Community
The community of Rhinebeck, NY where I reside and where I raised my three children is one of the most beautiful and peaceful bucolic, picturesque communities anyone could dream of and wish for. Rhinebeck is only 90 minutes north of NYC where I used to operate five photography showrooms between 1990 and 2005. The town of Rhinebeck is one these picture perfect locations in which many people visit for a few days or a weekend and then decide to relocate here. I am one of those people. However, I discovered Rhinebeck before it was popular and as famous as it has recently become and long before Chelsea Clinton married Marc Mezvinsky at The Astor Courts on July 31, 2010 which really helped place Rhinebeck in the news and on the map. By the way, a little tidbit many do not know, is that I helped the News 4 NY television crew and News Anchor from NYC scout out locations for their TV News broadcast about the Clinton/Mezvinsky wedding. Please view some photos below I took in Rhinebeck. They are the same locations I introduced the cameramen to for News 4 NY. I spend a lot of time in nature in my community and I use my landscape photographs as a tool to uplift people and add energy to their life. While studying the laws of nature and the universe, I read in one of Dr. Wayne Dyer's books that energy from a photograph radiates out of the photograph the same as if you were looking at the scene in real time. In my nature Galleries and when I sell my nature art in Galleries to the public, I often explain to people about the fact that the photograph they are purchasing is not simply a beautiful photograph. I explain to the buyer that they are also receiving the energy of the scene and that this energy will follow them into their home and their sanctuary, for I now understand that everything is energy! Even my love and energy is inside every photograph that I take and believe me, I place my heart and my soul into every shot for I began my career out of my love for photography and out of my love of creating art.
The Village of Rhinebeck is another tremendous draw and attraction to people who visit. The Village offers so many amazing best in class, award winning gourmet restaurants that it is no wonder so many tourists decide to relocate to Rhinebeck. In addition to over a dozen of the finest culinary gems, Rhinebeck Village is also home of numerous unique and one of a kind small town shops, inviting boutiques, gift shops, art galleries and Hotels and Spas. I will attempt to list several of them on this page. However, I fear I may not be able to include all of them because quite frankly, this page may never end. That said, my suggestion is that you make every effort to book a room at one of our incredible 5 Star Hotels and take some quality time to explore this rare community for yourself. I have to start somewhere. Therefore, I will start with an adorable place known as Rhinebeck Bagels & Cafe owned by a great local guy named Jeremy. Believe me, this popular breakfast and lunch gathering place offers some of the most unusually artistic creations anyone could conceive. The owner is part gourmet chef and artisan and the food speaks for itself! Quality, freshness and taste are always first and foremost at Rhinebeck Bagels & Cafe. Another incredible and popular tourist spot is PAPER TRAIL a one of a kind unique gift shop that never disappoints! There are more one of a kind specialty items and unique handmade items than most other gift shops anywhere. No one should visit Rhinebeck Village without stopping at this charming gift shop! Speaking about gift shops, another mainstay of our village is a high end country gift shop and decorating and design company that also sells furniture and art known as Hammertown. If you love surrounding yourself in luxury, this is a place you must visit while in Rhinebeck. If you have a sweet tooth or if you simply want to see and experience the cutest and charming small town sweet shop and coffee house anywhere on the East Coast then you must stop in Samuel's Sweet Shop located in the heart of Rhinebeck Village. John Traver a local and all around great guy owns and manages this little darling with a few partners. I met Paul, a partner when they first opened and he and his wife were also sweet as could be. Speaking about sweet, there is another partner Hilarie, whom I also ran into a few times who is also beyond sweet. I think she is an actress but I do not watch television so I do not know her that way, I just know she is always smiling and kind to everyone, a real beautiful lady. Now, I understand why this place is called "sweet shop". I often call John and I have him custom make me some gift boxes filled with Samuel's delicious chocolates and old fashion licorice and other vintage goodies and treats and I gift them to friends and family to uplift them and to put a smile on their face. If you ever want to impress anyone, you have to call John and ask him to create you a custom made gift box. Trust me on this, you and the recipient of the gift will be ecstatic. If you love pizza as much as I do then Rhinebeck Village is the place for you! We actually have two of the best pizza shops anywhere! They are both different. Nonetheless, they are both beyond amazing! I will start with the traditional place, Rhinebeck Village Pizza because it was established first. Al Mazzella owns and operates the restaurant and Al is like a father and brother to everyone! The pizza is a true NYC authentic and delicious pizza, second to none. My biggest problem when I go in for one slice is that I always order two or three slices because the pizza and the crust are delicious. A funny thing about this pizza shop is that they also offer a full menu and the homemade, black angus hamburgers and the grilled chicken sandwich on a kaiser roll are some of the best home cooked sandwiches I have ever eaten. If you want good food from a great guy, then you have to eat here when you visit! Are you beginning to understand why so many people relocate here after they visit? Wait, it gets even better. Another beyond awesome pizza place for those who are like me and who can eat pizza a few times a week is Pizzeria Posto located in the heart of Rhinebeck inside The Courtyard. If you love and adore a crispy brick oven pizza then you hit the jackpot with this place! My children tell me that I should just move inside the place because I eat here constantly. The wine list is on par with the finest gourmet restaurants and the homemade salads are fresh and bountiful! I always tell the owner Patrick that his single salad portion could feed a family. The salad is so fresh it amazes me and I always have gratitude for living in Rhinebeck and for having access to this very comfortable and inviting home style brick oven speciality house.
I hope you love to eat because I have not even started to list half of the fine restaurants in our village. I would be remiss if I did not include Foster's Coach House. If you love charming and equestrian and vintage, you must visit and eat a meal here! The food will impress you! It is all so delicious, that even I have a hard time choosing between the French Dip Aus Jus or the Grilled Chicken Sandwich on a french bread that is beyond delicious. The Jumbo Shrimp are always Jumbo and the homemade potato salad is one of the best I have ever had. I will not describe the pies for dessert. You will have to try them. However, I suggest you definitely try the Blueberry Pie! Quite frankly, I am surprised that I am not overweight living in Rhinebeck. I want to eat out morning, noon and night and sometimes, I do. ha ha ha. Then, I go for my daily exercise in order to maintain my weight.
NOTE: This page is currently still under construction and many additional shops and restaurants and attractions will be included soon. Rhinebeck has so much to offer and it is going to require time to include more of the wonderful amenities it offers. However, I am working on it continuously. I want to introduce you to as many of the great restaurants and shops and other exciting venues so that you can truly understand how unique and charming and beautiful this oasis is.
