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…

5277 Views, 0 Comments

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…

8356 Views, 0 Comments

Supporters of energy efficiency in homes and businesses claim that upgrading to energy efficient appliances, insulation, lighting, windows and other components will save Americans billions in the long run. Yet skeptics and adherents alike are wondering: how do we afford these upgrades?

The upfront expense of upgrading to more energy efficient products can be a huge obstacle for many Americans. While low-cost items such as energy efficient lights are accessible additions to many homes, big-ticket items like energy efficient air conditioners or high value insulation installations leave many homeowners wondering how to finance such large investments. The good news is that there are a number of different agencies, organizations and companies creating…

19577 Views, 0 Comments

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…

4035 Views, 0 Comments

FISBO’s or For Sale By Owner properties have become a popular trend over the past few years, especially to the property owner who is on the verge of selling their property as a short sale. Due to the unfortunate imbalance in the real estate industry over the past several years, many homeowners are opting for FISBO’s as opposed to short sales. A short sale basically is a sale in which the bank or the mortgagor is willing to discount the loan balance due to the misfortunate economic hardship of the borrower.

To many, the pros of going FISBO seem to be the perfect out when selling real estate. Sellers can literally put money in their pocket by listing the property themselves which weeds out having to pay a commission to a Realtor. FISBO’s make it…

5260 Views, 0 Comments

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…

8465 Views, 0 Comments

Increase your chances of a quick sale while increasing the value of your home by as much as 15%-20% by giving your existing landscaping a distinctive fresh, new, clean look. Create more visual interest in your landscaping by adding new color schemes and constructing focal points to direct the eye into that particular area. Discover ways to enhance curb appeal through the art of great landscaping.

In seeking curb appeal, a starting point for both front and back yard makeovers is to understand the basic elements of landscape design, beginning with harmony, followed by colors, textures, form, and focalization.

By first establishing harmony, one creates a balance between the home and the environment that surrounds without disturbing the…

3768 Views, 0 Comments

The Answer Depends On Who You Ask

The Rondout Valley Central School District is facing some tough decisions in the face of a dismal school budget. The district hopes to cut costs by consolidating and reorganizing its schools and has made public its decision to close one of its three elementary schools. Superintendant Rosario Agostaro said that he and his team considered different options for reconfiguring the district and found that closing one elementary school was, “The model we found to be the least disruptive academically.” With the decision final and a school closing imminent, there remains the question of which of the three elementary schools (Rosendale, Marbletown, or Kerhonkson) will close its doors.

I’ve noticed how locally this issue has…

4524 Views, 0 Comments

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…

6298 Views, 0 Comments

When you go to purchase a home or condominium during the process most likely your Realtor is going to going over with you a review of closing cost and exactly what to expect on closing day so that there are no surprises.


In different parts of the country things vary as to who is required to pay for what closing costs. Local traditions have changed in some areas with the presence of non-local banks selling properties and requiring that things been done certain ways. These changes have reminded us that everything is negotiable, but in order to negotiate the best price on a property you are still better off writing an offer consistent with the way offers are traditionally written in your area.

One of the most expensive closing costs you see on the closing…

4905 Views, 0 Comments