VISITvortex.com

Just found this website and I’m in love with it.  Yes, in love!  If you’ll be spending any time in the Hudson Valley, check it out.   I just wish that it was a bit more complete.  But, it gave me a swimming hole and hiking idea for my trip in August, so I am happy.

Little Big North cabin in Catskill, NY

I’ve stayed here.  It is lovely. Jim, the owner is professional (and also a socially conscious furniture designer).  Three bedrooms, amazing fire pit in front, a creek out back though it was a hike through uncleared woods when I was there, close to Hunter one way and Hudson the other.  

Check out the website for details

Here it is too on Catskills By Owner - with a seemingly updated availability calendar

pics are of my stay

WEBSITE: Catskills by owner

catskillsbyowner.com

Catskills Vacation Rental Homes

I’m sure its not in my best interest to share a site like this - all the more difficult for me to get that ideal house for the week/weekend that I want it.  But, I know how frustrating the search can be and these are reasonably priced and appear really nice.  I’m amazed I haven’t come across it before. 

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Midnight Ramble Sessions at Levon Helm’s home studio in Woodstock, NY

The studio, built by local craftsman without a single nail, resides on Levon Helm’s property and is said to be the field of dreams for musicians - build it and they will come.  Hence, the birth of the more formally organized midnight rambles.  People bring food and drink and share with the other guests. A giant late night potluck, it seems.

Indeed sounds like a dream come true, except for the expensive tickets.  If you’re interested, tickets go fast, almost a month in advance.  Summer is not yet sold out.  

I want to go. Really, really, want to go.  

click the pic

Catskills Rental - Country House in Saugerties, NY

I just love the look of this rental house posted on vrbo.com.  Still available for sometime in August and Sept, and on from then.  Wish I was there … 

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The Spotted Pig Books and Ale  in Hudson, NY

The Spotted Pig is a small bookstore, lounge cafe and bar in Columbia County right across the river from Catskill.  If you’re going to be up north in that area and you like independent bookstores, and local beer, make sure to set aside some time to stop here.  We had a beer, perused the shelves and hounded the locals for advice on where to find a swimming hole in the area.  That’s where we learned about Fawn’s Leap. 

It’s also right across the street from Tortillaville, a great taco stand.

Cool bookstores make me happy.

click the pic for more from yelpers