This Saturday, put the top down, slip on some Jackie O sunglasses and follow the long country road that is Route 23A as it winds through the picturesque Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. You'll discover 40 miles of fun, farms, history, food and festivals as you make your way through the villages of Haines Falls, Hunter Village and Prattsville. All of the festivals have free admission.
First stop: Haines Falls. Visit the Mountain Top Historical Society's Annual Open House, open at 11 am until 5 pm. According to the Open House website there is a lot of family-friendly excitement going on all day that's not exactly foodie in nature but still sounds like a good time:
Trunks & Travel, photographic exhibit and John Ham book signing in the Train Station, Herb Schmidt’s Ole Time Jazz Band, the Schoharie Valley Cloggers, Picnic Foods, Crafts, Hay Rides, Puppet Show and Rip Van Winkle Himself! Picture Yourself as a Victorian Traveler ~ Dress up in Victorian clothing and have your picture taken.
Treasures from My Trunk ~ Interactive presentation by Mary Jeanne Bialas at 2 p.m. in the Red Barn. Experience the sights and sounds of travel in New York State during the 1800’s! Whether traveling by rail, canal, river or road, there’s no such thing as packing lightly for a wealthy Victorian on the move. Audience members are welcome to become a part of the performance. An extensive exhibit of Victorian era clothing will be on view.
Photographic exhibit, Trunks & Travel, on view in the train station, showing how people got to and around the Mountain Top in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The exhibit is based on photographs from the Society’s archival collection.
After you check out the Historical Society, it's just a hop, skip and a jump over to Peace Village, which will feature live entertainment, meditation, games, face painting, storytelling, kite flying and -of special interest to all you home cooks- vegetarian cooking demonstrations. According to the website, "Peace Village is a place where relaxation comes easily. People come here to learn new things about themselves, to enjoy silence and solitude, and to find peace of mind." This place looks really cool, in a very relaxed, tranquil, spiritual, non-cultish sort of way. I don't know about you but Peace Village sounds pretty darn good to me. We could all use a little more self awareness and peace of mind!
Next up: Hunter Village! I'll be there all day covering the events taking place at the Catskill Mountain Foundation's Harvest Festival, which celebrates local farmers and sustainability. In the Village, you can view local artists' works during the Sidewalk Art Show from 10 am until 5 pm and score some bargains at the many yard sales up and down Route 23A. And, of course, local farmers will be marketing their products. At 3 pm, head over to the Mountain Cinema for a discussion and screening of Food, Inc., led by Karl Weber, editor of the film's companion book: Food Inc.: A Participant Guide: How Industrial Food is Making Us Sicker, Fatter and Poorer- and What You Can Do About It.
You might remember that we've talked about Food, Inc. before. Have you seen it yet? You should. I have to admit that I haven't seen it yet, despite the fact that I am related to Karl Weber and consider myself to be a socially conscious foodie. Shame on me. So I'm going to see it on Saturday. You should come with me. I expect to see you there.
Last, but not least, the village of Prattsville: This is your chance to be a part of local history when The Zadock Pratt Museum hosts the First Annual Colonel George Watson Pratt Heritage Day! I know... who the heck is George Watson Pratt? Wikipedia says he was the son of Zadock, for whom the museum is named, and that he died in the Second Battle of Bull Run. Well, that's news to me because I didn't even know there was a First Battle of Bull Run. Guess I need to dust off my history books. Here's a pic of George.
I love a man in a military uniform. Not so sure about the beard though.
All of these events will take place rain or shine so cross your fingers and hope for sun!
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