This is your guide to all things Ulster County.

      rock_and_rye_tavern_logo_509

           Looking for a different kind of dining experience in New Paltz? I think I may have just the place. The other night I attended a dinner with friends at a brand new restaurant. The Rock and Rye Tavern is nestled into the historic Huguenot section of New Paltz. Located in the former Locust Tree inn, The Rock and Rye Tavern offers a tranquil setting, worlds away from the noisy bustle of the Main Street strip. Upon arriving at The Rock and Rye Tavern, one is struck by the beauty of the historic tavern itself, and its surrounding environment which borders the New Paltz Golf Course. As I strolled down the walkway to the tavern’s entrance, I instantly unwound as the natural sounds of a spring evening filled the air and the sun set over the…

5287 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Recent events around the world, most recently in Japan, are a sobering reminder of the sheer strength and unpredictability of nature. The horrifying events that took place in Japan left the rest of us wondering, what if it happens here? Will I be ready?  Granted, the danger of a tsunami is not as great in America as it is in Japan. However there are a number of potential threats, both natural and man-made, that warrant caution. By following a few simple, logical strategies, you can help ensure the safety of you and your family in the unlikely event of a natural (or unnatural) disaster. 

Tsunamis

The threat of a tsunami on the scale of the one that struck Japan is not necessarily a constant here in the States. However our coastal regions and the Hawaiian…

8365 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

The arrival of spring in the Hudson Valley region also marks the beginning of the season for local farms and farmers markets.  Whether its fresh produce, beautiful flowers, or scrumptious organic foods, Ulster County is home to a wide variety of family owned farms and community run farmers markets. Local real estate activity tends to pick up in the springtime and we here at Taft Street think it has as much to with sweet corn and strawberries as it does with beautiful homes and great value. No matter which direction you’re headed in Ulster County, there’s a farm nearby ready to provide fresh local cuisine!  

 

  • Davenport Farm - Stone Ridge, New York – A staple of Stone Ridge, Davenports has evolved from a family farm providing corn and other simple wares…

4042 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

A lot of attention has been paid to Melissa Leo's choice of words (well, one word in particular) while accepting the award for Best Supporting Actress during Sunday's Academy Awards. By far the most expressive speech of the evening, she can be credited with providing a refreshing flash of reality in an otherwise scripted and predictable awards show. Before she unleashed the mighty F-Bomb and captured the hearts and minds of viewers across the country, Leo was an Ulster County fan favorite.

You see Leo just happens to own real estate in Stone Ridge, a small yet progressive town in the picturesque Hudson Valley. Stone Ridge enjoys a central location within Ulster County, making all the neighboring towns like New Paltz and Kingston just a short drive…

8473 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

On a recent chilly night I visited the Accord Fire House to catch a free screening of the documentary film, "Gasland". (www.gaslandthemovie.com) It focuses on the process known as "Hydro-Fracking" which is a method used by energy companies to extract natural gas. I knew very little about Hydro-Fracking (or "fracking" as it is referred to) but I had seen Anti-Fracking signs on front lawns throughout Ulster County and I knew it was a hot-button issue. This being my first public screening at the Accord Firehouse I was also curious to see what kind of turnout the function would have. The place was packed. Residents of all ages were settling into their chairs, from a young man who I guessed to be about 11 seated with his dad, to older folks who probably…

6306 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

How can this be? Housing hasn’t been this affordable in many years, and interest rates are at record lows. Yet as everyone knows, the market remains stuck in the mud. Too many unsold homes, too few interested buyers. Experts have a lot of complex things to say about what’s going on, but the answer is really pretty simple.

An uncertain job future makes taking on a mortgage—even a historically low-rate mortgage that right now can be used to buy an exceptionally well-priced home—a very tough sell. So with unemployment still at record highs, it just makes sense that the housing market too continues to struggle.

It’s a predictably vicious cycle. Stubborn unemployment stalls the housing market, which then puts even more people out of work. That’s because,…

3308 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

So the leaves are going from green to crimson (and yellow . . . and orange . . . and red, and . . . .) and the wind suddenly packs a bit of a bite. It may be the heavy-hearted end of the season at the beach, but up here in the country things are just getting going.  And after this summer’s record heat, sweater weather and all the brisk fun it brings is being celebrated in Ulster County with even more gusto.

Hudson Valley Apple Picking

A traditional autumn pastime in Ulster, apple picking, is a prime way both to get out in the bracing weather and to enjoy the crisp and luscious harvest. Several local growers offer plump apples and an invigorating environment. Route 213 is home to a pair of beautiful orchards—Mr. Apples in High Falls (www.mrapples.com )…

4300 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

New York City residents may yawn or scowl when they see yet another film crew setting up in their neighborhood—closing streets and sidewalks, crowding curbs with huge service trailers, and generally disrupting the natives’ busy routines. But up here in Ulster County, we look at things a little differently. And we’ve recently been able to show that difference to a record number of visiting crews. The welcome mats were out all over.            

This summer especially was filled with film crew sightings. It appeared as though around every corner was a camper idling on the curb, or a crowd of young people milling around in funky retro clothes filming a 60’s scene. And though the abrupt descent into a small community of a 100-plus-person film crew can be…

3699 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Who's Who in Ulster County?

It's tough enough moving to a new place, but just wait until you need some work done - how do you know who is reliable? Even going to a restaurant can be hit-or-miss. Viewing the yellow pages or doing an internet search will give you a list, but it's up to you to decide what's good or bad.

All of the entries in the Ulster County Directory are handpicked, either from referrals, or because I know the owners personally. Simply search by subject, such as Builders and Contractors, Mortgage Professionals, or Local Attorneys. (see illustration below)

 Ulster County Directory

Click on each to get a list of applicable businesses, including contact information.(see below) 

 

This list is constantly growing, if you stumble upon a great eatery, or a…

3671 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post