Urban dwellers in the U.S. are getting ready for their mass pilgrimages to the higher elevations for the autumn leaf-peeping season. Residents of the Northeast often head for the Hudson River Valley region of New York State and the easily accessible Catskill Mountains.

Bibliophile leaf-lovers would do well with a detour to the town of Hudson (home of Martin Van Buren, Frederic Church and Philip Glass) and the amazing home of The Spotty Dog Books & Ale.

Not only does the shop offer thousands of well-curated titles and a super selection of artisanal beers, but they are housed in an authentic 19th century firehouse. The prevervation award-winning building was once home to the Rip Van Winkle Hook and Ladder Co. (for real).

The Spotty Dog also hosts frequent author events and great live music. Be sure to try the Poor Soldier Porter.

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• Catskill Mountain Resorts Offer Winter Events and Family Friendly Packages (prweb.com)
• New York State Parks Visitation at 43.7 Million Since 1/1/12 (thecatskillchronicle.com)
• Letter: A New Look for the Catskills: Don’t Forget the Old (nytimes.com)