Upstate 101: Four Upstate Places I Know and Love
The next installment by guest poster Susan Barnett.
Walkway Over the Hudson
A reader of an earlier column asked for some insider info on various towns in the Hudson Valley and Catskills. I grew up in Woodstock, summered in Rosendale and Cherry Valley, lived in Kinderhook and Chatham, left the state for many years and moved back to Woodstock about seven years ago. I’ve gotten around to a few towns during my time as a reporter for the regional NPR affiliate and an unrepentant Sunday driver, but I will not pretend to be an expert on every town. So I’ll stick with what I know: four counties I know pretty well, and some of the towns I love there.
#1 Columbia County
Rolling fields, farmland, charming little towns and one darned good city – that, for me, is Columbia County. Just north of Dutchess and within a commute to Albany, it was a bit of a stepchild for many years, but it’s no secret anymore.
Of course you know about Hudson. The historic port city had a resurgence as an antiques center a few years back, and now it’s a hip, happening place with upscale shops, outstanding restaurants and one of the best music venues around – Helsinki Hudson.
But my heart belongs to Chatham. It’s an old railroad town with just one commercial street, really – but what a great street! A great old movie house, good restaurants, a shoe store that’s been there forever, and a bookstore you must visit.
On the jump, more Columbia, Dutchess, Greene and Ulster County delights
Five-Figure Friday: Marlboro Colonial, $99,900
We had to journey just outside of Milton into Marlboro to find a five-figure property this week. And yes (you know the drill): It needs work. Probably a lot, although the living room looks okay. Looks like there was (is?) an apartment in the basement, due to the existence of a range and some counters. The exterior, however, doesn’t seem half bad. The house is walking distance to lots in the hamlet of Marlboro, including the Raccoon Saloon.
more after the jump…
Milton Farmhouse, $158,900
Sometimes we wonder if the term “curb-appeal” actually means “looks better on the outside than the inside.” That certainly seems to be the case with this farmhouse in Milton, but it appears all the stuff that needs improvement is simply cosmetic, like the overwhelming floral wallpaper and the not-so-lovely carpeting. For the price, though, perhaps someone would be willing to pour some love into it so that the inside matches the outside. All the good stuff is there; it just needs to be woken up.
more after the jump…
A Bird’s Eye View of Tannersville
Or, rather, a teeny tiny drone’s eye view. We caught this video, um, flying around on Twitter and thought we’d share it with you. Sure is perdy up there.
Upstater Destinations: Olana on the Move
Olana Historic Site, via National Park Service website
May is such an action-packed month in the Hudson Valley and Catskills. Farmers markets are opening up for the season, outdoor street festivals are ramping up (speaking of ramping up, we hope you were able to get to Ramp Fest in Hudson this year; we hear it was big fun), and spring-time family activities abound. Looking for something to do with the kids? Head over to Olana, the legendary home of Hudson River School painter Frederic Church. Every Thursday-Sunday from April to December, Olana offers “Olana on the Move with Backpacks”, which gives families the opportunity to take a self-guided tour of the grounds. Every participant gets a backpack filled with maps, activities to do during your tour, and sketch paper in case you find yourself artistically inspired by Olana’s breathtaking surroundings. The program offers two themed tours and backpacks: “Exploration Today: Discover Olana”, or “View it Like an Artist”.
The tour is free, but it costs $5 to park. You can learn more about this program and others like it on Olana’s public programs page.
Looking for even more activities to do with the family? Check out Chronogram Magazine’s “May Kids and Family Listings” on their website, and bid your cabin fever a fond Good Riddance.
One of Olana’s majestic views of the Catskills, via Wikipedia
Milton Vintage Colonial, $369,900
We love this beautiful circa-1847 ornate Colonial, right near the shores of the Hudson in Milton, with its plank wood floors and period detailing inside. If we lived here, we would take out the mustard-colored carpets, re-wallpaper/paint, and then figure out a way to remedy the wood paneling in some of the bedrooms. Regardless, all of the elements of a great house already exist. Nice views of the Hudson are always a bonus, and we absolutely adore the detached carriage house/garage.
more after the jump…
From the Flickr Pool: Full of Potential
flxBuffalo
This lovely image by fixBuffalo made it to our Flickr pool. Join us there, and show us your vision of upstate New York.
Car-Free Country House: Phoenicia Cottage, $127,500
Admittedly, we had a bit of chuckle over the above photo of this cottage, located about a 5 minutes walk from Main Street in Phoenicia. What cottage? Where? Oh, THERE it is, peaking out from our the bushes. But we take no issue at all with how well it’s hidden considering its proximity to the road. Privacy is good. And although it’s less than 1,000 square feet, it would be great as an upstate, countrified pied a terre, since the Trailways stops right on Main Street in Phoenicia. You know what else is on Main Street in Phoenicia? Sweet Sue’s. One of our readers mentioned that they’re back as of May 10. Now if you’ll excuse us, we need to go get our pancake on.
more after the jump…
Victorian in Milton, $199,999
It’s properties like this and others we found in Milton that make us think that riverside living is possible without breaking the bank. Now, if only we could do something about the taxes. Regardless, 12 Watson Avenue is sweet, simple, and right across the street from the Hudson, which means seasonal views. Love the arched dining room from with bay windows, not to mention the rosettes and nice wood detailing. The lot is small but pretty. Plus, it’s a short drive up 9W to the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the Poughkeepsie train station, for those looking to commute.
more after the jump…
Rental of the Week/From the Listings: Rhinebeck Roadhouse, $5,500/month
In case you haven’t noticed, we now have real estate listings again. Hurray! If you haven’t yet checked them out, you should. We’re still trying to beef it up, but there are already some swell properties listed there, including rentals, like this swingin’ Rhinebeck mid-century modern. It’s been completely renovated, according to the listing, and it’s ready to rent for the short-term or a longer term from Labor Day to Memorial Day. We love that it’s near a pond with a fabulous fountain. If that’s not water enough for you, it also includes a heated in-ground pool. Other amenities: Brand-new kitchen, two fireplaces, flat screen TVs and WIFI. You might even be able to bring your furry companions. Interested? Check out the listing for contact information.
more after the jump…
