GARDINER, N.Y. — Wine country changes the rhythm of a Hudson Valley getaway. A bottle picked up from the vineyard next door becomes part of dinner. The Shawangunk Ridge occupies the horizon while everyone debates what to put on the grill. Later, the same local wine may find its way into an improvised cocktail […]
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ROXBURY, N.Y. — September arrives differently in the Catskill Mountains. Summer has yet to surrender the landscape, while cooler evenings begin changing how the body wants to inhabit it. The forests remain intensely green. Sunlight still carries warmth across the mountains. Then evening comes, temperatures fall, and suddenly a sauna followed by a long […]
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Mount Beacon rises above the Hudson River like an invitation to move, look farther and spend an afternoon fully absorbed in being alive. I have climbed these trails through different seasons and different versions of myself: photographer, athlete, writer, immigrant, gay man, seeker of beautiful light and, on this particular summer afternoon, a Hudson […]
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Travel in the Hudson Valley has entered a more interesting phase. A beautiful house, a dramatic view, and a respectable set of linens still matter, obviously, because civilization has standards. Yet the deeper luxury now is control over your own experience: when you arrive, how much interaction you want, what you drink, where you […]
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Winter settles over the peaks of the Catskill Mountains, and the Hudson Valley slips into a quiet, snow-dusted sanctuary, where the search for the ultimate hygge retreat feels almost instinctive. To help you navigate the region’s most restorative escapes, this winter travel wrap-up is curated by Maxwell Alexander, a renowned Upstate wellness travel expert […]
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LGBTQ+ winter travel in the Hudson Valley and Catskills has shed its “quiet season” reputation, emerging instead as a vibrant, high-design playground for the community. Forget the predictable city circuits—this winter is about the “Queer Zen” of a frost-dusted forest, the architectural thrill of a glass-walled sanctuary, and the unapologetic joy of a crisp […]
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Darlings, if there’s one thing we know, it’s that fall in the Hudson Valley is absolutely everything! Picture this: the leaves are turning those Instagram-worthy shades of gold and crimson, the air is crisp, and you’re staying at one of Maxwell Alexander’s favorite Airbnbs, wrapped up in a chic cashmere throw. What could make […]
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When you’re adventuring through the Hudson Valley with your favorite guy (my hubby Dino, in this case), you have to stop at the local gems. And trust me, Chatham Brewing is a total diamond. Not only does this spot ooze that Upstate charm, but it also serves up mouthwatering burgers paired with some of […]
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On my latest Upstate New York adventure, I found myself on the greens of Delhi, NY, where a tantalizing lunch at Bluestone Restaurant turned an already picturesque day into a gastronomic delight. Set against the backdrop of College Golf Course, this spot offers more than just a meal—it serves up a panoramic feast for […]
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In today’s whirlwind of connectivity and deadlines, the soul yearns for a pause, a breath of fresh air that whispers of tranquility and renewal. Alluvion Vacations, a collection of private wellness retreats tucked away in the scenic Hudson Valley and Catskills, offer just that—a sanctuary where wellness travel transcends the ordinary, becoming an immersive […]
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Hey fabulous folks! Today’s adventure brings us to the lush, vibrant heart of Kerhonkson, NY—some lovingly call it the “New Hamptons” of the Catskill Mountains. My husband Dino and I decided to embark on a juicy escapade to the Westwind Orchard, known for its spectacular lineup of hard ciders and a chic, rustic atmosphere […]
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Hello fabulous Hudson Valley Style Mixology enthusiasts! This Pride season, I’m excited to share a new cocktail creation inspired by my recent visit to Tartinery at Grand Central. The restaurant’s seasonal watermelon spritzer was a delightful surprise, and it sparked the idea for a vibrant, pride-themed cocktail that’s sure to be a hit at […]
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As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, there’s no better way to celebrate Pride Month than with a fabulous pool day. Maxwell Alexander, a renowned fitness model and photographer, knows how to make the most out of these sun-drenched hours. From his chic swimwear to his mouth-watering Strawberry Sunshine Spritzer recipe […]
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As Pride Month kicks off tomorrow, it’s time to plan the perfect escape from NYC. Look no further than the Urban Cowboy Lodge in the Catskill Mountains. The Urban Cowboy Lodge not only offers a blend of rustic charm and luxurious comfort but is also renowned for its extraordinary mixology. Here’s why the Urban […]
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Embrace the serene beauty of the Hamptons while nurturing your body and mind with a self-paced, standing yoga class on the beach. “I truly believe that the best things in life are free, especially when it comes to the serenity and beauty of our favorite travel destinations,” says fitness model Maxwell Alexander. He offers […]
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The Hudson Valley is the perfect canvas for an unforgettable picnic experience, combining lush landscapes with the tranquility of the great outdoors. Renowned fitness model, photographer, and aficionado of the good life, Maxwell Alexander, shares his top tips for crafting a delightful picnic that blends gourmet tastes with chic style and the serene beauty […]
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Strap in, foodies and cocktail connoisseurs! I’m on a relentless quest, a mission to unearth the crown jewels of cuisine and the sanctuaries of spirits in the Hudson Valley and Catskills. Today, I’m your effervescent guide on a gaytastic culinary and bar hopping escapade in Windham, NY. With an insatiable appetite and a thirst […]
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Hello, my fellow epicurean explorers! Recently, I traded the suburbia’s cacophony for the countryside’s calm, taking shelter in a charming Airbnb farmhouse that was the epitome of rustic elegance in Saugerties. After a day reveling in the pastoral peace, I sauntered down the historic streets, lured by the inviting twinkle of Main Street Restaurant‘s […]
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