Of course the Hudson Valley is bucolic. Of course there are farmers' markets and country fairs. But there are also two very special Broadway-style theatres here in the Hudson Valley that make going to shows there feel positively metropolitan!  The Bardavon Opera House is a classic renovated theatre in the city of Poughkeepsie, and Ulster Performing Arts Center is located in the midtown neighborhood of historic Kingston.  Over the years I have been lucky to see amazing shows in both houses: Natalie Merchant, Black Crowes, Jerry Lee Lewis, Patti Smith, Patti Labelle, Whoopie Goldberg, Joan Rivers, Anthony Bourdain, John Waters, Liza Manelli, Kathy Griffin, Blondie, and more, more, more.  Both theatres have the architecture, seating and acoustics you

Who doesn't love fireworks (besides maybe the family dog). Here's a list of fireworks displays with the Catskill Mountains and Hudson River as a perfect backdrop. I like to get in as much firework viewing as humanly possible this week. They're just soooooo pretty. Luckily some of the displays in the area are staggered so I can get more than one firework fix. Below are the displays that I think are MOST scenic (the insiders guide), and the folks at Ulster Publishing have kindly put together a complete list!

As a fireworks officianado I like to pack the right gear. Scroll down for a list of essentials to pack in that LL Bean tote (I know you've got one, everyone does).

From The Walkway Over The Hudson

 Wowza! That's a