The Who:
If you think we have lots of craft makers and artisan food entrepreneurs in New York City, you should head up the the Hudson River Valley.

People like Alex Adams and Ariel Schlein (Dutch's Spirits) are making traditional bitters in an infamous old Prohibition-era farm. Paul Coughlin founded Taconic Distillery, where they are producing whiskeys, rums, and versatile maple syrup. Robb and Lydia Turner are also focused on maple syrup at Crown Maple. The McEnroe Family have been operating their eco-friendly farm and greenhouses since the 1950's. Katie and her father Bob Ferris run a dairy farm and ice cream barn.

These are just a few of the artisans and hard-working farmers contributing to the tasty and innovative Hudson River Valley. And that's one of the big reasons we have teamed up with the folks at Escapemaker to offer immersive tours from Grand Central up to the Hudson River Valley to meet these producers and taste their products.

The What:
Starting this week and running through the end of October. you can join one of our themed tours that leaves from Grand Central Terminal and heads up to either Rhinebeck, Poughkeepsie, or Wassaic (depending on the tour). You could find yourself immersed in fiber supplies and handcrafted products on a wool and sheep farm or tasting your way through the best local wineries and distilleries in the state. 

For Labor Day weekend, we are launching with a Farms & Distilleries tour which will introduce you to both Dutch's Spirits and Taconic Distillery. You'll also get a chance to explore the scenic town of Rhinebeck and pick up some local produce at Montgomery Place Farmstand. And the best part is tickets are just $37 and that includes your transportation!!

Later in the season, bring the family on an Artisanal Eats & Apple Picking adventure or learn about Sips, Syrups, & Sustainability. Summer might be coming to an end, but fall brings some great experiences and is by far the most beautiful and bountiful time to explore this rich region. 

The Why:
The Hudson River Valley is just north of the city, but without access to a car, it is difficult to explore all the great producers. We solve that problem. By hooking up with Metro North at Grand Central, our guide meets you upstate and then transports you via a shuttle bus from one exciting stop to the next.

And it's no surprise that many artists, brewers, and chefs are moving from places like Brooklyn and Queens to the more pastoral and affordable towns in this region. Lucky us that there are some great local businesses to visit and support.

The Where:
EscapeMaker's Farm Fresh Tours
Leave from Grand Central Terminal,
480 Union Street
Brooklyn, NY 1123

​​​Click on the title for more info.

From Sprinkles to Sundaes: The Evolution of Ice Cream in America / Thursday, August 31, 2017 from 6:30-8pm
Before summer slips away completely, get a primer on ice cream in NYC. Museum of Food and Drink hosts an evening with ice cream experts Max Falkowitz and Stella Parks to discuss the history of ice cream saloons and sandwiches, showcase a favorite ice cream recipe, and throw a full-on sundae party. Sprinkles included. 

Coney Island Beard and Moustache Competition / Saturday, September 2, 2017 from 6-10pm
Even if you can't grow a giant beard yourself, you'll want to see the extravagant facial hair that some people tend to. A group of guest judges choose the best whiskers from different categories like best moustache (natural and styled) and best mutton chops. Let that long beautiful hair flow!!

The Heartland Passage Tour - A Concert & Celebration of the Eerie Canal / Sunday, September 3, 2017 at 8pm
To celebrate the bicentennial of the first digging of the Eerie Canal, the Waterfront Museum is participating in events that celebrate the cultural and historical significance of the canal. Musicians Jay Ungar and Molly Mason will be on board headlining an evening of events, including a documentary screening and other musicians performing music from the heyday of the Canal. 

The Who:
While Pig Beach might look like a very casual outdoor bar and grill, the people behind it come from serious food backgrounds. The chef Matt Abdoo was once the chef de cuisine at Michelin-starred Del Posto and the director of operations Michael Greenlee was once a wine steward at Gotham Bar & Grill.

Along with partners Shane McBride and Ed McFarland, they've opened a place for the community to hang out and feel transported to a relaxing oasis where barbecue, beer, and friends are all that's important. Throughout the summer, you'll find families with strollers, hipsters, frat boys, and plenty of dogs. That's why Pig Beach will be the final stop on our special Pup Crawl through Gowanus and Park Slope. 

The What:
But also because it's a great place to hang out on a summer evening. The focus here is BBQ. The owners won awards at a Whole Hog contest in Memphis and decided to push their BBQ skills even further. 

The food menu is recognizable (baby back ribs, hot dog, cheeseburger, etc.) but feature a few little updates and twists. For instance, the chicken wings are smoked and cooked with hatch chile vinegar and a charred tri tip sandwich is served in place of brisket. The food has been so well-received that they went on to open a sit-down upscale restaurant in Greenwich Village called Pig Bleecker, using the same techniques in elevated dishes. 

Of course, no outdoor BBQ site would be complete without plenty of great alcohol. Come for local craft beers, delicious inventive cocktails, and wine on tap.

The Why:
The giant outdoor space with picnic tables is a real escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's crowded with locals who are relaxing, enjoying great food and drink, and soaking up the atmosphere. Gowanus may not be a beach (we certainly don't recommend swimming in it) but if you come here and squint a bit, you might convince yourself otherwise.

Check them out, along with Ample Hills Creamery, Mission Dolores, and Strong Rope Brewery on our very first Pup Crawl with proceeds going to Second Chance Rescue NYC.

The Where:
Pig Beach
480 Union Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231