Candles
Candlestock
Woodstock
From simple tapers, tea lights and birthday candles to wax sculptures of animals, flowers, food, and more, Candlestock, in business since 1970, has us waxing poetic. The shop offers beeswax, paraffin, soy, and other candles in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and styles. One cool very “Woodstocky” thing here is the rainbow-hued mountain of candle wax that has been formed from the continuous addition of drip candles over the years.
845.679.8711; www.candlestock.com
Bridal Boutique
Blush Bridal Boutique
Kingston
There’s always a million and one things to decide upon while planning a wedding, but for the bride, nothing may come close in importance than finding the perfect gown — that’s where Blush Bridal Boutique comes in. This inviting and glamorous store offers a well-curated selection of gowns, with expert style advice and care from owner Emily to the intimate appointment-only nature of the shop, Blush will turn the normally stressful task of choosing a dress into a relaxing afternoon.
845.338.3135; www.blushbridalbtq.com
Place to Shop for Kitchenware and Knives
Warren Kitchen & Cutlery
Rhinebeck
Professional chefs and home cooks alike flock to this Rt 9 shop for all their kitchenware finds. Knives are their specialty, with 1500 styles and sizes in stock. Bonus: It also offers in-store sharpening and engraving services.
845.876.6208; www.warrenkitchentools.com
Toy Shop
Little Pickles Children’s General Store
Red Hook
Situated in a charming country home, this toy store within the General Store (it also has a sweet shop and boutique) puts the fun in fundamental. Little Pickles is co-owned by former preschool teacher and family daycare provider Rebecca Rothstein and former social worker Laura Pelosi, and has a toy selection that inspires children to create, discover, think, and dream; dolls and puzzles line the shelves for sure, but play sets and kid-friendly art materials like finger paint and eco crayons are what make this whimsical wonderland so inviting.
845.835.8086; www.ourlittlepickles.com
Affordable Antiques
Bottleshop Antiques
Millbrook
Collectors and bargain shoppers, rejoice! At Bottleshop, you’ll find all sorts of décor for your home, from old wooden furniture, kitchenware and oil lamps, to paint-chipped shutters, sterling silver, and vintage business signs. Best of all, all the items are affordably priced, so sprucing up your entire home will be easy!
845.677.3638; www.facebook.com/BottleShopAntiques/
Health Food Store
Mother Earth’s Storehouse
Kingston
Long before clean eating and organic went mainstream, this store was promoting healthy foods and supplements. At Mother Earth’s Storehouse, open since the Disco era, you can find produce, dairy, meats, baked goods, and more, all of which are organic, free of unnatural additives and preservatives. So enjoy one of their pastries or cupcakes and eat them guilt-free!
845.336.5541; www.motherearthstorehouse.com
Curio Selection
3FortySeven
Hudson
If you have an interest in re-imagined and unusual decor, this quaint shop in Hudson will have your heart. They go beyond featuring a variety of mid-century furniture and niche designs, stocking their showroom with an eclectic selection of vintage curio finds. We’re not talking nick-knacks either: their ever-changing inventory has been known to host everything from collectible canisters and marble pottery to antique equine figures and wrought-iron lanterns.
518.391.3165; www.3fortyseven.com
Bike Shop
Piermont Bicycle Connection
Piermont
Known for his extensive stock of bicycles (for beginning riders to competitive racers), its outstanding service, and its fully equipped service center, this shop is not only the best in the Valley, but is considered by local cyclists and Yelpers to be one of the best in the entire New York metro area. It also has a great website with buyers guides, catalogues, and cycling tips.
845.365.0900; www.piermontbike.com
Custom Graphic Design
Graphic Nature
Fishkill
This two-woman operation has earned our seal of approval. Whether you’re looking for an elegant wedding invitation or a sleek business card, you can find it here. From funky fonts to cool color schemes, Stephanie McHoul and Amy Eddy guarantee that every client creation is entirely custom-made, starting with a blank slate and ending with a work of art.
845.765.2727; www.graphicnature.biz
Antiques Treasure Trove
Stormville Flea Market
Stormville
For 46 years, the Stormville Flea Market has been the place to go for trinkets and treasures. The Valley mainstay features more than 600 vendors, promising fabulous finds for everyone throughout their acres of merchandise. Pursue the hunt for unbeatable deals as you sift through bargain bins and crates of collectibles and meander through aisles of antiques. After you’ve worked up an appetite haggling, head to the market’s concession stands and nosh on novelty food items like fried dough and kettle corn.
845.221.6561; www.stormvilleairportfleamarket.com
Country Store
Cold Spring General Store
Cold Spring
Located in a landmarked building in historic Cold Spring, this charming country store puts a modern spin on the classic small-town shop. Filled with cookbooks, craft beers, and artisan provisions, the General Store stocks essential goods—crafted and handmade by local artists and innovators—for laid-back Valley living.
845.809.5522; www.coldspringgeneralstore.com
Fish Market
Four Maples Fish
Poughkeepsie
For 41 years, this market has been the go-to place for fresh fish and has provided the area’s finest restaurants with seafood from the most respectable New England suppliers. Whether you’re hosting a clambake and need Little Necks by the bushel or want wild shrimp and sea scallops by the pound for dinner, Four Maples’ seafood specials can’t be beat. But take note: They’re only open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.
845.462.3898; www.fourmaplesfish.com
Place to Find That Weird Ingredient
Berry’s Farm
Hopewell Junction
Berry’s Farm touts itself as a brick-and-mortar farmers’ market, but anyone who stops at this unassuming grocery store can attest that it is so much more. Sure, it offers the standard fresh deli meats, fish, and flowers, but its produce section includes every fruit and veggie from apples and zucchini to dragonfruit and yardlong, whole goats are sometimes available in the meat case, and there’s an onsite sushi station. There’s also a varied selection of Asian, Middle Eastern, and European ingredients and a section of all-organic finds. The best part? Most of it is sold at bargain prices.
845.223.6065; www.facebook.com/Berrys-Farm
Place to Buy Diamond Earrings
De’S Jewelers
Poughkeepsie
At this venerable jeweler, celebrating its 70th this year with promotions and giveaways, diamond studs are most sought after, though De’S sells many styles of gorgeous diamond earrings. Diamond dangles in a pave cage are the ultimate in glamour. If you inherited sparkly old engagement rings whose time has passed, turn them into an earring set, too. Prices range from $250 to $25,000.
845.452.0026; www.desjewelers.com
Place to Buy a Wedding Band
Zimmer Brothers
Poughkeepsie
A jewelry store—or any store, for that matter—doesn’t stay in business for 123 years unless it’s doing something right. When it comes to wedding bands, Zimmer Brothers stocks a dazzling array from many designers, including its own Signature collection, as well as Jabel, Hearts on Fire, Ritani, and many others. Whether you’re looking for an ultra-popular diamond eternity band; a traditional white-, yellow-, or rose-gold band; or something more customized, you can find it here—along with patient, experienced, friendly staff who can help you decide exactly which ring is for you.
845.454.6369; www.zimmerbrothers.com
Shoe Store
Pegasus Footwear Outlet
Woodstock, Rhinebeck, New Paltz
People travel from miles around to this trio of shoe stores—each with a personal reason. Ask any customer and you’ll hear responses like: “It’s the only place that stocks handmade shoes.” “There isn’t another place where I can find waterproof boots that actually look nice.” “They always have my favorite clogs.” Comfort is key here, and old reliable brands like Birkenstock, Frye, and Merrell are well represented. But you also find such effete makers as Ariat (known for riding boots), Waldlaufer of Hungary (buttery soft), and perky Pikolinos from Spain.
845.679.2373 (Woodstock) ; 845.876.7474 (Rhinebeck) ; 845.256.0788 (New Paltz); www.pegasusshoes.com
Place to Stay in Style
Style Storehouse
Beacon
A welcome addition to the east end of Beacon’s main drag, this new on-trend boutique is owned by veteran retailer Michele Williams. Coveted brands like Free People, Hardtail Forever, Chaser LA, Blank Denim, BB Dakota, and Mother Denim fill the airy space, and Williams can help you find your fit, as she has personally tried on every style in the shop and has to love it to carry it. With the help of some awesome fashion grads from Marist, she has created a warm, relaxed atmosphere, with soft lighting, reclaimed wood shelves, and other homespun touches that make shopping here feel like a tiny vacation.
845.220.8808; www.stylestorehouse.com
Fabric Store
New York Designer Fabric Outlet
Valatie
This small town shop is loaded with designer fabric and wallpaper at 50 to 75 percent off retail. Previously only available to the trade, lines from premier makers Adam Campbell, Quadrille, Home Couture, and China Seas pack the shelves here, with offerings ranging from beachy and bohemian, to linen and cotton, to silk and synthetic. Caveat emptor: They are not upholsterers, so know how much fabric you need and how it will be used before you buy!
518.758.1555; www.nydfo.myshopify.com
Car Dealership
MINI of Dutchess County
Wappingers Falls
We admit it: We’re looks-ist. But there’s just something about these cute cars—and this dealership—that’s irresistible. As you drive north on Rt 9, it appears like an oasis in a desert filled with chain-retail sand. But MINI of Dutchess County isn’t all style. Sure, it’s got a great retail store, café, and even free toys, but it’s the service that got us, with a friendly and knowledgeable receptionist and a non-pushy and experienced sales staff.
845.632.0915; www.miniofdutchesscounty.com
Indoor Shopping Upgrade
Palisades Center
West Nyack
It’s not just a mall—it’s an adventure. Joining the ranks of the Palisades Center’s many entertainment venues this past year were: 5 Wits, a live-action hands-on experience which makes you feel as if you’re in a movie or video game; Autobahn, an indoor speedway; and Escape the Mystery Room, where you are given 45 minutes to solve a puzzle and, well, escape a room. Also of note: The opening of the second US retail location of ThinkGeek, where you can channel your inner nerd and stock up on your Star Wars and Harry Potter collectibles.
845.348.1000; www.palisadescenter.com
Outdoor Shopping Upgrade
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
Central Valley
The stores have always been great, but now, finally, the food choices have improved. The 51,000-square-foot new Market Hall opened last fall with WiFi, charging stations, and better and more diverse dining options, including Chipotle Mexican Grill and Pinkberry. The best addition to the shopping mecca, however, can be summed up in two words: Shake Shack.
845.928.4000; www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/woodbury-common
Place for Oddities and Gifts
Nutz
Wappingers Falls
This bohemian Rt 9 store is a one-stop shop to find something unique for anyone in your life. From stones and crystals to retro clothing, unique jewelry, books, knives, and swords, and Tarot cards — you are guaranteed to find the perfect gift and at a great price. Unsure of what to get someone? Ask the staff; they’re always willing to offer up ideas.
845.298.2457; www.nutzstore.com
