Hello from the Hudson Valley, a place Thomas and I enjoy dearly and where, this year, we wanted to spend our 9th wedding anniversary. Here, we relish in the crisp mountain air (well, this week, the crisp air is limited since the temps have been in the 80s), find refuge from the city noise, and embrace a slower pace of life. The time of day I treasure most here is dawn, when I rise early, coffee in hand, and settle onto the porch to witness the vanishing dew, leaving a lovely scent of damp soil mixed with the fragrance of the wildflowers surrounding the area. Ahhh…if only I could bottle this scent and feeling…
Our connection to this place began years ago when Thomas' father relocated to Hudson. Since then, we've made an effort to visit whenever our schedules allow, although those opportunities have become less frequent since our relocation to Chicago five years ago. For me, the charm of returning to the same place repeatedly lies in the opportunity to witness its evolution while also discovering beauty in the comforting familiarity. Hudson Valley has undergone significant transformations since Thomas' dad moved here 17 years ago. For better or worse, the pandemic drew a large influx of New York City residents to this area, resulting in a flurry of new developments within the region. You will now find upscale hotel properties like the newly opened Wildflower Farms, Kenoza Hall, Inness, and many new restaurants. While I'm not sure how the locals feel about the changes over the years, having more options has been lovely. I'll share a more detailed guide to the area for paid subscribers - here's the link to upgrade your membership if you want access. This guide will detail the Airbnb we've booked and recommend hiking trails, dining, and shopping options during your stay! I'll also include more about our drive to the Berkshires, MA. It was dreamy!
Before I go, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for this community. Since mid-July, I've taken a break from posting on Instagram, finding solace in this newsletter as my primary means of connecting with my readers and sharing my experiences. While I do plan to return to social media at some point, please understand that my Substack community holds a special place in my heart, and I deeply cherish it.
I wrote a local guide for Tripadvisor about Santo Domingo!
It brought me joy to write a feature for Tripadvisor showcasing my beloved Santo Domingo through a guide to some of my cherished local gems. Click the link to read my recommendations for where to shop, snack, and more in the Dominican capital. ❤️