October 2023 Edition: Monthly blog where I share some of my favorite events, local Hudson Valley Spots, brands, and products that I’ve been loving this past month.
Local Spots - Perfect for Halloween & Fall:
Armour–Stiner Octagon House | “Myths & Mysteries” - Irvington, NY
The Armour–Stiner House is an octagon-shaped and domed Victorian-style house located at 45 West Clinton Avenue in Irvington, in Westchester County, New York.
During the month of October, tours at The Armour-Stiner Octagon House transform into a more spirited experience with its ‘Myths and Mysteries’ tour. On the tour they explore local rumors around The Octagon House, implying its connection to the spirit world.
Dive into the myths and mysteries of the house — from its unique dome shape resembling an ancient Roman temple, to its octagonal floor plan rooted in 19th century Phrenology, to speculations of a resident ghost, and stories from the current owners who have described their experiences of the house as something otherworldly.
“Myths & Mysteries” tour includes Ryan Matthew Cohn of Oddities Flea Market, curated wonder-filled “Cabinet of Curiosities”.
Our experience:
This tour was so much fun, it’s such a unique house and the owners really gave it all the love an attention full of interesting artifacts and curation. Perfect if you’re looking for something new and spooky to explore in the fall. In the winter the also transform the home to a Charles Dickinson Christmas inspired tour.
Bethel Woods - Peace, Love, Pumpkins - Bethel, NY
Wind through the garden trails of Bethel Woods, and marvel at thousands of unique hand-carved jack-o-lanterns and glowing pumpkin art. Delight in Halloween music-themed displays featuring Woodstock festival icons, dinosaurs, mermaids, witches, and much more.
Thru the walk, you can take a break to enjoy a drink, get a snack, warm up by the fire, and on select nights, hear live music.
Our experience:
What I loved about this event was that it’s a great family friendly activity for Halloween. It’s a beautiful walk too and there’s so much to see. I also loved that they staggered the entry based on your ticket time… 6:30pm, 7pm, etc. so not everyone was going off at once and that made it feel less crowded and didn’t feel like people were on top of you.
The only negative was there was one cafe, and the lines were looonngg. I’d suggest going out to dinner or grabbing a bite before you go. My little one would have been so hangry if we waited on that line.
Walkway Over the Hudson - Poughkeepsie & Highland, NY
File this under “Free Things to Do in the Hudson Valley”.
The Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, the world's longest elevated pedestrian bridge, spans 1.28 miles over the Hudson River in upstate New York.
Walkway Over the Hudson spans the Hudson River and connects the City of Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County with the Town of Lloyd and hamlet of Highland in Ulster County, New York. Entrances are located at 87 Haviland Road in Highland, New York and 61 Parker Avenue in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Our tips:
I parked on the Poughkeepsie side, in the graveled parking lot which is free. On a nice day, it’s truly a beautiful walk. On the Poughkeepsie side there was a bathroom and hot dog stand as well. Would definitely suggest going early as parking and crowds fill up fast.
Local Dining: Old Stone House Inn Restaurant - Warwick, NY
We came to the Old Stone House for a special treat to celebrate me and my husband’s anniversary. The food and drinks did not disappoint.
You can check out our Instagram Reel all about what we ordered.
The house and atmosphere really made it so unique. Each room was different, cozy and modern with a hint of history which I love. Definitely suggest you visit for a date night or brunch the next time you’re in Warwick, NY.
About the Old Stone Inn House:
The original stone house was built in 1773 by John Hathorn and his wife Elizabeth Welling Hathorn. Their initials are set in brick in the roof gable wall. He was Colonel of the 4th Orange County Militia during the Revolutionary War, and a Founding Father of New York State and the Nation. He served on the first NY Legislature and the 1st and 4th Congresses of the United States.
In 1834 the farm was purchased by Ezra Sanford, Jr., a veteran of the War of 1812. His son Pierson Ezra Sanford created an innovative and successful dairy business here. The Sanfords enlarged the house.
In 1926 Wilfred L. Raynor, Sr. purchased and continued farming. The Raynors placed the property on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. They owned for 85 years.
Domar Homestead LLC bought the property in 2009, reselling to the Raynors in 2013.
By 2016, the house was deteriorating and endangered. In that year Arek Kwapinski and Sylwia Kubasiak rescued this historic landmark. Over the next five years at great cost and hard work fixed and updated it to become the Old Stone House Restaurant in 2021.
Cafe e Dolce - Warwick, NY
Great coffee shop in Warwick, NY. We came here after dinner for a slice of cake for dessert and coffee. We got the German Chocolate slice, it was so delicious.
They also specialize in crepes, and this is really a great coffee shop to sit, relax, and people watch on the Main Street of Warwick.
Kelly’s Bakery - Poughkeepsie, NY
A recent WWB attendee of ours suggested I visit Kelly’s Bakery and wow it was a pretty great experience.
We took the trip to Poughkeepsie and got there pretty early and there was still a line! What I did love about this place was I didn’t feel pressured to rush. It was my first time there and the staff was really patient and accommodating with me. They suggested I try the monkey bread, which is something I still thing about and the breakfast sandwich with house made chick sausage. As a passionate coffee lover, they also have house made syrups for your coffee with some really unique flavors.
The owner is Kevin Halim who graduated from Le Cordon Bleu with his Culinary Arts back in 2010 and from the Culinary Institute of America in 2015 for his Baking and Pastry Arts Management. Basically you know the food will be good, just pack your patience with the line.
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