Weekend on a Blue Note

  |  February 4, 2015
BNfinished

At this point, if you read Michael Amari’s post on some of the Hudson Valley’s top ten essential tracks, your music to-do list is probably packed already. We would love to give you some time to explore the area’s indie/pop/rock scene at your own pace, but Pro Jam #9 is right around the corner, and the blues train waits for no one. Club Helsinki’s Blues Pro Jam has gained so much popularity since its launch in the summer of 2013 that the event is already on its ninth installment. The gathering this weekend will feature fifty blues musicians, both touring and local, including Blues Hall of Fame Master Musician Inductee Slam Allen, Greg Allman Band keyboardist Bruce Katz, and Nicole Atkins, who recently released a new album, Slow Phaser. Finally, you can top of your weekend with a taste of norleans jazz at Helsinki’s all-you-can-eat Gospel Brunch with Glen David Andrews, one of the most celebrated musicians in the Big Easy.


1) Heavenly Hudson B&B

BN2
Price/night: $118
Accommodations: Full house, 6 bedrooms
Max guests: 10
Min stay: 2 nights
House description:
Barry’s Victorian B&B is spacious, impeccably furnished, and currently offering reduced rates to guests seeking a winter wonderland experience in scenic Greene County. His elegant home is located right in the heart of Hudson, so some of the area’s best art galleries, boutiques, and eateries are just a stone’s throw away. On that note, previous visitors give Barry’s homemade breakfasts ten out of ten stars, so we would advise spending at least one morning immersed in the atmosphere of this luxurious Victorian with some of his mouthwatering waffles and a newspaper.

Sample reviews

“We could not have asked for a more perfect trip away. Barry was fantastic from start to finish. We arrived very late on our first night but we were happily checked in without any problems. The room was spacious and clean. The bed was incredibly comfortable. Our breakfasts on both mornings were cooked to perfection. Barry gave us some great recommendations on local restaurants and things to do.
Would happily recommend to friends and family! Can’t wait to come back again in the Summer.”

“Lovely time in Hudson New York at Barry’s Victorian B&B. The house is beautiful and our room was comfy, spacious and clean. Big bed and reading chairs, plus a beautiful and huge bathroom. The breakfast was fantastic! Barry makes amazing waffles and omelets! We felt at home at Barry’s and he was very kind and accommodating with us. I highly recommend this B&B to anybody visiting the valley.”


2) Delightful Victorian in the Heart of Hudson

BN1

Price/night: $170
Accommodations: Full house, 1 bedroom
Max guests: 4
Min stay: 2 nights
House description:
Claudia has been awarded the prestigious title of “Superhost” by Airbnb, and it’s not hard to see why. Her 1890 Victorian has been lovingly maintained, and is now full of art pieces and furnishings that catch the eye and compliment the older architecture. As a host, Claudia has found the perfect middle ground between intrusive and totally absent, and makes sure to provide detailed instructions and recommendations to help guide visitors to her home without cramping their style.

Sample reviews:

“We stayed here last year so I guess a repeat visit speaks for itself. It’s shabby chic and quaint, and comfortable and QUIET (although most of Hudson is quiet by city standards). It’s like a cottage in the city. Literally. The dining room is so charming. If I were staying longer and had friends to invite over in the area, this would be the perfect place to host a farm-to-table dinner. Claudia is a gracious host. She makes it all very easy. No fuss no muss. A pleasure as always!”

“We has a fantastic stay at Claudia’s house in Hudson, NY. The house is 2 blocks from the main street (Warren), in a quiet part of town, making it ideal for exploring the boutiques and restaurants.
Apartment # 2 on the main floor is spacious and well-appointed. We were very grateful for the small touches such as coffee in the cupboard to help us jumpstart the day with a toddler.
Claudia was, without reservation, the best host. She was not intrusive, left us detailed and easy-to-follow instructions, and plenty of recommendations. She also allowed us to stay all day on the check-out day when she found that the housekeeper is not coming until next day.
I highly recommend Claudia’s property for vacationing in Hudson.”


3) Bright & Sunny “Treehaus”

BN4

Price/night: $69
Accommodations: Private room, 1 bed
Max guests: 1
Min stay: 1 night
House description:
Arone describes herself as a “musician, minimalist, maximalist, seamstress, modifier, joker, food lover, cat whisperer, art appreciator, traveler,” so it’s no surprise that her “treehaus” is just as lively and dynamic as her resume. Perfect for the traveler looking for a low-maintenance, yet memorable, stay in Hudson, this home features wifi, all the necessary kitchen amenities, and the company of the resident feline.

Sample reviews:

“What a fun and funky place to stay! Hanging at the treehaus was a blast and everything was clean and perfect upon arrival. Accomodations were comfortable. Arone was a great host – communicative, friendly, and clear about expectations. If you’re going to be in Hudson, you should definitely stay at her Eclectic Treehaus!”

“Staying with Arone while working at a weekend market in Hudson was perfect!
Arone is welcoming and flexible, kind and considerate, and her warm and artsy home is a comfortable place to relax, surprisingly quiet, and only a block from town.
This was my first airbnb experience, and my stay with Arone was so ideal in every way that I’m looking forward to trying it again!”

About Elizabeth Wilson

Elizabeth Wilson is an Upstater born and bred with a generalist’s education and a specialist’s passion for the Hudson Valley. Ask nicely and she’ll make you a bagel sandwich. Ask really nicely and she’ll accompany that bagel sandwich with a Bob Dylan impersonation.

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