The Hudson Valley’s undeniable charms have been drawing together a unique community for thousands of years. From Native American nations through the various waves of settlement that have followed, we’ve been shaped by people from all over the world who have come with plans and the talent to make them real—or have been inspired once they got here. They shape local culture. Local culture shapes their offerings.
Here’s a look at some of the folks who have come from near and far and chosen this valley as fertile ground for their creative and entrepreneurial dreams.
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Paul de Marchin - From Liege, Belgium
In the mid-90s, Paul’s husband John Mathews accepted a position in the anesthesiology department at Columbia Memorial in Hudson, where he’d soon be leading the department. Soon afterward, in 1996, Paul opened de Marchin on Warren Street, bringing to Hudson a whole new world of sartorial possibilities.
“Back then, people would drive up and shop for a couple of hours and leave; now, they come and spend a weekend at a B&B, go to Olana, dine out. Hudson is a destination now.”
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John Krenek and Jamie Niblock - From New York City
John and Jamie had been spending time in Kingston and saw unlimited potential there. The two feel like they are among the pioneers of the booming shift that has been unfolding there. “It’s fun, upbeat, happy, and welcoming. Our being there has really paved the way for other people to open up businesses and believe that, like we do, it’s the place to be and thrive as a new business,” says Jamie.
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Gemma D’Entrone - From Britain
“We have a local but international team,” says Gemma. “I’m British, our chief mixologist hails from South Africa, and our sommelier is French; it’s a great blend of perspectives and influences.” Equipped with a strong creative vision, they commissioned an incredible lineup of Hudson Valley artisans to create a space that celebrates the community, not only in its use of local produce, but also in its structure and design. From the stunning 30-foot tiger maple bar top to hand-fired plates and bowls, hand-sewn staff aprons, and a throwback, custom A&P neon sign, a sense of pride and appreciation for the Hudson Valley’s world-class local artistry is evident.
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Cathy and Roy Naor - From Israel
Cathy and her husband Roy—an airline pilot who flies between Tel Aviv and New York—moved to the US in 2005 with son Kai and daughter Mika, and drew a radius 100 miles around Manhattan for home-hunting purposes. Roy was the first to discover Rhinebeck. “He said, ‘You’ll love it—everyone wears jeans and no makeup,’” says Cathy. “He was right.”
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Morgan Mikula - From York, Pennsylvania
We can thank her husband Brian for her discovery of the Hudson Valley. The couple met in Pittsburgh, but Brian had lived in New York and supported a move back. “He always told me, ‘You’ll love the Hudson Valley,’” she says. “We came to visit and I instantly fell in love. It finally felt like I was home.”
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Erica Mahlkuch - From Virginia
“Once I came here, I just fell in love with the mountains, the rivers, the food, and the farms. It reminds me of Virginia. It immediately felt like home to me.”
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Karina Cousineau - From Massachusetts
After working for eight years in Brooklyn, Karina began to seek a better life for herself and, with full awareness that her business would continue to flourish, decided to move her business up to Kingston. The move allowed her to expand the company, as well as hire local talent. “We do everything here, from textile design to photo shoots; we use real customers as models. We get interns from the SUNY Ulster fashion design program; so far, four of them have moved into paid positions.”
If you’re dreaming of having a place here in The Valley just reach out to one of our fine real estate or home insurance professionals like:
Berkshire Hathaway Hudson Valley Homes
Malinda Treglia: Allstate Insurance Gardiner
Mary Collins Real Estate
Stone Ridge Insurance Agency
Ulster Savings Bank Insurance
We can’t wait to hear your story!
