Hi Friends,
Whether you have kids or not, the back to school vibes are upon us. In my child-free world, that means eating sliced apples with peanut butter at 3pm, letting my TBR pile reach structurally unsound heights, and allowing my stack of vintage sweaters do the same.
This weekend I’m hard launching into reading season at PAGEBREAK, a queer-leaning weekend retreat of reading aloud, reading alone, eating, drinking, and light exercise with a group of strangers in the Catskills. We’ll be collectively reading a short story collection called Perverts, and some portion of it may occur in a 15-person hot tub. In part, I’m going for the crash course in producing retreats, executing large dinners, and cultivating relationships between strangers in a compressed period. But let’s be honest: eating, drinking, reading and talking about those things for a full weekend is my idea of heaven. If it sounds like yours, get on the M&L event waitlist to learn about the retreat I have in the works for February 2027.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gunks will be at Plantasia freaking out to experimental saxophone in a field. If you like the idea of both but don’t have a weekend to commit to either, lucky you! Rough Draft and Tubby’s are teaming up for a book store dance party on Monday. More on that below.
If the vintage sweaters are more your speed, you’re in luck too! Next Thursday Makers & Lovers is hosting a cocktail party at The Ultimate Thrift Shop in Rhinebeck to celebrate the start of Hudson Valley Slow Fashion Week. Our friends at Branchwater Farm will be behind the bar with their full portfolio of gorgeous whiskies, gin, vermouths and brandies, Dailey & Co will be serving snacks, and of course there will be an abundance of freshly stocked vintage designer clothing and accessories for all styles, sizes and expressions. Entry, drinks and snacks are all free for subscribers with RSVP. Free martinis and pre-loved designer bags are my other idea of heaven.
Eliza Bistro's chef de cuisine Pruitt is departing at the end of the month. She's cooking one last Thaiglish menu September 18 through 20 before she goes.
Public comment on the Roadless Rule closes September 21 and Trout Unlimited has the form. Ending the Roadless Rule would opens millions of acres of the backcountry to development. Do it for the fish.
Let's Play Mahjong kicks off a three-part intro series at Accord Social in mid-October, with a seasonal buffet baked into the $75. They plan to continue weekly mahjong Mondays after the 3 lessons, so put a couple “doctors appointments” on your calendar now so you have something to do through the winter.
Putt Putt Van Winkle continues their fundraiser Happy Evenings with guest bartenders. Check their IG weekly to see who’s working and where tips are going.
Thursday, September 17