Calling all lovers of sweet treats - don't miss the Gardiner Cupcake Festival, a popular annual event featuring more than 30,000 cupcakes and a variety of fun activities on Saturday, May 19th from 12 to 6 p.m.
The event is a day full of cupcakes, food, music, local vendors, wine tastings and activities for children. Previously held on Main Street in Gardiner, this year the festival moves to Wright’s Farm, a much larger venue to allow for more cupcakes and fun. Wright’s Farm is a 453-acre farm with a 200 year history and is currently run by three generations of the Wright Family. With the new location the ability to expand the event has become possible, this year – in addition to more than 15 cupcake vendors – there will be more activities for kids including face painting, cupcake decorating, helicopter rides, pony rides, wagon rides, bouncy house.
New to the festival this year is a cupcake eating contest in addition to the ever popular amateur cupcake contest. Amateur cupcake makers from around the Hudson Valley will be judged in such categories as: Best Decorated cupcake; Best Tasting cupcake; Best Tasting Vegan cupcake; Best Gluten Free cupcake; and Most Creative cupcake.
The festival showcases creations from Deising’s Bakery in Kingston, Main Course in New Paltz, Sweet Maresa’s Upstate Cupcake in New Paltz, Crave Cupcakery Bakery in Bloomingburg and Bettie’s Cakes from Saratoga Springs who will be returning with its popular double-decker bus. Other food vendors include Full Moon Farms, Meadow View Farms, Pasquale Pizza, Twisted Pretzels and the Village Market and Bakery. There will even be cupcake flavored ice cream from Lazy Crazy Acres, a boutique, family-owned Catskill Mountain farm and creamery based in Halcott Center.
The event is free with a small donation for parking. Proceeds of this year’s event will benefit the Gardiner Fire Department and Rescue Squad. Wrights Farm is located at 699 State Road 208 in Gardiner. For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/gardinercupcakefestival
Before cable food channels gave rise to a nation of self-appointed “foodies” and paved the way for slow food and local sourcing as an aspirational lifestyle, before adjectives like “artisan” and “craft” and “organic” became household words associated with the dinner table, the Hudson River Valley was quietly nurturing a hyperlocal culinary and libations scene rooted in the area’s rich, diverse agriculture and sense of community.
Now, the region, especially the foodie’s paradise known as Ulster County, is considered a destination for city-dwellers seeking to awaken their palates with an authentic culinary experience rooted in the produce and livestock of the region.
A weekend getaway to Ulster County involves myriad choices—from where to watch the sunset (cough Sam’s Point cough) to which art galleries to visit. Dining, too, presents an overwhelming set of options to sate any taste. How do you relish so many flavors over a scant 48 hours? How do you even scratch the surface with such a cornucopia of culinary delights within reach?
One solution: follow an itinerary. On that front, we have you covered. Here’s a two-day dining tour of Ulster County, crafted for maximum diversity and geographic coverage while following a manageable driving route that leads you from historic waterfront towns to scenic byways across the beautiful Catskill Mountains.
Start your culinary tour of Ulster County at this beloved breakfast/brunch spot in New York’s first capital. PAKT, 608 Broadway, has attitude to spare, as evidenced by its gleefully off-color dining room décor and menu (the name of one of its most popular dishes is too blue to print here), a full bar, and a refreshingly country sensibility that celebrates historically southern bites like chicken and waffles, chicken fried steak, biscuits and gravy, and cheese grits. Vegetarian and more health-conscious patrons will find plenty to love as well.
Also try Oriole 9 in Woodstock
Though SUNY New Paltz is certainly not the only school in Ulster County, New Paltz is widely known as the “college town” of the county, and with that title comes a healthy coffee culture. For a vibe less collegiate and more classic, stop by Lagusta’s Luscious Commissary, 11 Church St. If you’re traveling with a partner, consider the “Chemex With Chocolates For Two” option, which pairs expertly made pour-over coffee with Lagusta’s famous handmade chocolates (yes, it’s a little early for dessert, but you’re on vacation). Then walk off the calories by exploring the colorful boutiques that dot the town’s main drag.
Also try Cohen’s Bakery in Ellenville
New York’s first post-prohibition whiskey distillery is beloved across the country for its Hudson Whiskey brand, and Tuthilltown, 14 Grist Mill Lane, is a must for any spirits connoisseur. But they also host Char 1788, an acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant with a mouthwatering lunch menu of grass-fed beef burgers, oyster po’ boys, Nashville hot fried chicken, and flat iron steak sandwiches, among other things.
Also try P&G’s in New Paltz
Executive chef and owner Marcus Guiliano is a Hudson Valley treasure who’s spent nearly 20 years preaching the gospel of local, sustainable, organic food. The culmination of his philosophy can be found within the elegant, low-lit dining room behind the unassuming storefront of Aroma Thyme Bistro, 165 Canal St. Guiliano cooks with passion and discipline, and his always-evolving menu boasts a wide range of seasonal showcases that are often much healthier than you’d ever guess (Zagat called his cooking “stealth health”).
Also try Boitson’s in Kingston
Start your second day off with a leisurely drive up Rt 28 across the lush Catskills Scenic Byway, then pull off the highway to experience the rustic charm of the Phoenicia Diner, 5681 NY-28, a staple of the area that’s been elevating diner food for over 30 years. They have all the diner classics, but their thoughtful re-imaginings are where it’s at—like the “Morning in Tunisia” skillet, a blend of polenta, summer squash, eggplant, bell peppers, tomato, black olives, feta, and scallions, topped with a poached egg.
Also try Hash in Stone Ridge
.jpg)
Joshua’s, 51 Tinker St., has been serving Mediterranean-inspired global cuisine in Woodstock since 1972, and it’s still wowing locals and visitors today. Dishes like shwarma salad, zucchini flatcakes, moussaka, and falafel showcase the well-traveled palate of chef and owner Stefanie Schachter, who took over the restaurant in 1992.
Also try The Rosendale Café in Rosendale
Taste a true Ulster County beer at Arrowood Farms, 236 Lower Whitfield Rd., where they cultivate their own hops and grains from the local soil and rely entirely on solar power. Arrowood’s tasting room features a heavenly patio with an epic view of the sunset overlooking waving fields of grain.
Also try Rough Cut Brewing Co. in Kerhonkson
Perhaps more than any other cuisine, Ulster County is home to a number of Italian restaurants ranging from take-out pizza spots to white tablecloth fine dining. Annarella Ristorante, 276 Malden Turnpike, specializes in Tuscan fare, with recipes whose origins can be traced back decades to Manhattan. With a formidable wine selection and dishes like Polpo alla Griglia (grilled Portuguese octopus), Annarella brings a taste of the Tuscan coast to the Hudson Valley—a fitting way to end your dining tour of Ulster County.
Also try Mountain Brauhaus in Gardiner
Two days isn’t nearly enough time to fully immerse in the mouthwatering wonders of the area’s dining scene, but this is a great start. Get to know the kitchens of Ulster County and start planning your dining tour today at ulstercountyalive.com.
Nestled in a lushly forested stretch of southwest Ulster County at the foot of the Shawangunk Ridge, Ellenville is a quiet mountain village of 4,100 whose laidback rural spirit belies a sophisticated dining scene and one of the most acclaimed professional theatre companies in the Hudson Valley, in addition to the outdoor recreation and scenic beauty the area is known for. Here’s a two-day guide to exploring the hidden delights of Ellenville.
Day 1
Interior of Cohen's Bakery
Start your morning with a coffee and pastry from the famous Cohen’s Bakery on Center Street, a staple of downtown for nearly 100 years. The company’s founder, the late Harry Cohen, is the purported inventor of raisin pumpernickel bread, and his original recipe is still used at the bakery to this day. You can also grab a breakfast sandwich at Wilson’s Market on Canal or a quick cup of Joe at B&B Coffee Shop on Main Street.
Once you’ve had your morning coffee, grab your mountain bike and drive north on 209 a few miles to Lippman Park, then spend the morning exploring the winding, elevated paths of the 14-mile Lippman Park Mountain Bike Trail. This famous trail system is known for its raised boardwalks, bridges and berms, and it can get quite challenging as you ascend the mountain. (Novice tip: for an easier time stick the trails near the base of the mountain). If mountain biking isn’t your thing, consider an adventure tour of the surrounding forest and mountains with Northeast Off-Road Adventures, which also offers off-road driving lessons, as well as wilderness survival skills and first aid classes.
After a morning of high-impact physical activity, cool off with a local brew and German-influenced bite from New Paltz Brewing Co. Or, for a full sit-down lunch, head back to Ellenville and grab a sandwich, salad or wrap from The Publik House or chow down on BBQ from Smoken Mos.
After lunch, pop into the Ellenville Public Library’s Terwilliger House Museum on Center Street, a late 19th Century Queen Anne Victorian House built in 1895 and today houses a fascinating collection of local historical artifacts. Spend the rest of the afternoon window shopping and exploring the quaint charm of Ellenville’s Downtown Historic District.
For dinner, treat yourself to one of Ellenville’s upscale eateries along Canal Street. Trattoria Marbella is a white tablecloth Italian spot serving fresh Tuscan-inspired cuisine Pasta con Tuna and Risotto Primavera. Down the street, Tony & Nick’s Italian Kitchen pulls double duty as a family-run classic Italian joint that’s also one of the best spots in town for live music.
After dinner, catch a show at Shadowland Stages, regarded as one of the best New York playhouses north of the City. Their 2019 season line-up includes the chamber drama “The Roommate” by award-winning playwright Jen Silverman and the salon-set comedy-mystery “Shear Madness” by Paul Porter.
Cap your evening with post-show cocktails at one of a handful late-night spots in walking distance.
Day 2
Hang gliding with Mountain Wings
Start your second day with a high-flying adventure. Mountain Wings offers thrilling hang-gliding trips for both experienced hang-gliders and first-timers, giving you a gorgeous bird’s eye view of the mid-Hudson Valley.
Exterior of Sook House.
For lunch, grab a gourmet pizza from Arianna’s Restaurant & Pizzeria on Market or a New York slice from Dominick’s on Center Street. If you’re not feeling pizza, step into the aromatic wonderland of Island Pepper Pot & Lounge on Liberty Street (serving delicious Caribbean fare like jerk chicken and oxtail soup) or try the sushi at Sook House on Center Street, which also serves Korean fare like dumplings and bibimbap. If you’re looking for a quick takeout bite, New China One has you covered.
After lunch, hop on Highway 52 heading west and take a drive down the gorgeous Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway. From there, you’ll find yourself on a stretch of the 80-mile Shawangunk Wine Trail. Stop by Brimstone Hill Vineyard for a tasting, then grab a glass from Baldwin Vineyards. From there, you can keep going west and hit several more wineries, or you can double-back to Ellenville in preparation for another stellar dinner. (Just remember, have a designated driver and don’t drink before you get behind the wheel.)
If you prefer fresh fruit to fermented, skip the wine trail and head to Barthel’s Farm Market on Rt. 209, where you’ll find freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, homemade baked goods and apple cider, and locally made ice cream.
Appetizers at Aroma Thyme Bistro
For dinner, you have several amazing options besides the ones already mentioned. The Green-certified Aroma Thyme Bistro on Canal Street has cultivated a national reputation as one of the most beloved farm-to-table restaurants in the country, thanks to the uncompromising ethos and innovative seasonal menus of co-owners Jamie and Chef Marcus Guiliano. If you’re in the mood for Mexican, Gaby’s Café, also on Canal, features a sprawling menu of traditional Mexican fare (along with killer margaritas) in a classy casual space.
Ready for an Ellenville adventure? Start planning your trip today at UlsterCountyAlive.com.
Farm fresh fruits and vegetables. Cheeses, gourmet coffees, fish and meats. Bakery. Gifts. Candy counter. Garden supplies, plants and nursery stock. Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
A small, local bakery, specializing in cupcakes! There is a variety of vegan and gluten-free products as well. Serving Death Wish coffee and offering an array of locally-made products such as homemade coffee syrups, sauces, soaps, infused honeys, store logo t-shirts, handmade ceramic mugs and much more.
Stop in for a simple lunch, great desserts and baked goods. Tuesday through Saturday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
With over a dozen exciting events this weekend, there's something for everyone in Ulster County this Halloween!
THURS., OCT. 30
Carvers of all ages are welcome at the Kingston Library Pumpkin Blaze where they will contribute to decorating grounds for the following night, on which all will be a-blaze! Pumpkins and snacks are free. 5 - 8 PM at 55 Franklin St., Kingston
BYOP (Bring Your Own Pumpkin) to the Pumpkin Carving Party and Jack-O-Lantern Contest at Olive Free Libarary. Carving tools and books on hand as well as snacks and prizes! 6 PM at 4033 Route 28-A, West Shokan
Enter your pumpkin in The Bakery's Night of 100 Pumpkins Pumpkin Carving Contest by bringing your entry in between 7 AM and 7 PM. All entrants recieve a free Jack O'Lantern cookie. On Friday (Oct. 31) at 6 PM experience the 24th Annual Night of 100 Pumpkins. Free hot cider, cocoa and pumpkin bread. Local artist judges will award prizes; adults and childrens entries judged separately. 13A North Front St., New Paltz
Guaranteed to provide a scary and memorable evening for all, Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses has had several national media features including Good Morning America and The Weather Channel. Attend the last weekend of the season at this famous haunted attraction. 778 Broadway, Route 9W, Ulster Park www.headlesshorseman.com
FRI., OCT. 31
Mohonk Mountain House Presents: Halloween Haunts and Happenings for dining and overnight guests. Experience Mohonk's haunted castle, get up close and personal with live timber wolves, and listen to spooky stories around a crackling campfire. Join us on Friday evening for the Haunted House featuring Fears and Phobias, or on Saturday evening (Nov. 1) for the Halloween Costume Ball (event takes place on Sunday as well).www.mohonk.com
Bring the kids to the Center for Photography at Woodstock's (CPW) Annual Halloween Portrait Event for their in-costume closeups during Woodstock's Halloween Parade! Proceeds support CPW's programs for teens including workshops, mentorships, scholarships and more! 3 - 6 PM at 59 Tinker St., Woodstock
The Woodstock Library hosts a Halloween Story Journey led by wood elves and fairies after Woodstock's Halloween Parade for ages 2-7. 6 - 7 PM at 5 Library Lane, Woodstock
Families are welcome to trick-or-treat at the historic houses on Haunted Huguenot Street from 4 - 6 PM. Then from 7 - 10 PM, experience special interpretations of the Jean Hasbrouck House, the burial ground, the Deyo House, and the Abraham Hasbrouck House. Guests will hear legends of hauntings, participate in Mrs. Gertrude Deyo-Brodhead’s infamous Conundrum Party, and explore the art of haunted interpretation (also on Saturday and Sunday from 4 - 8 PM). 81 Huguenot St., New Paltz Register here
Visit the unique Cantine Haunted Estates for a Mystifying Maze, the Trecherous Tunnels of Terror and more! 7 - 10 PM at 455 Washington Ave, Saugerties www.puttinplus.com
Chronogram & OUTPUT AGENCY present Nightmare on Wall Street at BSP with three rooms of horror, dance party, live music, psychic fair and a costume contest with prizes. 9 PM at Back Stage Productions - 323 Wall St., Kingston
Attend a spook-tacular evening of dinner, dancing, specialty drinks, a costume contest with prizes and more at theHalloween Costume Bash at The Tavern at Diamond Mills. Come early and dine on fall menu favorites (for reservations call 845-247-0700). Raise the dead from 9 PM to midnight with DJ KUE. www.diamondmillshotel.com
Celebrate All Hallow's Eve with the music of Pink Floyd, performed live. Connor Kennedy & Company and The Bearsville Theater present The Pink Floyd Halloween Freak-Out. Costumes encouraged; suprise special guests. 9 PM at 291 Tinker St., Woodstock
SAT., NOV. 1
Runners of all ages are welcome to attend UlsterCorps' Annual Zombie Escape in Rosendale. Be spirited away on a five kilometer trail run through the spooky woods, tunnels and caves of Williams Lake at the Fifth Annual UlsterCorps Service Sprint and Zombie Escape. Top finishers will receive certificates in gender and age group categories. The event is open to all levels of competitors and includes a FREE 1K Fun Run for kids, a 5K Zombie Escape timed race, and a 1K fitness walk/hike. All proceeds from the event will benefit UlsterCorps, a countywide resource hub for volunteerism, collaboration and service with a deep commitment to engaging high school and college age students. 11 AM at 434 Williams Lake Rd., Rosendale www.UlsterCorps.org
Attend the coolest, over the top party at the Halloween Gong Show & Masquerade Dance Party at the Bearsville Theater. An old-school Gong Show contest (open to all 21 and over), VIP judges, fabulous prizes, music by house band Paul Green & The Internet Trolls. Late night munchies and super-sounds-of-the-70s dance party after a winner is crowned. 7 PM at 291 Tinker St., Woodstock
SUN., NOV. 2
Experience the ultimate vintage, spooky film: Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1920); part of the Rosendale Theatre's Sunday Silents series. Thomas Edison's Frankenstein (1910) will also be shown. Live accompaniment by Marta Waterman. 3 - 5 PM at 408 Main St., Rosendale
Perfect Places to Warm-Up
What could be better than a cup of steaming hot chocolate and something sweet to eat after a few hours in the cold? Try these great spots; some are even well-kept secrets only locals know!
After you’ve called it a day skiing or snowshoeing at Minnewaska or Mohonk Preserve head into the picturesque farming community of Gardiner for something yummy to eat and hot to drink at:
Café Mio
2356 Rt 44/55, Gardiner NY, 12525
845-255-4949
www.cafemio.com
Enjoy fresh local fare found in the middle of an agricultural small town. With food prepared with care and love to feed everyone like they are part of our family, you’ll be warmed inside and out. Open for breakfast and lunch six days a week from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (closed Tues.)
Village Market & Bakery
125 Main St., Gardiner, NY 12525
845-255-1234
www.villagemarketandbakery.com
This turn-of-the-century country market with a cozy café seating area is the perfect place to grab a cup of coffee and indulge in some delicious homemade bread and pastries.
For those enjoying the great outdoors at Mohonk, cross-country skiing on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail or ice skating or sledding in New Paltz you’ll want to head to these places to warm-up:
The Bakery
13a North Front St., New Paltz, NY 12561
845-255-8840
www.ilovethebakery.com
The Bakery, with its rustic outdoor cafe and beautiful gardens, to be the center of social life in New Paltz, a place to meet people, bump into old friends, or sit quietly and read the papers. Known since 1980 for great bagels, croissants, rolls, rugulah, danish and butter cookies, The Bakery includes a coffee bar and full lunch menu.
Village Tea Room
10 Plattekill Ave, New Paltz, NY 12561
845-255-3434
www.villagetearoom.com
This cozy landmarked building with hand-hewn beams and romantic nooks serves a variety of scones, muffins, cookies and cakes, freshly made in their kitchen from pure wholesome ingredients. Lunch offers a choice of soups & sandwiches made with Bread Alone’s Organic award winning bread & fresh seasonal ingredients. Their a la carte dinner menu showcases seasonal local produce in a variety of delicious homey, but sophisticated comfort foods.
P & G’s Restaurant
91 Main St, New Paltz, NY 12561
845-255- 6161
www.pandgs.com
This venerable New Paltz institution is literally a cornerstone of Main Street. Serving the very best burgers in town, the warm, friendly service, hearty food and kid friendly atmosphere make it the perfect place to stop with the whole family after an afternoon in the outdoors.
Looking for a place after you’ve spent the day in Saugerties? Mosey into the village and stop at:
Love Bites
85 Partition Street, Saugerties, NY
845-246-1795
This cafe’s cuisine knows no boundaries. The cozy space (16 seats) is open for breakfast and lunch six days a week, dishing up favorites like the carrot coconut bread french toast, vegan pancakes and plenty of creative sandwiches. Thursday through Tuesday, 8:30-4:30.
The Dutch Tavern
253 Main St, Saugerties, NY
845-246-0073.
Pub grub and icy brew define this village tavern. It's a great local haunt to grab a bite at after a day in the cold air.
European-style, full line bakery and cafe. Winner of the "Best Bakery in America" award, "Best Breakfast" and "Best Cookies" from Modern Baking Magazine. Incredible value with a tremendous selection. Over 300 Bakery items baked fresh everyday. Serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Group friendly - can accomodate 40 people, please call for a reservation.
