Business Feature, Things to Do Stephen M Ditmer Business Feature, Things to Do Stephen M Ditmer

New Beginnings Farmstead: A Maple-Sweet Story of Love, Land, and Legacy

Tucked away in Kingston, NY, New Beginnings Farmstead is more than a farm - it’s a story of love, resilience, and award-winning maple syrup. Elisa & Egidio Tinti turned an old dairy farm into a thriving homestead while juggling full-time jobs. Join their journey on YouTube, visit for Maple Weekend, and taste the sweet results of their hard work.

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Things to Do, History Stephen M Ditmer Things to Do, History Stephen M Ditmer

The History of Amtrak in the Hudson Valley: A Legacy of Rail Travel

For over 50 years, Amtrak has connected the Hudson Valley to New York City, Albany, and beyond, preserving a rail corridor that dates back to the 1800s. From the historic New York Central Railroad to today’s Empire Service, this post explores the evolution of train travel along the Hudson River, major milestones, and what the future holds for Amtrak in the region.

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Stephen M Ditmer Stephen M Ditmer

7 Best Winter Fishing Spots in the Hudson Valley for Ice & Cold-Water Anglers

Winter fishing in the Hudson Valley offers some of the best cold-weather angling in New York. Whether you're ice fishing on Lake Taghkanic, fly fishing in Black Creek, or chasing striped bass in the Hudson River, this guide covers the top 7 winter fishing spots you need to visit this season. Grab your gear, bundle up, and get ready to reel in some fantastic cold-water catches.

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People, Black History Stephen M Ditmer People, Black History Stephen M Ditmer

Sojourner Truth and the Hudson Valley: The Voice That Echoes Still

Sojourner Truth’s journey from enslavement in the Hudson Valley to becoming a fearless abolitionist and women’s rights advocate is a story of resilience and empowerment. This guide explores her early life in Ulster County, must-visit historical sites like the Sojourner Truth Memorial, and ways to honor her legacy today. Whether you're a history buff or simply seeking inspiration, dive into the remarkable life of one of America's most influential voices.

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Business Feature Stephen M Ditmer Business Feature Stephen M Ditmer

More Than Honey: The Sweet and Savory Story of Damn Good Honey Farm

At Damn Good Honey Farm in Kerhonkson, NY, honey is just the beginning. Founded by Keith and Jen Duarte in 2015, this family-run farm and market offers raw wildflower honey, handcrafted soaps, pasture-raised chicken, and fresh produce grown using organic practices. But that’s not all—inside their farm-to-fork kitchen, you’ll find seasonal dishes like their famous Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich, made with their own pasture-raised chicken and spicy Hot Hot Honey.

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Things to Do, Education Stephen M Ditmer Things to Do, Education Stephen M Ditmer

Celebrate National Library Lovers' Month in the Hudson Valley: A Bookworm's Guide to Literary Bliss

February is National Library Lovers' Month—a time to honor the magical spaces that fuel our imaginations and connect communities. Whether you're exploring the historic Adriance Memorial Library, diving into works by Hudson Valley authors like Washington Irving, or joining a local book club, this guide offers the best ways to celebrate your love for libraries in the Hudson Valley. Get ready to turn some pages, attend literary events, and make this month a tribute to the joy of reading!

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Events, People, Things to Do Stephen M Ditmer Events, People, Things to Do Stephen M Ditmer

World Cancer Day: Raising Awareness and Strengthening Support in the Hudson Valley

Every February 4th, the world unites for World Cancer Day, a movement dedicated to raising awareness, advancing research, and supporting those affected by cancer. In the Hudson Valley, this mission takes on a local impact through hospitals, advocacy groups, and community-driven initiatives. From cutting-edge treatments to fundraising events, learn how the region is fighting for a cancer-free future.

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Black History, People Stephen M Ditmer Black History, People Stephen M Ditmer

Clayton ‘Peg Leg’ Bates: A Black History Icon of Ulster County

Deep in the rhythmic heart of American dance history lies a story so improbable, so electrifying, that it could only belong to Clayton “Peg Leg” Bates. Born in 1907 in the small town of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, Bates defied the odds after losing his left leg in a cotton gin accident at just 12 years old. Where others saw limitation, Bates saw rhythm—transforming adversity into artistry with a wooden peg leg that became an instrument of its own.

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Places, Things to Do Stephen M Ditmer Places, Things to Do Stephen M Ditmer

Discover the Hudson Valley’s Most Captivating Overlooks

Nestled between the Catskills and the Taconic Mountains, the Hudson Valley is a masterpiece of natural beauty, offering sweeping vistas that seem to capture eternity itself. Whether you’re chasing the fiery hues of autumn, the fresh greens of spring, or the serene snowscapes of winter, the region's scenic overlooks provide unparalleled opportunities to marvel at its splendor.

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History Stephen M Ditmer History Stephen M Ditmer

The Hudson River’s Dance with Riverboats: A Historic Voyage

The Hudson River, a majestic ribbon of water slicing through New York State, has long been a highway for innovation, commerce, and leisure. Its history with riverboats is a story of ambition, engineering marvels, and evolving purpose—a microcosm of America’s transformation from an agrarian society to an industrial powerhouse.

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Places, History Stephen M Ditmer Places, History Stephen M Ditmer

The Gilded Age Mansions of the Hudson Valley

Ah, the Gilded Age: a time of extravagant wealth, lavish parties, and an unrelenting desire to outdo the Vanderbilts. Nowhere is this period better encapsulated than in the grandiose mansions scattered throughout the Hudson Valley—each one a monument to ambition, ego, and a staggering number of imported marble columns.

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