Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
– Khalil Gibran
Holy Cow Ice Cream in Red Hook makes TripAdvisor’s Top Ten list
Congratulations to Holy Cow Ice Cream in Red Hook for ranking Number Five among TripAdvisor’s Top Ten Ice Cream Shops in America! To find out more about Holy Cow, I consulted its biggest fan, Linda Cotter-Forbes: “Upon hearing that Holy Cow was recognized as one of the Top Ten ice cream spots in the US, my son John replied, ‘I told you they are the best, Mom!’ We are there often and love Holy Cow! John reaches in the freezer each time for his favorite ice cream cookie sandwich; the chocolate peanut butter ice cream with chocolate sprinkles is my favorite.”
Her family is also partial to the chocolate shakes, the twists and the frozen yogurts. “And don’t miss the blueberry pie ice cream…amazing!!” Apparently grandparents love Holy Cow, too: “Grandma Cathy Cotter loves Holy Cow’s delicious Butter Pecan and sitting with the grandkids at the picnic tables outside of Holy Cow on a hot summer day! Actually any day!” Cotter-Forbes continued, “The staff is as sweet as the ice cream, and the prices are very reasonable.”
Cotter-Forbes mentioned the great Yankee and Joe DiMaggio memorabilia, as well as the ice cream cakes and their own ice cream cupcakes, called Utters: “I rarely bake birthday cakes since they love Holy Cow’s ice cream cakes.” Cotter-Forbes points out, “It’s no wonder you don’t see any ice cream trucks around here…they can’t compete with our beloved Holy Cow!” Holy Cow is located at 7279 South Broadway in Red Hook. For more information, call (845) 758-5959.
50¢ ice cream cone sale at Burger King
What I love about Burger King’s special sale of 50¢ cones is that it’s cheap, quick and easy. When I hand my kids those vanilla cones, they transform from hot and tired to happy, and I don’t even have to get out of my car. Until August 5, Burger King is selling vanilla ice cream cones or cups for 50 cents. I tried it out: no strings attached, no special meal deals – just a delicious treat for around the cost of a stamp. Enjoy!
Hudson Valley Chalk Festival at New Paltz’s Water Street Market
One of this weekend’s highlights is the Hudson Valley Chalk Festival taking place at the Water Street Market from Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14. I asked organizer Theresa Fall about this year’s event: “This event is perfect for families! To see the progression of the beautiful works of temporary art over the weekend is a unique experience. The artists involved are welcoming and friendly and don’t mind chatting about their work. We’ll have live music, raffle drawings and a chalking area for all ages for people to give it a try, and an Art Car, which is painted in chalkboard paint for all of us to chalk all over it.”
What do kids think about the Chalk Festival? Atticus Fall-Schembri says, “Last year my favorite part was the 3-D one that was a swimming pool, and at the end we could stand on the diving board and pretend to jump in.” That one was my favorite, too! Frances Schembri is just as enthusiastic: “I volunteered and got to make and sell popcorn, and I also loved entering the raffles and putting tickets in each jar. And I loved all of the artwork!”
Live music, raffles and free face-painting are scheduled throughout the weekend. The Hudson Valley Chalk Festival runs daily from 9 a.m. to dusk. The Water Street Market is located at 10 Main Street in New Paltz. For more information or to volunteer, call (845) 774-9705 or visit www.hudsonvalleychalkfestival.com.
Fairy Houses workshop at Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum in Poughkeepsie
When’s the last time your family made a fairy house? Have you seen the gorgeous models made at Victoria Gardens in Rosendale? Anyone can build a dwelling for fairy folk, and since their components are entirely from nature, they can be built anywhere.
I think that fairy houses are a delightful way to engage children in the magic of the outdoors, and sometimes a helping hand is a great way to get started. On Saturday, July 13 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., you are invited to the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum for the Fairy Houses workshop. Participants will use found materials such as sticks, rocks and grass to build fairy houses outside around the Museum. The workshop and materials are included in your Museum admission.
The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum is located at 75 North Water Street in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 471-0589 or visit https://mhcm.org.
Join the family! 
