It’s no secret that the Hudson County area is a happening place to live, work, and play — something to do every day of the week and a new place to eat popping up on the reg. But when you’re trying to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city, allow us to introduce a different Hudson: Hudson Valley, NY. Recently we checked out the area around New Paltz, New York and stayed at a local bed and breakfast called Watergrasshill Bed and Breakfast in the neighboring town of Gardiner. Read on to see more about the bed and breakfast and some must-sees in the New Paltz area:
Alana Colucci opened Watergrasshill in June of 2018, after leaving the publishing industry in New York {and yes, she was formerly a Hoboken resident!} for a new life of hospitality and more serene lifestyle. The backstory: Back in 2016, Alana was considering a career change and decided that she had to make the jump into entrepreneurship.
Having grown up in Gardiner, New York, she decided to return home to start a B&B business was something that was more than just a fleeting thought. As luck would have it, her grandpa owned a farmhouse set on 16 acres of land and her parents, her mom, a local florist, + her dad, a contractor, had recently bought it from her grandparents. After a whimsical trip to Watergrasshill in the county of Cork in Ireland where she was inspired by the local b&bs {and the town’s namesake} Alana brought a business plan to her parents to create the bed and breakfast, took over the mortgage, and the rest was history.
And in the last few months, Watergrasshill has become quite the landmark. This 4-bedroom B&B with new amenities and old-world charm offers group retreats, bridal showers, special farm-to-table dinners {and breakfasts, daily!}, as well as its first wedding which went down not to long ago — the vows and the ceremony hosted in the property’s barn.
Adorable kitchen at Watergrass Hill – perfect for farm-to-table meals.
The kitchen at Watergrasshill B&B in itself is something to write home about. Alana shared that they opened up the smaller kitchen space and built it out with a custom table and new appliances, as well as a seating area for guests to enjoy. Each morning, she makes and serves breakfast to her guests {our morning’s sustenance consisted of freshly-made banana bread, yogurt and fruit parfait, and an egg + potato skillet}. Coffee and tea are available and everything is lovingly curated for guests, including handwritten notes to her guests for their stays.
Gardiner is just about a stone’s throw {say 10-15 minutes} from the hip and unique town of New Paltz, as well as a ton of distilleries, cideries, and wineries in the Hudson Valley. In the fall, the area is optimal for pumpkin and apple picking rounded out with some wine and cider tasting, but truly any time of year is picturesque and cozy.
^That fall foliage view out our bedroom window tho.
Each day it was a short ride away to get to anything we were wanting to explore, and BOY is there a lot to do. The options are endless {and there are so many different towns to check out}.
A few spots you *must* visit if you stay in the area:
For breakfast/lunch:
Main Street Bistro
Located at 59 Main Street in the heart of downtown New Paltz, Main Street Bistro serves breakfast and lunch in a comfortable and casual environment. On any given weekend, there will be a wait which only proves how popular it is! Generous portions, friendly staff, and the Veggie Benedict is a must-try.
Cafe Mio
This bustling cafe in Gardiner has a nicely-sized menu filled with eggs and toasts — and some fun twists {read: lavender lattes to start, above!}. It’s pretty busy on weekends, so make sure to come prepared to wait. The open kitchen concept is enjoyable if you’re into parking it at the bar.
Karma Organic Cafe
This is a vegan spot perfect for breakfast or lunch if you’re completely animal-free {or just LOVE hitting up a vegan spot!}. They have everything from cream of mushroom soup to cashew-based chocolate chip cookies to avocado toast to to-go deli dishes such as faux chicken salads and beyond. The menu isn’t fancy, but it’s hearty and will shock even the biggest of meat-lovers who dine with very tasty dishes.
Vineyards:
Robibero Vineyards
The Robibero Vineyard both grows grapes on its property and sources grapes from other New York State vineyards {and then creates its own wines}. It’s a small, picturesque spot with sprawling vineyards and beautiful views. Bonus: It’s dog-friendly!
White Cliff Vineyard
Another vineyard not far away, White Cliff Vineyard is a rustic spot verlooking the Shawangunk mountains in Gardiner, NY. Taste some vino in the tasting room, chat with the locals, and enjoy a stunning view on the well-maintained grounds. The wine is great, with flavorful options for all palates, and yes, it’s also dog-friendly.
Distilleries and Cideries:
Angry Orchard
This cidery has generous cider pours, corn hole, and it’s the spot where the famous brand came to life. Located in Walden, NY, it’s a fun stop Orchard that brews its own cider & serves it from the barrel plus samplers & bites from food trucks.
Coppersea Distillery
There’s nothing like the cozy vibe of this whiskey and brandy distillery; it’s inside a teeny barn and totally worth the trip, even for the faint-of-spirits heart. But seriously, if you’re not into brandy or other more intense whiskeys, still go. The inside of the barn is totally instagrammable, if that’s your thing:
Dinner/Drinks
Garvan’s
This newly-opened Irish pub and restaurant offers an amazing ambiance and delicious eats. It’s pretty large so a reservation shouldn’t be too difficult, but it’s definitely an uber or car-ride away {there’s parking if you do drive}. Try to get seated on the first level, as that’s where the action [read: bar] is as well as rustic decor.
Huckleberry
If outdoor fire pits are your thing, Huckleberry is the place to go. Note: It’s an unspoken rule/vibe that pretty much everyone here is from Brooklyn. The food is decent, but the drinks are the thing to write home about {complete with cozy fireside seating} — especially the warm spiked cider.
There are so many more spots to explore, this really is just the tip of the iceberg. We also hiked the Mohonk Preserve, walked around town and popped into shops, and so much more. Truly, the most wonderful weekend getaway in the New Paltz area. We’ll be back very soon.
Have you been to New Paltz or Gardiner?
Interested in staying the Watergrass Hill B&B? Email Alana at watergrasshillny@gmail.com.
See More: Weekend Getaway: Northern Catskills, NY
Where should we head to next for our getaway series? Leave a comment below!
