We teamed up with New York Times Cooking contributor and author of Back Pocket Pasta, Colu Henry, to see how she enjoys the summer sun with our Vestry sunglasses. 

 

What's your go-to summer destination, and is there anything new you're exploring this year?

"This summer it’s all about the Hudson Valley for me. Generally I’ll try to go to Europe for a few weeks or visit friends on Martha’s Vineyard or Montauk, but I’m working on my next cookbook, which is keeping me pretty close to home this year, because deadlines! But, I’m genuinely excited to spend time exploring parts of the valley that I haven’t been to before, including Storm King Art Center. My husband is an artist, so it’s kind of crazy that we had never been here before now. It’s incredible! You can wander the multi-acre sculpture park for hours and it’s so peaceful. We will certainly be coming back. I’ve heard you can rent bikes and tool around—that sounds like real fun."

Why did you choose this location?

"Normally I prefer a beach and I’m sure I’ll get there at some point, but it’s all about wading in creeks, finding secret swimming holes, hitting up roadside farm stands and grilling over open fire. Not complaining. There is a beautiful calmness here in the Hudson Valley all times of year, but especially right now when the air is heavy and the valley seems to stretch out endlessly in front of you. It’s all very peaceful, and after being on the road much of the late spring, it’s incredibly grounding and I need it. I want nothing more than to kick off my shoes, walk around barefoot in the grass and feel connected to the land."

Tell us about your favorite things to do in Hudson.

"There is so much to explore here. I love throwing our bikes into the back of the truck and going to the Copake Rail Trail for a later afternoon ride. It actually starts in Wassaic and goes on for miles, and it allows you to bike right through parts of the valley with no cars—a win for me! I also love to drive to the Shaker Museum in New Lebanon. It’s truly a special, special place and my husband and I are both kind of obsessed with the Shaker culture from both a design and philosophical perspective. They are incredible!"

What are your favorite spots for social sun in the Hudson Valley?

"Some of my favorite places to sit outside are close to home in Hudson. Backbar is an awesome Asian-inspired beer hall from chef Zak Pelaccio. It has tons of outdoor seating—I’m there a lot with a glass of wine in one hand and a bowl of dumplings in the other. The Maker Lounge opened last year and is gorgeous! They have a jazz piano player on the weekends, so I love to go sip on a vodka gimlet as the sun goes down. I’m also a big fan of grabbing an afternoon coffee with my neighbor and friend Kelly, who is also a writer. We walk over to Supernatural on Warren Street and sit outside and gab for a half hour before we get back to work. It’s a big neighborhood hangout, so I’m always running into someone there no matter what."

What is your ultimate summer bucket list destination?

"I went to the south shore of Nova Scotia last summer for the first time and it blew me away. I keep saying that it’s Maine on steroids if that makes any sense? The landscape is breathtaking and the access to fresh seafood is incredible. Everyone is so lovely and dogs are also allowed on all the beaches! It’s just so beautiful and also super low key, which is how I like to be this time of year. I don’t know if we’ll get there this summer because of my book, but I can see spending a lot of time there in the future."

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