Halloween never gets old.
Sure, the best years of trick-or-treating fun definitely occur during mid-elementary school. Before that, you’re too young to really be in control of anything. Your mom not only picks out your costume, but then she probably steps in and ruins said costume by insisting that it be entirely concealed by a coat. But think back to when you were, say, eight or nine — those were the glory days. You could choose your own spooky outfit, it was often possible to ditch your parents to hang with your friends (it was a different time, folks), and you knew exactly which pieces of candy you were gunning for when you arrived at each house. Halloween takes center stage again during the college years, when the biggest social events of the semester often revolve around it. Now that I’m finally a mother, I can’t wait to dress my little pumpkin up as… well, I don’t know what yet. Maybe a pumpkin! Although I saw the cutest bumblebee outfit the other day …
And there is no better place to be on October 31 than in the Hudson Valley. Really. From the funky New Paltz Halloween Parade to the world-famous Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze in Croton-on-Hudson (get your tickets soon) to the award-winning Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted House in Ulster Park, this region rocks when it comes to Halloween. Check out our review of all the frightening fun here.
But Halloween is just one of the many things that is best enjoyed right here. As our cover proudly proclaims, this issue is dedicated to highlighting the very best of life in the Hudson Valley. From the hottest restaurants to the wildest new workouts (hooping anyone?); from artisanal cheese to advocates for the arts; furniture stores to fun for your kids, our 24th annual roundup of the region’s finest can serve as your go-to guide for the entire year. I’ve lived in the Valley for five years now, and I continue to be amazed and inspired by all the things there are to see and do (and eat) here at home. When I sometimes start to long for big-city life, something new comes along — like the noteworthy jazz performances at the Falcon in Marlboro — that makes me realize we really do have it all right here. Our Best of Hudson Valley coverage begins here.
But see for yourself how wonderful our winners are by joining us at our annual Best of Hudson Valley Party on October 14 at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel. Sip some local wine, sample lots of food, talk to business owners, listen to the latest bands — and don’t forget to enter one of the many raffles. See you there!
Cheers,
Olivia J. Abel
Editor In Chief