A Woolen Affair! Rhinebeck! Oh My!

There's so much to love about mid-October in the Hudson Valley. The gorgeous Fall colors. The New York State Sheep and Wool Festival at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck. Our favorite llama who never worries about grass between his teeth. And this year we added an afternoon at A Woolen Affair in Kingston, NY--we are Woolen Affair virgins no more! Needless to say, we hated it. The fabulous setting at an old brick factory along the Hudson with live music--kind of a manicured, post-apocalyptic vibe with adirondack chairs to sit in while you knit a few rows after scoping out all the beautiful yarn for sale. Really a terrible way to spend an afternoon. And the cherry on top? Listening to Jen Joyce play "would you rather" in a panel discussion with Sari Nordlund, Aimée Gille and Caitlin Hunter. Then meeting Nancy Marchant? Perfection. We will definitely be going back next year. We might even spring for the morning ticket so we can spend the whole day.

This being our fourth year of going to Rhinebeck, we have some tips for our 13 listeners. Don't say we don't offer practical advice that is--probably--transferrable to other situations. Like hold your pee until the end of the day when the lines to the bathroom aren't as long, but bring your own toilet paper and hand-sanitizer (or make sure your sister brought them and is willing to share--maybe). Do stop by before you leave for free samples from local distilleries because you will want a nice cocktail later as a reward for doing God's work (admiring all the animals, buying yarn, talking to nice people, being inspired, and eating those brussels sprouts). Also pick up some sweet treats for the ride home because you will be waiting in traffic for a looooooong time and sugar will be your only salvation. You're welcome, and hey, let's do a meet-up next year!