Main Street News

Above photo courtesy of Locust Hill Barn.

The Hudson Valley is home to a lovely selection of venues that are perfect for any event, from your next party to your special day. Indeed, many of these venues are right in the nearby area in Dutchess and Columbia Counties, making for a gorgeous selection of scenic event spaces, complete with wonderful amenities, right in our backyard!

Foxtrot Farm & Flowers in Stanfordville, NY

Foxtrot Farm & Flowers is one such venue, located at 6862 Route 82 in Stanfordville, NY. Farmer and florist Kate Farrar, who owns and operates Foxtrot, explains how the farm was first founded in 2021 after Kate had been farming in the Hudson Valley for nearly a decade. She says that they began hosting farm dinners in 2022, and it wasn’t until 2024, following their barn’s beautification project, that they started hosting weddings and larger events. “Foxtrot is a working farm first,” Kate points out, “which allows for a beautiful and unique setting for our event venue.”

Indeed, Foxtrot offers a breathtaking landscape “nestled alongside the rolling hills of the Buttercup Audubon Sanctuary” for intimate, seasonal gatherings of 80 people or less. Their venue is home to a historic barn and event space, which features smart lighting and a disco ball, and as a whole, Foxtrot is well-equipped with a plethora of exciting amenities for any event, whether it be a private party, wedding, dance party, or art exhibition! These details include “a patio overlooking our flower fields, a dedicated ceremony site in our wildflower meadow, a farm stay option in our tiny house, [and] in-house floristry or DIY flower options,” outlines Kate. Foxtrot offers full-service floristry for off-site events, too!

For Foxtrot, the goal is to provide clients with a unique and memorable experience that is tailored specifically to their needs, all while complimenting the farm’s beautiful environment and all of the elements it has to offer. From initial communications with the client to the in-season site visit and deposit, when folks decide they want to go through with an event at Foxtrot, they can fully map out their vision along the way. Up to the day of the event, Kate works tirelessly with clients and event planners to ensure that this plan comes to fruition. “Whether you want to gather for outdoor dining in our flower fields, stay in our relaxing and cozy tiny house, or dance the night away in our historic barn, there are plenty of charming spots for you and your guests to explore at Foxtrot,” Kate emphasizes. 

And with a specialized approach to curating the space for intimate gatherings, Foxtrot strives for distinct authenticity, playfulness, and style. This couldn’t be more pivotal to their mission, since Kate herself struggled to find a venue that reflected her vision and budget when she got engaged – despite having lived in the Hudson Valley for over a decade. “We renovated my farm’s barn ourselves with the intention of creating our ideal wedding venue. After completing our renovation project, we realized this was something that ought to be shared with the community and for local couples who found themselves in a similar predicament to the one we had found ourselves in.” Kate adds, “Everything you see was built, grown, and designed by hand with love and care.”

Thus, Foxtrot aims to bring clients reasonably priced, picturesque experiences in a community-centric environment. “From weekly flower distribution to private events, the most rewarding parts of this work have been the wonderful human connections that have been made here and the palpable effect of connecting people with this land and this place,” reflects Kate.

For more information, please visit foxtrotfarmflowers.com. If you’re interested in having your event at Foxtrot Farm & Flowers, you can email them at foxtrotfarmflowers@gmail.com.

Mountain View Events in Pine Plains, NY

On the property that was formerly Lia’s Mountain View Restaurant, the venue for Mountain View Events, located at 7685 Route 82 in Pine Plains, NY, was purchased by Jack Banning in the spring of 2024. Following numerous renovations and updates, the venue began operations last summer. Events coordinator Anna D’Armiento explains that from baby showers and small dinner gatherings to birthday parties and large outdoor weddings, Mountain View Events can provide the ideal setting for any event. “Mountain View Events is a never-ending blank canvas,” Anna notes. “With touches of rustic chic in the dining room and warm, home-y tones in the bar areas, the options are endless for an intimate setting.”

Balancing a cozy and elegant feel, Mountain View Events is aptly located to offer breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley’s rolling hills and charming agricultural scenery. Positioned on acres of open land, the venue is home to a covered patio that can host up to 250 people. 

Meanwhile, if weather necessitates an indoor setup, Mountain View’s is both climate-controlled and light-filled, including a bar area and seating up to 122 people. Plus, the full-sized commercial kitchen at the venue is, as Anna puts it, “truly a caterer’s dream space,” and ideal for large gatherings.

Those looking to celebrate their special day at Mountain View Events can also expect some unique amenities, like a bridal suite located above the venue. “Bridal parties can prepare for their special moment with complete privacy and comfort,” Anna adds. “The view from the back deck of the suite provides a stunning view of Stissing Mountain.”

For those interested in connecting with Mountain View Events, Anna explains that after an initial phone call to discuss the potential client’s plans and vision, they will be invited to a walk-through tour of the venue to begin imagining how everything will transpire in the space. Regardless of whether or not a client is using an event planner, Mountain View Events will strive to accommodate their requests. For instance, while tables are provided when booking the venue, if these don’t fit the client’s vision, Anna shares that they are happy to provide a list of approved vendors for alternatives. The venue finds it incredibly rewarding being able to not only provide a space for folks to gather, but also be able to participate in these special events by hosting them.

On the horizon, Mountain View Events has exciting plans in the works, so stay tuned! Looking forward, Anna says, “Mountain View Events plans to provide community-based events in the future. Our team feels that involving the community is crucial to the future of the venue. Additionally, we aim to provide an affordable space for the local community to gather for their cherished moments.”

For more information, please visit mountainview-events.com. If you’re interested in having your event at Mountain View Events, you can email them at info@mountainview-events.com. 

Locust Hill Barn in Ghent, NY

Locust Hill Barn is a family-run event barn located at 5 Stockport Road in Ghent, NY, three miles away from Locust Hill Farm. Created by Kirk Kneller, president of Columbia County-based Kneller Insurance Agency, the barn was inspired by his daughter, Lauren Merante, when she was planning to get married in 2019. She shares that Kirk had always thought it would be a great idea to build an event space of his own, and upon Lauren’s engagement, he decided to move forward with the idea. Built in 90 days by L.D. Coon & Son Inc., the barn was completed in the afternoon just two days before Lauren’s big day! “Not stressful at all,” Lauren jokes.

Since Locust Hill Barn is currently limited in the number of events they can host, they tend to hold weddings and local charity fundraiser events. The venue is committed to working with clients and couples to provide space, rental items, and some staffing. Locust Hill will also answer any questions clients might have about the venue and recommend outside vendors, which the clients can select and include in the event themselves. “What is fun about barn-style venues is that they can really be customized to exactly what the customer wants/envisions,” Lauren explains. “We also offer day-of event coordinator services to help ease any stress the couple may have and ensure the day goes smoothly.”

As a large, newer barn-style venue in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley, Locust Hill Barn is all on one level, making it accessible for those with mobility issues, and with an open floor plan, all guests can feel included and a part of the event. “It is beautiful on its own, so if a renter doesn’t want to spend the money on a lot of decorations, that is okay,” Lauren adds. “Guests will still have the wow factor even without all of the bells and whistles (although we do love some good bells and whistles too).”

Central to the mission at Locust Hill is maintaining positive, respectful relationships with neighbors, the community at large, and the land on which the barn was built. Each year, the venue donates the barn space to a local organization so that they can host their own event in an effort to give back to the community. Furthermore, Locust Hill aims to keep their prices within reach for those both local and visiting for their big day. “We try to accommodate all audiences,” says Lauren. “We want to be a happy space where people make wonderful memories and get excited when they see they get to attend another event at our venue.”

It’s forming connections with these audiences that the venue finds so valuable and rewarding. Looking forward, Locust Hill Barn wants to continue holding these delightful events and forming positive connections as they learn and grow as an event space. “Weddings or events in general are a team effort. It takes a village to execute a successful event, and it has been so much fun meeting all new vendors, couples, and guests,” Lauren muses. 

This is especially fulfilling for Locust Hill Barn since they first opened for business during the height of COVID-19. She adds, “Every time I am working an event and I look around and I see people dancing, laughing, conversing, and just enjoying themselves, it makes me happy. Because after all, isn’t that what life’s all about? Spending time with the people that make you happy? If we can be a part of a couple’s happy (hopefully life-long) story, that is enough for me!”

For more information, please visit locusthillbarn.com. If you’re interested in having your event at Locust Hill Barn, you can email them at info@locusthillbarn.com or give them a call at (518) 755-7763.