I think the first time I heard of the word Saugerties was when I was reading the liner notes for The Band’s “Music From Big Pink” back in 19-Something Something. Over the years the word would pop into conversations and would automatically make whatever the topic sound melodic and mystical. As luck would have it my dear friends would purchase a lovely home in Saugerties, equipped with a built in pool! How perfect! It’s like having a friend with a boat. I find myself frequently longing for a road trip to visit and take in, not only the pool, but a show at Levon’s barn or the Bearsville Theater, or to the outstanding and sometimes quirky restaurants that stretch from Woodstock to Saugerties Village. I’m not alone. My wife Maureen feels the same way. When the sounds of the sirens and horns of NYC cars, and the maniacal pace make you want to scream, it’s off for a visit with Billy and Regina. Inspiration comes easy off of Exit 20.
This crave for Saugerties life has lured us to purchase our own little piece of Ulster County, equipped with not a built-in pool, but an above-ground pool, and walking distance to the infamous Big Pink! I think I’m going to go over to Billy and Regina’s house and see if I can borrow a cup of sugar.