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Romantic Restaurants in the Hudson Valley

Looking for a place to wine and dine your Valentine? Make it memorable with a visit to the historic lower Hudson Valley—just a short ride from New York City— where opportunities for romance abound. Whether you are looking for a relaxed, intimate or first-date spot in Hudson Valley, there is a medley of diverse eateries and cuisines to suit your palette. Check out some of our restaurant picks offering cozy fireside dinners to scenic waterfront views. Love is in the air.

Old ’76 House, Tappan, New York

Old ’76 House, Tappan, New York
76house.com

If you are looking for a romantic meal by the fireplace in cozy 1776 surroundings, try the historic Old ’76 House in Tappan, New York, a national historic landmark that boasts the oldest dining room in America. The three-centuries-old tavern and restaurant served meals to George Washington and Alexander Hamilton and once was a temporary prison for British spy John Andre, who conspired with arch-traitor Benedict Arnold during the Revolutionary War. Yankee pot roast is a hearty menu staple. 110 Main St., 845-359-5476, 76house.com

 

Blu Pointe, Newburgh, New York

Photo credit: Blu Pointe

Blu Pointe, Newburgh, New York
www.blu-pointe.com

Set on the historic Hudson River, Blu Pointe in Newburgh, New York, offers a farm-to-table menu featuring fresh seafood and prime beef, raw bar, local craft beers, and spirits. The temperature-controlled, walk-in wine room holds over 3,000 curated New and Old World wines and serves as a dramatic backdrop to a cozy lounge and dining room complete with a bluestone fireplace and river views. Enjoy a romantic seasonal Valentine’s Day menu Feb. 14-17, including oysters and champagne for two and prime beef, carved tableside. 120 Front St., 845-568-0100, www.blu-pointe.com

 

The Hudson House, Nyack, New York

Photo credit: Hudson House

The Hudson House, Nyack, New York
hudsonhousenyack.com

The Hudson House restaurant, housed in a former village hall and jailhouse in the quaint Victorian village of Nyack, New York, offers contemporary American cuisine in an upscale but relaxed and welcoming setting. The cozy eatery’s walls and ceilings are covered in original pressed tin dating from the 1800s, and its jail cells have been repurposed as wine cellars. Co-owner and pastry chef Matt Hudson makes guests feel at home, and his desserts alone are worth a visit. 134 Main St., 845-353-1355, hudsonhousenyack.com

 

Harvest on Hudson, Hastings, New York

Photo credit: Harvest on Hudson

Harvest on Hudson, Hastings, New York
www.harvesthudson.com

Resembling a Tuscan villa or Napa Valley lodge, Harvest on Hudson in Hastings, New York, couples Italian-Mediterranean cuisine with spectacular Hudson River views and a dining room with soaring ceilings. The inventive menu uses ingredients from the restaurant’s own herb and vegetable garden. One River St., Hastings, 914-478-2800, www.harvesthudson.com

 

Freelance Café and Wine Bar, Piermont, New York

Freelance Café and Wine Bar, Piermont, New York
freelancecafe-piermont.com

The historic and charming waterfront village of Piermont, New York, has become a dining hot spot in Rockland County. Its artsy, bohemian feel, quaint shops and eclectic restaurants make it ideal for date night or Sunday brunch. The Freelance Café & Wine Bar menu consists of small plates, large plates and daily specials of modern American cuisine with global inspiration. Favorite dishes include Thai pasta, braised short ribs and classic crème brulee along with a robust selection of wines by the glass or bottle. Cozy, casual and intimate, it’s a local favorite. 506 Piermont Ave., 845-365-3250, freelancecafe-piermont.com

 

Red Hat on the River, Irvington, New York

Red Hat on the River, Irvington, New York
redhatbistro.com

Nestled on the waterfront in Irvington, New York, Red Hat on the River is a French-American modern bistro housed in a 100-year-old renovated factory with spectacular Hudson River views. Banquettes, a pewter bar and period art accent the space evoking a feeling of a turn of the century Parisian bistro. Menu offerings at this popular date spot always include French bistro mainstays like moules frites, steak frites, rillettes and profiteroles with some global influences and brasserie-style comfort foods. One Bridge St., 914-591-5888, redhatbistro.com

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Winter Activities in the Lower Hudson Valley

Escape the city and ward off the winter blues with an activity-packed weekend getaway to the scenic Hudson Valley. Whether it’s hitting the slopes, meeting an owl or lacing up your skates, opportunities for winter fun abound. Check out some of our favorite winter delights that promise fun for all ages.

Thunder Ridge Ski Area

Patterson, New York

Embrace the frigid temperatures and hit the slopes at Thunder Ridge Ski Area (137 Birch Hill Road, Patterson. 845-878-4100, thunderridgeski.com), which offers 30 trails to accommodate all skill levels and interests as well as ski school. From the glass atrium at the base lodge, you can see almost the entire mountain.

Mount Peter

Photo credit: Mount Peter

Warwick, New York

Conveniently located in Warwick, just one hour from New York City in the Hudson Valley of Orange County, New York, Mount Peter (51 Old Mt. Peter Rd, Warwick. 845-986-4940) is famous for its free beginner ski and snowboard lessons, racing programs for kids, two lodges and night skiing. Originally opened by Macy’s department store in 1936 for a ski apparel fashion shoot, this family-run establishment is the oldest operating ski area in New York State. This winter destination may seem small compared to Windam and Hunter Mountains, but don’t let looks deceive you. It has long been the go-to hill for many area families, Long Islanders, New Jerseyans and city slickers. It also is home to tubing fun that any age can enjoy, even offering its popular Little Tikes Tubing Area, a dedicated section complete with kid-size tubing for little adventurers under the usual 42-inch height requirement. The expansive views of the Warwick Valley, just feet away from the Appalachian Trail, adds to the overall appeal.

Sterling Forest State Park

Tuxedo Park, New York

Join Doc Bayne, educator and environmentalist, for an approximately three-mile hike to the site of a beaver lodge in Tuxedo Park’s Sterling Forest State Park. If deemed safe, participants walk on the ice to get an “up-close and personal” view of the beavers’ sanctuary while taking in the natural beauty of the area’s great outdoors. Or visit sites such as Southfields Furnace, the Sterling Furnace and the Sterling Forge, and learn about the group’s special outdoor activities including snowshoeing and ice fishing. Registration is required. For more information or to register, call the Friends of Sterling Forest at 845-351-5907.

Palisades Center Ice Rink

West Nyack, New York

Hit the ice at Palisades Center Ice Rink (4900 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack. 845-353-4855, palisadescentericerink.com), located in Palisades Mall in West Nyack, New York. The shopping and entertainment mecca offers public skating lessons and serves the recreational and professional ice-skating needs of Rockland County. Skating schedules and rates may vary, so call ahead or check their website before you lace up.

The Ardsley Curling Club

Dobbs Ferry, Westchester, New York

You’ve seen it in the Winter Olympics, but did you know that you could learn to curl right in Westchester, at Dobbs Ferry? Despite the ice, you’ll find a warm atmosphere at The Ardsley Curling Club, which has been in operation since 1932 and offers curling classes for all skill levels. Meet Olympic Gold Medalist Tyler George Feb. 2-3 and witness some serious curling skills in action. Visit ardsleycurling.com or call 914-591-8019 for more information.

Hudson Valley Nature Museum's Owl Prowls

Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York

Have a hoot of time on a woodland excursion at Hudson Valley Nature Museum’s Owl Prowls, where guests can learn about these fascinating creatures then bundle up and head outdoors looking for owls in the wild. Or kick off maple sugaring season on Feb. 23 with special seasonal events. Learn to identify and tap sugar maple trees and discover techniques used by Native Americans, pioneers and modern-day farmers. Finish with a taste test. More info at hhnaturemuseum.org. Wildlife Education Center, 25 Boulevard, Cornwall-on-Hudson. 845-534-7781.

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Lower Hudson Valley Holiday Gift Guide

Now through New Year’s Day, New York’s Lower Hudson Valley sparkles with the sights and sounds of the holiday season, with festive shop windows, stunning art galleries, eclectic shops and a plethora of diverse restaurants that make the region a foodie destination. On the west side of the Hudson River, just across the Tappan Zee Bridge, Rockland County is a unique mix of scenic waterfront villages offering fine dining, antique and novelty shops and the perfect antidote to the monotony of retail mall madness. Shop for distinctive, hard-to-find gifts and experiences for everyone on your list with some of these local finds.

Ned Kelly & Company

Photo credit: Ned Kelly & Company

Ned Kelly & Company, Piermont, New York

With hand-painted fabrics, Bernadaud china from France, Egyptian cotton towels, exquisite floral designs and select art and furniture pieces, this purveyor of fine goods in Piermont strives to ensure that patrons “live well at home.” Ned Kelly, the floral designer for Peter Xaviar Kelly’s acclaimed restaurants, also provides complete wedding decor and design, including lighting and quality linens. Located on Piermont Avenue, the village’s main commercial street, visitors also can enjoy lovely Hudson Valley water views and fine area dining after shopping for unique home goods.

Karenderya

Photo credit: Karenderya

Karenderya, Nyack, New York

Treat a loved one to a unique culinary experience this holiday season that will transport you to Southeast Asia without ever checking a bag. Named one of Esquire magazine’s “best new restaurants in America” for 2018, Karenderya is a homey Filipino eatery owned by husband-and-wife team Paolo Garcia Mendoza and Cheryl Baun in Nyack. According to Mendoza, who grew up in the Philippine’s capital city of Manilla before moving to New York when he was 15, the menu is a blend of Indo-Malay, Chinese and Spanish flavors with a dash of Indian. The casual mom-and-pop restaurant, based loosely on the affordable, roadside eateries of the Philippines, offers both traditional and modern Filipino dishes, including Chicken Tocino, chicken marinated in pineapple juice and brown sugar; Pork Ribs Sinigang, pork ribs in sour tamarind broth, bok choy, long beans, served with rice; and unique desserts like Halo-Halo, Filipino shaved ice. Gift certificates are available, and reservations are accepted for groups of six or more.

Antiques Masters

Antiques Masters, Nyack, New York

The historic Hudson Valley has many fine antique shops and galleries that buy, sell and appraise furniture, jewelry, art and other collectibles. Poke around Antiques Masters, a Nyack staple since 1995, specializing in American and European antiques, furniture, art, lighting fixtures and restoration. Owner Mohamed Mahmoud has turned his love for antiques and commitment to personal attention into one of the premier antique shops and refinishing services in the area. Visitors will find an array of unique gift ideas, home décor treasures and inspiration.

Piermont Straus

Photo credit: Piermont Straus

Piermont Straus, Piermont, New York

For the fine art and literary aficionado in your life, visit Piermont Straus, a gallery, foundation and specialty bookstore celebrating the natural beauty, history and culture of the Hudson River valley. Located in Piermont, New York, 15 miles north of Manhattan, the cozy storefront specializes in one-of-a-kind and limited-edition, artist-made prints, paintings, pottery, woodworking, textiles, jewelry, sculpture and an array of plants in unique, handmade earthenware. The vision of award-winning photographer Laura Straus, this magical find now represents more than two dozen artists, offering an ever-changing, sophisticated selection of treasures to explore that capture the spirit of a creative mind. The gallery is open on weekends or by appointment.

Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center

Photo credit: Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center

Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center, Nyack, New York

This holiday season, give a gift that can be enjoyed year-round while benefitting arts education in Hudson Valley public schools: a membership to the Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center in Nyack, New York. Hopper, widely acknowledged as one of the most important painters of 20th century America, was born in Nyack, and his restored residence is on the National Register of Historic Places. Memberships, which can range from $35 for seniors to $70 for an entire household, offer exclusive benefits including unlimited free admission, 10 percent discount in the museum shop, discounts on museum programs and invitations to member-only events, exhibits and programs.

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A Home for the Holidays

As Perry Como famously sang, “There’s no place like home for the holidays.” The holiday season is a time to come together with loved ones to celebrate the season of joy and make lasting memories. It’s a time when a home is transformed into a gathering place for love, laughter and cheer. Explore our distinctive collection of lower Hudson Valley homes with holiday-inspired spaces because “for the holidays, you can’t beat home, sweet home.”

536 N. Broadway, Upper Nyack

A Sanctuary for Life and Work: 536 N. Broadway, Upper Nyack

Truly a unique find, this majestic, artful stone carriage house is a secluded sanctuary featuring a colossal, 9,000-square-foot open floor plan, 11-foot ceilings, polished concrete radiant-heated floors and Italian marble baths. The main level offers a cozy living room with fireplace, open kitchen, dining area and family room. A contemporary staircase leads to an upper-level platform library with built-in book cases and exposed-beam rafters, four bedrooms and two baths. The lower level, which features a separate entrance, is ideal for recreation, work or an artist’s space.

Wonder Falls, 503 N. Broadway, Upper Nyack

503 N. Broadway, Upper Nyack

Wonder Falls, 503 N. Broadway, Upper Nyack

Known as Wonder Falls, this whimsical and artistic property is situated on 3-plus acres and 325 feet of Hudson River shoreline. Featuring an 80-foot waterfall and five wading ponds, this home is reportedly the site where Henry Hudson anchored his ship, Half Moon, on his famous trip up the river. There are cantilevered decks, atriums, multiple levels and surprises at every turn. Created with stone, marble, jade, quartz, glass, stainless steel, mahogany and teak, this one-of-a-kind home features numerous patios, skylights and more. Just 50 minutes to New York City, this ultra-private home is a destination like no other.

Tuxedo Park

Patterson Brook Carriage House, Tuxedo Park

Dating to the 1800s, the gated, Gilded Age enclave of Tuxedo Park (best known as the place where the term “tuxedo” was coined for men’s formalwear) is known as a playground for New York’s affluent and home for those seeking a quiet respite, outdoor recreation and a tightly knit community surrounded by stunning woods, parks and private lakes. The Patterson Brook Carriage House, an original Wagstaff Carriage house circa 1896, is a masterpiece completely rebuilt in 2008, with attention to recrafting key elements of the original design and architectural details. Unique features include a converted former horse stable and two garages with radiant heat and 15-car capacity, providing exceptional spaces for showcasing a fine automobile collection. It also could be a studio for musicians and artists.

Hopewell Farm, Crawford, New York

Hopewell Farm, Crawford, New York

Now you can own a piece of history or, perhaps, a bed and breakfast just 90 minutes from Manhattan. Built in the mid-1780s, historic Hopewell Farm – also known as The John I. Crawford Farm – is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and considered to be one of the best-preserved farms from that era. It remains an iconic landmark in the town of Crawford, named for its founding family. Built by Crawford’s son, Jonathon, who served in the Revolutionary War, the charming five-bed, three-bath home features the unique architectural details of a smokehouse, carriage house and barn. It may be the oldest surviving barn in the United States.

Montgomery, New York

Montgomery, New York

Expansive retreat on 38 acres, Montgomery, New York

Paul Teutul Sr., star of the “Orange County Choppers” and “American Choppers” television series, is selling his expansive Orange County, New York, estate. Its massive garage and farm often were featured on the reality shows.  This one-of-a-kind retreat is nestled on 38-plus private acres with stunning vistas. The main three-bedroom, two-and-one-half bath, log cabin-style home features a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, wrap-around porch and custom in-ground pool. Multiple patios are equipped with Viking grills. They are surrounded by a koi pond, waterfalls and a one-acre, self-feeding pond stocked with fish. For car and biking enthusiasts, the master mechanic and custom fabricator’s home features a two-story showcase garage with two self-contained apartments for guests, plus another working garage suitable for the most discriminating car aficionado or hobbyist.

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Hudson Valley: A Culinary Destination

Just a short drive from New York City, the scenic Hudson Valley is teeming with restaurants and craft breweries that celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage, cuisine and bounty. While autumn in the valley is a renowned fall foliage wonderland, food enthusiasts also flock to the Hudson Valley to explore its restaurants and chef community as well as its amazing farms, wineries and purveyors of local products, from pumpkin ravioli to pumpkin brews. Appealing to the country’s appetite for all things local, homegrown breweries also abound in the Hudson Valley with many of the area’s brightest beer makers brewing with exclusively state-grown ingredients, notably malts and hops. Here are a few popular food and beverage activities worth a visit:

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week
Oct. 29-Nov. 11 (multiple locations)

It’s that time of year when the Hudson Valley’s counties come together to promote their plethora of restaurants and chefs in a two-week celebration of dining. The 2018 Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, Oct. 29 through Nov. 11, features nearly 200 participating restaurants, including more than a dozen eateries new to the lineup this year, according to Valley Table magazine, producer of the event.

This will be an opportunity for chefs to showcase their best culinary creations and for diners to check out new restaurants and visit old favorites. Chefs will feature their best dishes by way of three-course, prix-fixe lunch ($22.95) and dinner ($32.95) menus. Most restaurateurs use locally sourced ingredients in support of the region’s farms, winemakers, distillers and artisanal producers. No passes, tickets or coupons are required; however, reservations are highly recommended.

Hit the Hudson Valley Beer Trail

Hit the Hudson Valley Beer Trail
Industrial Arts Brewing Company, Garnerville, New York

In the lower Hudson Valley, Industrial Arts Brewing Company will have you hitting a high note. Housed in a converted pre-Civil War textile factory that dates to the 1700s, the high-ceiling beer hall in Garnerville, Rockland County, New York, is a simple, yet impressive brewing facility producing high-quality beer. The brewery launched a year-round series of lagers brewed exclusively with New York State ingredients as part of its Landscapes series, which feature the work of a prominent local artist and benefit various nonprofit organizations.

Autumn Landscape is a spicy, rustic harvest lager currently on tap that showcases floor-malted Germantown pilsner malt, special Bavarian Munich malt and a small proportion of rye malt from Hudson Valley Malt. Want a taste for yourself? Ask for the brewer’s favorite and you might get the Tools of the Trade, a bright and hoppy extra pale ale; Metric, a clean and creamy Pilsner; or Wrench IPA. Industrial Arts’ beer hall is open Thursdays to Sundays with a half-dozen beers on tap, plus in cans. The entrance is right under an old smokestack.

Torne Valley Vineyards

Photo Credit: Torne Valley Vineyards

Wine Tasting and Live Music at Torne Valley Vineyards, Hillburn, New York
Weekends in November

It’s been said that if you take a sip of a wine produced in the Hudson Valley, you’ll taste a connection with the landscape surrounding you. The Hudson Valley is the country’s oldest wine-producing region, and many of the picturesque family-owned wineries still produce excellent vintages. Awarded the distinction of becoming the first fully functioning winery in Rockland County, Torne Valley Vineyards vineyard sits on a historic 19th-century country estate. On weekends, guests can enjoy lunch and live music at the winery’s restored Victorian mansion and take a stroll around the beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking the Ramapo River.

Shawangunk Wreath Fineries at the Wineries

Shawangunk Wreath Fineries at the Wineries
Nov. 17-18, Dec. 1-2 and Dec. 8-9
Along the Shawangunk Wine Trail

Nestled between the magnificent Shawangunk Mountains and the majestic Hudson River in Ulster and Orange counties, New York, just 60 miles north of New York City, lies the eighty-mile-long Shawangunk Wine Trail, home to 13 diverse wineries that are as varied as the wines they produce, from small to medium in size and new to old, including one in a 100-year old refurbished barn. Some are quiet, and others offer live music and special events. There is one common thread: each resides in New York State’s beautiful Hudson Valley. Take a self-guided wine tasting tour along the Shawangunk Wine Trail and get a jump start on your holiday shopping with Wreath Fineries at the Wineries, the Shawangunk Wine Trail’s holiday event. Advance tickets only; tickets will not be sold at the door. Visitors will receive a souvenir wine glass, grapevine wreath and Shawangunk Wine Trail ornament.

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Hudson Valley: A Treasure Trove of Architectural Styles

The Hudson Valley is a distinct and diverse architectural region with centuries-old buildings ranging from elaborate Hudson River mansions to one-of-a-kind farmhouses and carriage houses among its bucolic rural towns and villages. Long before its settlement by the Europeans, the fertile valley sustained many communities drawn to the bounty and beauty of the area. The region has since enjoyed continuous growth and prosperity, dotted by a mosaic of homes reflecting a diversity of architectural styles from the Federal period to the revivals of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Many of these homes are lovingly preserved to reflect their period conditions, offering Old World charm with modern amenities, while others reflect the artists and creatives that have helped put their own stamp on this unique area of the country.

Bennett-Deyrup House, Upper Nyack, New York

Bennett-Deyrup House, Upper Nyack, New York

The extraordinary circa 1887 Bennett-Deyrup House, located on the Hudson River in Upper Nyack, New York, is one of the best examples of Queen Anne-style Victorian architecture in the area. Originally built for J. A. Bennett, U.S. Consul to Bogota, it later was home to the Deyrup family for most of the 20th century. Alvin Johnson/Deyrup co-founded the New School of Social Research and established the “University in Exile” program. The mansion, which underwent a masterful $4 million renovation that preserved period architectural details, features a classic asymmetrical exterior design with balconies, turret, belvedere and more. Period features include: embossed Lincrusta ceilings and walls; stained and art glass windows; eight fireplaces, three with original raised Victorian tile work; and four decorative stone mantels.

The Sickles-Tallman House in Orangeburg, New York

The Sickles-Tallman House in Orangeburg, New York

The Sickles-Tallman House in Orangeburg, New York, which dates to the late 1700s, is part of Rockland County history. Nestled on 2.2 private acres, the restored red Dutch colonial estate is one of the few remaining sandstone Sickle family homes in the area once known as Sickletown. It was once owned by Zita Johann, an Austrian-American actress best known for her performance in the 1932 film, The Mummy, with Boris Karloff.  Lovingly restored with over $600,000 in upgrades, the home features Early American touches such as exposed-stone interior walls and intricately carved and tiled mantelpieces, coupled with modern conveniences including a family room with radiant heat, stunning Gunite salt water pool and master Savant system controlling all lighting, television, sound and security systems by phone app.

Clock House, Snedens Landing

Clock House, Snedens Landing

The historic, artistic community of Snedens Landing provides a rustic backdrop for the Clock House, a cottage retreat which gets its nickname from a focal point above the home’s entrance way: a European style clock that protrudes from the slate roof. Noted interior designer Ernest de la Torre, who has been featured in Elle Décor’s list of 25 Top Interior Designers and Architectural Digest for his work, transformed the home with extraordinary architectural design, full of curated experiences at every turn. The home features a dramatic double-height living room and details such as walls stamped in gilded leather from Paris, an 18th century fireplace mantel from London and wood ceiling beams from a 19th century barn in Pennsylvania.

201 Route 9W, Snedens Landing

201 Route 9W, Snedens Landing

The Big House, a manor-style, historic home also in Snedens Landing, is known as one of the oldest homes in Rockland County and, perhaps, the country. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Most significantly, George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette met and dined here during the American Revolution as guests of owner Jonathan Lawrence Jr. It features many charming historic details, including wide-plank floors, 1700s wood paneling, cherry ceiling beams, five working fireplaces and 23-inch-thick walls. The kitchen features an old-style Dutch fireplace, with a large firebox open on both sides.

50 Woods Road, Snedens Landing

50 Woods Road, Snedens Landing

The homes in Snedens Landing are as varied as the people who built them. This pristine, renovated contemporary on a wooded oasis reached by a private road is one of the newer houses in the secluded hamlet, which dates to the 1600s. An extensive, architect-driven renovation transformed the existing contemporary into a 4, 200 square-foot modern house ready for entertaining, with five bedrooms, a large chef’s kitchen, mason-crafted stone deck, three wood burning fireplaces, unique arbors and gardens, complete with a rustic handmade chicken coop.

536 North Broadway, Upper Nyack

536 North Broadway, Upper Nyack

This majestic, artful stone carriage house features a magnificent open colossal floor plan of 9,000 square feet and 11-foot ceilings, polished concrete radiant heated floors and Italian marble baths. The lower level has separate entrance featuring an artist’s work space and recreation options. A contemporary staircase leads to an upper-level platform library with built-in book cases and exposed beam rafters, four bedrooms and two baths to complete a truly a unique home.

Patterson Brook Carriage House, Tuxedo Park

Patterson Brook Carriage House, Tuxedo Park

Dating back to the 1800s, the gated enclave of Tuxedo Park is known for being a playground for New York’s wealthy seeking a quiet respite, outdoor recreation and a tightly-knit community surrounded by stunning woods, parks and private lakes. The Patterson Brook Carriage House, an original Wagstaff Carriage house circa 1896, is a masterpiece completely rebuilt in 2008, with attention to recrafting key elements of the original design and architectural details. Unique features include a converted former horse stable and two garages with radiant heat and 15-car capacity, providing exceptional spaces for showcasing a fine automobile collection. It also could be a studio for musicians and artists.

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Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty and Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center to Host Red Carpet Gala for Local Arts Education Benefiting Hudson Valley Students

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty and Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center to Host Red Carpet Gala for Local Arts Education Benefiting Hudson Valley Students
Hollow High School students engage in arts education program at Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center in Nyack with Jennifer Patton, executive director of the center.

NYACK, N.Y. (Sept. 13, 2018) – Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty has teamed up with Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center in Nyack to host a Golden Age of Hollywood-themed fundraiser Oct. 6 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. to benefit arts education in Hudson Valley public schools.

Edward Hopper House Message in Bottle Art Photo

The Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center partnered with seventh- and eighth-grade art students from South Orangetown Middle School on a project, “Memoirs in A Bottle,” inspired by Hopper’s written correspondence with a stranger who had written a letter in a bottle and thrown it into the Hudson River. Students were paired with senior residents from Dowling Gardens to each create a personalized bottle based on the senior’s life story.

During the last two years, Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty and Edward Hopper House raised about $50,000 to benefit arts education. The program has benefited over 1,000 pupils, encouraging them to expand their artistic analytical skills to become more creative and explore narrative storytelling as it relates to Edward Hopper’s art, home, life experiences and influence.

The gala will be held at Pretty Penny, 235 North Broadway, Nyack, an 1858 Italianate Victorian home overlooking the Hudson River and will include dinner, dancing, a martini bar and red-carpet welcome. The dress code is red carpet glamorous.

Edward Hopper Painting of Pretty Penny

Pretty Penny, painted by Edward Hopper, is in the collection of the Smith College Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. Charles MacArthur (Helen Hayes LHD, class of 1940)

Once owned by actress Helen Hayes, the “first lady of American theater,” and later by comedian, actress and television personality Rosie O’Donnell, the historic home was named Pretty Penny supposedly for the amount it cost to buy and maintain it. Hayes and her playwright husband, Charles MacArthur, moved into the home in 1932 during the Golden Age of Hollywood. There they entertained Marilyn Monroe, Rosalind Russell, Katharine Hepburn, Cole Porter, Laurence Olivier, Vivian Leigh, John Steinbeck, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ed Sullivan, Madonna and President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy, among other celebrities. The home is currently listed for sale by Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty for $3,995,000.

Pretty Penny was painted by Edward Hopper, widely acknowledged as one of the most important painters of 20th century America. It was his only commission. It now is in the collection of the Smith College Museum of Art, Northampton, Massachusetts, Hayes’ alma mater.

Speaking of his firm’s support of Edward Hopper House, Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty, said he “believes in the importance of art education, for both the emotional and educational benefits it can provide young adults and for its influence on the way they appreciate not only art, but anything aesthetic for the rest of their lives.

“Funding for arts education has unfortunately been cut back through the years, and we believe this curriculum is important in creating a confident, well-rounded individual – or maybe even the next Edward Hopper. The Hudson Valley has a rich history of nurturing not only great artists but also free, independent thinkers who aren’t afraid to think out of the box. We have proudly served the Hudson Valley community for more than 33 years and are committed to nurturing our future generations.”

Sleep Hollow high school students at Edward Hopper House in Nyack

Hollow High School students engage in arts education program at Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center in Nyack with Jennifer Patton, executive director of the center.

The program’s curriculum is focused on the recurrent themes and distinctive aesthetics of Edward Hopper’s work and its place in American art. Led by an artist-in-residence at the school, each program session includes an introductory classroom lesson, a visit to the Edward Hopper House and a classroom lesson following the visit.

The Arts Education Program initially was funded in 2016 with proceeds from a fundraiser sponsored by Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty that benefited Nyack Public Schools, Nanuet School District, Clarkstown Schools, East Ramapo Schools, South Orangetown Middle and Sleepy Hollow School District.

“The generosity of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty has allowed the Edward Hopper House to create and sustain a powerful arts education program,” said Jennifer Patton EdD, Executive Director of Edward Hopper House. “Touching the lives and supporting the creativity of over 1,000 students has been made possible by this empowering partnership.”

Ellis said Pretty Penny is the “ideal venue” to celebrate both art education and history, given its special connection with both Edward Hopper as well as to the current owner, art dealer Graham Arader, owner of Arader Galleries in New York City, a leading dealer and auction house of rare maps, prints, books and watercolors of the 16th through 19th centuries. “As the culture of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty is built around the Sotheby’s Auction House, which showcases objects and art of exceptional quality and trends, leading this event is a natural fit for us,” he said.

Limited tickets are available. For more information, email hollywoodgalainfo@gmail.com. To purchase tickets, click here.

About Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty is a leading luxury real estate broker located in the Hudson Valley village of Nyack, approximately 22 miles from New York City at 76 N. Broadway. The firm lists and sells extraordinary properties in New York’s Rockland and Orange counties, specializing in the lower Hudson Valley, from Upper Nyack through Snedens Landing to Tuxedo Park. The firm sells the area’s most extraordinary real estate, from fine country estates, waterfront homes, historic properties, farm houses and contemporaries to Victorians, Greek Revivals and log cabins. Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty associates have extensive knowledge of the lower Hudson Valley, including Nyack, Piermont, Grandview, Palisades, Snedens Landing, New City, Tuxedo Park, Warwick, Goshen, Cornwall, Greenwood Lake, Pierson Lakes, Suffern, West Nyack, Blauvelt and Tappan.

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CONTACT

Evy Apostolatos
RDR PR LLC
Evy@rdrpr.com
973-452-7208

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Ellis Sotheby’s International and Edward Hopper House to host red carpet gala for local arts education

Ellis Sotheby’s International and Edward Hopper House to host red carpet gala for local arts education
Pretty Penny as it is today.

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty has teamed up with Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center in Nyack, New York, to host a Golden Age of Hollywood-themed fundraiser Oct. 6 to benefit arts education in local public schools.

In the last two years, Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty and Edward Hopper House raised about $50,000 to benefit arts education. The program has benefited over 1,000 pupils.

Sleepy Hollow high school students take part in arts education program at Hopper House.

Sleepy Hollow high school students take part in arts education program at Hopper House.

The gala will be held at Pretty Penny, a historic 1858 Italianate Victorian home overlooking the Hudson River in Nyack and will be the party to be at this fall. It will include dinner, dancing, a martini bar and red-carpet welcome. The dress code is red carpet glamorous and black tie optional of course.

Edward Hopper's painting of Pretty Penny.

Edward Hopper’s painting of Pretty Penny.

Once owned by actress and first lady of American theater Helen Hayes, and later by comedian, actress and television personality Rosie O’Donnell, the historic home was named “Pretty Penny,” supposedly for the amount it cost to buy and maintain it.

Hayes and her playwright husband, Charles MacArthur, moved into the home in 1932 during the Golden Age of Hollywood and entertained Marilyn Monroe, Rosalind Russell, Katharine Hepburn, Cole Porter, Laurence Olivier, Vivian Leigh, John Steinbeck, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ed Sullivan, Madonna and President and Mrs. Reagan, among other celebrities.

Katharine Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn partied there.

 

Located at 235 North Broadway in Nyack, the home is currently listed for sale by Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty for $4.45 million.

Pretty Penny home located at 235 North Broadway in Nyack

Pretty Penny as it is today.

Pretty Penny also has the distinction of being painted by Edward Hopper, who is widely acknowledged as one of the most important painters of 20th century America. It was the only one of his paintings ever commissioned. It now is in the collection of the Smith College Museum of Art, Northampton, Massachusetts – Hayes’ alma mater.

Speaking of his firm’s support of Edward Hopper House, Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty, said he believes in the importance of art education, “for both the emotional and educational benefits” it can provide young adults, and for its influence on the way they appreciate not only art, but anything aesthetic for the rest of their lives.

“Funding for arts education has unfortunately been cut back through the years, and we believe this curriculum is important in creating a confident, well-rounded individual – or maybe even the next Edward Hopper!”

Strawtown elementary school students take part in Hopper House art program.

Strawtown elementary school students take part in Hopper House art program.

“The Hudson Valley has a rich history of nurturing not only great artists but also free, independent thinkers who aren’t afraid to think out of the box. We have proudly served the Hudson Valley community for more than 33 years and are committed to nurturing our future generations.”

The program’s curriculum is focused on the recurrent themes and distinctive aesthetics of Edward Hopper’s work and its place in American art. Led by an artist-in-residence at the school, each program session includes an introductory classroom lesson, a visit to the Edward Hopper House and a classroom lesson following the visit.

The Arts Education Program initially was funded in 2016 with proceeds from a fundraiser sponsored by Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty that benefited Nyack Public Schools, Nanuet School District, Clarkstown Schools, East Ramapo Schools, South Orangetown Middle and Sleepy Hollow School District.

“The generosity of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty has allowed the Edward Hopper House to create and sustain a powerful arts education program,” said Jennifer Patton EdD, executive director of Edward Hopper House. “Touching the lives and supporting the creativity of over 1,000 students has been made possible by this empowering partnership.”

Ellis said Pretty Penny is the “ideal venue” to celebrate art history, given its special connection to Edward Hopper as well as the current owner, art dealer Graham Arader, owner of Arader Galleries in New York City, a leading dealer and auction house of rare maps, prints, books and watercolors of the 16th through 19th centuries.

“As the culture of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty is built around the Sotheby’s Auction House, which showcases objects and art of exceptional quality and trends, leading this event is a natural fit for us,” he said.

Limited tickets are available. For more information, email hollywoodgalainfo@ gmail.com.

Source: Rivertown Magazine, September 2018

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Summer Living in the Lower Hudson Valley

The Lower Hudson Valley has long been the summer playground for New Yorkers seeking an escape from urban life. However, in recent years the region has seen resurging popularity among vacationers and second-home buyers seeking an unmatched experience, rich lifestyle and close proximity to NYC.

According to The Wall Street Journal, “busy urban professionals in search of a bucolic retreat close to the city gravitate toward quaint villages in the lower Hudson Valley, home to both weekenders and commuters.”

With expansive parklands, numerous lakes, and of course, access to the Hudson River, summering in the Lower Hudson Valley offers the opportunity for numerous outdoor recreational activities including boating, kayaking, golfing and hiking. With an unpretentious sensibility and low-key luxury, the Lower Hudson Valley is the ideal destination to experience summer living at it’s finest.

316 West Lake Road, Tuxedo Park

Built in 1910 and completely renovated in 2005, this county pied-à-terre features nearly 250 feet of lakefront property on Tuxedo Lake. Tucked away off a quiet road, this dreamy cottage is the epitome of a country retreat.

497 Jersey Avenue, Warwick

Perched on a hillside overlooking glistening Greenwood Lake, this pristine Arts & Crafts-style home makes for an idyllic and magical retreat. Enjoy sunsets on your private dock, or a brisk evening with friends by the stone wood-burning fireplace. Located in the Town of Warwick, which has infinite recreational amenities including: rowing, skiing, hiking, water skiing, ice fishing, boating and golfing.

Wonder Falls: 503 North Broadway, Upper Nyack

Known as Wonder Falls, this whimsical and artistic property is situated on 3+ acres and 325 feet of Hudson River shoreline. Featuring an 80-foot waterfall and five wading ponds, this unique property is reportedly the site where Henry Hudson anchored his Half Moon ship on his famous trip up the river. This ultra private home is a destination like no other.

2 Smith Avenue, South Nyack

Palazzo Mare is a glamorous 7,200 sq. ft. villa modeled after a 15th century Venetian palace. Reminiscent of 1930’s Deco design, the iconic property is situated on the Hudson River with a sandy beach, stone pier, swimming pool and spa—making for a luxurious summer playground.

2 Washington Avenue, Nyack

Retreat to your own private sanctuary along the banks of the Hudson River in this newly renovated contemporary colonial. With sweeping views of the Hudson River and new Tappan Zee Bridge, this relaxing summer property features a 100-foot boat slip and a grand deck for indoor-outdoor living.

231 Sickletown Road, Orangeburg

Dating back to the early 1770s, the Sickles/Tallman House is an award-winning red stone Dutch Colonial home, which boasts modern convenience with early American touches. Beautifully nestled in 2.2 private lush acres, the property features a new 20×60 foot gunite saltwater pool, slate patio, bronze fountain, Jacuzzi spa and outdoor stone kitchen.

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Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty Welcomes Alicia Kunkel

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that Alicia Kunkel has joined the luxury brokerage firm as a licensed real estate salesperson.

Prior to establishing herself in real estate, Kunkel was publisher and editor-in-chief of Les Carats, a luxury lifestyle magazine in New York, and copy editor for Fashion & Beauty Milan, a magazine based in Italy. Kunkel is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors and its multiple listing service.

“With extensive experience in the high-end business arena, Alicia has a trained eye within the luxury market,” said Richard Ellis, owner, Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty. “She also has the unique perspective of working in gemology and the restoration of luxury and exotic cars, a very discerning market with uncompromising clientele. Her signature has been extraordinary customer service and a driven desire to deliver for her clients.”

Traveling throughout the United States and Europe, she developed an appreciation for real estate, architecture and design, said Nancy Bashian Bunin, Ellis Sotheby’s director of business development, adding: “With a focus on all the facets of buying and selling properties, Alicia’s goal is to provide a strategic and inspired real estate experience.”

“I am passionate about real estate and dedicated to providing clients a superior level of attentive service and highly personalized experiences,” said Kunkel. “I am proud to be affiliated with Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty and the opportunities it affords my clients across all price segments.”

Kunkel is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, a nonprofit based in Carlsbad, California, dedicated to research and education in the field of gemology and the jewelry arts. She now resides in Nyack.

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