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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Long Island Wine Country

Wowza! Look at all those wineries!

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Mark your calendars! 

If you’re not interested in paying for tickets on Friday or Sunday, Saturday is a good time to check out the Long Island wineries, especially if you’re already out there for the summer.

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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

Map of Dutchess County, NY

I am currently obsessed with the endless possibilities of fun in Dutchess County.  Um, most particularly, those drive in movie theaters, which are, of course, closed for the season and don’t reopen until the spring.  

Oh Dutchess County, why oh why can I not live within your county lines?

More on NY drive-inn theaters

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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