We never turn down an opportunity to go on an adventure, with or without our kids. So when my in-laws offered to stay at home overnight with the girls so that Emmet and I could have some time together alone, it was a no brainer. Because of the high risk pregnancy, we could not venture more than an hour or so from Bethel, so we came up with the Hudson River Valley as a destination.
We wanted to get outside a bit and explore the region so after about an hour drive, our first stop was the "Walkway Over the Hudson"-a pedestrian bridge that you pick up in "Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park" in Poughkeepsie, NY. Parking costs $5 and you start out on a pretty paved path though some woods before you stroll over the Hudson River. On all sides, you see incredible views of the Catskills and the quaint towns sprinkled along the river's shore. We lucked out with a crisp autumn day feel that had just enough nip in the air to help us decide on a bowl of something warm for lunch.
We wanted to make one stop before heading to our "Air BnB" apartment and we had researched Rhinebeck, NY as a fun, historic village to try out in the area. We chose the "The Tavern at the Beekman Arms-Delamater Inn," the "oldest inn in America" to sit for some delicious butternut squash soup and a hearty BLT. A hot cup of tea for me and a dark stout for Emmet and we were in heaven- no better way to kick off our 24 hours of freedom. A slow enjoyable meal, and the ability to give your spouse your full attention, when you are used to life with young children, becomes a cherished event. We snuck in some window shopping afterward, and a few irresistible truffles from the sweet shop, before we got going.
If you haven't used Air BnB, I highly recommend it. The online reviews force hosts to be accountable for their accommodations, making for a trustworthy and cost effective system of finding a place to stay that is usually cheaper than a hotel and a lot more fun. We used it for the first time during a getaway to Stowe, VT last winter and we've become huge fans. We chose our apartment because it was right on Warren Street, walking distance to all of the shops and restaurants. Our host was excellent and our room was peaceful and clean, the only two things we really required as a Mom and Dad away temporarily escaping family life.
Emmet was most excited about a bar he researched that is housed inside a book store called "The Spotty Dog." It did not let us down; very unique environment where you can browse shelves of books while sipping a pint of your favorite brew. I got a ginger beer and Emmet got an IPA and we liked it in there so much, we found it hard to leave. I wonder how this idea has not caught on in small bookstores across the northeast- I would think it would be a huge hit.
After "The Spotty Dog", we jumped in on an Art Walk that evening, where Emmet enjoyed free wine and cheese, and I remembered how much I love looking at impressionist paintings and discussing compositions and painting styles. We also dabbled in some antiquing, since there was an antique shop every five steps on either side of the street. No two were alike! We were amazed that they all stay in business. We were laughing at ourselves constantly, at the pure joy of slowly exploring these fragile environments to which we could never venture with our 2 and 4 year olds in tow.
We had a hard time narrowing down a place for dinner, but we took the recommendation of the binder in the Air BnB room to check out a Southeast Asian restaurant called "Hudson Food Studio." We shared a bowl of Pho and some "Bao" pork rolls, which hit the spot. Having spent six weeks backpacking through Southeast Asia before we got married, we always love a taste of Vietnam or Thailand when we can get it. Full and tuckered out, we headed back to our cozy bed. The romantic getaway was made complete with the addition of every parent's constantly sought after dream- a long, uninterrupted sleep.
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Accustomed to getting up at 6 am everyday, sleeping in until 8 felt like a treat. The sky was beautiful as we stepped out of our B&B and walked across the street for some breakfast.
In contrast to my normal routine of slurping coffee while cleaning up spilled Cheerios and trying to convince my children to eat one more bite of their toast and "ask to be excused," my cappuccino and freshly baked chocolate croissant at a quiet Patisserie was simply divine. In light of the attacks in Paris, the French ambiance felt bittersweet.
We left our breakfast feeling completely satisfied and decided to stretch the legs a bit before heading back in the car for the hour and a half ride down the Taconic to CT to rescue Emmet's parents from our munchkins. We wanted to check out some of the famous back alleys of Hudson and look at the diverse architecture that makes this town so beautiful and charming. Pretty corners like this one below made me love this revived little town- I felt as though I must return to see more of it someday.
I was very inspired by the history of Hudson, and the way in which it has come back in such a strong and positive way. It left me full of "make over" ideas for our small town of Bethel, and with a feeling of hope for many of the other run down towns in New York and New England that we love, that seem to long for some fresh paint and attention as well.
Thank you Hudson- you were the perfect place for a very special, and very needed "baby moon" before we become parents of three in January, and thank you Rosalie and Tom, for giving the girls such fun memories with you while we were gone.
