On a recent trip back East, we discovered some great "out of the way" spots. One such was a place with the strange name of "The Would." We laughed when we first heard of it ........... Who Would ............ We Would ......... that sort of thing, but we drove to this lovely spot, had a delicious dinner, and wanted to learn more about the place.
Originally part of the summer resort, Hotel Di Prima, opened its doors in 1926. The Would Restaurant has a long history of warm hospitality. The Hotel Di Prima catered to Italian families from the New York City area. In the 1940s and 1950s, thousands of vacationing families came to relax and savor the rich summer flavors of “the country.”
In 1994, Claire Winslow and Debra Dooley purchased the establishment and became partners in this famous Hudson Valley retreat. With renovations underway they changed the name of the resort to the Inn At Applewood, and the restaurant to The Would.
Many guests say that "the old resort atmosphere relaxes you and takes you back to slower days." On summer evenings guests enjoy dining on the porch, while watching the boccie players. In the winter they dine by a crackling fire with white linen table cloths, candlelight and fresh flowers.
What more can I say. We roamed around the grounds after dinner for quite a while, it is, in a beautiful setting, and the owners have kept much of the nostalgia which I am sure has been there since back in the 20's.
It really was a walk down "memory lane."
If you are in the area, or near, I suggest you try it out. You will find the ambiance relaxing, and you will almost be transported to an earlier, slower time, when graciousness was king. The food is excellent, they have an award winning wine cellar, all of the appointments are elegant, spotlessly clean, yet a truely warm and friendly atmosphere.
The Would knows how to do it right ..... Highly recommended.
