Pup goes Upstate!
Oct 5th, 2003, 03:38 PM
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Pup goes Upstate!
The Yankee decided that Scarlett and the Pup had had enough of this selling of ones home and trying to decide what to pack, so we took off for the woods on a glorious fall Sunday in NY!
We drove north to Cold Springs. We took the Palisades Parkway north, past Bear Mountain and got on Rt 9.
It was not even an hours drive, but we felt like we were days away from Manhattan!
What a pretty area! Boscobel, completely restored home with views that are wonderful, rose gardens, lawns that the Pup would have loved to check out but sadly, no dogs.
On to Cold Springs. A town full of antique stores, small cafes and a great restaurant where the train station used to be. There was an Oompah kind of band there, they were serving oysters and shell fish and people were drinking and enjoying the day outside while others were having a lovely lunch inside with the big fire going.
We just walked up one side of town and down the other, window shopping. Wishing we could buy one of the old houses and live there.
The town had a plaque on a wall comemorating it's 100th birthday, in 1946! So cool~
Of course, the Pup was his usual sociable self, making friends where ever he went. We met a lovely couple from England, a nice family from India and various other New Yorkers..Shopping for antiques in Cold Springs is an expensive proposition and there is a lot of junk. But it is fun to browse.
Then back to Bear Mountain. Today was the Oktoberfest at Bear Mountain. There were large crowds of people but since the place is so big, we were free to wander without running into anyone. I do recommend anyone wanting to get out of town and into the woods, here is a perfect destination. You can hike the Appalachian Trail here, the Pup and I wanted to take a small hike, but the weather got a little wet and windy so we had to call it a day and go back home.
The trees are just starting to turn colors, I think everyone should make plans to head up to that area next weekend
There will be a big Antiques Fair on Oct 12! Maybe we will see you there~
We drove north to Cold Springs. We took the Palisades Parkway north, past Bear Mountain and got on Rt 9.
It was not even an hours drive, but we felt like we were days away from Manhattan!
What a pretty area! Boscobel, completely restored home with views that are wonderful, rose gardens, lawns that the Pup would have loved to check out but sadly, no dogs.
On to Cold Springs. A town full of antique stores, small cafes and a great restaurant where the train station used to be. There was an Oompah kind of band there, they were serving oysters and shell fish and people were drinking and enjoying the day outside while others were having a lovely lunch inside with the big fire going.
We just walked up one side of town and down the other, window shopping. Wishing we could buy one of the old houses and live there.
The town had a plaque on a wall comemorating it's 100th birthday, in 1946! So cool~
Of course, the Pup was his usual sociable self, making friends where ever he went. We met a lovely couple from England, a nice family from India and various other New Yorkers..Shopping for antiques in Cold Springs is an expensive proposition and there is a lot of junk. But it is fun to browse.
Then back to Bear Mountain. Today was the Oktoberfest at Bear Mountain. There were large crowds of people but since the place is so big, we were free to wander without running into anyone. I do recommend anyone wanting to get out of town and into the woods, here is a perfect destination. You can hike the Appalachian Trail here, the Pup and I wanted to take a small hike, but the weather got a little wet and windy so we had to call it a day and go back home.
The trees are just starting to turn colors, I think everyone should make plans to head up to that area next weekend
There will be a big Antiques Fair on Oct 12! Maybe we will see you there~
Oct 5th, 2003, 04:12 PM
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I would say that Cold Springs is about 2 hours from Albany.
The Antique Fair will be in Cold Springs on Oct 12. I was under the impression that it would be there on Main Street..since that is where all the antique stores are..there is also a huge old stone church that has fairs on their grounds.
Mimi, we had set out to do some apple picking, but there were none to be found! We are going to try to go to Rhinebeck in a couple of weekends, where we will fill the car with apples and pumpkins~
The Antique Fair will be in Cold Springs on Oct 12. I was under the impression that it would be there on Main Street..since that is where all the antique stores are..there is also a huge old stone church that has fairs on their grounds.
Mimi, we had set out to do some apple picking, but there were none to be found! We are going to try to go to Rhinebeck in a couple of weekends, where we will fill the car with apples and pumpkins~
Oct 5th, 2003, 06:28 PM
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Scarlett, all the apples are here in the midwest--the trees are ripe for the picking, and gorgeous big pumpkins, too!
I hope your weekend outing will encourage everyone to get some fresh, crisp fall air in their lungs, and go out and admire the leaves. The fall is such a great time to enjoy antique hunting and hiking.
For anyone in the Midwest--the paddle boats are in Cincinnati! What a sight to see.
I hope your weekend outing will encourage everyone to get some fresh, crisp fall air in their lungs, and go out and admire the leaves. The fall is such a great time to enjoy antique hunting and hiking.
For anyone in the Midwest--the paddle boats are in Cincinnati! What a sight to see.
Oct 6th, 2003, 09:01 AM
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Scarlett-
Glad you enjoyed Cold Spring! I grew up near there, and often went there on weekends just to walk the quaint Main Street & sit by the river (with those huge mountains as a backdrop) & watch the boats go by. The town is a hidden jewel.
Glad you enjoyed Cold Spring! I grew up near there, and often went there on weekends just to walk the quaint Main Street & sit by the river (with those huge mountains as a backdrop) & watch the boats go by. The town is a hidden jewel.
Oct 6th, 2003, 09:20 AM
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That is a nice area. There is a great hike there not too far from the church. Just keeping heading north and right after you go through the tunnel the trailhead is on the left. Follow the white blazes. It is strenous but short. The views are amazing. You can see all the way up and down the Hudson. It will be really beautiful in two weeks when the leaves peak. It's called Breakneck Ridge.
Oct 6th, 2003, 10:57 AM
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Hey!Thanks JeanG! Breakneck Ridge sounds just like something I need to try LOL I can see it now-Pup forging ahead, dragging me along by the leash, wonder which one of us will break our neck~
suzanne, how nice to grow up in such a lovely spot..That is a wonderful view, the river with those mountains on the other side. I would love to have a house facing it, one would never get tired of that view!
Rhinebeck is on for a couple of weeks from now (crossed fingers)..we will go to Greigs Farm and bring home fresh baked goods, pumpkins and apples. also, with all of this Krispy Kreme talk,(there is nothing wrong with KK) but there is nothing like fresh hot little donuts from these farms. They make them with apple cider and roll them in cinnamon sugar, sigh~
suzanne, how nice to grow up in such a lovely spot..That is a wonderful view, the river with those mountains on the other side. I would love to have a house facing it, one would never get tired of that view!
Rhinebeck is on for a couple of weeks from now (crossed fingers)..we will go to Greigs Farm and bring home fresh baked goods, pumpkins and apples. also, with all of this Krispy Kreme talk,(there is nothing wrong with KK) but there is nothing like fresh hot little donuts from these farms. They make them with apple cider and roll them in cinnamon sugar, sigh~
Oct 6th, 2003, 11:53 AM
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Did a similar trip this weekend Scarlett, to the Berkshires. We took our Pup for the first time! He was excellent. Discovered an area I'd never been before-Sheffield Mass. What an amazing, beautiful spot near the Conn/Mass border. Talk about antique shops-Route 7 in Sheffield is the place!
BTW, on your next trip to Cold Spring you might want to stop in Piermont. Cute town. I think it's on the way.
BTW, on your next trip to Cold Spring you might want to stop in Piermont. Cute town. I think it's on the way.
Oct 6th, 2003, 01:34 PM
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You all are making me SO jealous!! Fall, leaves changing, crisp air, apples, Berkshires, Sheffield~~ little homesick pangs are creeping in. Sheffield does have some nice antique shops--the trade off is that it's flatter, being south county, than areas like Williamstown, but also less mobbed. Actually about now I'd take any of it!! Nice getaways, guys...fun to read about. I am amazed when I turn on the Today show and see how everyone is dressed in the streets there--coats, hats, gloves even. We are working on breaking out of summer here still, without much success yet.
Oct 6th, 2003, 02:30 PM
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Yes, I've been to Xavier's, Scarlett and I think the cafe too but, didn't remember the name. It's been a while.
OliveOyl don't feel too bad. Leaves are JUST starting to turn (very late this year because of the beautiful Indian summer we've had). And it rained all day Saturday
But would love to know more about Sheffield if you are familiar with it. I think I'll write a quick trip report on another thread so I'm not high-jacking Scarlett's
OliveOyl don't feel too bad. Leaves are JUST starting to turn (very late this year because of the beautiful Indian summer we've had). And it rained all day Saturday
But would love to know more about Sheffield if you are familiar with it. I think I'll write a quick trip report on another thread so I'm not high-jacking Scarlett's
Oct 6th, 2003, 02:53 PM
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mclaurie, you aren't hijacking at all! Unless you metioned the President or what is the other subject that some use for ruining threads? San Jose? LOL
Anyway-last summer, August, we stayed in Egremont Mass, right on the NY border. If we went the back way out from the neighborhood our house was in, (part of some mountain)we ended up on Rt 7 leading us down that road of antique and garden stores right to Sheffield.
My husband reminded me tonight of the big old place that is a mall of sorts of different antiques dealers, some selling just glass, some selling posters. I came home with an old laudanum bottle and some tins for my sons collection..it was great fun and I am looking forward to going back.
Olive Oyl, you really do need to come back up for a visit..
mclaurie, they closed the X (Xaviers) in Garrison NY. They used to serve an enormous and delicious brunch on Sundays. Now, their new resto in Congers, is serving the brunches..Just in case you want to have brunch in the "country"
Anyway-last summer, August, we stayed in Egremont Mass, right on the NY border. If we went the back way out from the neighborhood our house was in, (part of some mountain)we ended up on Rt 7 leading us down that road of antique and garden stores right to Sheffield.
My husband reminded me tonight of the big old place that is a mall of sorts of different antiques dealers, some selling just glass, some selling posters. I came home with an old laudanum bottle and some tins for my sons collection..it was great fun and I am looking forward to going back.
Olive Oyl, you really do need to come back up for a visit..
mclaurie, they closed the X (Xaviers) in Garrison NY. They used to serve an enormous and delicious brunch on Sundays. Now, their new resto in Congers, is serving the brunches..Just in case you want to have brunch in the "country"
Oct 6th, 2003, 03:13 PM
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LOL, Scarlett. Yes, it is aptly named. For a little while you are using your arms and pulling yourself up the next rock. But how else would you get such spectacular views with just 1.5 miles of hiking? I've seen people do it with their dogs and the dogs don't have any problems. 
Actually you don't have to hike up to the ridgeline to get great views. There are lookout spots on the way up which are also spectacular.
We rode up to Lake Placid this weekend.
We had to get well past Lake George before there was any significant fall foliage. Route 73, from 87 to Lake Placid, was really beautiful and near peak. It's cold up there, getting down to freezing at night already. Sunday we we rode to the Adirondack Museum taking 86 to 3 to 30. Again, beautiful fall foliage near peak. The weather was not good; it kept alternating between sunshine, rain, and sleet (!). Although this did result in some neat scenery: a mountain, the top 1/4 white, and the bottom all orange, red, yellows.
Actually you don't have to hike up to the ridgeline to get great views. There are lookout spots on the way up which are also spectacular. We rode up to Lake Placid this weekend.
We had to get well past Lake George before there was any significant fall foliage. Route 73, from 87 to Lake Placid, was really beautiful and near peak. It's cold up there, getting down to freezing at night already. Sunday we we rode to the Adirondack Museum taking 86 to 3 to 30. Again, beautiful fall foliage near peak. The weather was not good; it kept alternating between sunshine, rain, and sleet (!). Although this did result in some neat scenery: a mountain, the top 1/4 white, and the bottom all orange, red, yellows.
Oct 7th, 2003, 08:23 AM
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Mclaurie, I couldn't say what it's like now as I haven't been in Sheffield per se in about 4 years and tourism is spreading rapidly through that entire area--you probably know more than I do about it now with your recent visit! It certainly is and has been the heart of the "good" antiques district in the Berkshires and that would be the purpose of my trips, but I'd drive down from my parents' house and only go for the shopping then turn around and head back home, so know nothing about lodging choices and great restaurants. As I said earlier, it isn't as pretty as central and northern Berkshire County as it becomes quite flat (relative term) that far south, but Sheffield, S Egremont, Southfield are the places to go if you are interested in antiques.
My personal favorite is the Splendid Peasant at Rte 23 and Sheffield Rd in S Egremont www.spendidpeasant.com specializing in American Folk Art...some affordable, some not, but great stuff, expensively and attractively displayed. The proprietors are NYC psychiatrists/ologists who took their own advice and gave up the stressful city life for the serenity of the Berkshires. I've decimated their antique decoy collection in every visit I've made. Another fun and more affordable shop is the Buggywhip Factory in Southfield. Tons of stuff to dig through, some junk some great...the opposite end of the spectrum for the Splendid Peasant. In between you have a myriad of shops dealing in 18th and 19th English whatever, lining Rte 7.
If you are so inclined there is a great brook trout fishing stream in that area too, the Konkapot, where my parents and brothers spent many many an early morning Saturday and Sunday as we were growing up. I passed on the fishing expeditions, but have loved the stream for it's beauty in more recent visits as an adult.
The best way to see the area is just get off 7 and onto any of the smaller roads, drive and enjoy--streams, small and medium sized lakes, rock walls, orchards, narrow lanes and always beautiful hills, and cute villages, all especially beautiful in the fall. You run into absolutely gorgeous scenery, and getting lost, provided you have a map covering major roads, is next to impossible. All the smaller ones eventually lead to something you'll be able to identify on your map.
Yup...I'm jealous you all! Keep those of us in places where leaves don't change tuned into what's going on during leaf peeping season.
My personal favorite is the Splendid Peasant at Rte 23 and Sheffield Rd in S Egremont www.spendidpeasant.com specializing in American Folk Art...some affordable, some not, but great stuff, expensively
and attractively displayed. The proprietors are NYC psychiatrists/ologists who took their own advice and gave up the stressful city life for the serenity of the Berkshires. I've decimated their antique decoy collection in every visit I've made. Another fun and more affordable shop is the Buggywhip Factory in Southfield. Tons of stuff to dig through, some junk some great...the opposite end of the spectrum for the Splendid Peasant. In between you have a myriad of shops dealing in 18th and 19th English whatever, lining Rte 7.If you are so inclined there is a great brook trout fishing stream in that area too, the Konkapot, where my parents and brothers spent many many an early morning Saturday and Sunday as we were growing up. I passed on the fishing expeditions, but have loved the stream for it's beauty in more recent visits as an adult.
The best way to see the area is just get off 7 and onto any of the smaller roads, drive and enjoy--streams, small and medium sized lakes, rock walls, orchards, narrow lanes and always beautiful hills, and cute villages, all especially beautiful in the fall. You run into absolutely gorgeous scenery, and getting lost, provided you have a map covering major roads, is next to impossible. All the smaller ones eventually lead to something you'll be able to identify on your map.
Yup...I'm jealous you all! Keep those of us in places where leaves don't change tuned into what's going on during leaf peeping season.
Oct 7th, 2003, 12:34 PM
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Thanks so much for the info OliveOyl. As I've yet to write this trip-ette report I'll continue to usurp Scarlett's thread
My friends have a home in Austerlitz so I've been going up there for years but usually from NYC. This time we started from eastern LI-took the ferry from Pt Jefferson to Bridgeport CT (fabulous ride!) & headed up route 8 (great 2/3 lane highway with no traffic!) to 44 west to 7 north. I had gotten directions from mapquest but neglected writing down the distances between turns.
So...it said make a left onto Silver St from Route 7. Well just after arriving in Sheffield I saw a sign for Silver St so I turned. AWESOME homes, horse farms, ponds, rivers, a small water fall or weir or something. I was spellbound. The road winds around & around & we were LOST but I kept saying where ARE we & who lives here. We finally stopped a jogger & got directions that led us back on course. I couldn't stop talking about Sheffield all weekend. We had taken the WRONG Silver St. but had a spectacular bonus.
On the way home, we stopped in Great Barrington with our friends & had brunch at Helsinki-a cute, funky place behind the main st. with an entrance on the parking lot. Excellent eggs benedict (reputed to be the best in the Berkshires). I had something called eggs Helsinki-benedict with gravlax instead of ham (but they put caviar on top which was too salty). Anyway, we left from there & headed south on rte 7 & I was flipping out over all the antique shops along that stretch. For some reason I had never heard of Shefield as an antique center. Had I stayed on route 7 as I should have on the way up, we would have seen these places earlier & I could have PLANNED to stop on the way home. I'm just really curious as to what caused that particular town/area to have such lavish homes. Was it always so?
I think I passed your Splendid Peasant while driving around. We went to Egremont to visit the Weathervane Inn briefly. My cousin is close friends with the owners. Very cute place.
OliveOyl, where did you grow up? Is your family still there?
My friends have a home in Austerlitz so I've been going up there for years but usually from NYC. This time we started from eastern LI-took the ferry from Pt Jefferson to Bridgeport CT (fabulous ride!) & headed up route 8 (great 2/3 lane highway with no traffic!) to 44 west to 7 north. I had gotten directions from mapquest but neglected writing down the distances between turns.
So...it said make a left onto Silver St from Route 7. Well just after arriving in Sheffield I saw a sign for Silver St so I turned. AWESOME homes, horse farms, ponds, rivers, a small water fall or weir or something. I was spellbound. The road winds around & around & we were LOST but I kept saying where ARE we & who lives here. We finally stopped a jogger & got directions that led us back on course. I couldn't stop talking about Sheffield all weekend. We had taken the WRONG Silver St. but had a spectacular bonus. On the way home, we stopped in Great Barrington with our friends & had brunch at Helsinki-a cute, funky place behind the main st. with an entrance on the parking lot. Excellent eggs benedict (reputed to be the best in the Berkshires). I had something called eggs Helsinki-benedict with gravlax instead of ham (but they put caviar on top which was too salty). Anyway, we left from there & headed south on rte 7 & I was flipping out over all the antique shops along that stretch. For some reason I had never heard of Shefield as an antique center. Had I stayed on route 7 as I should have on the way up, we would have seen these places earlier & I could have PLANNED to stop on the way home. I'm just really curious as to what caused that particular town/area to have such lavish homes. Was it always so?
I think I passed your Splendid Peasant while driving around. We went to Egremont to visit the Weathervane Inn briefly. My cousin is close friends with the owners. Very cute place.
OliveOyl, where did you grow up? Is your family still there?
Oct 7th, 2003, 05:13 PM
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mclaurie,
You have to go back! To browse Rt 7 and to eat in some good restaurants!
Did you see the Old Mill in So.Egermont? Wonderful food, the best chocolate bread pudding dessert!
In Great Barrington, there is the Verdura, Castle Street Cafe , John Andrews, Pearls and you have to have pancakes at Moms !
Now I want to go too
You have to go back! To browse Rt 7 and to eat in some good restaurants!
Did you see the Old Mill in So.Egermont? Wonderful food, the best chocolate bread pudding dessert!
In Great Barrington, there is the Verdura, Castle Street Cafe , John Andrews, Pearls and you have to have pancakes at Moms !
Now I want to go too
