The hamlet of Livingston Manor with a population of about 1,200 people has emerged as the new “hot spot” for the hipsters looking to escape their Brooklyn or NYC fast-paced digs. In Sullivan County, 100 miles from NYC, this town has been described as “a small town with a big yard.” Nightclubs, entertainment and fancy restaurants is not the thing here, but rather leisure, more outdoor inclined activities and farm to table eateries. World famous fly fishing on its rivers and miles of hiking trails is the big attraction.
With remote working, many are looking for a quieter, more bohemian style living. Affordable housing has made this town attractive for the creative type or those who are looking to start a small business in a more simple environment than the city.
This town as well as surrounding areas are a not-too-far destination for a Fall or even a Winter getaway. By mid-October the foliage and the landscape is breathtaking.
The #1 hotel of choice is The DeBruce, a 14-room country inn on 600 acres of trout stream and rolling countryside. The Arnold House is the sister hotel and is more casual and affordable. I stayed at the Arnold House, which was simple, quiet and the staff was very welcoming. A lovely breakfast is included and there is a greenhouse to walk through and enjoy.
Simple yet sweet decor in my room at The Arnold House
I enjoyed a very lovely farm to table dinner at The DeBruce, in a casual setting with glass-walls for the view. They offer a nine-course tasting menu which is quite exquisite. I ordered from the a la carte menu, which I highly recommend.
Farm to Table Menu at The DeBruce
Agrarian Feast Salad with microgreens
Pork chops with brussel sprouts
The Smoke Joint is a longtime favorite barbecue spot which apparently serves a 14-hour brisket and perfectly smoked chicken wings, to name a few. The Main Street Farm is a go-to place right in town for fresh local produce, honey, kombucha on tap and a lunch menu most noted for its homemade soups and tasty sandwiches.
The newest place to visit is the Upward Brewing, which features beers at a chalet-style brewpub. Try a pint of crisp pilsner or half-wheat ale.
Nearby towns include Callicoon, which has a Performing Arts Center. I stopped in the Callicoon Brewing Company, which was clearly a local spot for neighbors to meet for a beer, lunch or dinner. It’s a classic pub-like bar with pub-like food and a large selection of beers, ales, craft beers and IPAs.
You may remember the Villa Roma Resort, whose home is Sullivan County. It remains as a family resort, with time share style housing, and grounds and activities for families to enjoy. The Nevele and The Concord Hotels, which were popular weekend getaways when I was a kid are no longer resorts. Those properties have been transformed into condo developments. I have wonderful memories of time spent at The Nevele with my family and family friends. It was fun for the kids as well as good nightlife for the parents.
The highlight of my short respite was visiting The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, better remembered as the world-famous Woodstock. The concert never took place in the town of Woodstock, but rather in Bethel Woods. The museum on that property helps baby boomers relive the past and their journeys during the 1960s and the Woodstock experience. For me, I got to learn what Woodstock was like and the history leading up to that weekend in August of 1969.
The Museum at Bethel Woods allows you to explore or maybe relive Woodstock as you immerse yourself in the collection of authentic artifacts, interactive media, a 30 minute film from that event. You can see a small painted psychedelic bus with young attendees that travelled across the country to Woodstock. There are docents giving tours, most of whom were attendees back in 1969. “Peace, Love and so much more” is the slogan for this museum, which captures the spirit of the Woodstock event. Hippies, Flower Power, Psychedelic, Bohemian, and Free Love are just a few of the terms and character of the 1960’s displayed in many ways at the museum. No matter how Woodstock was described, it was undeniably unforgettable for all who attended.
Just a little history about Woodstock: 3 days of Peace and Music, August 15-18, 1969. It is estimated that almost 500,000 people attended, with 38 states of the US represented. There were over 30 acts/performances, some to mention were Jethro Tull, Joe Cocker, Crosby Stills, Nash & Young, Joan Baez, Janis Joplin, and many more. It was a pivotal moment in popular music history and a symbol for the baby boomers generation. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” The festival site (which is actually 40 miles southwest of the town of Woodstock) has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Of course, the impetus behind Woodstock was a peaceful reaction to the US having troops fighting in Vietnam, a war that few were in favor of. So many American troops were killed and the aftermath for the returning veterans was extremely unpleasant. It was a very unpopular war and it took years for those soldiers to recover from PTSD, as well as to gain positive acknowledgement from the government of their service. Eventually, Vietnam vets did receive respect and benefits from the Veteran’s Administration.
THE MUSEUM - MEMORABILIA
Currently, Bethel Woods hosts several festivals which are family friendly entertainment events or ways to celebrate good times with friends. Local vendors, musicians, crafters, chefs and artisans frequently appear, display and perform their talents for large crowds.
On my way back to Long Island, I stopped at Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets and did some shopping. This Outlet center is very nicely done, with some upscale shops, like Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Ferragamo, Tumi and more. I found prices to be very good and it was a worthwhile hour stop. Back to reality, my quiet time to reflect, read, write a bit and experience something different was good for my soul and I always feel grateful for these moments.
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