Why New York's Hudson Valley Was The Perfect Home For HGTV's Small Town Potential

If you want to visit one of the most relaxing and idyllic places in America, check out the Hudson Valley in New York. The small-town feel, farmers' markets, slow pace of life, and gorgeous landscaping will make you feel like you've walked right into a Hallmark movie — in fact, some Hallmark movies have even been filmed in this area. Another show that's also been filmed here is HGTV's "Small Town Potential," which premiered on Wednesday, June 14. This will follow co-stars and life partners Kristin Leitheuser and Davina Thomasula as they help people find and renovate their ideal house in the Hudson Valley. 

The Hudson Valley area is perfect for this show because many people from the city move here to settle down, making it quite a popular place to live. "The Hudson Valley is full of unique and beautiful towns nestled along the Hudson River," says Thomasula, per HGTV. "So many people are moving here, because each town has a lot to offer and so much potential." In another HGTV article, she adds, "The Hudson Valley is filled with fabulous old homes, farm stands, and mom-and-pop businesses, yet it's also an easy train ride into New York City."

For Kristin Leitheuser, the Hudson Valley has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. This is because her family is local to the area, as she grew up in Pleasant Valley, less than an hour's drive away. As for her partner, Davina Thomasula, the area is newer to her, as she was born in Buffalo, New York but grew up in Coral Springs, Florida. However, she still says that the Hudson Valley is an inspiring place to live. "Even if you've lived here your whole life, you continue to discover new things you didn't realize existed," she tells HGTV. "Anyone with an imagination can restore some pretty amazing properties here."

Now, the couple lives in the town of Kingston, which is located inside the Hudson Valley. Because they're extremely familiar with the area, they're ideal hosts for the show. "I'm a real estate agent and designer who finds these upstate newcomers just the house they're looking for," Thomasula tells HGTV. Leitheuser adds, "And I happen to be her better half. A builder, working alongside my amazing dad, Don, renovating our clients' homes to get them ready for their move-in date."