A Taste of Kingston | 2016 Uptown Restaurant Guide

For not being in a major city, The Hudson Valley is a bit spoiled when it comes to the mouth watering culinary options that are available to us. We live in an area that hosts and teaches, some of the best chefs in the world (thank you Culinary Institute of America!) so it’s no surprise that there is an abundance of award winning restaurants from which we can choose to eat at and expand our culinary palettes far beyond the reaches of Ulster County, NY.

The Daily Freeman, Kingston’s news source, published an article earlier this year about uptown Kingston’s “restaurant renaissance” and how 2015’s positive year end has everyone optimistic about a successful 2016. We were inspired by the article, (and by the awesome food at these restaurants!) to compile a…

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Highland, NY Market Update | Newly Listed Townhouses

Now that spring has arrived, (and yes, despite that freak snowstorm earlier this week, it is infact still spring) we’re seeing an increase of homes entering the market. Highland, in particular has some great properties that have just been listed, but with amenities as great as these properties possess, we don’t think they will be up for grabs too long!

A townhouse is a great option for young professionals or small families as a starter home or for retirees who are looking to scale back their home ownership responsibilities. Owning a townhome usually gives you access to additional amenities and use of shared spaces in the complex and also means less maintenance and upkeep on outdoor spaces (always be sure to look at HOA fees and what they include while…

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

High Falls, located roughly 90 miles north of New York City in scenic Ulster County is a small, colorful hamlet straddling two awesome towns, Marbletown and Rosendale (as seen on the map below).  Although very tiny in stature, this hotspot comes with some fairly deep historical roots. The past few years have seen the hamlet of High Falls as a stand out in the local real estate market, with lots of new faces being drawn to this postage stamp sized hamlet. The area's eclectic character welcomes many city dwellers who are looking to break out of the concrete jungle to a more serene, calming, but still totally hip location.

The hamlet of High Falls is pretty small and quiet, despite it’s wildly growing popularity, making it the perfect place to get away…

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

David Bowie is said to have his ashes scattered at his secret home just outside of Woodstock, where it is reported that he spent most of his final days with his family. The star wanted no funeral or memorial, leaving his most recent album ‘Blackstar’ as his final goodbye to fans, after losing his long battle with cancer on January 10th, 2016.

Friends say that David Bowie was happiest on his woodland compound in the Catskill Mountains. Guitarist Gerry Leonard, who recorded 3 albums with Bowie, said that Woodstock was where Bowie would spend time with his family and “recharge.” It is here that the music icon’s ashes will be spread with only close family in attendance- keeping the location of his Woodstock retreat a secret still, as it always has been.

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Water Street Market New Paltz NY

There is no shortage of great shops and restaurants in New Paltz NY! This bustling Hudson Valley town is thriving thanks to its popularity among visiting New Yorkers, and the location of one of the best State Schools in New York, S.U.N.Y. New Paltz.  However if you’re in New Paltz one shopping destination that should definitely be on your “to-do” list is the Water Street Market! This indoor, European-inspired market boasts no fewer than 20 boutiques, shops, galleries, and cafes – each one unique - for visitors to enjoy. Being an indoor shopping center, the Water Street Market is open for business in any type of weather – and because it’s located just off of the Wallkill Rail Trail and Main Street New Paltz, you can ride a bike, walk, or stop by as you…

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Sales Up, Prices Down? - 2012 Ulster County NY Real Estate Market Report

Sales Up, Prices Down? - 2012 Ulster County NY Real Estate Market Report

As we approach the end of the month and the end of the year, I thought I'd take some time to see how the market is really shaking out here in Ulster County, NY. Of course there will be some additional sales in the last few weeks of December, but for the most part, I think there is enough data here for the year 2012 that we can poke around and see where things will most likely end up. Plus, I think this little analysis will provide some context as buyers and sellers plan out their strategy heading into 2013. So let me share with you some of the stats I just pulled and what I think they mean. If you're planning to buy or sell in Ulster County over the next 3-6 months, let's talk! We…

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Ulster County Real Estate 2012 Update - Record High NYC Rents Driving Hudson Valley Relocation?

There is a strong connection between Ulster County NY real estate and the housing market down in New York City. A large (and growing) number of buyers looking for homes for sale in Ulster County are New Yorkers. As noted recently in the New York Times, rents in Manhattan have reached an all time high, leaving many New Yorkers to wonder if now is the time to leave the city for good. Living in Ulster County, you can have the best of both worlds; that is, if you're qualified. Though it remains one of the best times in recent memory to buy real estate, it is also one of the toughest times to secure a mortgage. So people may want to get out of that lease, but just can't get a loan to buy their own place. With less people able to buy, can the rent just keep…

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Art? Vandalism? Or Great Publicity for Kingston, NY? - Taft Street, the NY Times, and Others Weigh In...

How do you feel about the red goats? Kingston, NY's homegrown controversy surrounding the mysterious red goats spray-painted on some public planters has grown into an international phenomenon. A simple search on Facebook will produce a Red Goat page with over 1,500 fans! Most recently, an article in the New York Times reignited the debate over what, if anything, the red goats represent: Art or Vandalism? Protest or Graffiti? Although we may never learn the true meaning behind the red goats, the mini-controversy and the publicity that followed once again shows that Ulster County, NY has got people talking!

The Canvas: Kingston, NY

It started innocently enough. A stencil of a goat, painted in bright red, appeared on some public planters in Kingston, NY's…

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The Ashokan Reservoir: Ulster County's Gift to NYC?

Why call the Ashokan Reservoir, Ulster County's "Gift" to NYC? Like any gift freely given, the giver expects nothing in return, and that's precisely what some residents living near and around the reservoir have gotten from New York City: nothing. Well, at times nothing, other times a little something, and sometimes, much more than they bargained for. But we'll get back to that later. First, join Taft Street Realty as we explore the unique relationship between the Ashokan Reservoir and New York City...

The Birth of a Reservoir: A Prelude of Things to Come

At the turn of the 20th century, New York City was already a thriving metropolis that was rapidly growing. Basics like water were needed on a massive scale, and city officials soon looked north to the…

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The 2011 Rosendale, NY International Pickle Festival - A Taft Street Guide

Like pickles? Then we've got something fun for you to do this weekend! This Sunday, November 20th brings us The Rosendale, NY International Pickle Festival, a beloved local event in the Hudson Valley Region. Initially started as a "pickle party" between friends 1998, the Rosendale, NY International Pickle Festival has grown over the past 12 years into an event that draws over 5,000 visitors from all over the world. This unique festival features all things pickle-related, from goods and souvenirs, to pickle judging and contests. Also on the agenda are various delicious foods from local vendors, and live music & dancing.

The Pickle: Around the World and Back to the Catskills

Sure it's always been a great local event in Ulster County, NY, but you can't…

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