TAKE A WALK IN THE PARK-STORM KING ART CENTER

Just three miles down the road from our bed and breakfast the artistic splendor and grounds of the largest sculpture park in America has dazled hundreds of our guests. Celebrating their 50th anniversary of a "Marriage of Nature and Art" you can stand in awe at the monumental works of Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, Mark di Suvero, Andy Goldsworthy, Maya Lin and others. Twelve new works are being displayed as part of their anniversary celebration. You can even take a tram to get around the park. Storm King is open from 10am-5pm Wednesday-Sunday, with extended hours on Saturdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. There is even a cafe located in the pavillion adjacent to the North Parking Area. http://www.stormking.org

MILLION DOLLAR VIEW-BOSCOBEL HOUSE AND GARDENS

A jewel of the Federalist Era is located 35 minutes from us. Cross the magnificent Bear Mountain Bridge and drive up picturesque Route 9D and arrive at the sunflower yellow home of the States Dykman.Family. The main house has an intriguing history. The gardens and especially the view are wondrous. The Exhibition Gallery is showing a wonderful display of Currier & Ives lithographs through October 11. They have a great gift shop too. The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival offers great productions. http://www.hvshakespeare.org http://www.boscobel.org/main.html

BOSCOBEL HOUSE & GARDENS

Thirty-five minutes from our bed and breakfast is the finest example of Federalist architecture in America. Situated on 68 acres overlooking the Hudson River, this neoclassical former home of the States Dykman family is one of the jewels of the Hudson Valley. Besides the house visitors can enjoy gardens and trails. There are also special events such a wine a chocolate tasting with Chef Oliver Kita, costumed house tours, yoga on the lawn and the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival among so many events. Visit http://www.boscobel.org/ and then book your stay with us.

ROCK N' ROLL IS HERE TO STAY

15 minutes from our historic Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast is Eisenhower Hall Theatre at West Point, www.ikehall.com. Coming on Friday, March 26 a sold gold rock and roll show with Little Anthony & The Imperials and The Drifters featuring Charlie Thomas will sing such hits as "Tears on my Pillow" and "Save the Last Dance For Me". While we are not "Under the Boadwalk," "Please Stay" and have a "Some Kind of Wonderful" time with us. Then Sunday, April 11 Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell come into town, all the way from Philadelphia. Bring your "Run Around Sue" or "Venus" or that special "Wild One" and stay with us after the show.

STORM KING ART CENTER

Last weekend I joined members of the Storm King Art Center for a Winter Walk. It was chilly and invigorating to see sculpture as reveled by winter light in their magnificent setting. America's largest sculpture park is one of the many artistic jewels of the Hudson Valley. Located three miles down the road from us on 525 acres the works of Maya Lin, Mark di Suvero, Sol LeWitt, Alexander Calder and many others are displayed. Another Winter Walk is scheduled for members on Saturday, March 6 from 2 to 4 pm. If you can't make the next walk, the Art Center reopens the first week of April. Have lunch or a Saturday dinner in their lovely picnic grove. Don't forget the wine. Visit on them line www.stormkingartcenter.org. Then make that reservation to relax with us in a comfortable guest room at the historic Caldwell Bed and Breakfast.

HUDSON VALLEY ART

For over 50 years the Gould family has been creating and exhibiting their art of the Hudson Valley. The nearby BETHLEHEM ART GALLERY was founded in 1957 by John F.Gould, (1906-1996) and his wife Mary. John was a noted advertising illustrator, an instructor at Pratt Institute for 22 years and an art consultant. His three sons have carried on his artistic traditions. William, a retired mathematics teacher, is a great local photographer and a picture framing consultant. Paul has conducted art classes for more than 30 years and outdoor painting workshops in New England, Ireland and Portugal. He also has an art gallery of his own, Hudson Valley Gallery, in Cornwall-on Hudson highlighting Hudson Valley artists. Robert, also a retired math teacher, is the business manager and woks with customers in selecting the appropriate frames for their art.Come visit their galleries on line at www.bethlehemartgallery.com or www.paulgouldart.com or visit in person nearby. Stay at the Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast and take 20% OFF any of the Gould family works displayed at our B & B.

WHAT’S COOKING AT THE CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA?

For the third year we will be dining at the CIA Diner Series which takes place from now through early April. Carmela and I enjoy the lectures about wine makers, partake in five samples of their brand and then dine in one of the CIA great restaurants and have five more glasses of wine. Some nights wine is not the subject. How about dining as they did on the Titanic without jumping ship?. If whiskey, beer or cheese is your favorite, they have it too. It is wonderful experience and value. Being Irish I usually ask Carmela to be the “designated driver” on the way home to our B & B just an hour South of Hyde Park. Check it out at www.ciachef.edu/restaurants/events/diningseries.asp. Maybe we will see you there and here.