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this page: Bannerman Castle

Exploring the

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MATTHEW WEXLER

Trade skyscrapers for blue skies in the Hudson Valley, where an

East Coast getaway is just a scenic drive from such urban hubs as
New York City and Boston, and a summer escape may easily extend to a lifetime. Designated a National Heritage Area, the region
is packed with natural wonders, cultural attractions, seasonally inspired dining and a welcoming attitude toward LGBT travelers.
Extending more than 150 miles above the northern tip of Manhattan and comprising 10 counties, the Hudson Valley is a true celebration of the American artisan and our countrys entrepreneurial
spirit. Choose one county to explore in depth, or consider road
tripping to get a taste of whats happening throughout the region.
Get ready weve chosen our favorite three regions for a smalltown adventure with plenty of big ideas.

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DUTCHESS COUNTY
Smack in the middle of the Hudson Valley
and spanning 800 square miles, youll find
Dutchess County and myriad experiences for
any type of traveler. History buffs swoon over
the FDR National Historic Site, adventurers
can be found traversing the Appalachian Trail,
and oenophiles even have their own route to
discover along the Dutchess Wine Trail.
For a vineyard experience that rivals more familiar California destinations, Clinton Vineyards offers an ideal locale for same-sex
couples and groups seeking an afternoon in
the Mid-Hudson Valley. Whether you love architecture, history, wine or scenery, there is
something here to savor. Now presided over
by Phyllis Feder, Clinton Vineyards is a longtime supporter of LGBT groups in the Hudson
Valley.
The 100-acre property, located on winding
country back roads in Clinton Corners, has
been dubbed the jewel in the crown of the
Hudson Valley. Whether you are a day-tripper or a weeklong vacationer, a visit to Clin-

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this page: Clinton Vineyards

ton Vineyards is a treat for all of your senses.
The elegant Tasting Room offers guided tasting of Clintons award-winning estate-bottled
seyval blanc white wines, mthode champenoise sparkling wines, and full-fruit dessert
wines. Clintons celebrated Cassis is the only
domestic black currant wine to win gold medals at an international judging.
Enjoy a stroll around the landscaped grounds,
meticulously laid out by vineyards founder and
visual artist Ben Feder to suggest an estate
vineyard in the south of France two centuries
ago. Everywhere you look, youll see delightful details that contribute to the illusion of
stepping back in time.
The county is also rich in culture, as exhibited by Dia Art Foundations Hudson Valley
outpost, Dia:Beacon. What was formally a
Nabisco box-printing factory has been con-

verted to a satellite site for the foundations collection of artwork from the 1960s to present. Each
year Dia:Beacon welcomes more than 75,000 visitors for what are typically single-artist, site-specific
presentations. Opening this month is Robert Irwins
Excursus: Homage to the Square3, a revisiting of
the artists landmark installation in New York City
in the late 90s, which showcases rooms made of
mesh scrims intersected by fluorescent and natural
light (on exhibit through May 2017).
For more visual art, be sure to visit Vassars Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, designed by Cesar
Pelli. Opened in 1864 as the Vassar College Art Gallery, the collection began with a gift from Matthew
Vassar of 3,800 works of art, including an important group of Hudson River School paintings and
English watercolors, and has grown to more than
18,000 works of art spanning antiquity to the present. Notable holdings include the Warburg Collection of Old Master prints and a wide range of works

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above photos: Dia:Beacon

by major European and American 20th
century painters, including Jackson Pollock, Joan Mir and Andy Warhol.
Stunning photo opportunities with a
splash of history await at Bannerman
Castle. Frank Bannerman, a successful
Scottish immigrant, bought the small
island and started building the castle in 1901 as a place to store surplus
military items. He and his wife, Helen,
also used the opulent island mansion
as a summer home. It was eventually
given to the Taconic Park Commission,
and several years later a massive fire
destroyed much of the property. Tours
can be taken of whats left of the magnificent estate, along with the restored
gardens.
The Hudson Valley dining scene continues to explode, and foodies near and far
have added the region to their must
eat list. Located in Poughkeepsie, Chu
Noodles & Dumplings is the latest
venture from Main Street Hospitality
Group. The Asian-inspired lunch spot
(with extended hours until 7 p.m. on
Mondays and Tuesdays) just opened its
doors and offers a flavor-packed menu.
Dumpling highlights include duck and
above photo: Bannerman Castle

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above photo: Mill House Brewing Company

foie gras with spicy peanut sauce, mushroom and
leek with ponzu, and shrimp and scallion with sweet
chili. Ramen variations include CH-UK (chicken and
duck broth, bean sprouts, cilantro, Thai basil, crispy
garlic, choy and scallion), Temomi (spicy shrimp
broth, baby choy, pickled ramps, sprouts, nori, cilantro and sesame), and more. Stay tuned for new
restaurant announcements coming soon.
Other dining options include elevated pub fare at the
recently opened Mill House Brewing Company.
Here you can sample nine signature brews including the award-winning Velvet Panda stout and Mr.
Anderson, a Scottish ale in collaboration with the
Anderson Center for Autism. One dollar from each
pint sold is donated to the center. Crave offers a
variety of small plates and heartier dishes from
chef-owner Edward Kowalski, while Gusto delivers Mediterranean-style comfort food in an artistic
setting that features an antique glass and marble
bar and second-floor event space that highlights a
chalk-drawn mural by artist Render Stetson.
And for those true outdoor lovers with a penchant
for bears (of the social variety), Big Gay Hudson
Valley hosts its first-ever Bear Camp from August
28 to August 30. Enjoy a Where the Wild Things
Are welcome party, Gendrrr Bender Volleyball, live
comedy show with My Big Funny Peter and plenty
of other scheduled activities.
above photos: Gusto

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PUTNAM COUNTY
Theater buffs will recognize Putnam County as the
setting for William Finn and Rachel Sheinkins Tony
Awardwinning musical The 25th Annual Putnam
County Spelling Bee, but those in the know recognize
the region as a backdrop for rolling hills and meadows, year-round sports and charming enclaves to enjoy rest and relaxation.
Built in 1825, the Pig Hill Inn in Cold Spring-onthe-Hudson has perfected the art of indulgence. The
nine-room inn features a unique collection of curated
items and antiques most of which are for sale. Enjoy a homemade full breakfast each morning, best
enjoyed on the garden terrace in the warmer months
and the glass Victorian Conservatory during the winter months to appreciate a serene snowfall. Though
you may want to ensconce yourself with a good book
and fresh air, once complete venture to the independently owned Merritt Bookstore for a new title, or
plan an evening at the theater at Hudson Valley
Shakespeare Festival, where this seasons repertory includes A Midsummer Nights Dream, Arabian
Nights and more. The Boscobel House and Gardens is equally as dramatic but for different reasons.
The historical property was completed in 1823 and is
now home to one of the nations leading collections
of furniture and decorative arts from the Federal period.
While theres much to see in Putnam County, theres
also much to do. Creative energies thrive at Garriabove photos: Pig Hill Inn

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Olana state historical site

son Art Center, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year as a creative hub for the community as well as visiting artists and students.
Three exhibition spaces showcase a range of
works, including this summers Emerging Artists Invitational (July 14August 16). Explore the
ever-changing calendar for such workshops as
Impressionists Landscapes, Flowers & Turkish
Marbling and Introduction to Watercolor.
For a taste of Tuscany, a visit to Cathryns Tuscan Grill delivers contemporary Italian food in a
relaxed setting. Just follow the winding brick path
in the garden and youll discover this gem, which
Zagat rated one of the top Italian restaurants in
the United States. Menu highlights include sauted calamari with smoked tomato broth and
arugula, pappardelle pasta with rabbit in grappa
sauce with white truffle oil, hangar steak with
espressoFrangelico demiglaze, and swordfish
with apricots and sliced fennel. The award-winning wine list features more than 300 selections
with many regional favorites. Warwick Winery
has some of the best wines in the Hudson Valley, says owner Cathryn Fadde. I especially like
their pinot gris, when available. They also make
wonderful fruit liqueurs the Sour Cherry is like
liquid cherry pie.Robibero Family Vineyards Cab-

ernet Sauvignon isanother favorite that I keep

on my list.
If traveling by car, be sure to keep an eye out
for local farm stands and farmers markets,
where you can stock up on locally grown fruits
and vegetables as well as farmstead cheeses,
local honey and plenty of fruit preserves.
COLUMBIA COUNTY
Overflowing with more than 50 public heritage sites, Columbia County embodies the
American spirit through its rural beauty, a rich
cultural scene and active recreational opportunities. And who doesnt love a fair?
This year marks the 175th anniversary of the
Columbia County Fair (September 2September 7). Academy of Country Music Awards
winner Rodney Atkins headlines the main
stage on September 6, but theres plenty
of attractions to experience throughout the
week. Amusements of America will provide
classic carnival rides. Founded by Morris and
John Vivona in 1939 after purchasing the Ferris wheel from the Worlds Fair, the company
has amassed more than 100 rides and attractions. Discover your inner farmer at the live-

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stock judging, and be sure to indulge in classic
fair food like popcorn, cotton candy and the
ever-present funnel cake.

Columbia County Fair

Harvest Spirits

The region is also known for its renaissance

craft spirit movement, and those looking to
stock their home bar with unique distillations
will find plenty to discover. New York was once
the hotbed for barley and rye production, resulting in more than 1,000 farm distilleries. Prohibition shut them down, and its taken more
than 80 years to rebuild this thriving part of
Americas beverage industry. Harvest Spirits
converted a cold storage room at Golden Harvest Farms into a micro-distillery and became
the first in New York State to offer tastings
and retail sales directly out of the distillery.
Their signature product, Core Vodka, is made
from apples grown on the orchard, while other
libations include John Henry Single Malt Whiskey and Cornelius Cherry Applejack.
Hillrock is one of the countrys few field to
glass whiskey producers in the world, malting from estate-grown grain, crafting whiskey
in traditional copper pot stills and aging small
oak barrels.
Beyond the bar, Hudson, New York, is a go-to
destination to support small businesses and
the local artisans. The walkable town features
300 historic buildings and plenty of specialty
shops. Standouts include Rural Residence,
where you can discover essentials for the
gentleman, kitchenware, books on architecture and decorative arts, and more. Hudson
Made grooming products can be found here,
which include artisan beard and shave oils and
soaps. Wander along Warren Street and youll
stumble upon plenty of antique stories and
galleries with unique offerings.
With a five-star rating from Trip Advisor, the
Country Squire Bed & Breakfast offers an
idyllic respite for your Hudson Valley adventure. Originally built in 1900 as a rectory, current owner and host Paul Barrett has meticulously preserved the Victorian sensibility while
incorporating modern touches throughout.

Hudson Made

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STAY AWHILE
Its no secret that many who visit the Hudson Valley fall in love with the region
and decide to purchase second homes or even permanently relocate to one of
their favorite towns. Recent real estate developments along with tried-and-true
agents offer a snapshot of what makes the Hudson Valley so special.
For more than three decades, Robert A. McCaffrey Realty has sold some
of the finest properties in the Hudson River Valley. From castles and cottages,
riverview estates and lakefront retreats, to village homes and vacant land parcels, McCaffrey Realty has successfully represented a vast variety of the best
properties found in the Phillipstown area as well as such contiguous areas as
Beacon, Putnam Valley, Kent and beyond. Robert A. McCaffrey Jr. is one of the
most prominent real estate brokers in the area and is especially noted in the
luxury market. The third-generation Cold Spring native knows the area well, saying, Cold Spring is one hour from Manhattan. Its easy to drive or take a train
to Grand Central.If you are in the Village, you can walk to your train.It is a great
mix for full-time and weekenders. Consider a summer rental to test the waters,
but its likely that youll want to stay for many seasons to come.
Nestled in northeastern Westchester County roughly 50 miles from Manhattan
and bordering the Connecticut towns of New Canaan and Ridgefield, as well as
New Yorks Bedford and Pound Ridge, sits the distinctively designed, intimate
new community of Laurel Ridge at South Salem. Here, luxury is affordable,
and convenience and lifestyle are paramount.
Phil Lake

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Hudson Valley living

Forty-six well-appointed townhomes
range from 1,500 to 2,300 square feet.
Each home offers two bedrooms, twoand-a -half baths and an attached twocar garage. The townhomes are designed
with an open floor plan, gourmet kitchen,
oak hardwood flooring, solid wood cabinetry, granite countertops and spa-inspired
master baths.
Enhancing the relaxed lifestyle found at
Laurel Ridge is a wealth of amenities.
Enjoy the adjacent pool complex, tennis
courts, basketball court and childrens
play area. Local parks and preserves offer hiking, biking, fishing and boating. If
horses are your passion, visit Echo Farm
in South Salem, and for golfers there are
many public and private courses available
within a 10-mile radius.
The adjacent Oakridge Common Shopping Center offers conveniences situated
within a short stroll from your doorstep
a specialty market, eateries, a post office,
dry cleaners, a pharmacy, pet grooming,
a wine and liquor shop, a specialty beer

and beverage store, and a fitness center as well as

such professional services as a dentist and veterinary office.
Gabel Real Estate is a second-generation, family-owned brokerage thats been On The Green in
Spencertown for as long as anyone can remember.
The agency now sells to the grandchildren of folks
who bought their houses from Frieda Gabel way
back when.
Whats amazing about Columbia County is its
physical diversity and amazingly beautiful landscape, says associate broker Tim McEachern, rugged mountains to rolling fields, the Mighty Hudson
(both river and city) and some tremendous Catskill
Mountain views. There are big, old working family
farms and quiet tree-lined country roads. The feeling is a throwback to a much simpler time.
Homes range from 1700s farmhouses, Federal period estates, modern reproductions and interpretations of classic homes as well as a new wave of
clean-lined modern estates. Because the region
was settled in the 1600s, virtually every style and
period of home that was ever built in America can
be found here.

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Vanderbilt Mansion

Resource Guide
Travel Hudson Valley
travelhudsonvalley.com

TAP A
LINK
for more
information

Chu Noodles & Dumplings

theartistspalate.biz

Big Gay Hudson Valley

biggayhudsonvalley.com

Pig Hill Inn

pighillinn.com

Dutchess County
DutchessTourism.com

Garrison Art Center

garrisoncenter.org

Putnam County
tourputnam.org

Cathryns Tuscan Grill

tuscangrill.com

Columbia County
columbiafair.com

McCaffrey Realty
mccaffreyrealty.com

Clinton Vineyards
clintonvineyards.com

Laurel Ridge Townhomes

laurelridgetownhomes.com

Dia Art Foundation

diaart.org

Gabel Real Estate

gabelrealestate.com