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Writer's pictureJason Ryan

Concrete Jungle with a Catskill View


The Book of HOV: A Celebration of the Life and Work of Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter


Recently I checked out this new exhibit at the Brooklyn public library. As you walk up to the library you can’t help but notice the building is covered with lyrics from hits like “Hard Knock Life", “Encore” and more. Once inside the exhibit does an amazing job at immersing itself throughout the library. From the lobby to behind the bookshelves and up the stairs, we get to see JAY-Z's recording studio, awards, videos of his life, and more. They did a great job at curating a full journey (would we expect less from the Carters). I went on a Saturday, and it took me about an hour to do the full exhibit with waiting in line for the two rooms (Studio and video). Being a kid who grew up in the 90's I enjoyed the exhibit immensely.


This exhibit made me want to just keep saying “Allow me to reintroduce myself, My name is Hov”.

Location: Brooklyn Public Library

10 Grand Army Plaza

Brooklyn NY 11238

Price: Free

Timeline: It will be up until October 2023

Other: You can get a free collectible library card featuring one of JAY-Z albums! I got Back to Black.

Score: 9 (There was no mention of Beyonce)



Hunter, New York

This current night chill makes me want to throwback to last September. Are you an adventure enthusiast looking for a perfect getaway spot (my mom is)? Hunter, NY is the place to be! This small town, located in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, offers a ton of outdoor activities, breweries, antique shopping, and more.



Every year my mom and I take a weekend vacation in September to hike and explore New York. Hunter is a paradise for hikers with its beautiful trails, stunning views, and serene environment. One of the most popular hiking trails is the Devil's Path, which is a challenging 25-mile trail that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains (We definitely did not do this one, "Not today Santan, not today"). If you're looking for a shorter hike, the Kaaterskill Falls Trail is a great option. This 2.6-mile trail leads you to a stunning waterfall that is a must-see (pictured above). Please do go chasing these waterfalls!


Another popular attraction in Hunter is the Catskill Mountain House, which was a famous hotel that operated in the late 1800s. Although the hotel no longer stands, visitors can still take this easy hike to the site and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains (pictured above).


There are several breweries in Hunter, NY that are worth checking out. The three we visited include:

  • Hunter Mountain Brewery: Located at the base of Hunter Mountain, this brewery offers a variety of craft beers and pub food. We ate lunch here outside on the deck that has a perfect view of the mountain!

  • Jagerberg Beer Hall & Alpine Tavern: Also located at the base of Hunter Mountain. Has a great outdoor space!

  • West Kill Brewing: Located on a 127-acre historic dairy farm. With a focus on locally grown and foraged ingredients and a soft spot for history, they offer fun brewing beers that are as fascinating in origin as they are delicious.

Both Hunter and the surrounding small towns have plenty of food options. One of our favorite lunchtime spots was Last Chance Antiques & Cheese Restaurant. This place had everything and more (Antiques, Candy, food, live music)!


So, if you're looking for a weekend adventure then pack your bags, put on your hiking boots, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!


P.s. get the candy!


Location: Hunter, NY

Timeline: We went from Friday morning till Sunday morning.

Lodging: We stayed directly on Hunter Mountain in an Airbnb.

Score: 8 (Fun weekend getaway)

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