Keegan's Brewery

Keegan's Brewery, in Kingston, NY, is a happening place.  Tuesday is Trivia Night!  And that's lots of fun.  They have music at least twice a week, sometimes a lot more.  And all that can be hard to keep track of.  Luckily, I use the restroom.

Luckily because they put up the posters for upcoming music not just on the walls out in the bar area, but also in the commode area.  No need to bring reading material!  There are also other things to occupy one's mind, like the vent in the center of the ceiling, and the screwed-shut panel on the wall.  What's in there?  It's an eclectic space, just like the place itself.

Creative Co-op in Rosendale

Here's a little gem tucked away behind the Big Cheese in Rosendale.  An amazing space dedicated to community and education, the Creative Co-op's Commode is quite pretty and environmentally friendly.  Washcloths stand in for paper towels when possible.  Love the sink and faucet combo.

On a personal note, I'll be doing some events there with the owner, Stacy Lipari, so if you are local and you have kids age 3 or older, a Parents' Night Out event might be for you!  Events will be listed on the fb page:  https://www.facebook.com/CreativeBCRosendale?fref=ts

Rodger's Book Barn

As eclectic as the store itself, this restroom is a tad awkward, a tad older, and a hodge podge of interesting things to look at so that the eye roves around, unable to settle on one thing.  The painted sink always catches my attention, as I gently bump my head on the slanted ceiling.  Creaky floorboards remind me that I'm in a very old building, loaded with very old (and some new) books.  An experience to be sure!

Grafton Peace Pagoda

After a 6 minute winding walk gently uphill, I arrive in a peaceful, meditative state of mind to the Grafton Peace Pagoda.  An impressive sight; tall, with a buddha and tall golden spire with elegant scrolls.  The story of buddha is told as you progress clockwise around the top section.  Native American symbols revolve around the lower part of the pagoda.

Unfortunately, my sense of peace was disturbed by the fact that I needed a restroom.  I was glad to see a sign, after walking through the gardens with beautiful flags and a monument with golden writing up the front, glinting in the sun.

The first sign said 'toilet', the second said 'outhouse'.  Either way, I wasn't worried.  With the peaceful surroundings, it was everything I expected.  Simple.  Organic.  Raw, but beautiful in its way.

Paws and Tail Pantry in Rosendale

I admit it.  I don't mind sharing.  And really, the restroom, well appointed as it is, takes a back seat to the rest of the store, jam packed with all sorts of pet supplies, toys and treats!

In the restroom, it's a one-stop shop for Reginald, the store cat.  His elegant food and water dishes are a respectful distance from his private commode.  He's well set, and super friendly!  You have to stop in Paws and Tail Pantry in Rosendale!

Starbuck's in Kingston

 Starbucks in Kingston.  I do like their coffee.  And their restroom is, while maybe not loaded with charm or to die for, certainly clean and useable.  There is one thing that bugs me, though.  And I've seen it in one or two others that I've been in.  

Okay, so there's nothing wrong with this sign.  It shows 'how to wash your hands'.  Of course, if someone doesn't know how to wash their hands, they probably aren't old enough to go to the restroom on their own, but okay.

Here's a close-up of the end panel.

It shows that, according the the DIRECTIONS for washing your hands, you should turn the water off with the paper towels that you used to dry your hands.  This is actually what I prefer to do when I can.  I'm not a germophobe...well, maybe a little.

Are you ready for the problem with this directive?
 

The only dryer available is a HAND DRYER.  One that blows air, and does not dispense a nice sheet of multi-purpose paper towel that I can use to follow the directions that they gave me!  Either change the directions, or change the dryer.

[end rant]

Nice and clean, comes with a Starbuck's attached, so all in all, fine unless little things bother you.

Kingston's Strand Public Restroom

I don't expect much from a public city restroom.  As a matter of fact, I'm pretty predjudiced against them, and don't use them unless it's a real emergency.

You can see, however, that Kingston's Strand public restroom rolls out the red carpet.  Well, it's not quite that luxurious, but it was definitely useable with a little swiping of the seat (don't get me started on hovering vs. covering).

No, it wasn't pristine.  No, it wasn't in complete repair.  That said, there was a garbage can with a liner, which is rare in a public restroom, and a real mirror, also a rarity.  Locks on the stalls that worked, soap dispensers with soap, and the piece de resistance, no terrible old nasty bathroom smell.  And let me tell you, I was there on a rather warm day.

Green paint?  No problem.  You can color me impressed.  A fine restroom to add to the area which features so many galleries, restaurants, and a nice promenade to walk along and feed the ducks from.

Umberto's in Poughkeepsie

Umberto's, which features a lively banjo concert every Monday, is a nice Italian restaurant.  The restroom was a mix, quite honestly.  Quaint accoutrements mixed with not-quite-kept-up stalls.

The arches were almost to be expected, given the decor of the restaurant, and the counter inside the bathroom had a beautiful lamp, and some flowers, which is a nice touch.  The walls were well done with a faux finish and marble-like tiles.

On the not-so-positive side, the latches on the dated stalls were not the first to be installed, and still didn't work very well.  The toilets were extremely low-set, so it felt as though I were in a kids' bathroom.

Overall, the extras were enough to make up for the age of the facilities.  I would definitely go back again.

A Little Moxie

Outside, a functional, clean sink and cabinets

Inside, practical signage with cool framed art

This restroom is unisex, a single.  Given that, it's pretty impressive how clean it is.  Hip colors, cool art, including cupcake art, what more could I want out of a commode?

Moxie Cupcakes, in New Paltz, has become one of my go-to spots.  Not only do they have seriously crazy cupcakes, but I really like their iced coffee.  Every time I'm there, someone I'm with orders something I've not seen before.

If you're lucky enough to get the really comfy chairs, you can sit in close conversation and completely lose track of the time.  With cupcakes.