Hudson Valley Magazine January 2011

Senior Editor Polly Sparling lists her top event picks for January 2011

The Bacon Brothers belt out some tunes, West Point hosts Fiddler on the Roof, and Vassar College turns 150

The recession may have officially ended in June 2009, but times are still tough for many folks throughout the Hudson Valley. Unemployment remains high, housing prices are low, and the wild spending sprees of the 1990s seem like ancient history. But just because you are pinching pennies, it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the finer things in life. So from hip consignment shops to budget Broadway shows to daring dining deals, here’s our guide to champagne living on a beer budget. You’ll never pay full price again!

See who’s been out on the town this month

New books discuss animal care, childhood memories, and a Gilded Age scandal

Veggies get a package deal at Farm to Table Co-packers in Kingston

The Good Dog Foundation trains volunteers — and their furry best friends — to interact with sick and elderly patients

Local volunteers — and their dogs — offer therapy, farm veggies get a package deal, memories and murders in the Reading Room PLUS: On the Town

Eat out at Lakeview House in Newburgh this month

At the Bull & Buddha, Poughkeepsie’s exciting new eatery, it’s more about zest than Zen