Days 73-74 Half Moon Bay Marina Crotan-On-Hudson, NY

Saturday & Sunday June 7-8, 2025

SATURDAY

This was one of those blissfully needed slow days—the kind where you finally take a breath. We soaked it in before diving back into the buzz of the city for a long-anticipated dinner with dear friends. The journey in itself was a little adventure: a train ride, a subway hop, and a quick sprint through a sudden downpour (because of course it rained right then) before we finally arrived at our destination—The Consulate.

Let me just say, what a gem! A charming restaurant with a sophisticated bar downstairs and a cozy, inviting space upstairs. We met our great friend Ron at the bar (we missed you, Alisa), sipped on cocktails, and caught up until his brother Charlie and Charlie’s girlfriend Marina arrived. It turned into one of those nights that feels effortless—the conversation flowed, the food was outstanding (those appetizers, wow), and the drinks hit just the right note. It was such a pleasure getting to know Marina and reconnecting with the brothers.

After dinner, we hoofed it back to Grand Central, took the train back up to Crotan, bracing for what we thought would be a pitch-black walk home. But instead, we were treated to a dreamy scene lit by a hazy, almost-full moon and the soft glow of the town. When we finally made it home, we were exhausted in the best way possible.

SUNDAY

This morning, we actually slept in (a rare luxury!), and the day felt like the perfect opportunity for a nature escape. So we grabbed a cab out to Croton Park and Dam, ready for a scenic hike up over the dam and around the park before returning.

The dam itself is impressive—historically known as the Cornell Dam, it was constructed from 1893 to 1906 to bolster NYC’s water supply. At its completion, it was the tallest dam in the world, and standing atop it, you can feel the weight of that history. Families were out everywhere, BBQs sizzling, kids playing, people just living in the moment.

We hiked down the opposite side, full of awe—and back out through the park to the highway…then, the twist: no cell service. Zero. None. Just a narrow, winding road back to town. No big deal—we embraced the unexpected and hoofed it back with no near-misses from passing cars and only a growing appetite.

That’s when fate smiled on us.

We stumbled upon a place called Croton Tapsmith, where the smell of wood-fired pizza lured us in like a cartoon. Outside, a true Italian pizza oven crackled, and we didn’t hesitate—we bee-lined for the bar and ordered a beer, a wine, and a 12-inch slice of heaven.

Behind the bar was Tracy Shea, former CNN journalist, and outside spinning pizzas was none other than his wife, Toni Senecal, host of the travel series “Toni On.” And let me tell you, they were as delightful as the food. Warm, genuine, and full of great stories, they made us feel like locals. The pizza? Classic Neapolitan, perfectly blistered crust, simple, divine toppings—and yes, we could have easily demolished a second one.

We sipped drinks (shoutout to the excellent French Chenin Blanc!) and shared stories with other patrons, including a couple who, inspired by our great loop tale added the loop to their own bucket list.

As we were leaving, Tracy catches up with us and hands us a bag. Inside was a bottle of the French Chenin Blanc I was drinking along three large cans of their very own Lager! What a surprise!!!

It was one of those completely unplanned, serendipitous afternoons that end up being the true highlight of a trip. So here’s my heartfelt advice: if you ever find yourself in this neck of the woods, don’t miss Croton Tapsmith. Good food, great people, and the kind of place that makes you feel right at home.

We eventually made it back to our boat, full, happy, and still smiling. Days like this remind you that the best parts of travel are often the surprises you don’t see coming.