Live and Raw Winter B&B Stay - Too Cool

When we say Live and Raw - we're not talking about the weather now..... Check out the Turquoise Barn in the Western Catskills. Owner Michelle Premura is a certified Raw and Living Foods chef and instructor. She's also a mixed media artist and jewelry designer - which probably has something to do with why her food looks as gorgeous as it tastes delicious!!! Now through the end of February you are invited to stay on their organic farm and B&B in Bloomville, NY and partake in a little bit of the healthy life. Two of you will receive two nights lodging in their renovated 1800's Carriage Barn B&B (includes choice of organic vegetarian, vegan or raw food breakfast options such as fresh juices, green smoothies, sprouted breads, scrambled tofu or fresh organic eggs from their chickens), as well as a two hour raw food workshop.

Raw foods are getting a lot of talk around my circle of friends. While owner Michelle eats about 80% live and raw - we set out on our weekend with them wanting to have the skills to get to about 30% live and raw. It's not that hard once you're more comfortable in the kitchen whipping meals up and Michelle is a pro at teaching you how to do this. You can add to your mind, body, spirit connection by asking Michelle if she can help set up a yoga class, or massage for you. If you are interested, they can also arrange for infrared sauna sessions - but advanced notice is absolutely required.

While you're there you can hike on their farmland, or borrow a set of snowshoes and hop on the Catskill Scenic Trail. This is an amazing 19 mile rail trail that is completely flat so anyone can walk it. All this healthy living is why so many City folks have weekend houses there, or moved to the Catskills full time. We met friends of friends almost immediately - which we were informed is a normal two degrees of separation happening around here.

Ask Michelle or her husband, artist Michael Milton, to let you in their barn gallery to see some of their artwork. We love Michael's wood working skills in the house (which he renovated himself and feels more like a series of lofts inside) and just had to see his tables and sculpture. Now I'm trying to figure out how to make room for some of their creations in my tiny apartment. We did stock up on some local foods, raw foods (like yummy raw honey), and beeswax candles also for sale in the barn. And a pair of beautiful earrings made by Michelle.

The western Catskills is definitely climbing in it's hipness factor. Unique B and B experiences like this truly add to the vibe. And who couldn't use some additional healthy living skills as part of their new years resolution???

Website: www.turquoisebarn.com
Phone: 607-538-1235
Cost: $520 ($600 value - valid December 2010 through February 2011).

Cooperstown 50 min., Woodstock 1 hr. Approx. 2 Hours from George Washington Bridge - 3 Hrs. from NYC, 1.5 hrs. from Albany