Friends,

Happy February! Yes, it is that strange, in-between time where we don't quite know what we'll do with ourselves each day! The weather is totally unpredictable - your weekend could bring just about anything! Maybe the chance to go to a concert, or alternatively the need to have a night in and wait for the snow to stop in the morning so you can get out and have some fun. There are a couple of things that are certain this time of year; first, you need gear for the unpredictable weather - I've got you covered with a list of local outfitters. Second, cheese is tasty! Cheese is admittedly always tasty, but it's especially so at this time of year. So, I've created a Hudson Valley cheese tour for you. I've also got a little book report - a Hudson Valley mystery - and a giveaway for the Spa at Mohonk Mountain House. So read on friends and email me back, I'd love to hear from you!

If you or anyone you know could use my real estate services and expertise, please send them my way! Referrals are a huge compliment.

Let's start with what's really important - the cheese!

There are very few universal truths in this world. Water is wet, the sky is blue, and nobody dislikes cheese. Think about it. Is there anyone you know that actively dislikes cheese? We're not talking about people who say they can’t eat it because it gives them the tummy rumbles. Those people deserve our pity and compassion. We're talking about someone who says they don’t care for cheese (dairy or vegan) in general. They admit this in public! They just wander around, missing out on the world’s favorite food group, telling people about how they don’t like the smell of it, or the texture or the obvious joy it brings to a person’s life. Also, they prefer cloudy days to sunny ones and their favorite color M&M’s are brown. It sounds impossible but I assure you, these poor, sad, cheese-deprived neighbors are here among us and they need our help. Luckily for them I've compiled an awesome list of farms, shops and stores that you can use to show them just how much they are missing. 

If you're already a local, you might be a regular at one or two of these shops but why not spend a staycation day visiting the very photogenic and biodynamically fed bovines at Churchtown Dairy? (These are very pretty cows.) Or wind your way down the west side of the river stopping at Bimi's, Last Chance, Two Stones Farm, Cheese Louise and all the other shops filled with tasty cultured goodness?

The map is below, click for details on each of the shops on my tour. Let me know what you pick up - I am a fan of the particularly pungent!

As I mentioned, we're in strange days in terms of weather! The way-back of my car is packed with everything I might need on the fly in order to show property right now; I've got snow boots, mud boots, hand-warmers, extra socks, water and snacks (of course), and about six different hats. I have a short-sleeved shirt because you never know when it's going to heat up and I've got a blanket because almost every real estate agent in this region has a battle story of spending some cozy time embedded in a snowbank, waiting for a tow.

Living well in this region means having the gear to do whatever you like whenever the need or opportunity arises. For you, that might mean having the perfect be-mittened window scraper or a new set of skis each year. I think we can all agree that internet shopping is challenging when fit and function are key. Luckily we have some great outfitters in the region who can kit your trunk out just like mine!

Let's Visit: Windham Mountain Outfitters | The Pro Ski And Ride| Snow Bird Ski Shop | Kenco | Catskill Outfitters | Rock and Snow | Cabin Fever Outfitters

A spa day is one thing. A spa day at Mohonk Mountain House is extra special. I'm pretty excited to offer all my friends and clients the opportunity to win a $500 gift certificate to Mohonk's spa. Whenever you book a treatment at the spa you get access to the hotel and the trails on the grounds plus a relaxation room that overlooks a silent forest primeval, the heated outdoor mineral pool (so special in the winter), and the sauna and steam room. To enter all you have to do is click below and follow CBVGR and our mortgage partner Quintessential Mortgage Group on social platforms. We'll be picking the winner on February 29th.

Time to fill your CALENDAR!!!!

As we round out the end of February and catapult ourselves into March, the air is chilly but culture is happening, songs are being sung, artwork hung, and sap is starting to flow in the sunny spots. It's true, these few weeks tend to be a bit quieter around here than other times of the year. That's ok! When that's the case you're more likely to run into friends and neighbors at the events that are happening and it gives you the opportunity to delve into the book in my book report that follows! I'm particularly intrigued by the events at the Ashokan Center, The Hudson River Maritime Museum, and Inness. Check them out!

This January was the first January in years that conformed to the norms of being light on new listings, but February has been hot so far! We have new listings that run the gamut from the lovely farmhouse with a loft feel that's above to a modern a-frame. We are hosting several open houses this weekend, if you'd like to go send me a text! If you'd like private appointments, I'm happy to accommodate that too.

I'll leave you with this book recommendation...

This is Carol Goodman, local author of twenty three novels and Professor at SUNY New Paltz's latest book. Set in a fictional town near a fictional University on the East side of the Hudson, the action begins with a snowy accident on a winding local road. It's perfect for this time of year, a gripping who-done-it, and extra fun because while the locations are fictional, they borrow from real life locales Upstate locals will be familiar with. You can pick one up at any of the local bookstores (Oblong in Rhinebeck, Golden Notebook in Woodstock, Rough Draft in Kingston). You might even grab one for tonight, it's awfully windy out, I can't think of a better ambiance for it.

Have a great few weeks! I'm here if you need me!

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