With the arrival of the month of October, it’s time to get in the car and take a ride to enjoy two events in the Hudson Valley – leaf peeping and a visit to a pumpkin patch. Although spectacular foliage can be seen traveling the major highways, it always seems better when one travels the back roads of this area, especially if you remembered to bring your camera. There always seems to be just one more breathtaking view around the next turn.

The day will not be complete without stopping at a local farm stand to purchase locally grown apples, freshly pressed apple cider, or that giant pumpkin to decorate for the Fall. I’m sure you or your friends would say that one of their most memorable family outings as a child was to either a local PYO (pick your own) orchard or a pumpkin patch. Here in Pawling we are fortunate to go directly to Dykeman Farm’s own pumpkin patch. In addition to selecting the perfect pumpkin, winter squash and gourds, there will be weekend hayrides through their fields. On Sundays, Oct. 10th and 17th, the hayrides will be authentic horse-drawn fun.

Why limit such memory making to a single afternoon? Living in the area full-time or as a weekender let’s you build memories constantly. I can help you make that dream come true. Call me at 917-208-0630.

Posted by:  Bruce L. Radler

This coming Sunday, September 26th, come rain or shine, the village of Pawling will play host to its’ annual car show in conjunction with the Dutchess Cruisers Car Club. Come view over 140 classic cars.    

There is word that M&S Pawling, the local GM dealer, will be featuring the all new 2011 Cadillac CRT coupe. Tickets for a 50/50 raffle will be available. By buying one you will be supporting the new Pawling Green as well as the chance of to earn a little extra green for your pocket. You can always be a winner when you purchase a primary or secondary in the Dutchess County Harlem Valley.  

I can help you find the best home for you and your family. Our office has several listings with a large garage; ideal for the car collector. Call me at 917-208-0630.

Posted by:  Bruce L. Radler

Last Wednesday, while driving up Route 22 we came across the parking lot at Valley Diner in Wingdale packed with people stopping to get a look at more than 20 exotic classic cars. It seems that every Wednesday night the members of the Harlem Valley Car Club gather here from 6 to 9 PM to show off their pride and joy, as well as chat with old members, potential new ones, and car enthusiasts. By the way, if this diner looks familiar it was recently used in a big national television commercial.

This is only one of many events available for the automobile fan during the summer in the Hudson Valley. Friends from the city come up almost every year for the Pawling Car Show staged in the center of town. This year the event is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 26th.

Posted by:  Bruce L. Radler

I just loaded the car with my purchases from the first half of the market (see my previous entry), and need to see what I can find in the second half to complete the menu for this weekend’s guests. Yes, having a country home means receiving calls from family and friends asking, “Do you have any plans this weekend?” Most times they are extending the invite to their home; now it’s our turn to reciprocate..

Returning to the market with empty bags (we have been using canvas bags for some time) I first visit Dykeman’s Farm Market’s booth (highlighted in my July 20th blog), I do see the same wonderful corn, tomatoes, squash and seasonal fruit offered up at their farm. Yes, we are spoiled living in the country so close to this great source of produce that can be obtained fresh daily.

At the next booth is Margery Schiffman from Conant Valley Jam Company with a variety of unusual jam made without sugar. “Please try some” she exclaims. “You will not be disappointed.”

At Ashnan Farms booth, owners Micah & Renannah Weinstein and Joe Vail offer an assortment of organically grown produce as well as free-range chickens.

The last booth is combination of wine from Millbrook Vineyards and dairy products from Ronneybrook Farms. Two ingredients necessary for any gathering. Visitors from the city really appreciate local ingredients and products as an exotic alternative to supermarket items. It’s the way we live in the country. You can, too.

I hope my little tour has peaked your appetite to stop by the market some weekend soon. This area of the Hudson Valley has lots to see and do, as well as many great homes available for either weekend or year round country living. I would love to make that dream house come true for you. Please call me at 917-208-0630.

Posted by:  Bruce L. Radler

One of the joys of owning a country home in the Hudson Valley is getting out to partake in the various local activities. These experiences add value and joy to home owning here. Over the next few weeks I will highlight several of these. The first that comes to mind are the various Farmers’ Markets that have developed over the past few years. Some are open twice a week, but almost all are open Saturday mornings.

Here in Pawling, the program is only a few years old, but it provides a good selection of both organic and non-organic produce, baked goods, preserves, dairy, flowers, plants and even wine. Let us start a tour and give you a brief description of what is there. Starting at the north end of the market you will find Brine Garden and Horticultural Consultants, Inc. Owners Duncan and Julia Brine have been written up in several magazines. Their website, gardenlarge.com contains an excellent description as well as a listing of upcoming tours.

The next booth is manned by Laetitia Ganam of 3 Petites Madeleines. Laetitia is a home baker who brings her creations to this market, as well as the Arlington Farmers’ Market.

At the next booth Mountain Produce Smokehouse features locally hardwood smoked cheeses and meats. After trying a sample I doubt you will go home empty-handed! Once you discover this provider you do not have to wait until the next market day. Visit their website: mountainproductssmokehouse.com or stop by their in-house store.

Prospect Hill Orchards from Milton, NY is next. They feature freshly picked fruits and homemade jams. You may even decide to take a ride to the orchard and pick the fruit yourself – this weekend peaches and nectarines are available.

Wild Hive Farm is the next booth on our tour. There you will find locally grown grains that they have just milled, as well as baked goods using these products. Wild Hive Farm was recently featured in the Wednesday Dining In/Dining Out section of the New York Times, as well as having their baked goods selected for the “goodie bags” distributed at Chelsea Clinton’s wedding.

This is only half of the market, and my shopping bag is full. Stay tuned for the second half of this great food experience.

Posted by:  Bruce L. Radler

Gleaming fire trucks rolling through the Village of Pawling with sirens so loud you hold your ears. It’s not a brush fire or a family in trouble. It’s the Pawling Fire Department Carnival & Community Day.

To raise needed funds for vital community services, local merchants and civic groups have organized a two-day carnival at Lakeside Park, to be held on Friday, August 6th and Saturday August 7th. Featuring rides, food, music, health services, blood mobile and the obligatory fire safety demonstration, the events showcase Pawling businesses and nonprofits. Far from the sleepy railroad stop of yore, today’s Pawling is a great place to shop and live.

While you visit the Carnival, why not think of planting some roots in such a vibrant town, so close to New York City on Metro North, yet full of American charm at its best. Ideal for the second home buyer or those looking for a primary residence. Let me show you the best housing of Pawling and the lush surroundings of the Hudson Valley. Please contact me at 917-208-0630. Your family and friends will thank you. And don’t forget, first Prize in the Carnival Raffle is $2000.

Posted by:  Bruce L. Radler

No home will ever meet everyone’s expectations. Every home has its pluses and detractions – it is up to each potential buyer to weigh the pros against the cons. But when it’s right, it changes your life!

Twenty years ago, long before I started a second career in real estate, my partner and I decided that it would be great to escape from our co-op in the Big Apple and find a place in the country to spend weekends.

We each had a car that we used for business, so we set a time limit on how far we were willing to drive to get to this future home. We also knew that finding a location near a train would be a big advantage to ourselves, our family and friends without cars.

Originally the thought of an old farmhouse was what we had in mind. But most farmhouses we saw were built too close to the road, had small rooms with low ceilings, and needed extensive and costly renovations.

Eventually after many months of searching rural NY and NJ we stopped at the then Houlihan Lawrence agency in Pawling. The rest is history – we made an offer and purchased the fifth home the agent showed us. A renovated ranch in a lake community, with vacant land on either side of the property (that we have subsequently purchased). Swimming, boating, cross-country skiing, hiking the Appalachian Trail, golfing , gardening - and the bugs – are all near by and a part of our life.

Twenty years later we have just semi-retired, doubled the size of our home, and recently sold that city co-op. The majority of my real estate career has been listing and selling homes in this area to other city dwellers looking for that great second home escape.

It’s the way we live. Let me help you enrich your life the way we have enriched ours. Please can contact me at: 917-208-0630.

Posted by:  Bruce L. Radler

The “corn” road signs for Dykeman’s Farm are finally up on Route 22 and other roads around Pawling. Traveling north or south on Route 22, travelers have been taking a short detour to stop at this third generation family-run farm, started in 1946, for the pleasure of picking up some of the daily picked corn or tomatoes, or other locally grown produce. Not only is this produce fresher and sweeter than from the big supermarkets, but it also helps support the local economy. Beth Dykeman (see photo with Bruce) would of course agree.

Over the years my family has tried many ways to cook corn on the barbeque. We have found it tastes best to shuck the corn just before grilling. Then depending on how many ears you are making, place the shucked corn in a brine (for 4 – add a quarter cup each of sugar and salt to a quart of water ) and soak for 15 –20 minutes. Then without rinsing place the corn on the hot grill cooking over indirect heat. Rotate the corn for approximately 15 minutes, then place over high heat for the last few minutes so the kernels become evenly toasted.

Dykeman’s Farm has become a “must visit” spot whether you are viewing local properties or as a stop on a weekend drive in the Hudson Valley before heading home.

Mention that you saw this blog, and Beth will surely add something to your grocery bag when you make your purchase at Dykeman’s.

Posted by:  Bruce L. Radler

Associate Broker

Brewster Brokerage
2453 Route 6
Brewster, NY 10536

Phone: (845) 279-6800 x345
Cell: (917) 208-0630
bradler@houlihanlawrence.com

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MARKETING

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 EXPERIENCE

• 25+ years running own podiatry practice prior to becoming Licensed Associate Broker
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PERSONAL

• Million Dollar Producer
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Southern Dutchess, Putnam Counties - Pawling, Patterson, Dover, Wingdale, East Fishkill