it's me" and "Can We Still Be Friends" though so I was looking forward to the concert. The concert started around 8:30pm, and there were a few serious groupies in the front row. (The theater was set up for standing room only so... Continue reading

Posted May 6, 2013 at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Cool Foodie Event: Sample 20 different restaurant appetizers at the Taste of Woodstock on May 22nd to Benefit WFF

Taste of Woodstock is going to be an evening of fun tasting in Woodstock, NY on Wednesday May 22nd from 6-9pm. Participants will start at the Woodstock Film Festival office, get a wristband, a glass of wine, and a map, and will walk around town visiting all 20 participating restaurants. (The restaurants that are on the outskirts of the town will be hosted by different businesses in town. (See below). You can stroll around town and try out every restaurant by spending about 5-10 minutes at each of the 20 stops. You will get a small appetizer sized portion at... Continue reading

Posted May 1, 2013 at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Pizza lovers devour the 1st Hudson Valley Pizza Fest at Arbor Ridge Catering in Hopewell Junction!

I was very excited when I heard that Angelo Notaro was organizing the first HV Pizza Fest at Arbor Ridge Catering in Hopewell Junction. I was downright breathless when Angelo invited me to be one of the Pizza Judges! "Come hungry!" he warned me. After tasting all the pizza I could taste, I would fill out a ballot for best cheese, best specialty, and best Sicilian (1st, 2nd, 3rd prize), and best decorated booth. When I arrived around 2:45pm the lines weren't long but the main hall was already very crowded with pizza lovers. The place smelled delicious! There was... Continue reading

Posted Apr 30, 2013 at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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9 Ways to Spoil and Celebrate Mom this Mother's Day in the Hudson Valley

Oliver Kita's Mother's Day Book Gift 1. Hickory BBQ Smokehouse on Route 28 in Kingston will be serving a Mother's Day Jazz Brunch from 12 noon- 4pm. The duo Unicorn will be performing. In addition to their regular menu, Hickory BBQ will be serving eggs or French toast with house smoked ham and cheesy grits. Fried oyster Po Boys and many other specials will be available for mom too. 2.Oliver Kita chocolates in Rhinebeck has created a special Mother's Day gift, a book full of scrumptuous chocolates. (Read about my private chocolate tasting here). The gorgeous “faux book box” holds... Continue reading

Posted Apr 26, 2013 at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Photos & writing advice from the Woodstock Writers Festival 2013

Cocktail Party on Friday night at Photosensualis in Woodstock Mystery writer Arlene Kay and Meg Dellay Enjoy yummy appetizers from Bistro to Go Lodro Rinzler and Meggan Watterson have a chuckle Authors and festival go-ers mingle at Photosensualis Philippe Petit signs copies of his book "Why Knot?" A good knot can save your life! "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed Joe Donahue and Jackie from the Golden Notebook Martha Frankel introduces Cheryl Strayed, author of "Wild" and Joe Donahue Historical Fiction books for sale Readers buying and browsing Historical fiction panel signing books Abbe Aronson, WWF publicity directory schmoozes Memoir a Go-Go... Continue reading

Posted Apr 22, 2013 at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Hi Lisa, Thank you so much for the feedback, which made me smile too!:-) I wish I did have a retainer at Boitsons. If anybody would like to suggest that idea to them, be my guest! I've only been to Boitsons once as far as I can remember for a birthday celebration in September 2011, which I blogged about. I think you might be confusing Boitsons with Duo Bistro in uptown Kingston. I do eat at Duo Bistro very frequently for lunch because they are a HVGS sponsor and I have a special arrangement with them. You are right. There are plenty of other options out there. I'm always happy to hear restaurant tips/suggestions from readers too. And, if any restaurants would like to invite me for a meal or put me on a dining retainer, please email me right away! Vanessa

Commented Apr 18, 2013 on Stella's Italian Restaurant in Kingston is the Real Deal: Warm, friendly, huge portions & delicious! at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

Stella's Italian Restaurant in Kingston is the Real Deal: Warm, friendly, huge portions & delicious!

Sometimes we are so excited about date night that we don't make plans, and we just decide where we are going to eat the night of. (Since starting the blog, I have to confess that I usually try and steer the night towards a restaurant we haven't tried yet, one that we haven't been to in a long time). Last Friday, we thought we'd go to Boitson's, but since we didn't have a reservation we were told we could come back and eat at 8:30pm or squeeze in at the bar and eat. (This brought back memories of our Manhattan... Continue reading

Posted Apr 17, 2013 at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Guest blog post from Jeffrey Ferraro: 5 Places to Get out and Explore the Hudson Valley

Peebles Island State Park From history to hiking, wine to waterfronts, the Hudson Valley is home to an amazing array of destinations and activities that could keep you and your family occupied for years. Now that spring is in the air, here are a handful of the best spots to enjoy the outdoors and all the beautiful flora and nature that we've all been missing over the cold, dreary winter. Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site in Hyde Park, NY Built in 1898, the Vanderbilt Mansion is one of the most historic publicly owned homes in the country. The 50-room mansion... Continue reading

Posted Apr 17, 2013 at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Hudson Valley Good Stuff video of The Monday Night Groaning Table: Fish & Chips theme

May 2013 Update: The Groaning Table is only served ONE Monday a month now. Most likely it will be the last Monday of the month, but stay tuned! My new favorite weekly ritual is the Monday Night Groaning Table at Duo Bistro. The theme for Monday Night Groaning Table last night was Fish & Chips. We started by nibbling on local Old Chatham cheese and housemade sausage. When we all sat down, we had fish and chips, carrots, boiled potatoes with lamb ragout, housemade sourdough bread, salad. For dessert we had apple cobbler and real whipped cream. It was delicious... Continue reading

Posted Apr 16, 2013 at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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The New Mirabella's in Saugerties: Yummy stuffed burgers, pizza, dinner specials & fun vibe!

Last Friday I was in Saugerties for First Friday so I went to check out the new Mirabella's restaurant. (The former Mirabella's was just down the street in a very small bar and restaurant space). It was packed at 7pm, but we were seated in a roomy wooden booth. The side dining area is very spacious and inviting. The bar area is darker, and the bar scene was very lively with people watching sports on TV. You can see that a lot of work went into making this new place, and from what I could tell, the locals and weekenders... Continue reading

Posted Apr 13, 2013 at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Celtic Fiddler Hanneke Cassel & cellist Mike Block to perform at the Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center on Friday, April 12th

Celtic Fidler Hanneke Cassell and multi-genre cellist Mike Block will be performing at the Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center at 12 Vassar Street in Poughkeepsie on Friday, April 12th with with special guests Irish Dance Company, The D'Amby Project. Tickets are $14. Email StringTix@gmail.com for reservations or visit their Event Page on Facebook. (Love this clip I found on YouTube of Hanneke Cassell and Mike Block performing in Colorado). Continue reading

Posted Apr 10, 2013 at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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Brio's Pizzeria Restaurant in Phoenicia: Great salad, pizza, sweet potato fries & comfort desserts!

We had a very yummy casual dinner at Brio's Pizzeria in Phoenicia recently. I can't believe the last time I blogged about Brio's was in April 2009. I really love the gourmet pizzas here, but I wasn't really in a pizza mood so I ordered the veggie burger with sweet potato fries, and macaroni salad. It was delicious! My husband had the warm chicken spinach salad with Mexican rice, which came with very fluffy pita bread. He ordered the baked clams as an appetizer, but they were a bit too bready for my taste. I'm not a real baked clam... Continue reading

Posted Apr 9, 2013 at HudsonValleyGoodStuff

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