Greene County Success Stories

Stars Are Aligning at Constellation in Catskill, NY — February 1, 2023

Derek James Smith and Rosannah von Moritz met back in grade school in Ghent. Some twenty years later, after varied careers across the country and around the world, they reconnected in the Hudson Valley, married, and relocated to Earlton in the town of Coxsackie. One month before the March 2020 lockdown, they signed their lease on the Catskill Main Street storefront that would become Constellation – an Astro Gallery that offers Puppet Divination, Astrology, Tarot, and In-House Art!

Holiday Street Festivals Draw Shoppers and Families to River Town Businesses in Greene County, NY — December 27, 2022

Last month three street festivals drew hundreds of revelers to main street businesses in towns along the Hudson River. Coxsackie’s Historic Reed Street was transformed into it’s annual Christmas by the River. The Village of Athens hosted it’s Victorian Stroll, and the longest night of the year was celebrated at the Winter Solstice in Catskill. Each event proved to be a boon for local businesses that joined in the fun with special deals and activities for the whole family.

Fostering Forests is a Family Focus at B&B Forest Products in Cairo, NY — December 7, 2022

Jennifer DeFrancesco is a true advocate for sustainable forestry in our local communities. Her father, Bill Fabian started B&B Forest Products in Greene County over 35 years ago. Their business employs 38 people and serves as a marketing conduit for small, independent loggers to get their harvested logs to buyers across the country and around the world.

Perseverance, Persistence, and Passion Drive Business in Prattsville, NY — November 16, 2022

Eleven years after a flood caused by Hurricane Irene devastated homes, businesses, and infrastructure across the town of Prattsville, NY, stable businesses have rebuilt better, and new businesses abound. With a post-pandemic influx of new residents and second homeowners relocating to this Catskill Mountain community that serves as a rural retail hub for the surrounding area.

From the Franklin Street to the River, Second Street Abounds with Local Gems in Athens, NY — October 13, 2022

The historic Hudson River village of Athens dates back to one of the earliest European settlers in Upstate New York. Now, some 337 years after Jan Van Loon purchased his land in 1685, the village is teeming with great places to meet, eat, and shop as you stroll along Second Street with a great view of the river. Residents and visitors alike enjoy uniquely approachable amenities and one-of-a-kind offerings you simply can’t find anywhere else.

Pandemic Pivot turns Weekender to Retailer in Coxsackie, NY — September 23, 2022

As Editor in Chief of NYC-based SAVEUR Magazine, Sarah Gray started visiting friends in Greene County in the early 2000s. She soon bought and renovated a great old house in Athens, where she spent her weekends for the next 15 years. Then, a perfect storm of COVID restrictions, rising rural real estate values, and the end of SAVEUR in print, came together to empower Sarah to sell her weekend home at a premium, move upstate full-time, and open UnQuiet as part of the Historic Reed Street Area renaissance by the Hudson River in the Village of Coxsackie.

High Rock Home is Doling Out Delightful Home Decor Downstreet in Catskill, NY — August 23, 2022

Michael Moy, though not originally from Greene County, has long had an affinity for the region. He and his partner Joe Sniado spent over 10 years building their dream property in Durham – High Rock Lodge. After moving to the region fulltime in 2014, and opening the Joe’s Garage Event Venue shortly after, Mike and Joe wanted to bring their love of the area and its elements into an experience for the community. At the recently opened brick-and-mortar storefront for High Rock Home at Joe’s Garage, at 443 Main St in Catskill, visitors can find all sorts of wonderful décor and fun Greene County knickknacks to transform their homes.

Distance Destination Demand + Legacy Property Modernization = Wylder Windham — July 20, 2022

As the hospitality industry continues to rebound from the pandemic downturn, more and more rural properties like the former Thompson House in Windham are getting serious consideration and investment from visionaries like John Flanagan – CEO and founder of Wylder Hotels. His company creates destinations for adventurers to escape the crowds, experience the outdoors, and enjoy all the modern amenities they demand.

Catskill Collectibles – Online and Now Open on Main Street, in Catskill, NY — June 21, 2022

Tom Illari, like many residents of Greene County, does not originally hail from the area. Though he grew up and worked downstate, he’s always loved the County’s unique charms. As an avid collector and researcher of all things Catskill/Greene County, he’s devoted himself to sharing that love of our communities’ rich history with visitors and residents alike. At the recently opened brick-and-mortar storefront for Catskill Collectibles, located at 386 Main Street in Catskill, he’s assembled an expansive collection of fascinating historical memorabilia that’s sure to tickle any guest’s fancy.

Conversation, Coffee, & Culinary Creations on Display at Shipwrecked in Coxsackie, NY — May 24, 2022

Katlyn Irwin has always had an appreciation for all the unique towns, hamlets, and communities located throughout Greene County. In her opinion, the sights, sounds, and sensations they offer couldn’t be beat by anyplace in the world. That’s why she answered that longing call to home after wandering New York State. Now, she operates a cozy little café known as Shipwrecked, where she and her husband Nathan are serving up coffee, carefully crafted baked goods, and countertop banter to everyone at their location at 8 Reed Street, in Coxsackie, NY.