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        <author>dylan@taftstreetrealty.com (Dylan Taft)</author>
        <title>Best Blogs of 2016 | Ulster County Year End RoundUp</title>
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2016 has been quite the year, both for our nation as a whole, and locally, here in Ulster County as well. Regardless of whether or not you’re fondly looking back at a great year, or instead have high hopes for a brighter 2017, there’s no denying that a lot has happened this year We here at Taft Street, aim to try to provide you with the most up to date, relevant and locally sourced news stories and happenings so that you can enjoy everything that the Hudson Valley and Ulster County have to offer. We shared plenty of stories this year on our blog and on Facebook, from local activity guides, event and restaurant features, and of course all the latest Ulster County real estate news. If you weren’t able to catch them all, don’t worry- we’ve compiled our top blog posts from 2016 here so you can catch up and get a head start on 2017 So without further ado, we bring to you our… Most Popular Blog Posts from 2016


The Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Call New Paltz or Gardiner “Home”





Scenic vistas...check World-class outdoor recreation...check Awesome food and spirits distilled in your backyard… check The Wallkill River Valley area of New Paltz and Gardiner have all of this and more and are conveniently some of the closest Ulster County communities to New York City. We’ll let you in on some local favorite hot-spots so that you can get a feel for the true Wallkill River Valley, and what makes it such a great place to lay down roots.


David Bowie’s Ashes to Be Scattered at Secret Woodstock Home





Fans were crushed in early 2016 as the world learned of legendary star David Bowie’s passing, but it was at that time that many locals also learned of the special place that Ulster County held in his heart. Bowie’s home in Woodstock was not only his hideaway, but also the place in which he chose to have his remains scattered after his death. Here we take a look back at Bowie’s upstate connection and listen as locals fondly recall Bowie and his under-the-radar role in the community of Woodstock.


9 Reasons to Move to Rosendale | A Local Town Guide





You probably didn’t even need to read all 9 reasons before you decided that Rosendale was the place for you, but we gave them to you anyway Big things are in store for this small town, and once as work is completed on the new Williams Lake Community Project, we’re sure that there will be even more reasons to add to our list For now, get more of the local take on Rosendale and learn all about the driven, sustainable, forward thinking community that calls Rosendale home.


Farm Fresh Ulster County | A Taft Street Guide to Getting the Freshest Local Produce





Farm stands, farmers markets, CSAs, oh my Ulster County has some of the best and freshest produce in the area- no need to ever step foot in a chain supermarket in the spring or summer here again. Our detailed guide highlights all of the ways to get local farm fresh products to your home. Many CSAs start accepting membership for their spring and summer crop shares in the winter, so be sure to take a look at this guide now so you don’t miss out in 2017


A Taste of Kingston | 2016 Uptown Restaurant Guide





Living in the heart of farm country, and just across the river from the best culinary school in the country, there’s no shortage of good grub here in the Hudson Valley. In fact, our guide highlights over 20 raved over restaurants and other local eateries in the small uptown section of the city of Kingston alone


Skip the brown bag or drive thru today and let the ‘Taste of Kingston’ be your lunch guide


Ulster County Real Estate: New to Market: 3294-3296 Route 212, Bearsville





We feature lots of new listings on the blog, but 3294-3296 Route 212 in Bearsville was one of the most popular new listings on our site in 2016 Still available on the market, believe it or not, this magical creekside ranch is awaiting new owners and the cottage is getting new updates as we speak. You call get the full listing details of 3294-3296 Route 212 in Bearsville in the blog linked here.  And there’s a new low price for 2017 to boot


Taft Street Tours | A Guide to the Eclectic High Falls, NY





Get the backstory of this eclectic, under the radar hamlet that borders the hotspot communities of Rosendale and Stone Ridge. With historic stone homes, a quaint Main Street drag and that small town feel about it, High Falls is gaining popularity amongst Ulster County communities and may soon lose its ‘under-the-radar’ title.


The Story of the Books at 123 Bedell Avenue





Old barns around here can tend to be mysterious, but this barn located on Bedell Avenue in Highland instead housed thousands and thousands of mysteries of its own


The Story of the Books allowed for a unique glimpse into the hidden character of this property, grabbing the attention of plenty of new potential owners who were intrigued to learn about this barn’s unlikely inhabitants. This property didn’t last long on the market and this post might have had something to do with it...


Events &amp; Fun Things to Do to Get Your Holiday Cheer On in Ulster County this Christmas Season





The most wonderful time of year can also be the busiest time of year, so make sure that you’re staying busy with holiday events and fun things to do here in Ulster County Our Holiday Cheer Guide will help you to do just that, well into the New Year


Ulster County, NY | The Perfect Home Base for Skiing and Snowboarding in the Hudson Valley | A Taft Street Winter Fun Guide





Woodstock, NY makes a great place to call home if you’re an avid skier or snowboarder who cannot wait to hit the slopes as soon as the snow flies. With Woodstock as your starting off point, use our Taft Street Guide to plot out your winter adventures and to find some of the best mountains around to conquer this season.


Ulster County Hikes to Take this Fall | A Taft Street Guide





Ulster County comes alive in the fall and at Taft Street, this year we wanted to take you there Grab your hiking boots, bring your dogs along and set out to experience Ulster County, at any skill or fitness level. Whether it’s on flatter paths meandering along the Hudson River or steep inclines ascending the Catskills tallest peaks, Taft Street will take you there.


The 10 Most Popular Zip Codes in Ulster County, NY





There’s something for everyone in Ulster County, it’s just all about finding that perfect fit.


If you’re new to the area and looking to find the best place to settle down, take a peek at our ‘Top 10 Most Popular Zip Codes’ post to get a feel for each community's unique style and vibe so you can pin down your ideal Ulster County sweet spot.


Making the Switch to Solar and ‘Going Green’ in Ulster County





It’s never been easier (or more important, in the face of global warming) to make the switch for living a ‘greener’ lifestyle and we want to help you figure out how. Find out how you can start saving energy, money and the environment by making some small changes around your home now and for the directory of local solar power companies to take your green living plan that final step forward.





Well, that’s a wrap on 2016- here’s to looking forward to all the great things 2017 will have in store What was the highlight of your year here in the Hudson Valley and what are you looking forward to next year?


As always, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow our blog to make sure you don’t miss a second of Ulster County happenings in the new year


 


 
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    <pubDate>Fri, 30 Dec 2016 09:31:55 -0500</pubDate>
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        <author>dylan@taftstreetrealty.com (Dylan Taft)</author>
        <title>Events &amp; Fun Things to Do to Get Your Holiday Cheer On in Ulster County this Christmas Season</title>
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 Community Holiday Festivals and Tree Lighting Events


Ready to ring in the 2016 holiday season? For most people, Thanksgiving marks the ‘unofficial’ opening of the holiday season, but things really start to get festive when our small hamlets and towns light up with holiday cheer Many communities host their own Christmas and Holiday events to kick off the celebrations-  where the night is usually capped off with a Christmas tree lighting, attended by the big man in red himself Hit up your town’s holiday kick off celebrations, or to truly get in the Christmas spirit, catch as many as you can 


Holiday on Huguenot Street and Community Tree Lighting


December 2nd, 2016, 4:00pm-9:00pm; Tree lighting at 7:00pm


Historic Huguenot Street, New Paltz


Come for a holiday tour of Historic Huguenot Street, join in the church’s Christmas Fair, visit pop up shops from Lagusta’s Luscious vegan handmade chocolates and participate in a paper lantern parade before the tree lighting at 7:00pm. Don’t forget the horse drawn carriage rides and photos with Santa 


Kingston Snowflake Festival


December 2nd 2016, 5:00pm-8:00pm


North Front Street and Wall Street, Kingston


Uptown Kingston’s Stockade District bursts with holiday spirit, featuring performances on the main stage, ‘HeatMiser’ fire twirlers, ice sculptors creating a snowy winter wonderland, horse drawn carriage rides and don’t miss Santa’s appearance to light the tree.


 Town of Gardiner Annual Caroling through Town and Christmas Tree Lighting


December 2nd, 2016, 7:00pm, 8:30pm


Main Street, Gardiner


Fire trucks lead carolers down Main Street at 7:00pm, singing all the way to the town hall, where the Got Rhythm Rockettes help to light up the town Christmas Tree. Santa and The Grinch will be there for photos with children of all ages as well.


 Electric Fire Truck Parade and Tree Lighting


December 3rd, 2016 5:00pm-6:00pm


Liberty Square, Ellenville


Follow the Joshua Peters Memorial Fire Truck Parade down Canal Street for the village tree lighting and Santa’s arrival to Ellenville.


 High Falls Tree Lighting


December 3rd, 2016, 5:30p-7:00pm


Corner of Route 213 and Second Street


Come out for some caroling, hot soup and a visit from Santa at the annual holiday tree lighting. Toys for Tots will be collecting donations and refreshments will be available after the event at the Community Church of High Falls.


 35th Annual Woodstock Holiday Open House


December 3rd, 2016 3:00pm-9:00pm


Village Green, Woodstock


This free event takes place on the village green in Woodstock to get you in the holiday spirit With live music from WDST, pictures with Santa, face painting, carolers, ice sculpting and more, no one could be a Grinch or Scrooge at this event


 Saugerties Holiday in the Village


December 4th, 2016, 12:00pm-6:00pm


Village of Saugerties


The market on Main and Partition Streets will feature crafts, vendors, music, free carriage rides, entertainment and lots more. Santa himself will be at the petting zoo in front of the Kiersted House on Main Street and the Fireman's Parade and Village Tree Lighting will cap the night off at Seamon Park at dusk.


 Light Up the Hamlet of Highland


December 9th, 2016, 5:30pm-8:30pm


Vineyard Avenue, Highland


Visit Santa’s workshop, enjoy caroling, live entertainment and festive holiday drinks and treats. Toys for Tots will be accepting donations and stick around to catch the lighting of the tree in the center of the hamlet.


 Winter Wonderland Parade &amp; Tree Lighting


December 10th, 2016, 5:30pm


Old Route 9W, West Stout Street &amp; Broadway, Port Ewen


A quick celebration featuring caroling, a parade and visit with Santa after the tree lighting


 


Holiday Shopping Events


While some people live for the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals put on by many big box retailers, others find it hard to keep up Christmas spirits in crowded malls filled with frantic holiday shoppers. Luckily, here in the Hudson Valley, and of course beyond, there's more of a focus to shop local, be it at Small Business Saturday events or at other fairs and shows throughout the season. Shopping local supports local artists, craftspeople and small businesses right here in our backyards and these events and craft fairs connect people within the community. Stay far from the malls this holiday season and get all your gift shopping done locally at some of these festive shopping events


 Holiday Shopping Boutique


December 1st, 2016, 6:00pm- 10:00pm


Congregation Emanuel, Albany Avenue Kingston


Explore the offerings of more than 26 vendors selling crafts, cookware, clothes and more to check off everyone on your holiday gift list.


 Holiday Art Sale


December 3rd, 2016, 12:00pm-4:30pm


Woodstock School of Art, Woodstock


The holiday art fair expands this year, now also featuring an Affordable Art Fair, allowing more local artists to sell their own pieces of work as a vendor and support the local school at one of their most well attended events.


 2nd Annual Holiday Craft Fair


December 3rd, 2016, 10:00am-5:00pm


Huguenot Street Farm, New Paltz


Local artists and crafters come together for an out of the box craft fair. Some of the confirmed vendors will be bringing many one of a kind gifts, including chain mail accessories, upcycled baskets, wooden toys, handmade hula hoops and so much more.


 10th Annual Holiday Craft Fair


December 3rd, 2016, 10:00am-4:00pm


Marbletown Elementary School


 Chanukah Market &amp; Bazaar


December 4th, 2016, 10:00am-3:00pm


Woodstock Jewish Congregation, Woodstock


Vendors will have on hand all sorts of crafts, gifts, baked goods, dreidels, jewelry, candles and much more.


 Kingston Rock N’ Roll Flea Market


December 4th, 2016, 10:00am-4:00pm


Andy Murphy Midtown Neighborhood Center, Kingston


A rockin’ alternative to traditional holiday shopping, support local artists and businesses selling vintage and new vinyl records, posters, memorabilia, jewelry, guitars and more. This show will feature more than 50 vendors from the Hudson Valley and surrounding areas  


 St James Artisan Market and Cookie Caper


December 10th, 2016, 9:00am-3:00pm


35 Pearl Street, Kingston


Local artists will bring handcrafted jewelry, soap, paintings, garments and more for an alternative holiday shopping experience. Also enjoy the Christmas cookie bake sale with lots of selections, including gluten-free and nut-free choices. Admission is free for both events.


 Holiday Shopping Expo


December 10th, 2016, 10:00am- 2:00pm


Norbury Hall, Ellenville


Support local business with craft and specialty vendors and free and low cost holiday activities for kids.


 Olive Free Library Holiday Fair &amp; Craft Show


December 10th, 2016, 10:00am-4:00pm


Olive Free Library, West Hurley


 Winter Fair &amp; Outdoor MarketPlace


December 11th, 2016, 11:00am-4:00pm


Mountain Laurel Waldorf School, New Paltz


Beautiful gifts made from simple and natural materials and local artisan wares. Outdoor barbecue available, hot cider, puppetry, childrens games, activities and more


 


More Ulster County Events to Get You in the Holiday Spirit


 


A Christmas Story, The Musical


December 2nd- December 11th, 2016


Woodstock Playhouse, Woodstock


Based on the movie classic, the musical adaptation of the Christmas Story takes center stage at the Woodstock Playhouse with Friday and Saturday night shows and Sunday afternoon performances not to be missed.


 Kingston Holly Berry Trail


December 3rd 2016, 10:00am-1:00pm


Stockade District, Uptown Kingston


In their 16th year, the Holly Berry Trail features extended previews of private homes, fully decorated for the holidays (the locations of these homes are kept secret until the day of). Each home features and arrangement made by local florists and samples of some of Ulster County restaurant’s finest offerings.


 Warming Winter One Pot Meals Cooking Class


December 3rd, 2016, 2pm-4pm


Catskill Animal Sanctuary


Join Catskill Animal Sanctuary’s chef as she demonstrates how to cook up some vegan one-pot meals for all your holiday gatherings. Tickets are required and must be purchased in advance.


 Kingston Model Railroad Club Open House


December 3rd-4th, 2016, 12:00pm-5:00pm


Model Railroad Club, Susan Street, Kingston


At their annual open house, the Kingston Model Railroad Club shows off their 70 year old O scale train, Thomas the Tank Engine  rail for little ones and Santa’s own special train, as they meander through handmade scenery to replicate our very own Hudson Valley


 YMCA Reindeer Ramble 5K


December 4th, 2016, 1:00pm


YMCA, Broadway, Kingston


5K Races and Competitive Walking for all activity levels at this Midtown event.


 Historic Ulster County Gingerbread Exhibition


December 8th, 9th and 10th, (Friday: 6:00pm-9:00pm, Saturday &amp; Sunday: 11:00am-4:00pm)


Ulster County Historical Society, Route 209, Stone Ridge


Come take a peek at some of Ulster County’s treasured historical sites- all made from gingerbread


 Frozendale Festival


December 10th, 2016


Main Street, Rosendale


The village of Rosendale opens their doors for this festive community day, with events taking place all throughout Main Street and beyond. The Rosendale Library will feature a Holiday Booktique from 10:00am-3:00pm and the Rosendale Theatre offers a free 11:00am matinee of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. A gift sale will be held in the RosenSpace with plenty of vendors, many shops and restaurants will have special offerings, and musicians and Santa Claus will be roaming Main Street all day. End the night at the Big Cheese’s Mac N’ Cheese Bake Off at 5:00pm.


 Vegan Holiday Cookies Cooking Class


December 10th 2016, 2:00pm-4:00pm


Catskill Animal Sanctuary


Join Catskill Animal Sanctuary’s chef as she walks you through classes on how to prepare holiday cookies the vegan way. Classes are $60 per person and must be paid in advance.


 Into the Light Holiday Pageant


December 17th, 2016, 2:00pm-3:30pm


Ellenville High School Auditorium


Live music, dance and puppetry follow the story of many communities holiday traditions, including Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Sankta Lucia, Winter Solstice and Dewali.


 Byrdcliffe Winter Solstice Concert


December 17th 2016


Woodstock Playhouse, Woodstock


Local musicians gather to play in the spirit of community and creativity at the Woodstock Playhouse to benefit the Byrdcliffe Guild. With many musicians already announced, be sure to get tickets quick, as this event usually always sells out.


 Woodstock Christmas Eve Program


December 24th 2016, 5:00pm-7:00pm


Village Green, Woodstock


Traffic around the Village Green shuts down at 5:00pm for everyone to gather in the streets to welcome Santa to the village shortly after 5:00pm, where he will be handing out stockings to all the children and starting his nightly visits to the homes of all good boys and girls.


 Mohonk Mountain House Christmas Day Buffet


December 25th 2016


Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz


Celebrate Christmas Victorian style at Mohonk Mountain House with 15 decorated Christmas trees and the winners of the Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition, all while enjoying an out-of-this-world dinner buffet, without all the hassle of cooking and cleaning it all yourself. Advance reservations are required for this event, and Mohonk is building a great program of events all holiday season long that locals and out of town visitors alike will enjoy. To see more of Mohonk’s holiday events occurring between now and the new year, like the Big Blue Big Band Dinner, visit www.mohonk.com.


 Community Chanukah Candle Lighting


December 30th 2016, 7:00pm-10:00pm


Temple Emanuel, Kingston


Everyone is welcome to the community Chanukah candle lighting at Temple Emanuel where you can bring your own menorah or share one of theirs. Candle lighting starts at 7:00pm, followed by a brief service and stories and singing to finish the night.


 Uptown Kington's New Year's Eve Celebration


December 31st, 2016, 8:00pm-3:00am


Corner of Wall Street &amp; North Front Street, Kingston


Uptown Kingston will be in full party mode with celebrations taking place throughout many of the local businesses, live music, dancing and drinking and of course, their very own ball drop at midnight. Ring in the New Year with thousands of your closest neighbors and friends 


Third Annual Saugerties New Years Eve in the Village


December 31st, 2016, 10:00pm-1:00am


Village of Saugerties


Saugerties encourages its residents to stay local and safe this holiday and enjoy New Years in the village. With a midnight ball drop on Main &amp; Partition Street, a main stage of live entertainment, refreshments and hot chocolate, courtesy of local Boy Scout troops, this New Years Eve part is fun for the whole family. 


Hudson Valley Rail Trail WinterFest


January 14th, 2017, 11:00am-2:00pm


Hudson Valley Rail Trail Depot, Highland


In their annual winter event, partake in entertainment for the family, with free activities for children, horse drawn hayrides down the trail, roasted chestnuts and more Also enjoy more than 20 regional restaurants entries in the annual Chili Cook-Off- try one for $.50 or try all entries for a mere $8  


20th Annual Shandaken Primitive Biathlon


January 15th, 2017, 9:00am-12:00pm


Upper Esopus Fish &amp; Game Club


Test your winter sporting game in this competition to see who is the fastest in show-shoeing and black powder muzzle loading firearms in this 1.25 mile course. Registration is required for this event. 


19th Annual Catskill Ice Festival 


January 27th- 30th,  2017, 9:00am-5:00pm


Rock &amp; Snow, New Paltz


This weekend long program includes multiple clinics that will teach you glacier traveling techniques and how to escape from icy situations, while demoing new gear. A slide show held at Rock &amp; Snow on Saturday January 28th is free to the public, while other clinics cost $150 per person, per event, but include excursions to Mount Tremper and Phoenicia to attain first-hand experiences 


2017 Winter Folk Weekend in Kerhonkson 


February 10th- 12th, 2017


Hudson Valley Resort  &amp; Spa, Kerhonkson


Take part in this weekend full of informal folk music, dancing, singing and an all-out jam session  





What are some of your favorite ways to ring in the holiday season here in Ulster County? Is there an event or fun thing to do that you and your family have to do every holiday season? We’d love to hear about them in the comment section below


As always, be sure to follow Taft Street Realty on Facebook, where we will share more great, local Ulster County events and breaking news


 


 
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