When you take a break from a campaign (the gulf) and business Ecco Bella,  you also give the campaign and business, a break from yourself, much to the betterment of both. I took off for the weekend with my parents, husband, joined my aunt and uncle who planned this getaway to the Hudson River Valley. Have you been there?

We stayed at the Castle on the Hudson. The beds had perfect pillows, every brass doorknob gleamed, the pool was a glimmering jewel set amongst natural gardens, and the staff superb. At breakfast, as I was reading out loud, an article about the Old Growth Forest campaign (it never ends!) to my companions, our waiter stood to the side politely, until I finished.  Usually waitstaff rush in to take orders during jokes, stories, probably even marriage proposals.

Cold Spring was where we ate dinner. Riverview Restaurant  had lots of vegetarian choices.

I am so glad great estates like Boscobel were preserved. 

In the evening, outdoors on a great lawn, with the wetlands of the Hudson River and West Point in the background I experienced the most bubbling Shakespeare ever! Set to the music of Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, with actors in candy colored sixties costumes–it was Taming of the Shrew in it’s most hilarious and brilliant interpretation. In my exuberant childhoold, I danced to Herb Alpert all around my house for hours.

And my father said to me, ” Do you remember my taking you to St. John Terrell Music Circus  to see My Fair Lady, in Lambertville, NJ. ?” “Yes.” “You were three years old.”

During the day we visited the John Jay Homestead and gardens. Historic Preservation is a great way for towns to make money on upscale, intelligent tourism!

Brunch was at the Sweetgrass Grill in Tarrytown. I always enjoy regal local produce, which is their speciality. Then off to listen to music at Caramoor. I did what I was told, and was given tickets to Tiempo Libre a Cuban jazz group who loves J.S. Bach and the United States of America.

I admired this perfectly designed urn, at Caramoor’s luxurious gardens, and thought you would too.

Just before we came home we stopped at Sunnyside, Washington Irving’s home. He was the kind of uncle you’d love, because he allowed his five nieces to move in with him forever!

I hope you go!