Peter Conway

Hudson Valley Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend is always an exciting time, for many the unofficial beginning of summer. Yet more than ever it is a time to pause and remember, to thank and appreciate all those who have served and sacrificed to preserve the liberty and freedom we hold so dear.

At a time where there seem to be greater threats than ever, I am so grateful for the loyal and determined people who make up our noble armed forces. With them, and with those who made the ultimate sacrifice in our hearts and minds, we should celebrate and enjoy a wonderful weekend.

And by the way, while we do have sadness in our hearts, “It’s Perfectly OK to Say ‘Happy Memorial Day” ask Ken Harbaugh a former Navy pilot, writing for the New York Observer.

Happy Memorial Day.

Continue reading Hudson Valley Memorial Day Weekend

Nice Dinner at Maya Cafe & Cantina

We like good Mexican every so often and have passed this place on Route 9 in Fishkill dozens of times. Any place with Maya in its name brings back sweet memories of our happy vacations on the Riviera Maya, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal. We had read good things about this place but our old favorite Taqueria Autentica near Montclair is so good, a hard act to beat.

Continue reading Nice Dinner at Maya Cafe & Cantina

The Wines of Stoutridge Vineyard Hudson Valley

A few weeks ago we visited another winery on the Shawangunk Wine Trail, Stoutridge Vineyard in Marlboro, NY. Had a great time and learned a lot about New York wine making.

Read our article about Stoutridge at New York Cork Report, Stoutridge a Uniquely Local Winery. Continue reading The Wines of Stoutridge Vineyard Hudson Valley

A Visit to the Kagyu Thubten Chöling Monastery

For a very sad yet very beautiful and moving event, we had the opportunity to experience the magnificent Kagyu Thubten Chöling Monastery and Retreat Center that overlooks the Hudson off a back road in Wappinger Falls.

Our visit was to participate in a ceremony for the passing of a dear friend who lived in Cold Spring.

Continue reading A Visit to the Kagyu Thubten Chöling Monastery

A Classic Manhattan for the Mad Men Finale

Well I do love sipping a cocktail along with Don and company while enjoying Mad Men. I reserve this pleasure for our two or three times a week after dinner TV hour. You won’t see me pouring a glass of whiskey or vodka at the office.

For the last glorious episode I made this simple Manhattan. With ingredients as close to what was in a bar of the 60’s from what I had. Turned out pretty nice. Continue reading A Classic Manhattan for the Mad Men Finale

A Sunday Morning Poem

I was looking for a poem to post on this glorious Sunday morning. Came across these moving stanzas in the poem “Sunday Morning” by Wallace Stevens one of America’s most respected poets.

I evokes exciting thoughts and imagery. And leaves me so very grateful for this day.

An annotation suggests “Stevens relates the metaphysical reflections of a woman who is skipping church. While relaxing over a cup of coffee on a sunny Sunday morning, she entertains the blasphemous idea that a world with no heaven might actually be a better one. If we aren’t always focused on the hereafter, she reasons, we might actually learn to appreciate the paradise we already inhabit. As Stevens so memorably puts it: ‘Death is the mother of beauty’.” Sunday Morning Read by the Author Genius.com

Continue reading A Sunday Morning Poem

A Visit to Manitoga for the 2015 Artists in Residency Exhibition

Today we all know how important great design is to our everyday life. Not so much the case some generations ago. But visionaries like Russel Wright did know. A forerunner of what many of us take almost completely for granted, as we handle our beautiful iPhone. Wright believed that “good design was for everyone.” He embraced and forwarded the empirical axiom that art is not just a part of life. Art is life!

There are few places where this consciousness is more discernible than here at Russel Wright’s former home and design center, Montioga. A place of striking yet gracious beauty, a place where art, nature, and human habitation reside in utter invigorating harmony.

Today exciting initiatives to share the magnificence of this place are underway, one such program is the 2015 Artists in Residency Exhibition, ” a celebration of Russel Wright’s legacy of creative experimentation and celebration of place. Continue reading A Visit to Manitoga for the 2015 Artists in Residency Exhibition

Motown Rocks and Japanese Delights at Quinn’s in Beacon

After getting a taste of Yukie Schmitz’s fine home-style Japanese cuisine at a Manitoga event this past Saturday, we could not wait to get to the restaurant her husband Tom and she opened recently in the old Quinn’s Luncheonette in Beacon — for more!

Last night they were also hosting a Motown DJ which was great incentive too, we loved both. Or should I say everything! Fabulous Japanese small plates and noodle dishes, great booze, and sweet music. All in a place with classic atmosphere and great staff. Continue reading Motown Rocks and Japanese Delights at Quinn’s in Beacon

Weekend Fun May 16-17th

Have Some Fun This Weekend at One or All of These Select Events Around the Hudson Valley

Outdoors

Mountain Laurel Outdoor Rec Fest

Celebrate and enjoy National Get Outdoors Day with Mountain Laurel Outdoor Rec Fest

Unplug your family and participate in the National Get Outdoors Day. Learn about kayaks, orienteering, outdoor skills, adventure challenges, birding and nature. Food and beverages are available.

Date: Sunday, May 17, 2015 Time: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Taconic Outdoor Education Center, 75 Mountain Laurel Lane, Cold spring, NY Donation: Adults $2 Kids $1 More Info

Bannerman Castle Cruise Tours

Hudson River Adventures and the Bannerman Castle Trust, Inc. in cooperation with The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation offer exclusive guided tours on Bannerman Island via the Pollepel. The tour is 2.5 hours long. Costs is $30 per person for adults and children (11 and under) $25.00. Advance ticket purchase suggested. Groups are limited to 46 persons for a more personalized tour. Please wear comfortable shoes.

Pride of the Hudson Boat Tours

Art

Stephen Talasnik’s Sanctuary: A temporary installation of aquatic architecture

The Artist Residency program was initiated in 2014 to foster creative responses to Manitoga that invoke Russel Wright’s legacy of creative experimentation and celebration of place.

On view from May 1 until November 9, 2015 with Tour Reservation More Info

Beacon Open Studios Beacon Open Studios is a weekend-long event where the artists of Beacon NY open their studios to the public.

May 8 – June 11 Kickoff Show, at 2 Way Brewing Company, 18 West Main Street, Beacon, New York
May 15 Kickoff Party, 6-9pm at 2 Way Brewing Company, 18 West Main Street, Beacon, New York
May 16 – 17 BEACON OPEN STUDIOS WEEKEND noon-6pm all around town
May 17 Closing Reception, 5-9pm at KuBe Arts Center, 211 Fishkill Avenue, Beacon, New York

More Info

More Art Events Beacon Arts

Theater

Philipstown Depot Theater Presents a Classic On Golden Pond

An aging couple, Ethel and Norman Thayer, continue the long tradition of spending each summer at their cottage on a lake in the far reaches on northern New England called Golden Pond. Now through March 24th More Info

Food, Wine, Art, Music

2015 Historic Newburgh Wine, Art and Jazz Festival

May 15, 2015, Grapes on the Grass Soiree
sponsored by Janice Miller’s ERA First Advantage Realty

May 16, 2015, Wine, Art and Jazz Festival
presented by Evansville Living Magazine with T.R.U. Event, Inc. Rental as Title Sponsor

Tickets for Friday and Saturday are on sale now for 2015! Click below to purchase, call (812) 853-2815 to purchase or for additional information, or just drop by the HNI Visitor’s Center!

Friday, Grapes on the Grass, includes hearty hors d’oeuvres, wine judging, wine and beer sampling, live music by the Second Street Band, and live artist showcase.
Saturday, Wine, Art and Jazz Festival, includes entrance fee, free wine education class (60 seat max), wine and beer sampling, and nonstop jazz. More Info

Shawangunk Wine Trail Wine Tasting Passport

The Shawangunk Wine Trail Passport lets you visit each of the 14 unique wineries at your leisure over the course of five months. I’ve been to three so far and it is very worth the trip. The passport to a self-guided tour of 14 of the Hudson Valley’s finest wineries is only $25 per person. More Info

Hudson Valley Wine Cocktail Weekend

Whitecliff Vineyard and Tuthilltown Spirits in Gardiner join together this weekend to show you the perfect Wine Cocktail pairings. Whitecliff Tasting Room, Tuthilltown Tasting Room ant Tullihouse Restaurant will each have a different offering on the theme. Taste and learn how to make your own Wine Cocktails at home! Each stop will have free recipe sheets and cocktail makings available for purchase. Friday through Sunday, May 15th to 17th 12-5 PM More Info

While you are in Gardiner you might as well take a bite of the Gardiner Cupcake Festival is a popular annual event, to be held at Wright’s Farm in Gardiner, Ulster County on Saturday, May 16 from noon-6pm. Lot’s of fun here. More Info

Up in the Air

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome museum of World War I and pioneer aircraft and antique automobiles opens it 57th season on May 16.

You can charter a biplane for four and get a bird’s eye view of beautiful Hudson Valley.

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome!

Norton Rd.
Rhinebeck, NY

845-752-3200

Later in May

Mayfest NY Music – Art -Yoga May 22nd-24th – MAYfest is proud to present the 2015 lineup of internationally acclaimed musical acts, yoga instructors, art programs and activities. More

In July

Visit a Hudson Valley Winery

There are so many great wineries to visit in the Hudson Valley. You can find lots of information and listings on these sites:

Hudson Valley Wine Trails

More Great Hudson Valley Winery Directories and Guides

More Hudson Valley Event Listings

Two Hudson Valley Stars in this Negroni Cocktail

Two Hudson Valley stars take a part in this excellent Negroni. The well known Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery with their Rustic American Dry Gin and a new upstart Stockade Farm and Apothecary with their delightful Orange Clove Bitters.

In this Negroni we let the gin take center stage and a beautiful performance it was. With a exciting accents of Stockade Orange Clove Bitters. Read More

Continue reading Two Hudson Valley Stars in this Negroni Cocktail