Blue Martini

You know those hot days, when you really want to do something with your friends?  You'd rather just stay in because you are so comfy in your house with your A/C?  Yet, at the same time, you'd really LOVE a cocktail?  I know I can relate.  My solution is to this issue is The Blue Martini.

Blue Martini is located in Newburgh, NY.  Now, don't get scared.  Newburgh isn't as scary as it once was. A lot of funding has gone into the waterfront property.  There's even valet parking if you desire.  It's right on the Hudson River.  You can eat inside or right on the water.  After dinner, you can even take a stroll down the pier to other restaurants bars while you watch the passing boats.  It's particularly happening at night time.  They have DJ's and drink specials.  Sometimes I go for dinner, which is delish!  Other times my dinner IS the martinis.  They are large martinis and they even give you the shaker with the extra martini in it...it usually ends up giving you 2/3 of another glass.

If you have a boat, they have a docking station.  You can pull right up and anchor!

I am not a martini person, so this wasn't the first place I would think of going.  (ok, I "wasn't" a martini person...until I started going here)  The martini selection is amazing!  Everything from your traditional (boring) martinis to more flavorful ones.

Martini Specials

• Godiva chocolate
• Raspberry with a sugar rim
• Mint
• Citrus
• Almond Joy (coconut)
• Oreo
• Lemon Drop
• Very Berry
• Black Cherry   

...and many more!

Although the name of the restaurant/bar is Blue Martini, it also happens to be a delicious sushi restaurant.  They have a sushi bar right next to the martini bar.

http://www.bluemartininy.com      (this site was having some trouble loading)

Location:

50 Front Street

Newburgh, NY, 12550

Phone:

845-562-7111

Mon - Sun:

11:30 am - 2:00 am

                

SomeTHING NOT to do this summer!

ZOOM FLUME Waterpark


I'm not even going to pretend that you should check this place out!  STAY AWAY!  It's a warning!  Unless of course, you like filthy water, staph infections, pink eye or jock itch.


You will not find any pictures, weather links or shortcuts to their Facebook site.  If you are STILL interested after the above paragraph, you can do your own homework.


If you wanna possibly kill your kids...take them to Zoom Flume.  It's a given that the attendants at the water slides are too busy texting rather than watching your child.  Or in some cases, texting IN the lifeguard chair at the pool!


Want an STD?  Then definitely use the showers at Zoom Flume!  That will be the "gift that keeps on giving".  Also a great place to get a severe case of athlete's foot.


Things you WILL need if you go...
                  

Bash-Bish Falls

What's really epic about this place (besides the beautiful waterfall) is that as you hike up towards the waterfall, you actually hike out of New York and into Mass.  It's really a lot of fun.  The other great thing about this state park waterfall hike, is that it's FREE.  There's no real reason to not check it out.

Although there are many caution signs telling you not to swim, because many people have died up there. I DO still go swimming at the Falls.  Once you hike up to the falls, you will see people swimming in the pool of 'falls' water.  You have to be careful and cautious, but you can do it.  The water is always so cold, that you are guaranteed to not spend a lot of time in there.  Just basically to cool off.  You will notice people jumping from the higher rocks into the pool of water...that is extremely dangerous as people have hit their head and died under the falls.  Not something I would suggest.  Every hour or so, security does make their way up to the Bash-Bish Falls to yell at everyone to get out of the water.  Once the security guards leave, everyone goes right back in the water.  It's kind of funny that way.  When ever I go with my friends, we usually bring lunch and spend a half of a day up there.  Once you hike up to the Falls, there is a steep concrete staircase that leads you down to the bottom of the falls where the "non"-swimming pool is.

One other thing....although it REALLY creeps me out, you can bring your dog up to the falls and people do let their dog swim in some of the water.

If you're going to go (which I highly recommend)...

• Wear socks and sneakers; the trail terrain could be washed out from water, with loose edging
• Wear Bathing suit
• Bring towel
• Lunch/snacks (optional)
• Check the weather for Copake   

Courtesy of 

BASH BISH FALLS STATE PARK

COURTESY OF BERKSHIRE HIKING:

Bash Bish Falls might be the most spectacular waterfall in the state Massachusetts. It's literally located on the state line of NY and MA in Mt. Washington, MA. (It's a thirty second drive up from Taconic State Forrest which is in Copake Falls, NY.) Bash Bish is an all-star attraction guaranteed to satisfy. The falls plummet through a series of dramatic gorges before finally cascading about 80 feet into sparkling pools of water.  Even if there hasn't been much rain, Bash Bish is still a picturesque scene but when it has received a lot of rain or snow melts it's unlikely you'll see a better waterfall in all of New England.  The trail leading up to Bash Bish Falls runs along the river that flows out and away from the falls.  It's a great way to get some exercise and adds a little drama to the experience since you can hear the falls get louder and louder as you close in on them.  The hike from the main entrance to the falls is a moderate distance, fairly easy for those in relative good shape.  On the day I was there, small children with their grandparents had made it to the falls without any problems.

There is a second way to experience the falls by descending the blue trail system to the falls.  This north entrance above the falls is about a mile from the main entrance on the right hand side. You can't miss the parking lot and cutout from the road. Warning: Although this area offers a great view of the surrounding area and unique views of the falls from above, it's also potentially dangerous as the small summit is jagged rock and can be very slippery.  The DEM have constructed a strong wire fence to keep folks away from the sheer drop offs, but it's still a scary place to bring children or anyone who is a novice hiker.  If you try the upper north entrance and it's your first time there, please be very cautious with each step you take. You could be critically injured...or worse...if you got too close to an edge. Please stand back and enjoy it what is presented to you...don't go that extra 10 feet just for the thrill.

Bash Bish Falls is a great place to explore a running river ecosystem and picturesque waterfalls as they tumble through a deep green forest. As noted before, any waterfall is best experienced if the region it's located in has received a decent amount of rain or snow melt. 

NOW FOR THE PHOTOS

(I CAN'T TAKE ANY CREDIT FOR ANY OF THESE)

            

         

                

Paddle Boat Queen

After going out in the city last night for my friend's birthday, I thought it would be yet another fun thing to suggest for summer fun!


I'm on a Boat Bitch ---T-Pain


Some of the positives:

• Great views of the city at night, including the Statue of Liberty which was lit up beautifully
• Air-conditioned
• Great drinks, reasonable bar prices
• Larger-than-expected bathrooms; clean.
• Great DJ
• Inexspensive

Some negatives:

• The food straight up, sucked!
• They claimed there was a dress code.  Surprise!  They let people on with boots/jeans/sneakers.
• Smoking  (I know it's a boat, but be conscious when blowing the smoke in people's faces)

As you can see the positives outweigh the negatives.  Overall, we had a really good time.  A lot of reggaeton, salsa, merengue and even more B.I.G. and hip-hop.  A lot of dancing was had by all. I danced for 3 hours straight without taking a break.  I even had a Bar Bitch that fetched my drinks, so I didn't have to leave the dance floor.   I made the mistake of wearing my "MJ"  (Michael Jackson) 3 inch heel sandals.  They were a tribute to him, as yesterday was the 1 year anniversary of his death.  The blisters I now have from the "MJ" sandals, are a 2 week reminder of my tribute to Michael.  Note to self:  Bring flats with you next time.  




The infamous "MJ" sandals ("BAD")

If you're looking to go on the Paddle Boat Queen, here are some more deatils...

Located at Paddle Wheel Queen NY Skyport Marina  East 23rd Street and FDR Drive New York, NY 10010  Phone: 212-213-2002 Fax: 212 288-1857 Email:pdwhqueen@aol.com We did see some fireworks while on the boat.  FYI, they are doing a Fourth of July boat ride.  I'm sure this would be fantastic watching the Macy's fireworks display! Here are some more pictures of the Paddle Boat Queen

SplashDown Beach

SplashDown Beach is a great day trip for 'kids' of ALL ages!  ;)  There is something for everyone.  Located in Fishkill, New York this water park gives you a full day of fun-filled activities without paying the steep prices of major chain water parks.  SplashDown is right off a major highway in Dutchess County and is really easy to get to.  
Every year, SplashDown Beach adds a new attraction to it's already fun-soaked theme park.  This year's new attraction is the 

BulletBOWL.

This thrill ride seats 1-2 people in a tube.

4 stories tall, this high-speed BulletBOWL is sure to please your thrill desire!  


A STEEP, DARK tunnel sends riders blasting into the "CENTRIFUGE OF TERROR".  It WILL make you scream!!

Here's a map of Splashdown Beach

Click image to view/download a larger map


SplashDown Beach was also the venue for a Justin Bieber concert
(Insert teenage girl scream here)

Some other attractions include:

(click on links below for pictures and more info)

• Humunga Half-pipe
• Cowabunga Falls
• Wave Pool
• Pirate's Plunge
• Priate's Revenge
• Croc Creek
• Coconut Pool
• Shipwreck Lagoon
• Adventure Island Arcade
• Rock Beach 
• Bungee Jumping

Things To Know Before You Go...

SplashDownBeach.com

16 Old Route 9 West

Fishkill, New York 12524

845-897-9600

Check the SplashDown Beach weather HERE before you go!

SplashDown Beach on Facebook

PRICING

DAILY RATES

Child under 42"     $24.50

Adult over   42"     $29.50

Make sure you take these items with you...

      

SUMMER DAY TRIPS

Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and take advantage of what the Hudson Valley has to offer. I try and get to the Mohonk Mountain house at least two times each summer. There are many hiking trails for many levels. My favorite trail to hike is the "Scramble" to what is known as the "Lemon Squeeze". The Scramble is part of the trail that hikes over large boulders. It's not extremely hard. I find it to be a challenging trail. You will hike through cave-like rocks and have the most amazing views of the Hudson Valley. The Lemon Squeeze is the area of the trail right before the top, where you climb up through 2 HUGE boulders (hence the name Lemon Squeeze). There is a wooden ladder between the Lemon Squeeze that you climb to get to the top. Once you climb out of the Lemon Squeeze you have a fantastic view of 3 States!
Remember if you go, to bring comfortable clothes & shoes, plenty of water and your camera. You will see plenty of wild animals along the way. The last time I went hiking there, I saw a porcupine!

I have included some pictures of the Lemon Squeeze and the view from the Mohonk Trails.

Before you go...Some info you will need:

The Mohonk Mountain House
Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center
3197 Route 44/55, Gardiner, NY 12525
Phone: (845) 255-0919

On The Web:
Mohonk.com

Visit Mohonk Mountain House on Facebook

Check the local weather in New Paltz, New York and make sure it's a hiking kind-of-day!

MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE

Visitor Center is open year-round, free of charge, 9-5 daily.

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve after 12 noon, Christmas Day, New Years Day

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Preserve Lands are open 365 days a year, sunrise to sunset

Admission:Members: FREE

Non-members:
$10 for hikers and bikers
$15 fo

Day passes and memberships can be purchased at the Visitor Center and other trailheads. The face value of your day pass can be applied toward the purchase of a memThis offer is good for two weeks from the date on your day pass. (One day pass per person)




Below are some books that could be helpful in your search for trails in the Hudson Valley area...