Take A Trip Upstate With Designer Brad Ford

Interior designer Brad Ford. Photo: Danny Seo

Ten years ago, interior designer Brad Ford added to his workload when he organized what would become beloved Hudson Valley artisan show Field + Supply in Kingston, New York. As Ford prepared for this year’s spring edition of the fair, which took place from May 31 to June 2 in Hutton Brickyards, he walked us through a typical visit upstate.

8 a.m. In the morning, I like to walk my two French bulldogs, Bronco and Buck, through uptown Kingston. The Hudson Valley has such lush vistas; it reminds me a little of Arkansas, where I grew up, but it’s only two hours from the city.

9 a.m. On my way to Hutton Brickyards, I stop by Village Coffee to grab a coffee and a croissant—they have the best pastries in the Hudson Valley.

Photo: Courtesy Michael Robbins

11 a.m. Two must-sees in Kingston are the beautiful ceramics at L’Impatience and Clove & Creek, whose owner curates wonderful merchandise.

Photo: Courtesy L’Impatience

Photo: Emma Tucillo

12 p.m. I like to grab a few minutes with Joshua Vogel, who founded Black Creek Mercantile & Trading Co. I have many of his pieces and we’re lucky to represent him at my Manhattan showroom, Fair.

1 p.m. Lunch is at Lola. The rigatoni is my new favorite, especially with a side of the stracciatella.

3 p.m. I drive across ther river to the storybook town of Germantown, where I stroll through the showrooms of Michael Robbins (top left), Mary MacGill Studio and Alder & Co.

7 p.m. When my appointments are done, I’ll walk to Gaskins for dinner. It’s one of my favorite restaurants upstate. Their mac and cheese is next level!

Photo: Kelly Marchant

9 p.m. At the end of the day, I like to have a nightcap back in Kingston at Stockade Tavern. It’s old school and charming, but with killer cocktails.