Croff House Bed and Breakfast in Hudson, NY

Thinking of heading up to Columnbia County sometime this summer?  Croff House B&B looks lovely and has amazing trip advisor reviews.

more on Columbia County here

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.

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Philmont Farmer’s Market in Philmont, NY

oooohhhhh, so much of everything I love in one I can hardly contain myself.  Philmont is in Columbia County in Upstate NY, maybe two hours from New York City and just ten minutes east of the Hudson river.  This means that even if you’re north visiting Greene County on the west side of the Hudson you are most likely still within driving distance of the market. Their farmer’s market is just one effort in the revitalization project of Philmont which is steeped in the rural barn raising tradition.  How great is that???  This week, the market is also having a special pumpkin walk and fall fair.  If you do go, make sure to buy some fresh cheese from Bench 8 Creamery.   And, find the french chocolate croissant lady.  They are divine.   And, make sure to talk to the vendors and farmers about the area and where to go and what to see.  You always get in the know advice from people who support the local community.

(Love Apple Farm and OMI are also near here as is oktoberfest)

Love Apple Farm in Ghent, NY

If you are heading to upstate NY on the east side of the Hudson River and exploring Columbia County you should make your way to Love Apple Farm to pick up some treats for the day.  Fruit, donuts, fudge and goats.  Everything is fresh and pretty.  Take your treats further north to OMI Sculpture Park for a picnic.

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Tortillaville in Hudson, NY

Tortillaville just plopped itself right in the middle of Warren Street in Hudson, NY, about two hours north from Manhattan in Columbia County.  This tasty taco stand is an affordable relief from all the beautiful but too-expensive-for-me antique and furniture stores. I’m always down for a side of the road find, even if it is right in the middle of town.

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