Hudson Valley Summer To-Do List
There’s so much to do in the Hudson Valley in the summer. It’s overwhelming -- in the best way possible. From small town parades to swimming holes to outdoor movies, the following is what’s on our radar. Also, we’re trying something new here on the blog and treating this post like a running list. We love combing the calendars in our local newspapers, but nothing beats community crowdsourcing! Tell us what you love about Hudson Valley summers, anything we might be missing, and we’ll update our list.
STONE RIDGE
Hasbrouck House Sunset Flix Series
Just down the street from our Stone Ridge shop, our neighbors at the Hasbrouck House invite their guests and all community members alike to their outdoor movie series. It’s a great spot to meet up with friends for a memorable night.
ROSENDALE
Tune up your bike and hit the Rail Trail. If it’s Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, the best place to head to is the Rail Trail Cafe, where you might run into Christine Kelder, a member of our retail staff, who is a big fan. The pizzas, salads, and frittatas are all great -- and don’t miss the popsicles.
KINGSTON
Much has been said about how quickly Kingston is changing and growing -- and it is, but also, as many locals will tell you, it isn’t. One newcomer this summer is the Hotel Kinsley on Wall Street. Even if you’re not in the market for a hotel room, stop by the restaurant. It has a menu developed around the harvest of our regional farmers and brought to Kingston by Chef Zak Pelaccio and his Fish & Game partner Kevin Pomplun, restaurateur Taavo Somer, and developer Charles Blaichman. A welcome addition!
Soccer fans flock to games at Deitz Stadium. Stockade FC represents not only Kingston, but also the entire Hudson Valley. Join the fun.
Community Supported Micro-Bakery
You can join the Kingston Bread Lab as a member, pre-order bread on Fridays, or just test your luck on Saturday mornings. The Lab is led by Aaron Quint, a “gluten obsessive,” who has taken his personal bread practice to the next level. He bakes in the back of Rough Draft Bar & Books. The breads are small batch, naturally leavened, and made with freshly milled grains.
ACCORD
Salsa Dance at Westwind Orchard
There are many things to enjoy at Westwind all summer -- movie nights, raspberry picking, people watching. If you like to dance, don’t miss salsa Mondays!
POUGHKEEPSIE
The Walkway Over the Hudson is a local gem. If you’re busy, and you live here full time, it’s also the sort of spot you mean to get to and sometimes don’t. Don’t hesitate! It’s gorgeous any time of day, but it shines at night. If you can’t make it for the July 4th fireworks, try one of their memorable full moon walks. (That's their moon photo below.)
HUDSON
Wednesday night is usually bingo night at Backbar. Join the locals and try to win (sometimes unusual!) prizes as you enjoy the cocktails and karaage fried chicken. If you’re there early enough, you might just hit happy hour.
For $15 on a Friday or a Saturday night all summer long, hop on the Hudson-Athens ferry and watch the sunset. You can buy tickets and walk on, but you might want to snag them in advance in case they sell out.
KERHONKSON & SURROUNDING TOWNS
Hudson Valley Swimming Spots with Waterfalls and Views
Our administrative assistant, Terrah Bretherton, swears by Vernooy Kill Falls (Kerhonkson) as well as Shaft 2A aka Stony Kill Falls (often listed as in Kerhonkson, but technically it's Warwarsing). If you want to travel a town or so over, she also loves Deep Hole (Accord, though some people say it's in Algierville). Over in Ellenville, “The ice caves at Sam's Point are great if you get there before it's too hot and the ice is gone but it still has amazing views and a lake to swim in."
NEW PALTZ
The Water Street Market Movies
The Market’s outdoor movies are free and take place every Monday from June to August. See you there.
Many Hudson Valley farms have been inviting regional chefs to come make dinner with their ingredients and on their farms. It’s a pretty magical experience and this year’s lineup at Taliaferro looks fantastic.
Last year, Bradley Farm started pouring local wine and beer on Friday nights. This summer, they’ve also hired a chef for farm fresh lunches every Saturday. A welcome addition to neighborhood offerings.
Phillies Bridge Farm Project Pizza & Movie Nights
Because sometimes you just want pizza made with local ingredients and fresh from an oven under a perfect summer sky as your kids roam free and watch a movie. Bliss.
The view at Mohonk Preserve’s Spring Farm pavilion is Hudson Valley perfection. And, if you like yoga, it’s the most dramatic backdrop for a class every summer Tuesday at 6 p.m. You can pay by the class or purchase the whole series up front. Stick around for the “million dollar view” sunset.
