Festival Of Lights returns to Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard through December 31st.

November 20, 2023 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

*Follow the lit path through a fantasy land of lights and sound.*

The fantastic Festival of Lights has returned to Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard in North Salem. This is a great way to experience the holiday season.

The orchard is has been transformed into a wonderland of lights. You begin at the bottom of the hill and walk through a tunnel of light. The apple trees are wrapped in thousands of lights as your path winds you up hill. There is a special “under the sea” section this year with lighted fish, mermaids, octopus, and a spectacular display of jellyfish that float overhead. Hidden speakers play the sound of running water.

Higher up the hill there are special light displays, farm tractors decorated in lights, and other interactive displays. At the summit you can enjoy the view back down the hill of the lights. Here is a great place to take a break and purchase a drink of cider or hot chocolate.

Harvest Moon states that there is over 500,000 lights in the display this year. The trail is roughly one half mile long from start to finish and you can take your time enjoying the display. The adventure continues as you make your way down hill past a snow globe, shooting star and much more. As you conclude your magical tour, a tunnel of blue lights is the final step. Back at the farm, grab a seat by the bonfire or inside the tent and enjoy some of the food and beverages for sale including giant pretzels, cider donuts, hot chocolate or some Hardscrabble Hard Cider.

Wear proper footwear for walking and dress warm.

For tickets and information: https://harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com/festival-of-lights

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard

130 Hardscrabble Rd. North Salem NY, 10560

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An Evening with Vanessa Williams featuring “Tripped Up” At the Jacob Burns Film Center

October 18, 2023October 18, 2023 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

Join actor and musician Vanessa Williams as The Jacob Burns Film Center celebrates her career with her latest movie Tripped Up. Vanessa will be joined by Tripped Up director, Shruti Ganguly. They will host a Q & A following the screening of the film

Aspiring chef Lizzy sets off with her three best friends in tow to compete in the prestigious Saucy Food Festival. What begins as a calculated career move quickly turns into a madcap misadventure full of food, fun and female bonding. These young women learn that struggle can be the secret ingredient to success.

Followed by a reception in the Jane Peck Gallery. The wines for this evening are generously donated by Best Wine Purveyors.

This is just another of the great events and film screenings at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville.

For tickets and additional information including the film trailer visit:

https://burnsfilmcenter.org/booking/an-evening-with-vanessa-williams-featuring-tripped-up/

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The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze returns September 15th

September 15, 2023 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

The ultimate fall experience in the Hudson Valley has returned. The Great Jack O Lantern Blaze kicks off the fall season on September 15, 2023 and runs through November 19^th. A great event for all ages.

Located on the grounds of an 18th-century estate on the banks of the Croton River in Westchester, Van Cortlandt Manor is perfect setting this popular event. Enter through an arched gate of lit and carved pumpkins along dark paths lit with lanterns. The mood has been set for an event like no other.

***Walk through a path of pumpkin jellyfish***

Artists have been at hard at work carving thousands of pumpkins and transforming this historic site into a magical Halloween world. Guests will marvel at the pumpkin lit tunnel, the bridges, and other features such as the giant spider web and the smoke bellowing dragon, all crafted with lit Jack O’ Lanterns.

There is a blend of history with the artistry as there is the Museum of Pumpkin Art (MOPA) with famous paintings (American Gothic, Mona Lisa, The Scream and others) rendered in lit carved pumpkins. The fantastic lit windmill recalls New York’s Dutch heritage and is surrounded by tulips carved in the pumpkins. The Celtic origins of the season are represented in a display of Celtic knots carvings.

Visitors will enjoy a dazzling display of jellyfish, flowers, fish, The Headless Horseman, ghosts, scarecrows, dinosaurs, the New York City skyline and so much more.

New this year is the fantastic Ferris wheel, the carnival side show and the Day of The Dead. As you wind toward the end you come to the manor house itself which puts on a dazzling light display.

Food and beverage are available at the Café Blaze and fun gifts can be purchased at the “Bootique.”

***The Manor house transformed into a magical light display***

This is the perfect event to celebrate the fall season right in the Hudson Valley!

. Proceeds from your ticket purchase support the education and preservation efforts of Historic Hudson Valley.

For tickets and more information: https://pumpkinblaze.org/blaze-hudson-valley.html

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Caramoor announces an exciting slate of live music for the Summer 2023 Season

May 17, 2023May 17, 2023 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

Caramoor is not only one of the premier music venues in our area, it is truly a local treasure. You may have the impression Caramoor only features string quartets and classical music performances, but it is so much more. This season will feature a wide variety of music genres including jazz, blues, American standards, swing, folk, world music, gospel, opera and classical. There is something for everyone. The creative staff at Caramoor has curated a diverse and exciting season of music.

Opening night is Saturday June 17^th featuring the amazing Audra McDonald. The Tony, Emmy and Grammy award winner will be at Caramoor’s Venetian Theater performing songs from the Great American Song Book.

Sunday June 18^th will feature a fun event with the Hot Jazz Frolic at the Friends Field Tent. The tent will be turned into a 1920s jazz club where you can dance or just sit back and enjoy the music.

A very special performance of Francesca Caccini’s “Alcina” opera will be performed on Sunday June 25^th. This opera is unique in that was written by a woman. It should be a very special evening.

Other special performances will be Over the Rainbow, the Songs of Harold Arlen . Broadway performers will be singing from a selection of songs from this legendary song writer on July 8^th.

For something completely different, DakhaBrakha a Ukrainian band with roots in folk, punk,rock and hip hop will perform their unique sound on July 14^th.

Samara Joy, the phenomenal 23 year old jazz singer will be on Friends Field on August 4^th. The Verve Records recording artist has been compared to the legendary Sarah Vaughn and is a must see show.

The next night, 5 time Grammy and two CMA award winner, Mary Chapin Carpenter and her band will rock the stage on August 5^th. This music legend is a performance you’ll want to attend .

This is just a sample of the many performances this season at this amazing music venue. Caramoor is special as it matches its performances to its various unique venues within the property. There is the Venetian Theater (main stage), Friends Field, Music Room (indoor), Sunken Garden and the intimate Spanish Courtyard.

For more information on Caramoor and its Summer 2023 season: http://www.caramoor.org

Caramoor

149 Girdle Ridge Road Katonah New York

Visitors can take the Free Shuttle from Katonah Train Station to the venue before and after each concert.

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Rhinebeck Car Show returns May 5th to May 7th

May 5, 2023 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

A great local car show returns to the Hudson Valley on May 5^th-7^th 2023. The Hudson Valley Antique Auto Association presents the Rhinebeck Car Show 2023 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in beautiful Rhinebeck New York

The event kicks off the classic car show season in our area. Spectators from all over the Hudson Valley and the Northeast attend this yearly show.

The event spans three days and opens Friday May 5^th with an automotive swap meet with vendors selling classic auto parts and more. There is even a “Car Corral” where you can view and purchase a classic car.

Saturday features an all Hot Rod and Custom car show. The show field will be filled with an amazing collection of custom cars.

Classic and antique autos will be in the spotlight on Sunday as the field will be filled with beautiful classics. There will be 60 different awards for the numerous categories of classic cars.

There is plenty of free parking and food available for purchase on the grounds. The Rhinebeck Car Show is a great event right here in the beautiful Hudson Valley. After the show you can visit the beautiful village of Rhinebeck with great shops and places to dine.

For more information: http://www.rhinebeckcarshow.com

Dutchess County Fairgrounds
Route 9 (6550 Spring Brook Ave.)
Rhinebeck, NY

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Unique “experiences” await at Hemlock Hill Farm in the Hudson Valley

October 13, 2022October 14, 2022 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

Life should be an accumulation of memorable experiences. Events which we can enjoy and that we can reflect upon later only to recall with fondness.

This past weekend we discovered such a memorable experience tight here in the Hudson Valley at Hemlock Hill Farm in Montgomery New York (Orange County). An easy 1 hour drive from Westchester.

This small farm is tucked up on a hillside surrounded by woods. Upon exiting your car you will immediately notice the quiet and the serenity of this place. Hemlock Hill Farm offers several “experience” options. On this particular beautiful October day we decided to try the “Brunch with Rescued Donkeys”. We were greeted by our host Kaity who introduced us to the three rescue donkeys, who were friendly and adorable. The donkeys are all in a fenced in field but they did stay close by as we prepared to sit down for brunch.

The brunch table was artistically and tastefully set on a rustic, century old picnic table. Green boughs and pumpkins lined the center of the table, and china plates, teacups and silverware completed the setting. On a separate table was a beautifully arranged display of prepared foods and baked goods. All were made fresh by Kaity.

***Rustic and elegant***, **the perfect setting for brunch**

We were treated to quiche, pumpkin muffins, apple cider donuts, mini apple pies, and more. There were also veggies, pita and hummus. Mason jars offered either small salads, or a potpourri of fruit and nuts. The presentation was attractive and imaginative. Coffee, tea and apple cider were also served. It was indeed a memorable brunch. As we enjoyed the fresh made meal, the donkeys wandered about in the enclosed field.

***A beautiful assortment of freshly made menu items***

After our delightful brunch we entered the barn to meet the rescue horses, and the very friendly rescue goats. The baby goats were especially happy to greet us. There were also chickens on the property which provide the farm with fresh eggs. It was great to interact with these animals.

Another experience offered is “glamping”. This activity has grown enormously in the past few years. The term describes traditional outdoor camping blended with a more upscale modern and comfortable aesthetic. The tent on the farm was the perfect combination of the rustic outdoors and romantic comfort. This is the perfect place to escape and disconnect. The cream colored tent includes a large nicely made bed with decorative pillows, comforter and even an electric blanket. The tent has a mini fireplace which is actually an electric space heater, a chair and some board games. Outside the tent is surrounded by hand laid stone walls and more seating, a table, a cupboard and cooking stove add to the ambiance. You have your own mini compound. I can imagine stepping out of the tent at night and looking up at the stars of the Hudson Valley sky as they softly illuminate the farm.

The farm offers other experiences as well and we encourage you to check out their website. The farm is minutes from area attractions including Angry Orchard Cider, City Winery, orchards and of course all the great hiking in the area.

We remember with fondness our afternoon we spent at the farm and look forward to returning once again.

Hemlock Hill Farm

211 Youngblood Road Montgomery New York (Orange County)

http://www.hemlockhillfarm.net it is “net” not “.com”

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Felice County Fair features live bands, food and craft beer at Arrowood Farm Brewery in the Catskills. Saturday October 1st.

September 29, 2022October 3, 2022 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

Here is a fun event this weekend. Take a ride to Arrowood Farm Brewery in Accord New York, Ulster County. The farm is an easy 90 minute drive from Northern Westchester County and lies just west of New Paltz New York in the beautiful Hudson Valley.

This year’s Felice County Fair will take place on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at Arrowood Farm Brewery. The festival and will feature artists performing on one stage in addition to great local food vendors, craft beer, and other activities.

Unique and Collaborative Sets Featuring Performances by CONOR OBERST · THE FELICE BROTHERS · HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF · EVAN STEPHENS HALL (PINEGROVE) · HALEY HEYNDERICKX · AL OLENDER · and WILLIAM LAWRENCE. plus additional special guests.

The Felice Brothers are a country/rock band from the Catskills, and have released several albums. Hurray for the Riff Raff describes its genre of music as “Americana” and they are from New Orleans. The band is headed by lead singer Alynda Segarra, and has released 10 albums since 2007.

It sounds like a great day in the country with live bands, food and of course the great craft beer from Arrowood Farm Brewery.

Please check out this link for more information, tickets, what and what not to bring etc.

Link to festival >> http://www.felicecountyfair.com

Arrowood will be hosting other events during the fall, so check their website .

Felice County Fair at:

Arrowood Farm Brewery

236 Lower Whitfield Rd, Accord, NY 12404 http://www.arrowoodfarms.com

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Hearts of the Hollow, a new musical based on the Legend of Sleepy Hollow now on stage in Carmel

September 14, 2022 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

A new musical has opened right here in the Hudson Valley. Hearts of the Hollow is a musical adaptation of the classic short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” written by Washington Irving. Irving was one of America’s first well known authors and was a resident of Tarrytown, New York.

Set in the early 1800’s in the rolling farmlands around Tarrytown, the famous tale involves a Hessian soldier who was killed during the Revolutionary war, and his head was separated from his corpse. The Headless Horseman as he is known terrorizes the countryside and its residents searching for his lost head.

The residents of the area live in fear of the mysterious horseman. But life in the Hollow goes on with crops to harvest, school to teach, and of course romance.

Hearts of the Hollow is a two act, 20 song musical with music and lyrics by Patricia White, and score by Mo Khoder. Patricia White also wrote the play and served as producer. She was inspired by a live reading of the story and thought it would make a fine musical. She was correct.

All the main characters from the original tale are here as well as some new characters. The story mixes they mystery and spookiness of the original tale and adds the lightness of romance, and learning to follow your heart.

The cast includes Yasmin Ranz-Lind as Katrina Van Tassel, Wayne Hu as her father, Justin Witwick as Ichabod Crane, DaShaun Williams as Brom Bones, as well as 9 other actors. The crafting of the tale goes from the macabre to the lighthearted, and the songs are crafted to fit the mood. You will be alarmed when the Headless Horseman himself finally enters the theater and surprises the audience. Such fun!

Part of the magic of the show is the use of a projection screen as the background which changes the setting to farmland, to house interiors, to even a fog filled forest. It was very effective. The cast also moves down the center aisle of the theater bringing the action into the audience. The songs included “City Life” which the audience was singing and humming outside at intermission. The finale which included the whole ensemble, “Looking up” wowed the audience into a standing ovation.

The venue is inside the Whipple-Feely Chapel in Carmel, a 19th century church and is the perfect stage for this production. This is just the right play to get you in the Halloween spirit!

This special seasonal event takes place in Carmel, NY at the Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park inside the historical Whipple-Feely Chapel. Shows run every weekend from September 9 to October 31, 2022. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. On Monday, October 31, there will be a special Halloween performance at 8 pm. Arrive in costume on Halloween to be eligible to win a prize!

Hearts of the Hollow takes place at The Whipple-Feeley Chapel located at The Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park

201 Gipsy Trail Road, Carmel, NY 10512

Dates: Every weekend from September 9 – October 31, 2022

For tickets and information, please visit: https://www.heartsofthehollow.com/

Director: Jennifer Sandella

Choreographer: Paul Aguirre

Book: Patricia White, Mo Khoder

Music & Lyrics: Mo Khoder, Patricia White

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Go Grape Stomping at Robibero Family Vinyards September 22-23rd

September 21, 2018September 21, 2018 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

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Looking for a really fun and unique event? Then go grape stomping at Robibero Family Vineyards at their annual Grape Stomping Festival. This years festival will take place on Saturday September 22nd and Sunday September 23rd 2018 . The winery is open from 11 am to 6 pm.

At the event you will be able to take off your shoes and climb into a barrel filled with grapes and stomp away. It is a great photo opportunity and something you will always remember. No worries as there will be a station to wash off your feet after your stomping.

Your ticket price in addition to the stomping, a wine tasting of their fabulous wines in the tasting room or you may choose instead of the tasting to have a glass of wine and take home one logo glass.

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Robibero produces premium artisan wines that are handcrafted in small batches. Some of the wines available are Chardonnay, Reisling, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and some delightful hybrid blends. All the wine is made on site. Bottles or cases are available for sale at the tasting room.

There will be live music from 2pm to 5 pm both days. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the winery, but space is limited. Kids under 13 can stomp for free! Non Drinkers can purchase a stomp only ticket for just $10.

There is also live music both days from 1 to 5 pm, food truck, and a bon fire.

Enjoy a beautiful day in the heart of the Hudson Valley and after the winery check out the shops and great restaurants in nearby downtown New Paltz.

See you there!

Robibero Family Winery

714 Albany Post Road New Paltz New York tel: 845-255-9463

http://www.robiberofamilyvineyards.com/Home_Page.html

tickets >>>> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grape-stomping-festival-at-robibero-winery-tickets-42648945143

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Ramiro’s 954: An Authentic Latin Fusion eatery with a fresh innovative menu

December 30, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

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I visited Ramiro’s 954 restaurant as I was excited to try a Latin fusion eatery with a stellar reputation. Located over the border of Northern Westchester in Mahopac NY, the restaurant is warm and inviting with bright colors and wood trim and ceiling beams that create the a Latin atmosphere. Ramiro’s 954 has a lovely menu with a contemporary of blend of cuisine from Spain and Latin America.

The bar offers a nice selection as well of cocktails and wine. The White Sangria that I tried was one of the best I have ever had. Light, fruity and sweet and it made me feel like I was on vacation. The classic Mojito is a perfect choice and was served in a tall glass with muddled mint leaves, lime, club soda and white rum and was delicious.

White Sangria

Mojito

Ramiro’s offers a large selection of appetizers and it is hard to choose which one. We sampled several from the menu. Standouts for me are the Empanadas de Picadillo, a crispy turnover filled with ground beef, garlic, onion, pepper, red wine and served in a sweet chipotle cream sauce. Everyone at the table thought they were fresh and fantastic.

Empandas

Another nice choice is the Platano Relleno, a great dish comprised of fried sweet plantain stuffed with chicken, peppers and served with a black bean puree, queso fresco, and avocado sauce. A real knockout dish and great to share with your fellow dinner guests.

Platano Relleno

If you are a taco lover, try the Tacos Dorado, crispy corn tacos filled with BBQ pork, chipotle, mango salsa and queso fresco. This was a big hit with the combo of BBQ and fresh ingredients. There are 15 items alone on the appetizer menu. Some of the appetizers are available in vegetarian form.

Tacos Dorado

There is also a Ceviche menu and I highly recommend the trio tasting, which consists of Ceviche de Camaron: blanched shrimp, roasted tomato sauce and orange juice, onion, jalapeno pepper, avocado and cilantro. The other sample was Chifa de Atun, which is tuna in lime juice with seaweed salad, jalapenos and soy-habanero sauce. The last of the ceviche trio was sliced salmon in lime juice with wasabi avocado sauce. This innovative ceviche menu was delightful and was beautifully presented.

trio of Ceviche

Main Course: It was a challenge to narrow down our entree course as there is such a unique and interesting selection of dishes. There are 20 selections from which to choose.

The filled Mahi-Mahi (Dorado con Risotto) is a stellar pick. Fresh grilled Mahi-Mahi is served with mushroom risotto, lime blackened sea salt butter in a sour orange reduction. The fish was lightly grilled so that there was a perfect balance of grill flavor blended with the fresh tender fish.

Mahi-Mahi

If Paella is your favorite (as it is mine), go for the delicious traditional Spanish dish with saffron rice, and a healthy portion of shrimp, scallops, mussels, chicken and chorizo.

Paella

For shrimp lovers, try the Cameron Enchilado– seared shrimp served in a mild tomato sauce, diced grilled pineapple, rice and zucchini salad. This dish is a true masterpiece with a delectable blend of tastes and a nice presentation.

Cameron Enchilado

The meat lover in our party was very happy with the Grilled Skirt Steak served over morita chiles sauce, carmelized onions, green beans, and white rice. There are quite a few beef and chicken choices as well as dishes for vegetarians.

Dessert: Save room for the homemade desserts! A unique selection is the Bananas Fritas, crispy bananas coated in cornmeal and cinnamon served with caramel sauce with cinnamon cookies. Tasty and creative! Chocolate lovers will find the Torta de Chocolate the correct choice. A chocolate tart served Latin style with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce. The chocolate chip cheesecake is light and creamy and the perfect ending to this great meal.

Bananas Fritas

Torta de Chocolate

I tried the Coconut Martini which can be enjoyed prior to you meal or as I did at the end. The drink was cool and refreshing and gave me a taste of the tropics.

Ramiro’s is quite popular with the locals. However, I felt that I was eating in a top Latin Bistro in New York City or Westchester. Chef and owner Ramiro Jimenez has created a friendly, top quality restaurant, with great service, and an innovative and interesting menu with something for everyone. He has also written a cookbook called the “Daily Feast Cookbook” and is passion for cooking is apparent.

So take the few extra minutes and cross over the Westchester border into Mahopac and taste the great menu at Ramiro’s 954

Ramiro’s 954

954 Route 6 Mahopac New York tel: 845-621-3333

website : http://www.ramiros954.com

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