🌞 HV VIBES DAILY DOSE | MAY 2, 2025

Fresh Starts, Local Energy & Spring Wins Across the Hudson Valley

🌷 MOHONK TULIP FESTIVAL REACHES PEAK BLOOM

Experience one of the Valley's most breathtaking spring traditions! The Mohonk Tulip Festival (April 28–May 9) transforms the historic Show Garden into a stunning tapestry of 30,000+ tulips in every imaginable hue. This year features innovative art installations by SUNY Ulster horticulture students that beautifully complement the floral display.

Visitor tip: Weekday mornings offer the best photo opportunities with softer light and fewer crowds. Don't miss the guided "Tulip Talks" at 11am and 2pm daily!

More info: Mohonk Tulip Festival

🌳 $15M BOOST FOR HUDSON VALLEY'S GREEN FUTURE

As part of New York's ambitious "25 Million Trees by 2030" initiative, the Hudson Valley secured over $3 million in reforestation grants this week. Kingston leads with a transformative $1.6 million project to plant 8,100 native trees across five parks, creating shade, improving air quality, and fighting climate change.

Local impact: Studies show urban trees can reduce summer temperatures by up to 10 degrees, cut energy costs by 15%, and increase property values by 7-20%.

Get involved: Volunteer tree-planting days are scheduled throughout May.
Help Out in New Paltz. Help Out In Kingston. NYS DEC Tree Tracker.

📚 HUDSON CHILDREN'S BOOK FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 15TH YEAR

📍 Columbia-Greene Community College
📅 Saturday, May 3 (10am-3pm)

This beloved free event returns with its biggest lineup yet! Meet 75+ authors and illustrators, discover diverse new titles, and enjoy interactive storytelling sessions throughout the day. Special guest Jacqueline Woodson (National Book Award winner) will host a workshop for aspiring young writers at noon.

Parent perk: First 200 families receive a free tote bag with book vouchers and local treats!

🚴‍♀️ LET'S BIKE HUDSON VALLEY: SPRING TOUR

Dust off your bicycle and join one of the free community rides this month:

• May 3: Poughkeepsie Waterfront Loop (4 miles, family-friendly)

• May 8: Kingston Rail Trail Adventure (6 miles, moderate)

• May 10: Newburgh-Beacon Bridge & Beyond (8 miles, moderate)

Each event includes complimentary bike safety checks, route maps, refreshments, and community celebrations at the finish line. Rental bikes available by reservation.

Registration and details: Scenic Hudson Events

🍜 LUCKY CATSKILLS BRINGS ASIAN FUSION TO KINGSTON

Ramen, dumplings & craft cocktails? The wait is nearly over! The wildly popular Lucky Catskills café is expanding from its Tannersville roots to Kingston this June, revitalizing the former Kingston Bread + Bar space at 43 North Front Street.

Owner Jenn Zhang promises "familiar comfort with surprising twists" including house-made noodles, seasonal small plates, an Asian pantry market, and a full bar featuring local spirits and creative mocktails.

Sign up for opening announcements at luckycatskills.com

🌸 PEEKSKILL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL REACHES PEAK BLOOM

May 3 brings the perfect moment to experience this breathtaking annual event! The mile-long Riverfront Walkway transforms into a tunnel of pink as over 100 cherry trees reach their magnificent peak. Beyond the natural beauty, enjoy local food vendors, community art exhibitions, children's activities, and cultural performances celebrating spring's renewal.

More info here 👉 Cherry Blossom Festival

💬 VOICES OF THE VALLEY

"The Hudson Valley holds a rare magic – it's a peaceful sanctuary close to the heartbeat of the world. Something about these mountains and this river recalibrates your soul. I've traveled everywhere, but nothing feels quite like coming home to these hills."

— Melissa Leo, Academy Award-winning actress and long-time Stone Ridge resident

🔍 HIDDEN GEM OF THE WEEK

Buttermilk Falls Herb Farm in Milton might be the Valley's best-kept secret. This small, family-run paradise offers self-guided garden tours where you can discover over 70 varieties of culinary and medicinal herbs. Their weekend workshops on natural remedies and seasonal cooking are intimate and transformative. Visit Thursdays through Sundays, 10am-4pm.

💖 THE GRATITUDE CORNER

Today we're thankful for tulips in full bloom, kids discovering new books, and neighbors who plant trees they may never sit under. We're also grateful for YOU – our amazing community of readers who share these stories and support local businesses, artists, and initiatives across the Hudson Valley.

What are you grateful for today? Share with us on Instagram @H.V.Vibes with #HVGratitude and we might feature you in our next newsletter!

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