F.A.Qs
(Fastidiously Answered Questions)
𓅰 𓅬 𓅭 𓅮 𓅯
What will the weather be like? In the past, early October in the Hudson Valley was predictably brisk. These days however, it’s been alarmingly warm! Pack layers to be safe; temperatures could range from 55 to 80 degrees.
How far is Onteora Mountain House from NYC? Depending on traffic, Onteora Mountain House is about a 2 hour drive from NYC. Traveling north on Friday evenings tend to be extremely busy (it often takes nearly twice as long, especially during the fall). Traveling south on Sunday evenings is similarly slow. Be sure to plan accordingly.
What should I wear?
We’re recommending semi-formal, cocktail, or formal attire—here’s a helpful guide to what that means. Be sure to bring a layer in case it gets chilly!
Should my party rent a car?Yes, though we encourage you to carpool as much as possible. Also, while nearby towns like Kingston, Saugerties, and Woodstock are very walkable, having a car will allow you to explore much more of the area.
How do i get to onteora mountain house?
Onteora Mountain House is accessible by car only—there are no public transportation options. It also has limited on-site parking. With that in mind, we will have a shuttle service taking people between the venue and the Onteora High School parking lot.
can I bring a plus one?
Unfortunately our capacity is quite strict so unless your invitation explicitly includes a plus one, we ask that you please refrain.
can I bring my own drinks to the after party? No. Onteora Mountain House’s liquor license does not allow outside alcohol to be served on premise.
Did I overhear Shannon and Wilson refer to the venue as Mayonnaise Mansion?
Yes! The venue decided against featuring this lore on their website but Onteora Mountain House is the former estate of Richard Hellmann, founder of the Hellmann mayonnaise empire!
According to the venue managers, at 53 years old, Richard Hellmann was told by his doctors that if he didn’t slow down and find some fresh air, he’d die of a heart attack—and so, he decided to construct an estate overlooking the Esopus Valley. He lived to be 94 years old!
What’s up with the painting in the background? It’s a Hudson River School painting by Thomas Moran, titled Valley of the Catawissa in Autumn (1862). Shannon searched “Hudson River School Painting autumn” and thought the title of this piece might have been referring to an old name for the Catskills. In fact, it serendipitously refers to a valley in Pennsylvania on the Susquehanna river (Shannon and Wilson lived on a Susquehanna ave for many years before moving to Kingston).
Widely regarded as the first American art movement, the Hudson River School was famous for capturing the sublime beauty of the North American landscape. The work also captures the consumptive colonial ambitions of Manifest Destiny and the unseen violence of native displacement. If you’re interested in learning more about the history and legacy of the Hudson River School, this PBS documentary series is excellent!
R.S.V.P.
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