catskill creek

On the ride back from Oak Hill, along Route 23B in Leeds.

oak hill

Bryan has been curious about the Greene County hamlet of Oak Hill, within the town of Durham. We took a drive up there on Saturday. It's about 20 miles northwest of Catskill, just below the Albany County line. We were glad and a little surprised to stumble upon Dope Jams, a record store that specializes in dance music. The old storefront it occupies is beautifully built out with custom shelves and cabinets, and a large dj stand. The owners founded the shop on Myrtle Avenue in Bed-Stuy in 2005, got priced out, then opened their Oak Hill store last summer. We can't wait to go back for one of their monthly parties.

I.U. Tripp is an antique shop housed in an old general store, from where it gets its name. All of the original built-in cabinets still remain. In one of the drawers we found books of sales receipts from the 1880's store! We weren't in the market to buy anything on the day we visited, but we'll surely return. They have a pretty vast selection, a friendly owner, and a pair of cats who guard the front windows.

november

phoenicia diner

On Route 28 just outside the main part of town in Phoenicia. An old diner that has been taken over by new owners in the past few years. It has a nice vibe but I would say the food is just okay. They are going for the hipster redo on classics. Or as I read in a yelp review, they are trying to appeal to a hipster tourist crowd. The menu choices are good, the execution is a little sloppy. I really like the diner itself, and where it's situated. To be kept in mind for coffee.

Phoenicia Diner
5681 Route 28
Phoenicia, NY

reasons to love the red ranch

Bryan and I have been doing a lot of traveling in the past month, and as such have searched for the best places to stay on our tight budget. Red Ranch on Route 32 in Catskill gets high marks on many counts. The Catskills of Ulster/Greene Counties where we've been staying is dotted with many mid-century motor lodges, in various states of repair. Some look okay from the road, but show their wear and tear when you get up close. Others are too nice for us, catering to the wealthier retiree crowd. Red Ranch is owned by a family who lives right on the property, the dad being a second-generation caretaker of the motel. It fits the bill for those of us who don't have a ton of money to spend, but want a clean and quiet environment to rest and relax. Here is what sets Red Ranch apart:

•low rates: $68 weekday, $80 weekend, during the season. $58/$68 off-season.
•spotlessly clean
•strong internet connection. this is a rarity in the region.
•swimming pool is large and rectangular, perfect for doing laps.
•soda machine and ice- not always a given.
•angela's restaurant next door- pizza, pasta, etc. but also some options if you're gluten-free like me. their antipasto is great and they have a few dinner entrees like chicken and fish. their breakfast is supposed to be good.
•playground and game room! table tennis!
•the owners live there, so they are always around to take care of your needs
•quiet. did I mention quiet?

delaware part II

About five miles north of Halcottsville up Route 30, along the East Branch of the Delaware River, is the town of Roxbury. Seen here are The Roxbury Motel and the Ate O Ate food truck. Behind The Roxbury's cool black and white façade is a psychedelic, theme-room explosion. We had already eaten by the time we got to Ate O Ate (big mistake!) but we got a drink and talked with the owners, who named their business in honor of Hawaii's area code. They noticed the Hang Loose stickers on Bryan's truck and an instant bond was made.

Delaware County

Halcottsville, NY

um, yeah.

so this is what i've been up to lately:

•brooklyn flea, immediately followed by
•gift show (nyigf) to look for new products for everbrite. we found the most kick-ass neon, sparkly, candy-like jewelry from a chicago designer. can't wait till it arrives.
•left town for a long weekend in the catskills, attending a yoga retreat with erin and alex. easily one of the best experiences of my life. got very little sleep on the trip.
•came home to my best friend willie, who had arrived in brooklyn two days before. we spent the next few days running around nyc like madwomen.
•more calls and visits from old friends (old nyc friends, meaning former co-workers, so people i hardly see any more) and yoga classes and baby visits.
•contemplating the mountain of work I have ahead, while feeling deeply grateful for the r&r I've been able to experience. one more mini-vacation coming up-woo hoo! but maybe we'll bring the laptops along.