Colin & Sasha
Explore the Hudson Valley
Beacon, NY
The former Hat Making Capital of the US is enjoying a revival as a destination for arts and culture. It has great food, breweries, book shops, art galleries, hiking, and a spooky island housing the ruins of a 19th century castle designed by an arms dealer. Recommendations include Dia Beacon (see below), the Roundhouse restaurant, hiking Mount Beacon, and Hudson Valley Brewery.
Dia Beacon
Dia Beacon is an art museum in Beacon that houses some of the larger works in the Dia Foundation's collections. Colin almost got kicked out for stubbing his toe on one of them.
Blooming Hill Farm Restaurant and Market
Our wedding venue operates an amazing restaurant and farmers' market. You will be enjoying their offerings during our cocktail hour and reception, but you won't regret going for brunch or dinner another day.
Storm King Art Center
An incredible, sprawling art park featuring enormous sculptures. I hope you have better weather than we did.
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
The real reason you're coming.
Harriman State Park
The second largest New York State Park with lots of options for camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking, etc. We hiked the Reeves Brook Loop, which is listed as a "moderately challenging" hike online, but was described to us by park staff as "moderate to hard," which is not the same thing. It involves a daunting but doable rock scramble that calls for both hands and both feet. And you might split your jeans if you had dressed for a moderate hike. But the view is worth it!
Jones Farm
Jones Farm has lunch, confections, views, farm animals, a gift shop, an art gallery, and a framing shop (?). Try the lemon bread! And don't forget to bring some quarters so you can feed the fuzzy-legged chickens.
New York Renaissance Faire
Sasha and I have gone to a Ren Fest every year we've been together. I go for the celebratory atmosphere, the period garb, the flagons of ale, and the feeling of being in one of my favorite works of medieval fantasy. Sasha goes to make fun of people like me.
Legoland New York Resort
Sasha won't go to this with me. If you're going, let me know if I can come.
