---
title: Picturesque Farmlands, Apple Orchards, and Furniture Studios in Germantown, New York
description: This week in our travel series, one of our own artisans details her beautiful weekend spent at Gatherwild Ranch in upstate New York.
image: https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hubfs/gather.jpg
---

[** ](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/picturesque-farmlands-apple-orchards-and-furniture-studios-in-germantown-new-york#)

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## Travel Guide:   Picturesque Farmlands, Apple Orchards, and Furniture Studios in Germantown, New York

 By **Vicky Vitello** on May 9, 2018   •   Topic: [Travel Guide](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/topic/travel-guide)

---

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![One of the four yurts at Gatherwild Ranch in Germantown, New York](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gather.jpg?width=1122&name=gather.jpg "One of the four yurts at Gatherwild Ranch in Germantown, New York")

*Back in September, Lotuff artisan and blog writer Vicky spent a gorgeous weekend in upstate New York and was kind enough to chronicle her trip here! With [a](https://lotuffleather.com/collections/handbags/products/the-tripp) [few](https://lotuffleather.com/collections/women/products/the-one-piece-bag) [Lotuff](https://lotuffleather.com/collections/women/products/the-mini-sling-backpack) [bags](https://lotuffleather.com/collections/duffles/products/leather-trunk-duffle-bag-with-pocket) by her side, plenty of orchards were explored, sandwiches eaten, and local artists met. We think it's worth sharing again, so in her words, here are the details of a few days spent with Vicky and her sweet family in and around Germantown.  *

 

![Interior of a Gatherwild yurt, bunting included](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gather7.jpg?width=1122&name=gather7.jpg "Interior of a Gatherwild yurt, bunting included")

Three hours from Lotuff’s studio in Providence, Rhode Island, among a landscape of willows and open spaces, lies the beautiful Germantown, New York. True to its other Hudson Valley neighbors, the blue-gray silhouette of the Catskill Mountains provide the stunning backdrop to the most fertile foothills and picturesque farmlands. 

The Hudson Valley is one of my family’s most favorite places to be. So for Labor Day weekend, I overpacked us for a fun end-of-summer adventure of “glamping” at the magical [Gatherwild Ranch](http://www.gatherwild.com).

This ranch was imagined and opened in August 2016 by Laura Sink, who moved upstate from Brooklyn. She runs it with her partner, [Paul Jacobsen](http://www.pauljacobsen.info), who is responsible for having built the rustic and bucolic gypsy caravan that is used for guests alongside the four yurts on the property. Paul and my husband [Charlie](http://www.charlieledbetter.com/gallery.html) met in 2001 in NYC when they were both working for artist Jeff Koons and later for Rudolf Stingel. Many things have changed since then, including Charlie having moved out of Brooklyn and grown a family, and Paul now splitting his time between the city, upstate, and Colorado.

 

![Farmland and sheep at Gatherwild](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gather13.jpg?width=1122&name=gather13.jpg "Farmland and sheep at Gatherwild")

Upon arrival we took in deep, thankful breaths of the country air, hugged our friends, and began exploring the farm and orchard. One of the most favorite spots for our littles was in the rattan and hammock swings that hung from one of the apple trees.

 

![gather3.jpg](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gather3.jpg?width=1122&name=gather3.jpg "gather3.jpg")

After getting settled into our beautifully appointed yurt—complete with sheep rugs, copious amounts of wool blankets, homemade bunting, and the delightfully stylish sleeping bags by [Love Nomadic](http://www.lovenomadic.com)—we said a much-anticipated hello (in English and goat screams...our children have major skills in this area) to our sheep neighbors, and then headed into town to get some supplies. 

 

![Lotuff Leather Trunk Duffle ft. a sun-weary Birdie in a Mabo playsuit](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gather4.jpg?width=1122&name=gather4.jpg "Lotuff Leather Trunk Duffle ft. a sun-weary Birdie in a Mabo playsuit")

*Lotuff’s amazingly spacious [Trunk Duffle](https://lotuffleather.com/products/leather-trunk-duffle-bag-with-pocket) would have fit all the clothes our family of five would have needed for the weekend, had I not over-packed! What an amazing bag for traveling with a small herd!*

To our delight, [Otto’s Market](http://www.ottosmarket.com) had everything we could have asked for, including local eggs and meat, local and craft beers for mommy and daddy, penny candy for the littles, and a creaky wooden floor that caused our eldest, Eliot, to pause in his hunt for snacks, turn to me and wistfully say, “[sigh…] I just love country stores.” A country mouse at heart, like his momma. Otto’s Market proved to be our go-to for almost everything for the next three days, including their delicious sandwiches that we took with us the following day on our picnic lunch to Dale’s Bridge and swimming hole.

 

![Map of Germantown and a Lotuff Leather Mini Sling in ochre](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gather1.jpg?width=1122&name=gather1.jpg "Map of Germantown and a Lotuff Leather Mini Sling in ochre") ![Lotuff Leather Mini Sling at Otto's Market in Germantown](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gather5.jpg?width=1122&name=gather5.jpg "Lotuff Leather Mini Sling at Otto's Market in Germantown")

For dinner that night, we drove over to Tivoli, NY and walked past one of our favorite places, [Hotel Tivoli](http://hoteltivoli.org), and its in-house restaurant, The Corner. Choosing to spare their clientele the growing attitudes of three hungry, travel-weary, s’more demanding children, we opted to not treat ourselves to one of their artisanal cocktails whilst sitting at the bar under my most favorite chandelier of all time. Quick kid dinner it was, and back to the campsite for friends, campfire, and the much anticipated s’more making! 

 

![gather10.jpg](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gather10.jpg?width=1122&height=698&name=gather10.jpg) ![Peach trees at Gatherwild Ranch](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gather6.jpg?width=1122&name=gather6.jpg "Peach trees at Gatherwild Ranch")![Swing-deprived Birdie in a Patagonia jacket, Hansel from Basel socks and Saltwater sandals ](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/birdie.jpg?width=1162&name=birdie.jpg "Swing-deprived Birdie in a Patagonia jacket, Hansel from Basel socks and Saltwater sandals ")

*This is the face of a little girl who never wants to leave the swings.*

Early Saturday morning we began our day by cycling through the orchard paths under apple and peach tree boughs. The kids later roasted freshly harvested peaches over the open campfire with Paul. Following the requisite visit to the swings, we drove the mile into the Hamlet of Germantown to explore some more. While Charlie and the boys went into Otto’s to grab picnic sandwiches, Birdie and I wandered across the street and were immediately drawn into [Michael Robbins](http://www.mchlrbbns.com)’s furniture studio. 

 

![Lotuff Leather Trunk Duffle in chestnut at Gatherwild Ranch](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gather14.jpg?width=1122&name=gather14.jpg "Lotuff Leather Trunk Duffle in chestnut at Gatherwild Ranch")![Michael Robbins furniture studio in Germantown, New York](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gather8.jpg?width=1122&name=gather8.jpg "Michael Robbins furniture studio in Germantown, New York")

Robbins is a furniture maker extraordinaire who so kindly spent some time talking with me about his work and process, while Birdie enjoyed some kindred moments with his delightful partner, Olga (a.k.a. Birdie’s new best friend). As they bonded, so did my Lotuff pieces with Michael’s work!

 

![Lotuff Leather Mini Sling in ochre x Michael Robbins chair](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gather12.jpg?width=1122&name=gather12.jpg "Lotuff Leather Mini Sling in ochre x Michael Robbins chair")![Lotuff Leather One-Piece in rosewood x Michael Robbins stool and Allied Maker lighting](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/op-1.jpg?width=1162&name=op-1.jpg "Lotuff Leather One-Piece in rosewood x Michael Robbins stool and Allied Maker lighting")

This chair! This bench! This stool! Oh my! I seriously could have relaxed in that chair all day, and it’s currently on my very short list of covetable items.

Leaving our new friends to their beautiful work, we ventured out to Dale’s Bridge and swimming hole to picnic and splash in the water a bit. There and back, we befriended some glorious llamas, or “country giraffes” as the Daddy calls them, and some tiny toads. 

![gather9.jpg](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gather9.jpg?width=1122&height=698&name=gather9.jpg)![gather19.jpg](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gather19.jpg?width=1122&height=698&name=gather19.jpg)

Back at the ranch we so enjoyed a Gatherwild [Cob Oven Pizza Party](http://gatherwild.com/events) complete with freshly harvested veggies and herbs from Laura and Paul’s enormous garden! Harvest season in the Hudson Valley cannot be beat! Laura and Paul also treated all their guests to a few delicious local brews from [Suarez Family Brewery](http://suarezfamilybrewery.com). 

 

![Oliver staying warm by the fire at Gatherwild, and some Suarez Family Brewery libations ](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gather16.jpg?width=1122&name=gather16.jpg "Oliver staying warm by the fire at Gatherwild, and some Suarez Family Brewery libations ")

Sunday we relaxed all morning in the yurt to the sound of the rain, and then made our way to [Murray’s](http://murraystivoli.com) for brunch. A trip to Tivoli wouldn’t be complete without some trainspotting, so down to the tracks we went as a couple of Amtrak trains flew past us at 90mph, with mommy’s heart in her throat! (Why can’t my children have a safer hobby?)

For the next couple hours of rain, and while I enjoyed a bit of quiet time in the yurt with Eliot playing Scrabble, Oliver and Birdie spent time in the farmhouse with Laura making music and playing with her sheep collection and building with Paul and Daddy in the yoga studio. 

 

![Outdoor cooking and yoga studio at Gatherwild](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gather17.jpg?width=1122&name=gather17.jpg "Outdoor cooking and yoga studio at Gatherwild")

We found Gatherwild to be very special with their evening get-togethers around the communal outdoor kitchen and campfire. Everything was shared, and time was spent with [old](http://nomagallery.com/artists/GeorgiTushev/index.html) and [new](http://www.instagram.com/hello_collective) [friends](http://www.instagram.com/fannyvanmansart). After sharing one last dinner and campfire, we said our goodbyes, packed our jammied littles into the car and headed for home on a long, late drive. For all of our trips to the Hudson Valley, our only regret is that we, again, missed eating at [Gaskins](http://gaskinsny.com)!

 

![Gaskins restaurant in Germantown, New York](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gather2.jpg?width=1122&name=gather2.jpg "Gaskins restaurant in Germantown, New York")

![Open fields and blue skies at Gatherwild](https://blog.lotuffleather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gather15.jpg?width=1122&name=gather15.jpg "Open fields and blue skies at Gatherwild")

Gatherwild seems to draw in people who are craving an experience of connection; to the land, to nature, to the sky and stars, and to humanity. We feel blessed to have been able to share space with all we did for the days of our visit. Thank you, Laura, for this very special place that you’ve created. We will be back often.

 

## **Eat Here** 

**The Corner **53 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583

 

(845) 757-2100

[hoteltivoli.org/the-corner](http://hoteltivoli.org/the-corner)

 

 

**Murray's Tivoli **73 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583

 

(845) 757-6003

[murraystivoli.com](http://murraystivoli.com)

 

 

**Suarez Family Brewery **2278 U.S. 9, Hudson, NY 12534

 

(518) 537-6464

[suarezfamilybrewery.com](http://suarezfamilybrewery.com)

 

 

**Gaskins **2 Church Ave, Germantown, NY 12526

 

(518) 537-2107

[gaskinsny.com](http://gaskinsny.com)

 

 

## Shop Here

**Otto's Market**  215 Main St, Germantown, NY 12526

 

(518) 537-7200

[ottosmarket.com](http://ottosmarket.com)

 

 

**Michael Robbins** 212 Main Street, Germantown, NY 12526

 

(315) 761-8010

[mchlrbbns.com](http://mchlrbbns.com)

 

 

**Luddite Antiques **224 Main St, Germantown, NY 12526

 

(646) 302-7886

[instagram.com/ludditeantiques](http://instagram.com/ludditeantiques)

 

 

**Tivoli General** 54 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583

 

(845) 757-2690

[tivoli-general.com](http://tivoli-general.com)

 

 

## Go Here

**Poets Walk**  776 River Rd, Red Hook, NY 12571

 

[scenichudson.org/parks/poetswalk](http://scenichudson.org/parks/poetswalk)

 

 

**Olana State Historic Site** 5720 NY-9G, Hudson, NY 12534

 

(518) 828-0135

[olana.org](http://olana.org)

 

 

**Saugerties Lighthouse **168 Lighthouse Drive, Saugerties, NY 12477

 

(845) 247-0656

[saugertieslighthouse.com](http://saugertieslighthouse.com)

 

## Stay Here 

**Gatherwild Ranch *(For a more rustic and communal experience)* **Germantown, NY 12477

 

[gatherwild.com](http://gatherwild.com)

 

**Hotel Tivoli *(For a more upscale experience)*** 53 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583

 

(845) 757-2100

[hoteltivoli.org](http://hoteltivoli.org)

 

 

**The Barn in Tivoli *(For a more private experience) ***33 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583

 

(845) 757-2312

[thebarnintivoli.com](http://thebarnintivoli.com)

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