The winter blues have officially set in and we're all looking for a little something to look forward to. What better time to get away for some R&R than Valentine's Day? Whether it's a trip with your honey or a getaway with your besties, we could all benefit from a little cozy weekend escape come February. Or -- better yet -- give the gift of a weekend getaway this year! Mom, Dad, sister, boyfriend, wife...a Northeast escape is the perfect gift for ALL of your loved ones this February 14. Purchase one of EscapeMaker's vacation packages via Amtrak or Metro North Railroad and present it as a gift on the big day. Or, allow us to offer some inspiration on cozy bed & breakfasts, sexy local restaurants and romantic outings within a few hours of NYC for you independent travel planners out there. Venture out to Dutchess County in the gorgeous Hudson Valley. There are so many things to do and see, you'll have to come back again and again. Check out some date ideas that won't break the bank; get your cibo e vino fix in Mount Carmel, Poughkeepsie's own "Little Italy"; wander around the historic & eclectic village of Millerton's antique shops, glass-blowing studios, retro milkshake counters and more. Or, if you're looking to hang onto that sweet New York apple goodness throughout the winter, hit one (or several!) of the amazing Hudson Valley cider and apple spirit makers! There's also a statewide map of cider opportunities offered by the New York Apple Association, if you decide to venture further from New York City! Sticking inside the magical Hudson Valley, go get your cultural buzz on in Westchester County -- the Hudson River Museum, the Neuberger Museum of Art, and the Katonah Museum of Art offer special exhibits
The winter blues have officially set in and we’re all looking for a little something to look forward to. What better time to get away for some R&R than Valentine’s Day? Whether it’s a trip with your honey or a getaway with your besties, we could all benefit from a little cozy weekend escape come February. Or — better yet — give the gift of a weekend getaway this year! Mom, Dad, sister, boyfriend, wife…a
Chris Harp is an organic beekeeper, “Bee Doctor”, beekeeping teacher and co-founder of HoneybeeLives. He has been tending his own hives in New Paltz, NY for twenty-six years. He has expanded his naturalist and biodynamic approach to tend approximately 200 colonies in locations in New York and Connecticut for both individuals and organizations. Harp is a consultant on hive health for troubled colonies and concerned beekeepers. Harp's naturalist and biodynamic methods, and unique hive designs, have developed from his years of working with, and listening to, Honeybees, as well as having studied with Gunther Hauk at the Pfeiffer Center. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Catskill Mountain Beekeepers’ Club, and is currently on the advisory board of the Ulster County Beekeepers Association. Harp was also a consultant for the CNG (Certified-Naturally-Grown) Apiary Standards for their Certification Program and the ensuing publication Handbook for Natural Beekeeping. VISIT: Chris Harp and Grai Rice teach intensive 2-day beekeeping workshops in the winter in the Hudson Valley and Brooklyn, and seasonal hands-on classes in the New Paltz apiary in spring and late summer. PUBLIC TRANSIT: Trailways Bus from NYC 2.5 hours to New Paltz + 6-minute Taxi.
Chris Harp is an organic beekeeper, “Bee Doctor”, beekeeping teacher and co-founder of HoneybeeLives. He has been tending his own hives in New Paltz, NY for twenty-six years. He has expanded his naturalist and biodynamic approach to tend approximately 200 colonies in locations in New York and Connecticut for both individuals and organizations. Harp is a consultant on hive health for troubled colonies and concerned beekeepers. Harp’s naturalist and biodynamic methods, and unique hive designs,
When January 1st arrives, we often make resolutions to focus on health in our lives. But just because you're eating cleaner, and looking to be more active and increase wellness, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your cravings for travel and adventure! With so many spas, wellness centers, and active winter sports just a short drive or train ride from NYC, you can still plan your weekend escape while staying true to those resolutions. So for all of you looking for healthy and adventurous escapes, check out our weekend getaway inspiration below: Spas & Wellness in the Hudson Valley: The Hudson Valley is dotted with peaceful spas, wellness and healing centers where you can go to relax and unwind. Grab a quick Amtrak to Rhinecliff (+ quick cab)to visit the IZLIND Integrative Wellness Center & Institute, complete with tailored experiences for groups and individuals looking to increase wellness, whether that be via acupuncture, Chinese herbal therapy, massage, meditation, life coaching, tai chi and more. Or, plan a wellness retreat with yourself, your friends, your family, or your colleagues to Rhinebeck's Linwood Spiritual Center. Overlooking the Hudson River, Linwood's programs feature silent, guided workshops, spiritual direction and exercises, yoga, arts programs and more. Hop off at the Poughkeepsie stop via Metro North Railroad and make a spa crawl out of the many day, massage and facial spas like Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa or Oasis Medi-Spa. Want to learn more? Click here for a list of spas and wellness centers in Dutchess County. Outdoor Sports in Westchester: If you're looking to stay close for a 1 night or weekend getaways, Westchester, just a short Metro North Railroad ride away from Grand Central Station, is a great escape for some winter sports. Whether you prefer challenging cross county skiing trails through wooded areas, scenic outdoor ice
When January 1st arrives, we often make resolutions to focus on health in our lives. But just because you’re eating cleaner, and looking to be more active and increase wellness, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your cravings for travel and adventure! With so many spas, wellness centers, and active winter sports just a short drive or train ride from NYC, you can still plan your weekend escape while staying true to those resolutions. So for
The weather is changing and the scarves and mittens have come out of hibernation. So when it’s too cold to frolic through orchards or hike through the hills and valleys, where should our much needed winter weekend getaways be spent? We’ve got lots of great ideas for fun and cozy trips that will keep you out of the cold! Hudson Valley Culinary Crawl: The Hudson Valley is known for its abundance of delicious food. Whether we're talking fine dining, casual brew pubs, road-side bbq, farm fresh shops and restaurants, retro diners, cozy coffee shops, etc., dining in Dutchess county offers an unlimited road map for delicious eats. Specifically looking to crawl your way across the local joints supporting the local farmers and producers? Hop from Farm Fresh place to place for some warm, home-cooked goodness this winter! Catskills Artistanal Beverage Trail: The Catskills are a perfect mountain retreat when the snow is falling and the temperatures are down. Cozy up in an inn or cabin by the fire and keep your activities indoors via the Artisanal Beverage Trail of Sullivan Catskills. Most locations -- distilleries, breweries, wineries, etc. -- feature daily tastings and tours, which highlight an educational look into just how these craft beverages are concocted. Finger Lakes Craft Beverage Trail: Winter is a perfect time to travel leisurely along one of the many craft beer trails the Northeast region has to offer. The Finger Lakes Beer Trail, New York State’s Premier Craft Beer Destination, has dozens of tastes and locations for you to check out. Whether you're looking for beers from breweries named New York State's "Best Craft Brewery" for 2014, exciting events like the Heritage Village Craft Beverage Expo, Hot Glass Cool Brew, and the Finger Lakes Beer Festival, or live music, great food, and
The weather is changing and the scarves and mittens have come out of hibernation. So when it’s too cold to frolic through orchards or hike through the hills and valleys, where should our much needed winter weekend getaways be spent? We’ve got lots of great ideas for fun and cozy trips that will keep you out of the cold! Hudson Valley Culinary Crawl: The Hudson Valley is known for its abundance of delicious food.
