GARRISON CRAFT

Sep 13

A Fall Weekend in the Hudson Valley

I’m so happy to be returning to Garrison Craft this October.

There are certain places that feel especially connected to the spirit of Occasionally Sweet, and the Hudson Valley has always been one of them. Before starting my own line, I spent many years working in the area, and I still find myself drawn back to its slower rhythm, creative community, and the landscape that changes so beautifully with each season.

For more than 60 years, Garrison Art Center has been a creative home in the Hudson Valley, bringing artists, makers, students, and neighbors together through exhibitions, education, and community programs. There’s something very special about an organization that has continued to make space for creativity for so many years—not only as something to admire, but something to participate in and share.

Each year, Garrison Craft brings that spirit outdoors, gathering independent artists and makers for a weekend dedicated to thoughtful craftsmanship and the people who continue to support it.

As someone who makes nearly everything by hand and in small batches, events like this mean a lot to me. So much of my everyday work happens quietly at the bench—carving, soldering, setting stones, stringing pearls, finishing pieces, and experimenting with new ideas. A weekend like Garrison Craft gives me the chance to step out of the studio, meet the people who wear my work, reconnect with familiar faces, and be surrounded by other people who have also chosen to make things with their hands.

This year, I’ll be bringing a selection of new pieces alongside some Occasionally Sweet favorites, including pieces I’ve been working on throughout the year. I’m excited to see them leave the studio and take on a life of their own.

Make a Weekend of It

Garrison Craft also happens at one of my favorite times of year in the Hudson Valley.

By early October, fall is beginning to settle in. The air gets a little crisper, the leaves start changing, and the winding roads along the river somehow make you want to take the long way everywhere. It’s the kind of place and season that encourages you to slow down—stop for coffee, wander into a small shop, take a walk by the water, or sit down for a meal without being in too much of a hurry to get somewhere else.

So, if you’re making the trip to Garrison Craft this year, I thought I’d share a little more than just the fair details.

I’ve put together a small Hudson Valley weekend guide with some of my favorite places to eat, shop, wander, and explore around Garrison and the surrounding towns. Some are places to stop in for a quick bite, others are worth taking a little detour for, and a few are simply beautiful places to spend an hour with nowhere else to be.

My hope is that you’ll come visit us at the fair, discover the work of some incredible independent makers, and then give yourself a little extra time to explore.

Maybe make a day of it. Maybe stay for the whole weekend.

Either way, I hope I’ll see you there.

Garrison Craft
October 3 & 4, 2026
Garrison, New York

See you in the Hudson Valley

ox
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TRAVEL

By Rail -

Hop on the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central to Garrison Station. The ride follows the Hudson River and is beautiful in its own right—and once you arrive, Garrison Art Center is just steps from the station. Trains run regularly throughout the day, so it’s a fairly easy, hassle-free trip from the city. No car needed! No car needed!

By Car -

If you’re driving, Garrison is about an hour and 15 minutes north of New York City, depending on traffic. Having a car is also a great option if you’re planning to make a weekend of it and explore Cold Spring, Beacon, Poughkeepsie, and some of the little towns and stops along the way.