Feel LIke A LOCAL
Some of Maggie’s favorite places to go Upstate.
ZabriskiE's waterfall
The ice cold water is perfect for swimming on a humid day. There are shade-covered picnic benches steps from the water where the old Bard pool used to be. Have a summer picnic – it’s a student favorite on campus, and a lovely walk from anywhere at Bard. The waterfall is part of the Sawkill River – which provides the drinking water on campus.
Bubby'S BURRITO STAND
You know it’s spring when this delightful, tiny trailer first appears along the side of the road, offering tasty eats throughout the summer. Bubby’s menu is vegetarian and it’s not extensive but it is delicious— just a couple of types of burritos and quesadillas, and a refreshing aguas de frutas, or “fruit water” drink. Bring a blanket for a picnic; there’s also a farm stand nearby to pick up some fresh fruit for dessert.
RODGERS BOOK BARN
"Part of the fun of a visit is in finding the place.. it's a bit like those trendy restaurants and cocktail bars in New York that don't list their phone numbers, though that's surely where the similarities end." —The New Yorker
Rodgers Book Barn has been in business for forty years and is located on a beautiful winding road in Hillsdale, NY. There are two floors of incredibly priced interesting titles.
MASS MOCA
The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) is a museum in a converted factory building complex located in North Adams, Massachusetts. MASS MoCA exhibits art by both well-known and emerging artists, focusing on large-scale, immersive installations that would be impossible to realize in conventional museums.
Churchtown Dairy
Environmentalist Abby Rockefeller envisioned this spectacular and beautiful domed milking barn. Located on 250 acres in Claverack, NY, the Churchtown Dairy manages a 28-cow Biodynamic dairy herd, with about an equal number of young stock and beef cattle. Come for raw milk, delicious cheese, beef,or just to see the cows. Before Christmas you can carol in round to the cows!
SpoTTY DOG
This Hudson bar and independent bookstore serves local beers on tap located within a former firehouse. The Spotty Dog Books & Ale is a neighborhood spot where you can sip a beer at the bar and read a book from their excellent selection, making it a great excuse to drink in the afternoon. There is a cozy kids section with art supplies for sale in the back to keep your kiddos busy while you have a well deserved beer!
lil Deb's Oasis
"From the outside, Lil’ Deb’s Oasis looks like a low-key diner on a side street in bucolic Hudson, NY. But, walk inside, and...let’s just say there’s nothing low-key about the orange, tropical-plant patterned floors, the pastel-marble bar stools, the floral oilcloths on the tables. Eventually, it dawns on you: You’re not really in a restaurant, you’re in an art installation. And, if that turns you off, just know that it’s an art installation with really, really good food."--Bon Appetit.
Such a fun inclusive spot and the best grilled octopus I have ever had!
cantina 29
Cantina 29 is a hidden gem located just outside of Great Berrington, MA in a beautiful timber frame building. Come for Taco Tuesdays but their locally sourced menu is great any day of the week. True casual outdoor dining, lawn games, bon fires, a woodstove, great bar, and choice of community style or private seating. Reservations are a must!
Cook at Valley Variety
Learn to make cheese after shopping for beautifully appointed tools and products for your kitchen and home. Valley Variety hosts an exciting array of cooking demos, hands-on classes, intimate dinners, and conversations with guest chefs.