Mid-Hudson Balloon Festival
The Poughkeepsie Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Mid-Hudson Balloon Festival gets off the ground on Friday, July 7th.
At 6pm hot air balloons will take to the skies from Waryas Park, Sprout Creek Farm, Adams Fairacre Farms and the new Hudson River Rowing Community Boathouse in Poughkeepsie; Quality Inn in Hyde Park; and Hilton Garden Inn in Fishkill. Plan to get to the Waryas Park launch-site early and kick off the weekend at a festive carnival by Gillette Shows at 5pm. Enjoy rides, vendors and great food with friends and family, all at the end of Main Street on the banks of the scenic Hudson River.
On Saturday, July 8th at 6am all hot-air balloons will launch from Sprout Creek Farm. In the evening, at 6pm, balloons will lift off from Waryas Park, Country Fare Antiques, Sprout Creek Farm, Adams Fairacre Farms, Hilton Garden Inn, Quality Inn and The Hudson River Rowing Community Boathouse. Country Fare Antiques also hosts a farmers’ market, with food products from olive oil to ice cream and area tourism information. Bring a blanket to Waryas Park and stay for the live music starting at 6:30pm, followed by a fireworks display over the Hudson River.
On Sunday, July 9th a mass launch will commence at 6am from Sprout Creek Farm – bring your camera! Afterwards, visit their goats and sheep and try some delicious farm-made cheeses at the farm market. At noon, head on over to Waryas Park where the carnival will cap the weekend off.
So come on out to check out these high-flying wonders. This is one day when it’s ok to be full of hot air!
Sprout Creek Farm
Spice up your summer with some great Dutchess County food. Poughkeepsie’s own Sprout Creek Farm has a lot of taste sensations to offer during the summer months.
This farm offers some terrific meat brought in from local producers, such as smoked sausage and venison hotdogs. Their market also showcases their own array of cheeses, freshly made on-site from 100% raw cow’s milk!
After you’ve sampled some of the area’s finest provisions, take a walk around the property and see the animals that made it all possible. They have goats and lambs on the grounds, and will soon have calves, cows and sheep that call the farm home.
Before you leave, be sure to ask about their farming education programs for children during the summer. It’s sure to be a change of pace from the same old summer camp routine providing kids with valuable life skills.
The farm is located on 34 Lauer Road and the market hours are 10am–6pm Wednesday–Saturday and 10am–4pm on Sunday. For more information, call 845/485-9885 or log on to http://sproutcreekfarm.org.
Amish Market Now Open in Hyde Park
Ready to be blown away by an entirely new level of fresh food? The first Amish Market outside of Manhattan is now open in Dutchess County. It is also only the fifth Amish Market to open in the United States.
The store is of interest to those seeking fresh local produce, organic and gourmet foods and other specialty items at a reasonable cost. In this store small producers have a venue to display their products in close competition with widely distributed brands.
Want a quick, but hearty, lunch or dinner? No problem. The Amish Market offers fresh, fully prepared meals; all you need to do is take one home and heat it up!
Are you a cheese wiz? If so, you’ll love the 150 varieties of cheese they have in stock, featuring both exotic and locally produced offerings.
The store’s open between the hours of 7am and 9pm Monday–Friday and 8am–9pm on weekends. The market is located at 4280 Albany Post Road in Hyde Park. For more general information or questions regarding the availability of specific items call 845/229-7799 or visit http://amishfinefood.com and bring your appetite!
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Madalin Hotel and Restaurant Opens in Tivoli
Make the accommodations on your next Hudson Valley trip classic and memorable. The Madalin Hotel recently re-opened its doors to visitors after being closed since the 1950s. This adds much needed extra lodging to northern Dutchess County.
This charming hotel offers breakfast and dinner in its just-renovated restaurant, Madalin’s Table. Also inside is the original bar freshly renovated for the re-opening. American food is the emphasis of the restaurant, featuring locally grown products being supplied primarily by area farms.
The hotel offers an intimate setting dedicated to care and comfort, having only 11 rooms. They feature 21st century staples, wireless Internet and flat screen televisions, contrasting with the simple elegance of the early 20th century furniture that adorns them. Guests can expect modern accessibility coupled with a vintage kind of class and character.
The hotel is located in Tivoli on 53 Broadway; for information regarding booking or meal reservations call 845/757-2100.
Bannerman Island Open for Tours in 2006
Experience some exciting Hudson River history on land or by sea! The Bannerman Island Trust, Inc. has opened Bannerman Island-Hudson Highland State Park for the 2006 season.
Visitors can experience the island by taking a walking tour around the Scottish themed castle or on a boat tour. The “Pride of the Hudson” takes visitors along the periphery of the island while showing a DVD about its fascinating history. The walking tours leave from Newburgh at noon and Beacon at 1:30pm on weekends only. For information regarding the off-island boat tour call 845/220-2120.
For visitors not interested in setting sail there is a gallery of photographs taken on the island at the Bannerman Island Gallery, 150 Main Street, Beacon. Each month a changing exhibit is dedicated to artwork inspired by the picturesque Hudson River.
For more information regarding accessibility or rates call 845/831-6346 or visit http://www.bannermancastle.org
La Batisse Opens Patio Dining
Do you yearn for a cool summer breeze on the French Riviera? Well, with the start of warm weather, La Batisse French restaurant has opened their patio for dining. Enjoy the wonderful Dutchess County breezes at one of their umbrella-covered tables.
Their summer menu boasts lighter fare. Try a selection from their extensive wine list that is made up of more than 40 bottles. At their happy hour there is a deal that can’t be beat, from 4pm–7pm Wednesday-Friday, buy one drink and get one free! Then wet your appetite with one of their terrific starters from the bar menu. Try an order of warm garlic sausage or French salami. Next head in to the restaurant and indulge in one of their authentic entrees; steamed mussels or herb roasted lamb are some favorites.
The south of France isn’t so far away! La Batisse is conveniently located in Poughkeepsie at 779 Dutchess Turnpike (Route 44), so call for reservations at 845/483-7672. Bon Appetit!
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