HVNY News + Notes
Achoo! It’s officially spring, the flowers are starting to thaw after this past weekend and New York State officials have released a new seasonal mapping system to track it all: The New York Blooms Report. Here’s the latest: “In the Hudson Valley, staff at Untermyer Park & Gardens in Yonkers report that early blooms of cherry blossoms are appearing on Okame cherry trees. Additionally, the 15,000 daffodils on the daffodil hill are starting to bloom and will continue in a wave of color for the next 3-4 weeks. At Kelder’s Farm in Kerhonkson, magnolias, lilacs, tulips, and roses are now budding. At the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, magnolias, cherry blossoms, lilacs, tulips, and roses are currently budding. Mohonk also has several daffodils blooming around the property, as well as crocuses, hellebores, and snowdrops (galanthus), and will be holding a Tulip Festival April 29 – May 11. Early star magnolia blooms are appearing at Lyndhurst in Tarrytown, with saucer magnolias expected to bloom next. Other blooms at the garden include daffodils, Alpine squill, forsythia, and red maples. Lyndhurst will be holding its annual flower show April 20-21, and Rose Weekend June 8-9. In Sleepy Hollow, observers at Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate report that early buds are appearing on magnolias and cherry blossoms. Observers are also seeing Glory of the Snow, Lenten rose, Japanese andromeda, Pulmonaria, and daffodils in bloom in Kykuit’s gardens.” See the NYS Bloom report at https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/nature/blooms/
The City of Kingston plans to plant 1,000 trees by 2030 – The city has created a tree counter to record the number of new street and park-planted trees planted in Kingston. “When working on new projects, we sometimes need to remove dead or diseased trees to proceed,” Mayor Noble said. “With this tree counter, we are keeping track of all the trees that the City plants to guarantee that we are always adding more trees than we are removing.” (In 2024, 125 new trees will be planted as part of the Dietz Stadium renovations, 28 new trees will be planted at the new Post Office Park, and eight trees will be planted as part of the Clinton Avenue Improvements Project.) All City of Kingston residents and business owners can apply to join the Street Tree Planting program. https://www.engagekingston.com/tree-counter
Move over, more! Starting March 27, the New York State Move Over Law will expand to include any vehicle stopped on the side of the road.
Early Voting for the upcoming Presidential Primary Election continues through Saturday, March 30, 2024. There will be no Early Voting on Sunday, March 31, 2024 due to Easter. For the Presidential Primary, Early Voting poll sites will now be open for at least 9 hours on each of the 8 days. More info: https://elections.ny.gov/ways-vote
Six Senses public hearing continues – On Thursday March 28 at 6:30pm, the Town of Clinton Zoning Board of Appeals will continue the Public Hearing on the internationally-owned Six Senses resort project that plans to construct more than 20 new buildings on the site of the Old Stone Farm. Last month, residents filled the town hall to voice concerns on the project and its impact to the rural character of the region, both economically and environmentally.
Dutchess County seeks members for Human Rights commission – The Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights is seeking candidates for membership on the Commission to fill vacancies as terms expire. Individuals who are dedicated to the cause of human rights and seek to ensure Dutchess County is an inclusive and respectful community for all are encouraged to apply. The Commission seeks candidates who represent the full diversity of the County, including geographical diversity. Applications are available online at dutchessny.gov/humanrights. Application deadline is March 31, 2024.
Applications are now open for the 5th Upstate Art Weekend, taking place July 18-21, 2024. Deadline to apply is March 27, 2024. https://www.upstateartweekend.org/apply
Jazz-ust announced: NEA Jazz Master Jack DeJohnette will be playing his first solo piano concert at the Woodstock Playhouse on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, March 26 at 9am only at woodstockplayhouse.org
Also announced: The Roots will play a benefit fundraiser for Sky High Farm “to build equity in our food system” at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park in Tivoli on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 2-6pm. Tickets start at $107.40 More info: https://skyhighfarm.org.events
Full Moon, eclipse pre-show tonight – Details on the eclipse happening on April 8 will be in next week’s newsletter. Until then, get a preview of the big sky show with veteran eclipse chaser Bob Berman with the Farmers’ Almanac on Monday, March 25 at 7pm. More info: https://almanac.com/eclipse-2024
Found! Four falcon eggs at the former Tapp – A female peregrine falcon laid her fourth egg in a nesting box installed under the former Tappan Zee Bridge. Watch the action on the livestream Falcon Cam: https://thruway.ny.gov/falcon
For 141 years, Hudson River State Hospital was home to tens of thousands of individuals suffering from mental illness.
Famous architects Frederick Clark Withers and Calvert Vaux drafted the main building in 1869. The facility grew from a 208-acre parcel in 1871 with seven patients to 752 acres with five dozen separate buildings containing nearly 6,000 patients in 1954. The main building was constructed on a Kirkbride plan, a treating philosophy centered around an ornate building of equal proportions staffed by employees who integrated dignity and compassion into health care. Famous architects Frederick Clark Withers and Calvert Vaux drafted the main building in 1869. The landscape was penned by Frederick Law Olmsted, perhaps best known for the design of New York City's Central Park. Ships for free directly from Arcadia Publishing.
The history of New York is inseparable from the history of sailing on the Hudson River. Beginning with Henry Hudson in 1609 the Dutch and English extended their empires into the Hudson Valley and extracted its bounty via sail.
Control of the Hudson River was a lynchpin for American victory in the Revolutionary War and New York City's 19th-century rise to global prominence was powered by the sailing vessels on its waterways. Upriver, sloops and schooners delivered goods from the nation's interior and international whaling businesses operated from Hudson and Poughkeepsie and Kingston and Newburgh became noted shipbuilding centers. Yacht racing and ice yachting emerged as popular sports among wealthy families like the Astors and Roosevelts. Sailing clubs preserved these traditions into the 20th century. Since the 1960s, activists including Pete Seeger have used sailboats to galvanize a movement to revive the river ecosystem. Today, the river is home to new generations of sailors continuing these traditions into a fifth century.
Steve Schwartz has sailed and captained numerous sailing and motor vessels on the Hudson River since the 1970s. He and James Malchow are both captains on the Hudson River ferry sloop Woody Guthrie. Images in this book, collected from local libraries, historical societies, the New York State Archives, Library of Congress, and private collections, capture the people, places, and ships that have made the Hudson River an important sailing center for over four centuries.
Shipping’s included in all prices on the HVNY Marketplace
This shirt features Allison Walker’s "Two Waters Meeting" piece, depicting two ocean tides coming together. “It is a piece about two lives, or two big ideas, coming together. I like wearing this over my heart and lungs, it feels like fresh breath & an open heart!”
Available as a Festival Crop, a Classic Tee or Lightweight Crewneck Sweatshirt
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"Walking on Water" is a recurring theme of Allison Walker’s, depicting the “walking-on-a-tidal-wave nature of spiritual journeys. The deep blue and bright gold represent a journey with range.”
All items on the HVNY Marketplace ship directly from their makers + All prices include shipping.
Design by Peekskill resident Evan Rosen
50% of all proceeds will be donated to The Lenape Center
• Ayous wood .75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
• Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²)
• Lightweight
• Acrylite front protector
• Hanging hardware included
• Blank product components in the US sourced from Japan and the US
• Blank product components in the EU sourced from Japan and Latvia
This item is made-to-order. All items on the HVNY Marketplace ship directly from their makers + All prices include shipping.
11x14 inches, matted, unframed, fine art Giclee print. “I try to escape to the beautiful beaches in the New York area. Here’s a scene from a visit to Montauk.”
All items on the HVNY Marketplace ship directly from their makers + All prices include shipping.
One-of-a-kind, cut-and-layered art paper for a three-dimensional effect, unframed, ~20x16." The Esopus Meadows Lighthouse and its backdrop as interpreted from Mills State Park.
All items on the HVNY Marketplace ship directly from their makers + All prices include shipping.
Unframed original watercolor. Please note: This item is available for pick-up only. The artist will contact the buyer after purchase to arrange pick-up.
Highland Farm Smoked Venison Snack Sticks are the perfect, farm-fresh protein snack. They are individually wrapped, and easy to pop in your purse or lunchbox.
Includes 30 individually wrapped sticks: 6 - Venison Snack Sticks, 6 - Hot Venison Snack Sticks, 6 - Cracked Pepper Venison Snack Sticks, 6 - Teriyaki Venison Snack Sticks, 6 Venison and Cheddar Snack Sticks
Highland Farm Venison Doggie Treats are a farm-made dried venison meat treat guaranteed to delight your pup! Filled with lots of wholesome venison meat and organs and no junk! Store the jerky strips in the fridge or freezer (since there are no preservatives except for a pinch of salt) and just cut or rip off a piece for your very good pup!
This item is only available for pick-up directly from Highland Farm in Germantown. Pick-up details will be emailed when order is complete.
The Beast Box is a collection of some of Highland Farm’s most popular cuts. It makes a great gift for the game meat lover in your life!
The Beast Box includes:
Bison Ribeye - 2 x 12oz steaks
Elk Loin Roast - 1 x 12oz portion
Venison Steak - 2 x 12oz steaks
Wild Boar Ribs - 2 pounds
Elk and Bison Bratwurst - 1 pound
This item is only available for pick-up directly from Highland Farm in Germantown. Pick-up details will be emailed when order is complete.
A limited edition of three of Highland Farm's most popular sweet and savory summer sausages, and a branded logo cutting board. A perfect host/hostess gift for the holidays!
Sausage Flavors: Venison Summer Sausage, Venison and Cheddar Summer Sausage, Elk Burgundy Cheddar Summer Sausage.
All items on the HVNY Marketplace ship directly from their makers, for free.
A print of the winning shot from the 2022 HVNY Summer Photo Contest by Amy Mott. 12" x16" lustre finish. Prints made to order.
Updated for 2026! Wildsam Field Guides: Hudson Valley and Catskills leads travelers along the mighty Hudson River, into colorful forests and through mystical mountains with guidance from trusted locals and experts.
Stories from prize-winning writers, past and present
A detailed road trip plan and profiles of 10 idyllic towns
Interviews with artists, preservationists, brewers and hardware store owners
Delightful miscellany from the archives, selective recommendations about authentic Catskills experiences and a deep dive into the world of art history and antique collecting.
Shipping included in price. 128 pages, printed in the USA. 4x6.5” - Back pocket size
Fresh, multi-colored chicken eggs from a flock hatched and raised by hand here in the Hudson Valley. Available for pick-up only from Salt Point, NY; Address will be sent to customer after order.
Quantity available updated daily!
Handmade oyster shell trinket dishes. Not food safe but perfect for jewelry or other trinkets! One of each, as pictured. Price includes shipping.
Enjoy summer in the Hudson Valley all yearlong with a print of Croton Point Park from our 2025 HVNY Summer Photo Contest winner, Matthew Daly. Prints made to order.
For every almost maybe
the ½ loves
the right hearts but the wrong time
the lonely nights
the rainy days
may these pages restore hope in your eyes
and peace in your heart
today, tomorrow and all the days to come
A book of poetry that explores topics such as coping with various emotions, navigating relationships, love, loss, cultivating self-compassion, and more. It highlights the journey of self-exploration, through vulnerability, mindfulness, uncertainty, and a lot of the messy things many of us relate to but often avoid talking about.
Ships directly from the author.
Order a full or drilled-out Emu Egg from a lovingly handraised flock here in the Hudson Valley and impress those Easter guests!
Each egg is approximately 6” in height. The empty eggs are drilled out on either end. Ships directly from the flock in Dutchess County. Shipping costs are included in price.
Full emu eggs for culinary use are available for contact-less pick-up only from the farmstand in Salt Point, NY. Limited availability (through March). Customers will receive pick-up instructions after order confirmation. Email us for more information.
For fans of Alison Espach and Claire Lombardo, a poignant and thought-provoking debut novel about the fraught bond between mothers and teen daughters, the ripple effects of a tragic event in a small town, and the search for meaning after loss.
What if the only way forward is to let go of everything you know?
Kate’s life in the Hudson Valley seems picture-perfect: a thriving career as a realtor-slash-momfluencer, a devoted husband, and a strong bond with her brilliant teenage daughter, Indie. But when Indie’s best friend dies suddenly, their idyllic small-town haven begins to crumble. Kate and Ethan lose their footing, and Indie, alone in her grief, falls down an internet rabbit hole of nihilism and existential despair.
As Indie searches for meaning in a world that feels random and cruel, Kate struggles to reconcile her carefully curated online persona with the raw, unyielding grief tearing her family apart. When long-buried family secrets rise to the surface, she is forced to confront unsettling truths that challenge everything she thought she knew—about marriage, motherhood, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
Told in the dual voices of a mother and daughter grappling with loss, No One You Know is filled with poignant observations on parenthood, best friendship, class and political divides, infidelity in a small town—and the bitter truth that death can touch everything we love.
Release date: January 20, 2026. Shipping is included in all prices.
Each piece is uniquely handcrafted, featuring four hand-rolled polymer clay beads in a coordinated black and gold colorway. No two necklaces are the same – gold foil accents create one-of-a-kind swirls and shimmer in every bead.
These lightweight statement necklaces are designed to be both stylish and versatile, perfect for dressing up casual outfits or adding a touch of glam to evening wear.
Beads measure approx. 1/2" each
Strung on a 30" elastic gold-tone cord – adjustable to your perfect length
Comes in a black organza gift bag – ready to gift or keep
This item ships directly from its maker.
Shipping is included in all prices.
One-of-a-kind botanical art made using real dried flowers: Daisy, yarrow, Queen Anne’s lace, hyacinth & seasonal blooms.
Handcrafted baroque-style frame – made from poured, painted, and sealed resin.
Size: 4" wide x 3.125" high
This item ships directly from its maker.
Shipping is included in all prices.
Support Hudson Valley artists and makers on the HVNY Marketplace – with a gift card!
Purchasing this digital gift card creates a unique code. The gift card recipient can enter this code at the HVNY Marketplace checkout to subtract the gift card value from their order total. This gift card never expires.
Pack a picnic in a HVNY Jumbo Tote! 100% heavy cotton canvas tote with bottom gusset screen printed by Mass Artisan in Hopewell Junction
Limited supply! Shipping’s included!
All items ship for free directly from their makers – HVNY merch ships from our headquarters in Dutchess County.
This is the story of five towns located in New York s Hudson River Valley that met their demise as quickly as they were established. From the icehouses of Rockland Lake to the Ashokan Reservoir towns to the brick quarries of Roseton, only traces of these once vibrant settlements can now be found. Camp Shanks, one of World War II s most significant military compounds, was erected in 1942 but was quickly abandoned at the war s end. Last Stop USA, as it was known, played host to over one million soldiers and welcomed patriotic visitors like Frank Sinatra and Shirley Temple. In this collection of images, local authors Wesley and Barbara Gottlock revive the spirits of these bygone communities and celebrate a lost way of life." (162 pages)
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For hundreds of years throughout the world amusement parks have appealed to "the kid in all of us." Starting in the 1870's, a bourgeoning population along the Hudson River Valley and in New York City created a need for recreational outlets. With the valley's natural beauty, its access to waterfront cities, and its proximity to the nation's largest metropolis, entrepreneurs were quick to respond.The mass appeal of large parks such as Coney Island and Palisades Amusement Park has been documented thoroughly. The authors highlight some of the lesser known amusement parks, now largely forgotten, that entertained millions into the 20th century. (188 pages)
All items on the HVNY Marketplace ship directly from their makers, for free.
The “Sockette,” sculptures are all made from socks! These contemporary soft sculpture characters are elaborate versions of the traditional sock doll. “The Sockettes” are sophisticated creatures, both human and animal. Each unique sculpture is hand-made with intricate features and a diverse selection of patterns, textures and materials, the combination of which assist in producing a creature that comes to life with its own distinctive personality and individual story.
Each Sockette takes 98-99 hours to create!
Size of each Sockette:
“Dolly’ is 24.5”Hx17”Wx 5”D
“Myrna” is 23.5”Hx15”Wx5”
This item ships directly from its maker.
Shipping is included in all prices.
This snazzy set of coasters will be the talk of your next cocktail party. A wholly Earth-conscious gift, these four different species of owls have been hand-silkscreened on to upcycled scrap leather, and water treated for longevity.
4” round, set of 4 pieces, gift boxed
Genuine leather
Waterproof treatment for performance and longevity
Handmade in New York
Limited edition
Price includes shipping, and item ships directly from its maker.
Escape, in your head at least, to the riverside with this 100% chino cotton twill low-profile hat with adjustable strap and antique buckle. Made to order. Shipping’s free.