Lumberjacks and animal tracks in New York State

One Tank Challenge: Hudson Valley Edition

Home to America’s first incorporated city, the Hudson Valley is full of gems worth exploring. And that’s exactly what Dennis Setteducati and Andrew Boza of the @craftylumberjacks are doing! Taking us on an adventure through Hudson, Rhinebeck, Chatham, and back again, Dennis and Andrew show us both well-loved staples and lesser-known spots in a Hertz rental car – all on one tank of gas for the Hertz One Tank Challenge. Let’s Go!

Seasonal flavors at The Maker Hotel

Like all other great days, this one starts off with caffeine. The source of choice? The Maker Café, located inside the chic Maker Hotel – serving up seasonal flavors and a full menu including unique house made delicacies like turmeric sauerkraut, tahini hot sauce, and giardiniera. But since this is the first stop of the morning, they opted for expertly crafted lattes.

Visiting Woodstock Animal Farm Sanctuary

Fueled up on caffeine and heading an hour south in their rental car, past the Bluestone Wild Forest where scenes of the season are on full display, their next stop is the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary. Currently home to over 300 animals, Woodstock has been a refuge for farm animals for more than two decades. Some of the most notable residents include Raymond the goat, Jo the cow, and a trio of pigs lovingly dubbed “The Peanuts.”

Treasure hunting at Beekman Arms Antique Market

Next up, it was time to cross over the Hudson River to Rhinebeck to peruse some antique treasures at the Beekman Arms Antique Market. As a multi-dealer emporium, you truly never know what you’ll find there. But if you’re in the market for some holiday gifts, you know it will be something one-of-a-kind. 

Wonderland Tree Farm for the perfect pine

Nothing sets the tone for cozy season like the sights and smells of a tree farm and this one in particular, Wonderland Tree Farm, has been a staple in the Rhinebeck community for over 30 years! Andrew’s pro-tip? Scour the ground for the festive flourishes to complement your tree – pinecones and tree cuttings are the perfect place to start. Most tree farms also give away their cuttings for free!

Taking in some culture at Art Omi

Back in the car with a course set for about an hour north, they headed to Ghent for a visit to Art Omi, home to a mixture of permanent fixtures and rotating resident artists. You can opt for a digitally guided tour, education tour for large groups, or spend the afternoon exploring the 120-acre property at your own pace. And the best part? It’s dog friendly.

Cozy pies at Baba Louie’s

Any good lumberjack will tell you. Nothing works up an appetite like antique shopping and outdoor sculpture parks! So, in true lumberjack form, they wrapped up with a delicious dinner at Baba Louie’s wood-fired pizza. Known for its sourdough crust and gourmet toppings, Baba Louie’s menu has all the classics you’d expect plus some inventive new pies like the Vegetazone and the Isabella Pizzarella – you can’t go wrong, it’s truly *chef’s kiss*.

“One Tank Challenge” mission complete

With full bellies and an empty tank, the Hudson Valley tour with Dennis and Andrew as our guides is complete. Where would you go in a Hertz rental car? Take a one tank challenge for yourself and see how far you go!