Happy Monday, friends!
Okay, first and foremost, thank you so much for your prayers and sweet messages on Friday. We’re just working through some things over here and kind of trying to keep our heads above water, so your thoughtfulness really meant a lot. I sincerely love this community more than words could ever say.
Last weekend, Andrew and I headed out for five nights and kind of felt like we had three vacations in one. Earlier in the fall, Norwegian Cruise Line asked if I wanted to stay on board their brand new ship for two nights on the 11th and 12th out of New York City, and since we love NCL so much (and being on a cruise ship!), we said yes! Since they wanted us on a Monday and Tuesday, we thought we’d just go up to NYC for the weekend before, BUT I recalled an episode of The Real Housewives of New York where they visited a cute town upstate, and so we decided to try that instead. We spent two nights in beautiful Rhinebeck, NY and then a night in NYC before boarding the Encore for two nights. See? Three trips in one! Today’s post is the first half of our fall getaway…
We were up early and out the door to board a flight to NYC! We landed in NYC, rented a car and then started driving towards our final destination. Our first stop though? Lunch at this very historic restaurant about 45 minutes out of the city…
…Andrew had read about The Old ’76 House and knew it was a place we should stop. Friends, George Washington ate here! How cool is that?! This restaurant was in the CUTEST little town too! I loved Tappan, NY! We didn’t have reservations, but it wasn’t crowded when we arrived and look at our table…
…isn’t it charming?! Andrew had a burger, I had the crab cake burger and we both thought it was DELISH! This was such a fun stop!! After lunch, we got back in the car…
…and made the GORGEOUS drive to Rhinebeck (about 1½ hours away). This Texas girl is used to driving on very flat roads with very short trees. This drive was simply spectacular. Rolling hills, mountains and even though the foliage was a little past its prime, it was still beautiful.
We arrived in Rhinebeck and checked into our hotel. When we made our reservations, we had no idea that this hotel was brand spankin’ new! The Mirbeau Inn & Spa had only been open six weeks when we arrived. We loved the location (right there in town!), our room was beautiful/big/had a fireplace and great views, they were so friendly and the hotel was aesthetically really pretty. We checked in, freshened up and then walked to dinner in town where we had reservations at…
…The Amsterdam. Prepare yourself…the rest of this post is basically just Andrew and me eating our way through New York 😉 .
A cozy place by the fire to enjoy drinks while you wait for your table.
Not a bad place for a Friday night, right?!
I looked it up and it means “cozy”. Yes, it sure was.
The BEST gnocchi I have ever had. In my life.
We ended the night strolling Rhinebeck and then started the next day…
…doing the same!
We had a yummy breakfast at a local diner in town before getting back in the car, cranking up the Christmas carols and making the GORGEOUS 45 minute drive to Hudson, NY.
We had heard so many good things about all of these towns in the Hudson Valley, so we wanted to check out several.
Hudson had the perfect mix of antiques, eclectic finds, book shops, art dealers, and…
…little French cafes 🙂 .
It was cold, so we stopped for coffee and split a pastry.
I always love traveling with this guy!
For lunch, we heard that…
…Grazin’ was the place to be. Um, yes…
…there is goat cheese on burger. Yes and thank you.
We drove back to Rhinebeck on the other side of the Hudson river so that we could catch a few more cute towns…
…it was really just the loveliest part of New York.
Back in Rhinebeck, we hit up more of their shops and then popped into this place to catch the end of the game Tab was officiating.
For dinner, we had reservations at Le Petit Bistro.
Cabbage, fish, risotto? Yes!!
The next morning, we woke up early to grab breakfast at our hotel before heading back to New York City…
…avocado toast is one of my faves!
We got back in the car, turned on the Christmas music and drove the 2ish hours back to the city…
…we checked into our hotel and then walked here for lunch.
See? All we did was eat 😉 .
After lunch, we strolled around New York City. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas there!!
Just the day before, the tree from Rockefeller Center arrived! Look at it getting ready to be decorated!
This is such a great time of year to visit New York!
Random story…
…all of a sudden Wolf Blitzer stepped out in front of us as we were walking back to our hotel. I love a good celebrity siting 🙂 . We were behind him and it was that awkward “how long are we going to follow Wolf around” thing but he would turn where we needed to turn and we just kept behind him…all the way to our hotel where he also turned in. Ha!
My very favorite neighborhood in NYC is the Upper West Side. We strolled over there and took in the evening before heading to dinner on the Upper East Side at…
…Sfoglia. I have no idea how to pronounce this place, but the food was amazing! It was also really cozy and intimate inside. There were pumpkins in the windows, candles everywhere and amazing service.
These goat cheese appetizers made me happy as did…
…my pasta supper 🙂 .
The next morning, we got up and boarded the Norwegian Encore, and I’ll share those pics later this week. In the meantime, if you get a chance, you should totally visit the Hudson Valley area of New York. It was truly one of the prettiest places I’ve been. I must have asked Andrew a hundred times if we could move there 😉 .
If you want to know what I’m wearing in these pics, you can either check out this post HERE or scroll and click below…
Happy Monday!!
Kristi says
So fun!! What’s your secret to eating so much yummy food and look amazing?!? ?
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Seems like you had a great time, Shay! Really enjoyed this post! 🙂
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Mary says
Shay, this is so funny, this is the area we live in, and I guess we take it for granted! It’s gorgeous in the fall, great time to visit. The winters, you would hate!!! You would also hate the housing prices and school & property taxes, ha ha. I’m so glad you enjoyed your visit. Can’t wait to hear about your time on the ship.
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s GORGEOUS!!!! I’m sure there are ups and downs to most places, but I thoroughly loved your part of the country!!
Karen says
Oh man I have had many stacks of pancakes hungover at Pete’s famous in my college days! Next time check out Beacon and Fishkill! My mama has a little chocolate shop in town and would love to give you some samples and a tour!
Jaqueline says
Hi Shay, “gesellig” acctually means something like “sociable”. But nevertheless, looks cozy! Hi from Germany!
Mix and Match Mama says
When I google it, it says Dutch for “cozy” but sociable is listed too! They’re perfect words for that place!!
Bec says
Born and raised Dutch over here 🙂 Cozy is definitely a good way to describe gezellig.
Julie says
What hotel did you (and Wolf lol) stay in for the night in NYC?
Mix and Match Mama says
Hahaha! The JW Marriott on Central Park South 🙂 .
Sheaffer Sims says
MY GOODNESS! So many charming little towns!
Carly says
I’m from not too far from there and this post just made me feel so cozy. Praying for your family Shay. I know you’ve said at times there are people for are faking it. I saw a sign yesterday that said “It’s as merry as you make it”. You’re so good at that! Prayers for a good week
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much, Carly!!! xo
Narci says
What an adorable trip! This looks like so much fun and those towns are just precious !
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
I’m so glad you loved the Hudson Valley!! I thought it was so cool you were checking it out. You have to visit Saratoga Springs/Lake George/Adirondacks one year!! You guys would love it with all the history and restaurants/lakes! I kind of want to head down to Rhineback just to eat right now lol
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Brenda says
Eating your way through vacation is also my policy. We leave Thursday for a long weekend in Boston. I wonder if you plan all your meals out or just pop in places that look good?
Mix and Match Mama says
We did a combination on this trip! Have so much fun in Boston!!
MK says
Looks lovely!!
Fun fact: There are a few scenes in the movie “Stepmom” (Julia Robert, Susan Sarandon) filmed at The Old ’76 House.
Mix and Match Mama says
No way?! I love that movie!
Elspeth says
What a fun and relaxing trip. I’m so glad you got to get away especially with everything that has been going on with your family. Keeping you all in my prayers.
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Jennifer says
I live in Long Island NY and grew up in Queens(NYC). I absolutely love upstate NY. It is the perfect fall getaway. My husband and I always spend a weekend in a different area and visit the surrounding towns. I also love to take the fall foliage cruise out of NYC and up the river. Such a great way to take in the change of weather!
Beatrix says
Thank you for mentioning these cute little towns most of us might never even hear of. Glad you all had a good time. Just curious, are you and Andrew able to sleep in when you get away together & catch up on some sleep?
Mix and Match Mama says
We do sleep quite a bit more!
Kimberly C says
What a beautiful, cozy town! I’ve gone back and forth so many times about visiting NYC — crowds aren’t really mine or my husband’s thing — but upstate looks like it would be right up our alley. Nothing better than rolling hills of fall colors!
Lots more prayers coming your way for this time in your lives! And thank you for being so raw about it! There’s times where I think you must be a superhuman with what and how much you do, and like everyone I know that you have down times too, but it is nice that you let us see that you’re human like the rest of us. Lots of love!
Jen says
I so appreciate your NYC posts! My son’s school marching band will be marching in the 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, so I’ve been taking notes from all of your posts on where to eat and where to go! Even though it is a year away, I’m such a planner at heart that I like to have as much settled as I can ahead of time! 🙂
Bronte Reed says
The pic you posted of the UWS is literally right where I live. I totally did a double take!
Sara Y says
The trip looks wonderful! I am lucky that my company has an office in the Hudson Valley, specifically Wappingers Falls, not far from Fishkill. This Texas girl is in awe every time I visit in the fall at the vibrant leaf colors. Pictures never do it justice!
Malissa says
I was in NYC that same weekend and was walking down Broadway on the Upper West side and realized you and Andrew were walking right in front of me! You were talking so I didn’t want to interrupt…but such a small world! Your trip to upstate NY looked heavenly!
Mix and Match Mama says
No way? What a small world!!!
Serena says
What a fun getaway! Pink is your color! You are just beautiful!
Charlie says
Upstate NY is just stunning – I live in the Finger Lakes and that’s equally beautiful, although there always seems to be a lake in the way of efficient travel 🙂 So glad you enjoyed upstate!
Sonia says
We live in NYC and made our first trip upstate this past fall! We stayed in a small town called East Durham, NY, and parts of East Durham feel like you’re in Ireland! Even the local general store has a selection of Irish food products. We also loved exploring Hudson when we visited. If you like all these areas, since you’re also a big fan of Massachusetts, you should definitely visit the Berkshires. There is a restaurant in the Berkshires (and also in Hudson, NY) called Baba Louie’s (it’s in one of your pictures!) that has the most delicious sourdough pizzas. Another upstate town that is beautiful is Cold Spring, NY. This is where we’ve visited the last few years to take in the fall foliage. It’s one of those small towns with the most adorable antique shops and boutiques where you want to explore everything. It is most definitely worth the visit!
Jen says
Ahhh sometime you should come to Vermont! We are full of tiny towns like this. 🙂
Melanie M. says
Y’all looked like you were in a Hallmark Christmas movie minus the snow……especially Andrew in that plaid shirt.
Rachel says
Where did you stay for the night in NYC?
Mix and Match Mama says
The JW Marriott on Central Park South 🙂
Maggie says
What a fun eating trip! We live in Eastern PA and George Washington was all over these parts, with crossing the Delaware and all that, you can’t trip over a rock that he didn’t touch, ha! History is so cool!
The reason I’m writing though is to ask for your and your followers’ prayers. I have to take my son to the dermatologist for the third time and he is really nervous. Thanks so much! Blessings to y’all!
Katie says
Ha! I live in Rhinebeck – so glad to see you enjoyed your stay. It’s a super cute town and Hudson is fun too! I wondered —when I saw on Insta that you were here—if it was RHONY that inspired your visit 🙂 My friend works at The Amsterdam – I’ll let her know you loved your meal!
Natalie says
Wow, looks like a fun trip! Where did you stay in NYC? Do you have a favorite hotel? I’m planning a trip there and
taking notes ☺️
Mix and Match Mama says
We stay at the same 3 or 4 places. This time, it was the JW Marriott on Central Park South. We love that one!
Natalie says
Thank you!
Laura Fuller says
Oh, how I wish my husband liked to travel…I’ll continue living through your adventures!
Erin D says
Loved your post! I’m from the Hudson Valley and its such a great place to visit! Rhinebeck has so many cute shops, places to eat, and everyone is so friendly!
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
How pretty!! Looks like a fun little getaway!!
That Inspired Chick
Tellie Paquette says
I am from near Rhinebeck NY. I grew up going there since my grandparents lived close. It’s such a gorgeous area. And full of history. There is a really good local ice cream place in Red Hook which is just north of Rhinebeck called Holy Cow and it is delicious. The Beekman Arms is another delicious place to eat!
Shauna says
Hi! Just curious, for years you used to be VERY adamant on countless posts about not drinking alcohol. What changed and how did you get to that point? Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ve never said we don’t drink, I’ve just always said that I much prefer eating my calories than drinking them (100%!), so I would rather skip any sort of drink in lieu of another appetizer or dessert 🙂 .
Dana says
I just wanted to say thanks so much for your NYC guide. My mom, sister and I went on a trip there last month for my mom’s 70th bday. We did the Chelsea High Line food tour you suggested and had Cindy as our guide also! She was so much fun!
Mix and Match Mama says
You had Cindy?! She is AMAZING!!! I’m so glad you had fun!!!
Kim says
Wow for a minute it was like I was reading about The Shulls Hallmark Christmas Movie. Thank goodness you came home with the same guy you went with. ??
Mix and Match Mama says
Bahahahaha! I just LOL!
Jenna says
I did a blog post on the Hudson Valley where I interviewed someone who lives there, and it totally made me want to go visit! It really does look beautiful, especially in the fall!
Barbara Parnell says
You should visit Rhinebeck when they host the Country Living fair!
Mix and Match Mama says
What month is that?! I love a fair/festival!!
Kristy Moore says
Apparently I need to pump up on my celebrities…I had to google Wolf Blitzer (sigh). Glad you were able to recognize him, I wouldn’t have had a clue! LOL
Susie says
Shay, sorry this is random, but do you remember what that delicious-looking cocktail was you had at The Amsterdam (your photo shows a lemon slice in it)?
Mix and Match Mama says
It was like a pumpkin margarita or something like that. Hence why I had to try it 😉 . Pumpkin?! Yes, please!
Mother of 3 says
We love upstate New York– Saratoga Springs, the Adirondack mountains… it’s such a beautiful area (though I don’t think we’ve ever visited these particular towns). Can’t wait to hear about the rest of your trip.
Jess O says
I saw you post about Pete’s Famous on your instagram and had to do a double take! I live in that area and worked there in high school! I hope George (the big Greek man) was there and helped y’all! He’s the best! It made me so excited to see y’all were visiting Rhinebeck and having a good time! My husband and I lived in Dallas for a couple years, but moved back here to be closer to family and for the fall- it’s my favorite season here by far! 🙂
Lily says
I’ve lived in LA for the past 7 years but I was born and raised in Hudson and I fly back to visit my parents every chance I get. Glad you enjoyed it!!