Well, that’s it!  All the glorious leaves have fallen–and now for one of my favorite seasons (and John’s least favorite)  I adore the beauty of winter–especially as it reveals itself here in the Hudson Valley.  I hope we get a lot of snow like last year–SNOWSHOES!  If you haven’t checked out the Catskills in the winter–I highly recommend it.  I can offer some type of discount in the winter months–midweek–so if you are tempted–just give me a call.  The Hudson Valley now has these wonderful coffee houses popping up in every town–The Muddy Cup.  In Saugerties (just a short drive from Woodstock)  you can catch fantastic book readings/signings, live music, great coffee–and a book in a cozy, warm setting.  What better way to spend a wintery evening! 

peace,

karen

Just wanted to write a quick note before I am off for a few days.  What an awesome day today in Woodstock–moody, overcast and  sunny!  I love those days.  Most of the leaves are down–so you can now drive through the back roads (or run like John and I) and see all the quaint Woodstock houses you never get to see in the summer!  I love the architecture here!  Check out the new Catskill Mountain Guide for November–you not only get some great articles about what to do and see in the area–but this month–you’ll get to read an article about our dog Willy!! Yes, Jimmy Buff (friend, author, WDST DJ, and fellow runner) writes about Willy—and calls him one of the finest Catskill Mountain runners!  Don’t I know it–I can never keep up with him! 

Ramble alert this weekend!  Catch it if you can!  And if you can’t–check out the 98.1 WKZE Concert series right up the street from us at the Kleinert/James Arts Center–you will get to hear one of the finest bands from Woodstock–THE TRAPPS!!  Seriously–they are an amazing band!

cheers,

karen

Sorry about the absence…I plum forgot I was a blogger!  Woodstock is absolutely balmly today.   My friend Jessie just called me from the top of Overlook to report on the last of the leaves.   This is perhaps the final weekend that one can catch a few on the trees.   It has been a long, gorgeous autumn.  I ran the Rail Trail out off of Rte. 209 this week with Willy –what a great spot.  One of the things I love about the Catskills is the varitey of trails and terrain one can find.  I look forward to some snowshoeing as soon as I can.  If your coming the Woodstock this weekend–check out the live music at the Colony tomorrow night.  Local aritst & musician, Jusin Love always puts on quite a show! 

karen

The leaves continue to cling and color is alive!  Yesterday was gorgeous–today is overcast and moody–but still beautiful!  Perhaps a hike with Willy tomorrow–however, I heard there may be snow showers?!! or was that a viscious rumor?  If you haven’t been up to the Catskills yet for the foliage–now is the time!  This weekend you can cuddle a pig-if you are so inclined, at the Catskill Animal Sanctuary or check out Woodstock Animal Sanctuary where you can have a tour on Saturdays and Sundays.  For you art lovers there is the Woodstock Byrdcliff Show and Sale up on the hill–or check out the always interesting show at the Varga Gallery.  Music can be heard at the Colony Cafe, the Muddy Cup (Saugerties) or at the Rosendale Cafe–all have great shows to catch this weekend.

peace,

karen

Or anywhere else for that matter!  What a weekend in the Catskills!  Cold, crisp–and gorgeous.  Yes, I went hiking again–and loved it.  Out in the Balsam Lake area of the Catskills.  There was a rumor that a mountain lion had just been spotted on the trail–that was my cue to hightail it out of there!  Bears I can handle (sort of) but I feared more for Willy’s (my pup)  well being–it may have been just a bobcat–but I was not taking any chances!  This weekend we have the  ever popular Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck and the Autumn Festival in Shokan, both really worth checking out.  In a couple of weeks Woodstock’s most popular “holiday”  Halloween will be upon us!  If you have never had the pleasure of being in Woodstock on this evening–give it a try–you won’t regret it!

peace,

karen

Off to hike Windham with some friends and Willy.  The day couldn’t be better!  If you have never hiked in the Catskills–too bad for you!  Come on up and give it a try–you won’t regret it! 

peace,

karen

Well, I finally went to my first Levon Helm Midnight Ramble! (www.levonhelm.com) What an amazing treat!  Now I know what everyone is talking about each Sunday morning when they come in for breakfast raving about the concert.  The Swell Season, a truly amazing band from Ireland, opened the show–I was moved beyond words.  Then the treat of watching Mr. Helm smile, play and sing–along with an amazing cast of musicians including his daughter Amy–well–at times I was moved to tears!  If you haven’t been–save your pennies and GO!!   I guess I will leave today’s entry at that–everything else pales by comparison!

peace,

karen

Sun shining, stream flowing–I can’t think of anywhere else I would rather be!   I am planning a huge hike tomorrow on the Escarpment Trail with friends.  It is a 18.6 miles hike from Windham to North/South Lake a bit of a challenge–but the views will be worth it.   The leaves should be gorgeous!   I will take my camera and post some pics when I return.  There is a lot happening this week and weekend in Woodstock and the area.  If you have never been to a Ramble–plan ahead now and buy your tickets for this coming winter!  Check out www.levonhelm.com.  Also in Rhinebeck this weekend is the Antique Fair on Saturday and Sunday.  On Saturday night at  the Bearsville theater is the Center for Photography’s annual benefit gala.   So much to do!  Don’t forget bluegrass at The Colony Cafe on Thursday nights.  Until friday…

peace,

karen

If you are not up here in Woodstock today you are missing out!  Amazing glorious sunshine– blue, blue skies, just a perfect day for all the buzz and festivities of the Woodstock Film Festival.  Everyone here at breakfast is trying to plan their hike in between movies!  I sat by the Millstream this morning with Willy (my darling pup) taking in the sunshine, the sounds of nature, caffeine (of course) and realized again how lucky I am to be able to live here!  Wish you were here……………

peace,

karen

Tis the season to go hiking in the Catskills!  Fall beauty is just beginning and I am off Wednesday and Thursday to hike as much as I can.  If you do make it up here on a mid-week getaway–check out Woodstock’s best kept secret on Thursday nights at The Colony Cafe–Bluegrass!  And I mean –bluegrass at its finest!