A Drive to Beaverkill Valley Inn
One week ago Sunday, I took a drive through the Catskill Mountains with my friend, Kathy Sloane. Kathy and her husband, Dr. Harvey Sloane, have a weekend house there and they wanted me to see the renovations they recently have made. We were also invited to a luncheon at Beaverkill Valley Inn by Kathy’s good friend, Larry Rockefeller and his wife, Wendy. Larry has been very involved with restoring the inn and preserving the entire Beaver Kill area from any future development. Built in 1893, this lovely inn was a lodge for anglers coming to fly fish for trout in the nearby, pristine Beaver Kill River, a tributary of the East Branch of the Delaware River. This area has a unique and important history because in the early 1900’s, area resident Theodore Gordon and other local anglers invented the American technique of dry-fly fishing. They perfected the art of fly tying and the craft of making fly rods from split bamboo. After a very pleasant lunch and a visit with Larry and Wendy, Kathy gave me a little tour of the charming nearby town of Andes.
1 Driving north on US-9 along the majestic Hudson River, we encountered some amazing ice formations.
2 There was a turn-off, so we stopped the car to take some photos.
3 Water was dripping through crevices on the rocky embankment, creating such interesting icicles!
4 Ice-covered branches
5 A cascade of ice
6 The icicles looked like beautiful stalactites.
7 It was just stunning!
8 Meanwhile, Francesca seemed to be enjoying the view.
9 Just around the bend, we found the Bear Mountain Bridge.
10 Although plans to build a bridge here date as far back as 1868, construction didn't start until 1923 with completion in 1924. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world for a couple of years.
11 At that time, there were no fixed vehicular crossings of the Hudson River south of Albany, New York State's capital. Vehicles crossed via ferry boats.
12 This bridge connects the northwestern corner of Westchester County to the lovely Bear Mountain State Park and nearby West Point Military Academy.
13 Along this shore of the Hudson are the rails for Metro-North Railroad's Hudson Line and Amtrak trains.
14 This is a very scenic area along the Hudson.
15 This is the beginning of what is know as the Hudson Highlands.
16 Nearing the other shoreline and looking down, you can see the tracks and tunnel of a freight train line.
17 The Bear Mountain bridge carries one 12-foot-wide lane in each direction for US-6 and US-202.
18 The roadway has eight-foot-wide shoulders for pedestrians and cyclists. Those shoulders also accommodate the Maine-to-Georgia Appalachian Trail through this scenic vista.
19 This is a narrow stretch of the river, but still, from beginning to end, the bridge measures 2,332 feet.
20 Approaching the tollhouse
21 Tolls used to be collected from cars going in each direction. Today a toll of $1.00 is collected in the eastbound direction only.
22 My friend, Kathy Sloane, on the porch of Beaverkill Valley Inn, which was built 1893 as a lodge for anglers. http://www.beaverkillvalleyinn.com/
23 I would love to come back in warmer weather to fish for trout and to rock on this wrap-around porch.
24 One of two sitting rooms, with their original oak trim
25 The fireplaces are also original to the building.
26 The dining room has all of its original trim, as well.
27 The home-owner's association for the inn chose wallpapers, fabrics, and furniture that were true to the building's historic appearance.
28 Laurance and Wendy Rockefeller hosted a friendly lunch for about 60 of their friends in one of the barns out back.
29 Here I am with the adorable Fox Sloane, Kathy's grandson.
30 Kathy, her daughter-in-law Erin, and Fox
31 Kathy's son - Patrick and baby Fox
32 After lunch, we visited Laurance and Wendy's farmhouse.
33 The Rockefellers' barn was turned into a huge and fun playhouse, with ping pong, a pool table, and even an ice cream bar!
34 The countryside is quite lovely with the rolling hills of the Catskills.
35 Entering the village of Andes, NY, we came upon this handsome old building. I just love those doors.
36 Fisk Barn Antiques is housed in a beautiful two story, rescued and completely renovated barn. This shop has very distinctive antiques and collectibles.
37 We dropped in on a really fabulous vintage clothing shop called Clementines. http://www.clementinevintageclothing.com/visit_store.html
38 At Clementines, the clothing is hand selected specifically for the Catskill's lifestyle - great classics that become old favorites.
39 I saw something I really liked!
40 Misha Mayers, the owner of Clementines, has worked in fashion merchandising for many years and has a real eye for clothing.
41 Misha's shop is very popular with both residents and visitors passing through Andes.
42 Our last stop was at Kathy's newly renovated home - Abigail Davenport, Erin Sloane, Patrick Sloane, GK, Me, Sloane Davenport, Charlie Davenport, kathy Sloane, Harvey Sloane
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Martha, the ice looks like sculptures, and even though it is all beautiful, it just looks sooooo cold. I have yellow bells and Jonquils blooming, even though we'll get more cold.
I like the old house, the inn, and the barns. I just like old things, period.
But, I wouldn't like crossing that bridge...it is just too high up in the air to suit me. But, I've crossed higher ones. I didn't like them, either.
I pray you have a Blessed week.
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | February 28th, 2011 at 12:23 am
Hi Martha, thanks for sharing all the great photos. The ice really does make some magical and beautiful shapes. The landscapes look like postcards! I also loved seeing the vintage clothing store! And it's so great that you purchased something! Recycle, repurpose, reuse! You are a great example, always!
Posted by: Joycelyn (peacetraverlers.blogspot.com) | February 28th, 2011 at 3:43 am
What wonderful photos. If a tree dripping with icicles appears in the December issue I will know there the inspiration came from!
Posted by: Perfecting Pru | February 28th, 2011 at 4:41 am
one reason i love the marth, she doesn't give a crap about going out without makeup. LOVE IT! i wanted to drop the s bomb but thought wisely of it. wish i looked that good now - c
Posted by: chris | February 28th, 2011 at 9:12 am
Two things: Love the name "Fox". Am surprised the inn still had its Christmas wreath on the door. Didn't they know you were coming and that we would all be seeing? Mother Nature provided a beautiful day for you.
Posted by: Janette @ The 2 Seasons | February 28th, 2011 at 9:24 am
21 days until spring but bulbs will not bloom for 3 months in Dakota and icicles are getting tiresome around here. Great time to visit Florida and SOBE festival in a parking lot must have been fun. Thanks for including us in parties where you look more beautiful than ever.
Posted by: ann | February 28th, 2011 at 9:42 am
Martha, seems like you guys had a lovely time traveling. Thanks for sharing this blog of Beaverkill. Cute cute cute baby boy Fox!
Posted by: KLBrown | February 28th, 2011 at 10:13 am
In Sep./07 my husband & I spend a weekend at the beautiful Beaverkill Inn for fly fishing . Very quiet & peaceful area with a great river & lots of trails for hiking. In the evening we have seen the beavers swimming & playing in the bubbling water. Very nice people , very good food .
Posted by: Dani & cats | February 28th, 2011 at 10:15 am
Hi Martha,
As much as I like the cold and ice...I would much rather be in that area in the summer to trout fish and sit around on the porch! What a great inn and kudos to Laurance and Wendy Rockefeller for their work in restoring it as well as their preservation efforts for the entire Beaver Kill area. Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 28th, 2011 at 11:38 am
Hi Martha, I love it when you take us on a tour of any part of New York and any part of the world and share these stunning photos for us to enjoy!!! Seeing more of northern New York is fascinating and the beautiful blue skies take my breath away!! It sure looks like there is no smog up there-terrific! It must have been pretty cold up north. The photos of ice crystals are wonderful to enjoy from inside the car like Francesca did. The Fisk Barn Art & Antique Center and the Clementine Shop must be fun to visit and I would love to see more of both. I love the name Fisk because my grandparents were names were Harry and Else Fisk. The photo of you and little Fox is so charming! It's easy to see this trip was a fun time for everyone! On my way to The Daily Wag to see their blog post about this fantastic trip up north. Have a great day! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | February 28th, 2011 at 11:41 am
Great trip you provided for us. I am ready for spring but a last tip of the hat to winter's glories is good. All photos were wonderful. I liked the intrigue of "I found something I really liked". What a fun story you weave for us, thanks.
Posted by: Margie | February 28th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Hey Martha,
The photos are lovely. I miss snow! We live in Eureka, CA and don't see any. I want to thank you for your show on puzzles! I have rediscovered my love for crosswords and I bought the NY Times Crossword app for iPad and did crosswords all day Sunday with a big fire, cat on my lap on the quilt I made. Heaven. I LOVE the ability to look at your various magazines on my iPad as well. I find I am buying them twice though, digitally and magazines! Any chance there could be an ability to incorporate the ADD TO SHOPPING LIST capability? That would be great. All the best.
Posted by: Cathy Ray Pierson | February 28th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
Martha, thanks for sharing the pictures. It is interesting to see glimpses of that part of New York.
Posted by: Krista, Minneapolis | February 28th, 2011 at 3:46 pm
I am really enjoying all the photos of your travels for months now! You are a great photographer Martha. Thank you for sharing
Posted by: BJ | February 28th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
Looks like a lovely trip...the pictures of the frozen waterfall brought back some wonderful childhood memories for me. I grew up making frequent trips to the Rocky Mountains with my parents in all seasons and I remember one beautiful hike we took to a frozen waterfall just like that! Made me smile to see those pics...
And I love that wraparound porch...I want to add one like that to the new house we are buying in the country. How better to enjoy 90 acres and a view of an ancient river valley than one of those gorgeous porches?! The family farmhouse was so charming too...reminds me of my late grandparents' farm. Thanks for the wonderful trip down memory lane!
Cheers!
Hope Ava
Posted by: The French Mouse | February 28th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Great photos! My boyfriend lives in the Hudson Valley. He took me to the Walkway over the Hudson and we went on a Hudson River Cruise. Highly recommend both of those activities next time you are in that area of NY:)
Posted by: Allyson | February 28th, 2011 at 10:45 pm
Hi Martha
You know what I love most about you?
The fact that you take the time to stop and smell the roses. You document the events in your life that most wouldn't take the time to even look twice at.
I'm the same way, as so many other women are...and being able to share your creative world with all of your fans must mean a great deal to you.
I love your photos, thanks for sharing!
Hugs from Canada.
Ciao Bella!
Creative Carmelina
Posted by: Carmelina Lounsbury | February 28th, 2011 at 10:47 pm
Hi Martha, Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful pics. I have never been to that part of New York and I really enjoyed the tour. I think you inherited a bit of your Mom's ability to teach. You are always so generous with your ideas, travel and know how. (I enjoy seeing Francesca & Sharkey pics too
) Last March 1, 2010 my Dad died, its been one year and I still miss him terribly...but the one thing that has really helped me is Milly.
In January of last year my 17 yr old daughter went to the shelter and had to have this 4 month old coonhound puppy. I wasnt crazy about the idea at the time..but I have to say, I LOVE THAT DOG! She was such a comfort to me when Dad passed and now continues to be a joy in my life. I have become an animal lover.
Sorry..i got off the beaten path there a bit..but again, Thank you!
~Susie~
Posted by: Susan Crabill | March 1st, 2011 at 2:01 am
Hello Martha
It was so nice to see you in upstate ny. I am so glad to see how many people are starting to notice our area. Since opening Fisk antiques and the Fisk house. Bnb we have met so many wonderful people.
Our area has become a huge second home area and we are really starting to embrace that with many great shops and restaurants.
We hope to see you again.
Best wishes
Lee and Roxanne
Fisk antiques
Posted by: lee and roxanne | March 1st, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Great pics Martha. I knew you were gonna pic that yellow jacket! I would have taken that one too!
Posted by: Frances | March 1st, 2011 at 8:23 pm
Love you Martha, fellow Polishwoman! Thank you for sharing all your great finds. Next time I travel to east coast from Washington, I will visit this area.
Thank you for everything!
Posted by: Jean | March 2nd, 2011 at 12:21 am
Hi Martha ....LOVED the crafts show today ..especially the jewelery ...off to look for the wire lace ...as I'm out looking for Baby Yarn today already...
I'll order on line i I can't find n Michaels
love your Show ...have a Great day
Posted by: Ellen | March 2nd, 2011 at 12:40 pm
Hi Marta, I just wanted to say I love your show. I watch everyday and always learn something new and thrilling.I am not very good with this computer, so I only get on when the grandchildren are here to help me. I keep trying to get on your website and I have wiped out my husbands business files twice. But it is worth it to read more about you. Thank you for all your wisdom. Keep up the great work
Posted by: Jamie | March 2nd, 2011 at 3:54 pm
I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE your show. I love to craft to work on my gourds, sew (a bit) and I am learning to paint.
You inspire me and fill my mind with new and wonderful ideas. Thank you.
Your faithful fan,
Linda Eichwald
Posted by: Linda Eichwald | March 2nd, 2011 at 3:55 pm
Beautiful icy pictures... Thanks for sharing this tour, the inn seems to be a lovely place.
Posted by: FunkySteph | March 3rd, 2011 at 10:23 am
Even more gorgeous in the thaw...lunched at Beaverkill Valley Inn, lovely, big fly fishing community. btw, Catskill Trout, new works in oil by internationally renowned Alberto Rey, opens at Chace-Randall Gallery, 49 Main Street, Andes, May 7. Hope to see you!
Posted by: Zoe Randall | March 3rd, 2011 at 3:44 pm
Yes, do the fishing for trout thing. And invite ME! I'd love to do my own blog on fishing with Martha! We'll cook the fish on the spot. I know you can't invite me so go fish for all of us to see and enjoy.
Posted by: may delory | March 3rd, 2011 at 5:31 pm
You always look nice but today (3-4-11)you looked great, very flattering outfit. Loved it.
Posted by: loretta elliott | March 4th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
I was artist in residence at Beaverkill Inn a few years ago, have a group of pastels and oils, including an oil of the wrap around porch you admired. I also lived in Andes and love the landscape there. Larry R is one of my collectors, surprised you posted photos of his house and barn, he's sensitive about that!
Posted by: Robert Selkowitz | March 4th, 2011 at 2:03 pm