Spring Things
Here's what made me happy in the Hudson Valley this month.
I’ll be honest. I’m still navigating my new relationship with my Hudson Valley home after my roller coaster winter, but this past month, as spring emerged in New York, I looked for moments of joy in my little life: Laughing with my boys, a kiss from Sam, candid chats with friends, and a run down by the river. I’ve found that when I intentionally try to focus on daily joyful moments, I rediscover why I love my life here.
Here are 5 things that made me happy in the Hudson Valley this month.
The Forgetting Sarah Marshall N/A specialty mocktail at Wonder Bar in Beacon.
This was so yummy and tropical, and I enjoyed it with friends on one of my first outdoor evenings of the year. With strawberry, Coco Lopez, pineapple, lime, and nutmeg, this pretty pink drink even had those tiny little pebble ice cubes. I’ve been thinking of these flavors often as the weather warms up.
I was the Mystery Reader for Simon’s UPK class.
I tip-toed into Simon’s classroom the Friday afternoon before spring break. The kids were covering their eyes—except for one little boy who was staring me down—and when they popped them open, surprise! Simon couldn’t believe what he was seeing. His excitement to see his mama with his favorite book was truly a parenting moment I won’t forget. He sat beside me and helped me read “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” to his friends, everyone stood up and told me their names, and then took turns practicing their letters. It was a much-needed cuteness overload, so if you’re feeling down, I suggest spending some time with pre-schoolers.
I had a lunch date with Sam in Wappingers Falls.
Sam had never been to Norma’s, the cutest little bakery and cafe on Main Street. They’re famous for their biscuits—do you know how I feel about biscuits? But all of their offerings, including sandwiches, cookies and other treats, are super delicious. They’re situated in a large space with plenty of seating, toys for the kiddos, and a back patio. After lunch we wandered down the street so I could take her into Page and Petals, the sweetest little book store that features all fiction titles. We grabbed a gift for a friend and a queer YA title for me, of course. Finally, we popped into Quincy’s Candy Shop because I have no self-control when it comes to sugar. I loaded up on sour gummies for the ride home, and so ended our dreamy little afternoon.
The Pistachio Martini at Day & Nite Lounge.
A little dessert drink with my pal Erica On a separate occasion I was back in Wappingers for drinks when I spotted a special drink for the evening that I couldn’t pass up. Raised by a woman who would chase down any Carvel on Long Island rumored to have soft serve pistachio, it is one of my favorite flavors, and I’m enjoying seeing it pop up on menus in bars and coffee shops. This lovely little sipper had a crushed pistachio rim that really elevated the experience.
I took Quinn hiking up Mount Beacon.
Eight years in the making! I know Quinn is not particularly young for an arduous climb, but I had never made the time to get him up this trail that I so loved when I was pregnant. When Sam made our baby registry back in 2016, my only contribution was this hiking backpack. Finally, with Quinn on spring break and the weather just right, we joined some friends and climbed Mount Beacon. Did we reward ourselves with cheese plates and farmhouse sours at Hudson Valley Brewery after? You bet we did.
Here’s hoping that May brings more adventures and joyful moments here in New York’s Hudson Valley.
