Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery in Warwick, NY

this winery in orange county is really really fun to go to for lunch or brunch or host an event.  we were yesterday for lunch and it was packed, great food, great music, live music outside.  a totally festive and beautiful environment.  you can bring lawn chairs and sit out on the grass.  

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Orange County Antique Fair and Flea Market in Middletown, NY

About an hour and a half from NYC, this fair has 100’s of vendors and if nothing else is a great stop-off on your way Upstate (NY upstate).  Free admission, free parking - sounds like you can’t really lose.  But I haven’t been yet so don’t hold me to that. 

Whether you’re coming from Jersey, PA or NY, get directions here.  Open April through November - check out calendar here. 

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Town Profile: Sugar Loaf, NY (and Warwick, NY)

I’m taking my mom up to Sugar Loaf, NY in Orange County for mother’s day and, I’m super pumped about it.  Known for being a crafty artisan town, Sugar Loaf is just about an hour by car or bus from NYC- bus from Penn Station, which gets you into the neighboring town of Warwick (about 15 minutes away).  Map here.

Here we can do what we love - look at pretty things, be inspired by crafty ideas and explore.  Around since the 1700s, with a craft revival in the 1960s, the community is dedicated to upkeeing the historical and cultural history so many of the old buildings are still around and there is a plethora of cultural events throughout the year.  Most shops are open from Wednesdays - Sundays, 11 - 6 pm and in the summer shops stay open later every other Saturday of the month.   Farmer’s markets in the area open in June.

I’m particularly excited to check out the new store, The White Weathered Barn for reasons that are obvious if we have the same taste.  And, if Sugar Loaf disappoints for some reason (like an overly commercial Woodstock) then we can always head back over to the town of Warwick.  Hit up the farms, creameries and wineries (more info) and eat and drink until we burst. 

Having brunch at Warwick Valley Winery sounds like the right way to begin the day.  A little noontime Riesling never hurt mother/daughter time. 

some pics from artful danni’s flicker album

Woodbury Commons in Central Valley, NY and

Mt. Fuji Restaurant in Hillburn, NY

There is a gigantic sale this weekend / Monday at most of the outlet stores in Woodbury Commons (about an hour north of NYC off I-87).  If you can brave the large crowds and possible rain, it is the time to get the best deals. If you are a AAA member, stop by the clock tower for your FREE discount booklet. 

And, if you head South to go back home, I recommend pulling off exit 15A and stopping for dinner at Mt. Fuji.  You’ll drive up into the hills and through a spectacular red japanese entryway.  The views are lovely and the hibachi style food is good.  It is the property that makes your meal into an experience.  Make sure to check the hours that they are open before going.

Hudson Valley Wine Country near Newburgh, NY through New Paltz, NY

All you need is one committed driver and a car full of thirsty winos to have an excellent day exploring the Hudson Valley wineries.  It is all an adventure as you wind your way through the country roads.  Every winery is unique and they all offer different treats. Just take the Newburgh exit off of I-87 (Thruway) and enter the wine trails from there. Select one or two wineries to start and then see where the vino takes you.  Either print out an area map from online or snag one at the first winery.  Just like all other trips upstate, most of the fun is in deciding where to go next once you get there.

No car? No one wants to drive?

Wineries on the legend

1. Adair Vineyards,New Paltz 
2. Amberleaf Vineyards, Wappingers Falls 
3. Baldwin Vineyards, Pine Bush 
4. Benmarl Vineyards, Marlborough-on-Hudson 
5. Brimstone Hill Vineyard, Pine Bush 
6. Brotherhood Winery, Washingtonville 
7. Cascade Mountain Winery & Restaurant, Amenia 
8. Clinton Vineyards, Clinton Corners 
9. El Paso Winery, Ulster Park 
10. Magnanini Farm Winery, Wallkill 
11. Millbrook Vineyards, Millbrook 
12. North Salem Vineyard, North Salem 
13. Regent Champagne Cellars, Highland 
14. Royal Kedem Winery, Milton 
15. Walker Valley Vineyards, Walker Valley 
16. Warwick Valley Winery, Warwick 
17. West Park Wine Cellars, West Park 
18. Windsor Vineyards, Marlborough-on-Hudson

click the pic for more information on each winery