Author Archives: upstatedowntown

Happy Trails!

Posted on August 25, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews My husband Christopher and I love to hike. That’s why we were excited to explore The Hyde Park Trail in Dutchess County, New York. A 16-mile trail system, encompassing local parks and a nature preserve, wends through … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Hikes, Hudson Valley, Travel, Wellness | Tagged Hudson River Greenway trail, Hudson Valley hikes, Hyde Park Trails | Leave a comment

Pick of the Late Summer Crop

Posted on August 19, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews Ahhh….the days of summer are passing ever so quickly. Why? How? I ask these same questions every year. At the start of summer, it seems we have all the time in the world. Eight weeks later—we find … Continue reading →

Posted in Farm Stands, Farmers' Markets, Local Food | Tagged Choosing Asian eggplant, Choosing new potatoes, Choosing tomatoes, Picking corn in husk, Selecting summer squash | Leave a comment

Awash in Local Suds: Terrapin’s NY Craft BeerFEST

Posted on August 12, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews Despite a rainy Saturday afternoon, spirits were high at the recent New York State Craft BeerFEST, hosted by Terrapin Restaurant in Staatsburg, NY (Dutchess County). It was a sold out crowd…

Posted in Beer + Cider, Hudson Valley, Restaurants | Tagged Brewery Ommegang, Brooklyn Brewery, Brown's Brewing Company, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, Doc's Hard Apple Cider, Josh Kroner, Keegan Ales, NY Craft BeerFEST, Terrapin Restaurant | Leave a comment

Spa Therapy: Lavender Fields Forever

Posted on August 11, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews Complimentary beauty products tend to expire on my dresser—unopened. This lack of curiosity, I attribute partly to my no-fuss, no-frills approach to grooming: other than sunblock and lipstick, my face is naked. The other reason? I have … Continue reading →

Posted in Eco-friendly Products, Wellness | Tagged body scrub, home spa, Lake Austin Spa, Lakehouse bath and body lines, lavender, Shea body butter | Leave a comment

A Thirst-quenching Summer Tonic

Posted on August 7, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews This summer’s relentless heat and humidity has stretched into August, a happy reason to sip some cooling “silly season” cocktails. The ideal summer drink should “invigorate, restore, refresh or stimulate”— Webster’s literal definition of “tonic” — but without a high alcohol content, … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Spirits + Cocktails, Wine | Tagged aperitif wine, Fever-tree, Lillet, Q Tonic, quinine, tonic water | Leave a comment

St. Andrew’s Café: Green Kitchen Back Story

Posted on August 4, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews St. Andrew’s Café, one of five teaching restaurants at the Culinary Institute of America’s leafy campus in Hyde Park, New York, became Dutchess County’s first two star certified green restaurant in 2009. My husband and I recently … Continue reading →

Posted in Hudson Valley, Restaurants | Leave a comment