Food / New York

Essential New York: The Garrison

When I first walked into The Garrison back in 2009, I instantly felt a connection.

This small inn/golf course/farm/yoga studio is located in the town of Garrison, New York on a plot of land overlooking the Hudson Valley. The 4-room inn and its restaurant, Valley, can be found at the end of an elegant tree-lined driveway, which leads through the Garrison golf course. The building’s soft color scheme and country accents are reminiscent of the Napa Valley: fresh, clean, comfortable. The panoramic views of the Hudson Highlands and of the river, however, are pure New York.

 Fall colors on the golf course | The Garrison, New YorkBeing from California, I often find myself craving California things in my New York life. At home in the Bay Area, we grew vegetables and fruits in our backyard year-round.  My mother spent hours in the kitchen cooking healthful meals from scratch using all of those fresh things we cared for.

In New York, I look forward to the weekly farmer’s market like it’s my birthday party. I crave my time outside, especially a morning walk through Fort Greene Park. This connection to food and to nature leads me to places that embrace the spirit of the outdoors. The Garrison does this so well.

The Garrison spoke to my west coast roots so much, we decided to have our wedding here. We couldn’t have been happier with the experience of planning along with the event itself.

Wedding photos by Elisabeth Millay | The Garrison, New YorkWedding details by Elisabeth Millay | The Garrison, New YorkWedding designs photos by Elisabeth Millay | The Garrison, New YorkThis past fall, about three and a half years after our wedding, we finally returned to The Garrison. This time, as diners. This time, without an event to manage, we could relax, and enjoy the afternoon. While people scurried around setting up decorations and musical equipment in the (since updated) event areas, we settled into a table overlooking the Hudson River at the restaurant, Valley. Our Sunday afternoon lunch featured seasonal vegetables grown on site. And in the fall, that means squashes, pumpkins, root vegetables and berries. Um, delicious.

Valley Restaurant view | The Garrison, New York

the view of the river from my chair…

I enjoyed the food even more than I had at our wedding (probably since I wasn’t fretting over centerpieces, flower girls, and place cards). While Matt tucked into a dish of free-range chicken, I enjoyed still-warm-from-the-oven cherry chocolate scones, a local root vegetable salad displayed like modern art, and house made ravioli with pumpkin puree, roasted baby brussels sprouts and micro greens. I washed it all down with a dry afternoon Rose and a view of the river.

Scones and rose at The Valley Restaurant | Garrison, New YorkSeasonal vegetables at The Valley Restaurant | Garrison, New York Brussels Sprout and pumpkin ravioli at The Valley Restaurant | Garrison, New YorkValley really focuses on freshness and local ingredients. Not only does the on-property farm supply much of the herbs and lettuces that are used in the dishes, but the chef sources the rest of his ingredients from local farmers and growers. The result is flavorful food that speaks to the character of the Hudson Valley. And the menus change all the time to reflect what’s available and what’s good.

Eating here, both as a bride and as a guest, was a treat. I am looking forward already to my next return.

 A big thank you to The Garrison for inviting me back to enjoy Valley.

Click here for more information about The Garrison and Valley.

This article is part of a TravelShus series about travel around New York State. Read more HERE.

6 Comments

  • Adina | Gluten Free Travelette
    January 9, 2014 at 5:53 pm

    The Garrison looks absolutely lovely – I can totally see why it satisfies your California roots. That root vegetable plate looks so very delicious.

    Reply
    • Annie
      January 10, 2014 at 11:19 am

      you would really like it there too. such a break from the east coast norm. and yeah that salad was like art. i almost didnt want to disturb it but it was too delicious!

      Reply
  • Hogga
    January 14, 2014 at 3:14 pm

    wow, so beautiful!

    Reply
    • Annie
      January 15, 2014 at 11:10 am

      thanks Lindsay!

      Reply
  • Chris Williams
    March 4, 2014 at 10:51 pm

    Could it be any better than this fine and charming gem. The Garrison is a true Hudson Valley treasure. Not a novelty store, a place that takes it’s work seriously, yet without pretensions. Kudos!

    Reply
    • Annie
      March 5, 2014 at 11:09 am

      thanks! They have a great thing going on for sure!

      Reply

Leave a Reply