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TK Home & Garden in Hudson
Photo by JD Urban
Chase away the winter blues with some retail therapy on Hudson Valley main streets.
By Nina Doyle, Sierra Guardiola, and Kathryn Walsh
– Hudson –
Hudson, a former whaling port, became a destination for antiquers fleeing NYC’s lack of space and high rent back in the ’90s. They opened shops on mile-long Warren Street and more creative folks followed, both as proprietors and visitors. Today, Hudson has more than 200 independent establishments, including shops, restaurants, and galleries, offering everything from antiques to ale and makeup to motorbikes. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Start your expedition at The Antique Warehouse, located opposite the riverfront. This cavernous emporium is filled with all things antique and vintage. If you love rummaging for your finds, head to the salvage-filled back section.
A short stroll or drive brings you to the base of Warren Street, where you’ll find Dish. Tucked inside a beautifully restored residential building, it’s brimming with unique kitchenware and gifts. Paintings by the owner’s husband adorn the brick-exposed walls.
Venture into Verdigris Tea and Chocolate, renowned for its vast selection of fine teas, homemade chocolates and pastries, and high-quality kitchen accessories.
Seek out the wrought-iron gates of The Secret Gardener, behind which is an oasis of plants and pathways, a nursery, and a gift-filled garden house.
Talbott & Arding Cheese and Provisions. Photo by Frankeny Images
Across the street are the gourmet temptations of Talbott & Arding Cheese and Provisions. As well as homemade sandwiches, salads, and baked goods, there’s an impressive selection of condiments, pâtés, and cheeses.
Treat yourself to a treasure hunt at Antigo. The happy jumble of affordable antiques includes furniture, fashion, and toys. Burrow in the back for more oddities and hidden treasures.
Discover a trove of fine wines and spirits at Hudson Wine Merchants. The owners curate a selection from around the world, and they’re renowned for their quality advice and service.
Unique pieces from emerging designers fill the rails of UNRACKED. This bright boutique offers functional and creative clothing and accessories.
Take a pit stop at MOTO Coffee/Machine, where caffeine lovers and gear heads hydrate and congregate. Behind the store’s coffee and snack bar is a spacious area dedicated to everything from clothing to motorbikes.
FACE Stockholm. Photos courtesy of FACE Stockholm
FACE Stockholm’s flagship boutique is a colorful contrast between old and new. Its historic interior is a stunning backdrop to the brand’s cosmetics and skin-care products. Head to the back area for racks filled with vintage items from Look Apparel and Accessories.
If you’re a cat or dog lover, pause at Love Thy Beast. You’ll find unique accessories and treats for pets, and quirky items for humans.
The Spotty Dog Books & Ale. Photo courtesy of The Spotty Dog Books & Ale
The Spotty Dog Books & Ale. Photo by JD Urban
For an eclectic mix of LP records, antiques, and knick-knacks, call in to John Doe Records and Books. There’s also a wealth of reading material at the independent Spotty Dog Books & Ale. They carry thousands of titles, including those by local writers and on local interests.
Furniture, fabrics, ornaments, and art are all under one roof at TK Home & Garden. Spend time browsing in this tranquil, historic setting.
For cruelty-free and incredibly soft clothing and accessories, visit Fluff Alpaca. The owners care for alpacas on their Hillsdale farm, and these amenable creatures provide the fiber for many of the store’s products.
The Quiet Botanist. Photo by Brielle Mordant
Down a short alleyway is a creative hideaway: The Quiet Botanist. This dried-flower haven and botanical apothecary packs delightful sights and smells into a cozy, intriguing space.
For a glimpse of 17th- to 19th-century Europe, visit Red Chair on Warren. Its furniture, linens, glassware, and trinkets transport you to an exquisite era.
Valley Variety brings you back to modern times. This cool, innovative store has a unique and stylish collection of furniture, travel items, home and kitchenware, and pet accessories.
Mikel Hunter Art & Apparel. Photo by JD Urban
Craving sauerkraut while shopping for flowers? Flowerkraut has you covered. Among the colorful foliage and gifts, you’ll find jars of healthy sauerkraut in fiery flavors, such as jalapeño and ginger.
And finally, the city has almost 100 antique shops and galleries, far too many for us to list here. To learn more, please go to www.visithudsonny.com/directory.
A Place For…
Cozy Breakfast: Tanzy’s
Coffee and Cake: Supernatural Coffee & Bakery
Comfort Food: Le Gamin Country
Quick Bite: Nolita Cafe
Glass of Wine: Sonder
Fireside Dining: Wm. Farmer & Sons
Burger: Grazin’ Diner
Performing Arts: Hudson Hall at the Historic Hudson Opera House
Scenic Vista: Olana State Historic Site
Cocktail: The Maker
Hammertown. Photo courtesy of Hammertown
– Rhinebeck –
Rhinebeck is full of small-town charm, with its historic landmarks like the Beekman Arms — the oldest inn in America — and its quaint streets lined with a mix of upscale boutiques and mom and pop shops.
With two main shopping streets, the town offers a diverse array of stores and a friendly atmosphere. “Small business is the economic engine of our community,” Carolyn Bernitt, executive director of the Rhinebeck Chamber of Commerce, says. “The merchants are passionate. They go that extra yard to provide wonderful service and wonderful atmosphere.”
Samuel’s Sweet Shop. Photo courtesy of Samuel’s Sweet Shop
Start your visit at Samuel’s Sweet Shop on East Market Street. Started in 1994 by Ira Gutner, the shop, now co-owned by Paul Rudd, Hilarie Burton, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and others in the Rhinebeck community, is every sweet-lover’s dream.
Just a few doors down you’ll find Periwinkles At Rhinebeck, owned by a mother/daughter team who got their start selling their signature bath and body products at local craft fairs. They now sell their products in their store, along with an assortment of other inspiring gifts, with an emphasis on their love for canine friends (you may even find their pups when you stop by!).
On this same stretch sits Land of Oz Toys & Gifts. Although a veteran in the town, it is newly relocated to this side of East Market Street.
Just a few doors down, Winter Sun & Summer Moon offers an eclectic mix of clothing, jewelry, shoes, and other products that showcases the handmade beauty of local and global artisans.
Across the street is the Rhinebeck Department Store, housed in a historic building and considered a cornerstone of the community. Here you’ll find “authentic country classics” for men and women. Think brands like Pendleton, Woolrich, and Levi’s.
Tucked back behind this row of stores is The Clothes Tree, a consignment boutique that offers shoppers fashionable, high quality items — such as shoes, dresses, and jewelry, — at a reasonable price.
Continue your day on Mill Street (Route 9) at Montgomery Row, a collection of some of the most popular shopping destinations in town. Near Terrapin is the beautiful Hammertown that carries curated items like furniture, accessories, and children’s toys. Just next door is Oblong Books & Music, which has another location in Millerton.
Paper Trail also calls Montgomery Row home. Inside you’ll find gorgeous paper goods like stationery, planners, cards, and wedding invitations. Nearby is a new addition to the Row, Pause Dog Boutique, that offers toys and treats for dog lovers and their furry friends.
On your way out of the Village, traveling north, stop by The Phantom Gardener, a six-acre garden center for your sustainable and organic gardening needs. If you’re heading south on Route 9, visit Rhinebeck Antique Emporium, and give yourself some time to explore the wonders inside waiting to be rediscovered.
A Place For…
Coffee: All That Java
Breakfast: Bread Alone
Dinner: Terrapin
Art: Art Gallery 71
Movies: Upstate Films
High-Flying Fun: Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
Pizza: Pizzeria Posto
Hops Petunia. Photo courtesy of Hops Petunia
– Kingston –
Whether you’re drawn to Kingston for its rich history, music and performance spaces, or its food and drink scene, your trip won’t be complete without shopping at the many small businesses found throughout the city.
Start your day off in the Stockade District, known for its Dutch roots and colonial history. If you park near Fair Street, the walking tour of Uptown can begin at River Mint Finery, known for its selection of independent designers and finely crafted products.
Follow this road to Wall Street lined with window displays from Theresa & Co., with a beautiful selection of women’s clothing or gifts for the little tots in your life; Exit Nineteen, offering an eclectic mix of 20th-century home goods, art, lighting, and gifts; and Karina, where you can get their vintage-inspired dresses perfectly tailored while learning about the store’s mission of self-love and acceptance.
On the opposite side of the street sits Blue Byrd’s Haberdashery & Music, open for nearly 30 years with the slogan “for great hats and better blues.” Next door is Outdated Cafe, where everything is for sale, “from the chair you sit on to the art on the walls to the excellent coffee, farm fresh food, and baked goods.”
On the intersecting North Front Street, you’ll come across neighbors bluecashew and Lovefield Vintage. At bluecashew, expect kitchenware galore to fit all your needs from the simplest to absolutely elegant. After stocking up on all the cookware your heart desires, pop in to Lovefield to find the newest treasure for your wardrobe among the thoughtful collection of vintage wear for men and women. They also carry wonderful decorative objects, like stained glass items, and an assortment of natural beauty products.
Down the street is Conscious Co. Boutique, a new addition to North Front Street that opened in 2019, selling only brands that are socially and environmentally conscious in an effort to empower artisans, especially women, around the world.
A quick turn at the intersection of North Front and Crown Streets will lead to the historic four corners, the only intersection in America where the buildings on all four corners were constructed before the Revolutionary War. On the corner of John Street, a beautiful stone building houses Rough Draft Bookstore & Bar, which prides itself on offering a diverse selection of the newest titles as well as fantastic beer, wine, cider and coffee.
Continue your day in Midtown. You may want to stop and check out the famous 1,510-seat Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) or stay for a concert once live events become a thing again. Zaborski Emporium is nearby, which has been a staple in Kingston for more than 25 years. Take your time exploring the 40,000-square-foot building that’s home to an abundance of stained glass, fixtures, ornaments, and other architectural salvage, much of which reflects the changes Kingston has seen over time.
End your day in the Rondout, Kingston’s waterfront district, where you’ll find a host of gallery spaces, like ArtPort Kingston, as well as the Hudson River Maritime Museum.
Pop in to Hops Petunia, a florist known for making beautiful arrangements sourced from local farms and American growers. In addition to floral designs, the shop’s curated selection of gifts includes items that will make your home cozy and functional. For more home goods, stop by Clove & Creek, a mercantile inspired by natural beauty that carries locally made goods and heritage products from around the globe.
Finish the day off by picking up wine, spirits or cider from Kingston Wine Co. or a takeout meal at one of the many restaurants in the Rondout.
A Place For…
Beer: Keegan Ales
Breakfast: Dolce
Ice Cream: Boice Bros. Dairy
Lunch: Kingston Bread + Bar
Waterfront Dining: Ole Savannah
Fine Dining: Hotel Kinsley
Music: BSP Kingston (through Facebook, for now)
Art: Public murals throughout the city
Find a virtual map of Kingston’s murals at www.opositivefestival.org/mural-map-2
East Main Street in Beacon. Photo by Hector A. Diaz/@Beacon_Transplant
– Beacon –
You’d better put on your walking shoes if you plan to cover all of the shops on Main Street by foot. But maybe you already have them on after climbing Mount Beacon. From Bank Square Coffeehouse off of Wolcott Ave (Route 9D), where you should surely start your day, to the shops “around the bend” near The Roundhouse, it’s one mile. And then you have to get back to your car.
Mentioning food establishments as markers comes naturally when speaking of Beacon, which is known for its dining and beverage scene as much as its shops. The business community is strong in this former mill town, which recently hosted its Third Annual Hop & Shop, with participation from 50 shops, restaurants, and galleries.
After fueling up at Bank Square, head a few shops down to Utensil, which carries both fun and practical kitchenware, as well as tasty treats like jam and jars of gummies.
Across the street is Mountain Tops Outfitters, which is stocked with backpacks and other gear for campers, kayakers, and hikers. (In warmer weather, you can also rent kayaks from them at Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park.) Further down Main Street you’ll find more outdoor gear, including fine leather gloves and totes, plus barware and silver jewelry at Last Outpost Store.
Hudson Beach Glass. Photo by Elizabeth Cady
For one-of-a-kind home goods and more, a visit to Hudson Beach Glass is a must. This glass studio has been casting functional and sculptural objects for more than 25 years and has been a presence on Main Street since 2013. Housed in a restored firehouse, it’s a really cool place to visit and shop their exquisite products, from barware to blown vases. For pottery, head to newcomer Afton Road, which offers workshops and beautifully handmade products.
If you’re a maker yourself, you may want to head to Beetle and Fred, a fabric store catering to garment sewers and quilters. Loopy Mango, offering everything for your knitting and crocheting needs, is closed during the pandemic, but you can visit them online at www.loopymango.com.
Fill your home with toys from PLAY; houseplants and flower arrangements from Flora Good Times; vinyl records and CDs from Hudson Valley Vinyl; and new or old reads from Binnacle Books. The latter is in between two of our favorite snack spots: Bean’s Cat Café, where you can get some cuddle time with adoptable shelter cats while enjoying your latte, and Glazed Over Donuts.
For food items to take home, stop in at Scarborough Fare to taste and purchase their olive oils and vinegars, the largest selection in the Hudson Valley. They also carry sea salts, spices, and local and imported goods. The section of Main Street known as “the bend,” near East Main, has become a foodie haven, with The Village Jerk, Hudson Valley Marshmallow Company, and The Chocolate Studio all nestled together like a spicy s’more.
The Snooki Shop. Photo by Elizabeth Cady
A few of Beacon’s must-visit shops are also on the bend, including Raven Rose for home goods and flowers; The Snooki Shop, Jersey Shore alum Nicole Polizzi’s newly opened clothing boutique; Best of Hudson Valley winner Lamb’s Hill Bridal Boutique; and general store Solstad House, which specializes in hand-made products from small, U.S.-based vendors and Beacon-branded goods. Just over the creek on East Main is another newcomer, Inglenook Marketplace (another location is in Pine Bush), which also offers home goods, including their own signature fragrance line.
RonzWorld Guitars. Photo courtesy of RonzWorld Guitars
Be sure to allow enough time to explore Beacon’s many galleries and art centers while you’re in town, including Maria Lago, The Howland Cultural Center, Beacon Artist Union, and the brand-new RonzWorld Guitars, where owner and artist Ron Williams sells gorgeous, personally designed, hand-painted guitars. And, of course, no visit is complete without stopping at the museum that put Beacon on day-trippers’ radar nearly 20 years ago, Dia Beacon (which has a great gift shop, btw).
A Place For…
Bagel: The Bagel Shoppe
Breakfast: Beacon Pantry
Margarita: Baja 328
Cocktail: Wonderbar
Fireside Dining: The Roundhouse
Sandwich: The Beacon Daily
Excursion: Bannerman Island
Beer: Melzingah Tap House
People Watching: The Beacon Hotel
Scenic Walk: Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park to Dennings Point to Madam Brett Park
Movie: Story Screen Beacon
Ice Cream: Ron’s Ice Cream
Newburgh Vintage Emporium. Photo courtesy of Newburgh Vintage Emporium
– Newburgh –
Many find themselves in Newburgh during February each year to celebrate George Washington’s birthday at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site. And while the landmark is not doing any on-site events this year on the holiday, you can visit the grounds year-round every day except Sundays and Mondays. When visiting, be sure to check out some of these shops on or near Liberty Street.
Just across from the headquarters is Spirits Lab, a new craft distillery that makes small-batch craft spirits and bottled cocktails.
Too early for the hard stuff? Go to Newburgh Flour Shop for coffee and a pastry or breakfast sandwich.
Nearby is Cream Newburgh, which was previously split into the Boutique and Vintage shops, now housed under one roof bringing customers the latest trends and vintage treasures.
At Field Trip, customers can expect goods from makers in the Hudson Valley and beyond, along with their flagship plant-based skincare line, Hudson Naturals.
Lifestyle shop M. Lewis Boutique has evolved tremendously since owner Michael Carter began selling T-shirts at flea markets. Inside you’ll find clothing, accessories, and an assortment of wellness products.
Stop in at Palate Wines for help choosing the perfect wine or spirit for any occasion.
On the other end of Liberty Street is Oliver & Chatfield, a carefully curated shop with a general store feel.
Pop-up boutique Newburgh Mercantile showcases staple Hudson Valley makers, as well as interesting imports.
Hudson Valley House Parts is home to many repurposed gems, whether they be vintage house parts for local restoration or hard to find specialty decorative items.
Set aside time on your way home for stops at Newburgh Vintage Emporium and Newburgh Vintage Warehouse — both sprawling with fabulous finds.
Cold Spring Apothecary. Photo by Chris Wesselman
– Cold Spring –
Before Manhattanites discovered Beacon and Hudson, Cold Spring — an antiquer’s paradise less than 90 minutes from Grand Central — was the shopping daytrip destination. The riverfront town’s appeal has far from faded, with shops, restaurants, and an art scene that have continued to thrive, even during the pandemic. In fact, with hikers flocking to Breakneck and Mount Beacon in great numbers during spring, summer, and fall, winter just may be the best time to visit.
An approach by car from the north on Route 9D takes you past the trailhead for Breakneck and an awesome tunnel through that mountain. If you are coming in via train you will step right out of the Metro-North station and onto Main Street. Walk through the charming tunnel under the tracks and you’re at the riverfront section of Main Street with anchor establishment Hudson House, a charming 19th-century inn and restaurant, firmly planted on the corner across from the park.
If you’re driving in from Route 9, stop by one of our favorite shopping strips in the Valley. It’s home to Vera’s Market & Gardenshop, where you can stock up on farm-fresh produce, plants and flowers, as well as fresh cider donuts, made in small batches year-round; The Pantry, for coffee and more pastries; and whole-animal butcher Marbled Meat Shop (order in advance) for pasture-raised, antibiotic-free meat, plus cheese, charcuterie, seafood, and prepared foods.
In the Village, the Main Street shopping district is small (less than half a mile) but packed with a variety of boutiques carrying clothing, gifts, home goods, food and wine, antiques, toys, and more.
Old Souls. Photo by James Carol
Old Souls. Photo by Kathryn Walsh
Old Souls has been our go-to place for outdoor gear since it opened in 2013. It started off carrying mostly American-made products for field, home, camp, and stream, and now takes up two storefronts and also carries clothing, shoes, and hard goods from brands such as Patagonia, Marmot, Yeti, and Red Wing, to name a few.
Cold Spring is an awesome place to shop for a loved one. In fact, they may have more gift shops in half a mile than anywhere else in the Hudson Valley. Go to Poor George, if you are looking “for gifts that don’t suck.” (Yes, that’s their motto.) Products include everything from Paddywax hand creams to “Beer, Breakfast of Champions” T-shirts. Kismet at Caryn’s carries clothing and jewelry, delivers balloons, and has a secret garden. Pink Olive’s mission is to help find a gift that will “make you smile.” Supporting that are the You Are Loved line of products and Surprise Care Packages. And main stay The Country Goose and Highland Baskets celebrated 35 years in 2020, and is still making kids of all ages happy, with toys, candy, home goods, and great gift baskets and raffles.
Antiques are still a presence on Main Street, although Arts & Antiques closed in 2020, after 34 years. You can still find gems at The Cold Spring Antique Vault (formerly The Cold Spring Antiques Center), Antique Alley, and Once Upon a Time, where you can also get your doll repaired.
Another casuality of the pandemic was Burkelman, the popular home store, which maintains its flagship in NYC and an online presence. Still, you can fill your home and empty your wallet pretty easily with visits to Cold Spring General Store and The Apothecary. And, keep the blahs out of your at-home work or school space with some fun writing, painting, and drawing goods from Supplies for Creative Living.
For vintage clothing try Vintage Violet and newcomer DamnAged Vintage, where fall signage, keeping with the village’s tweaky tone, announced “Nothing haunts us like the vintage we didn’t buy.” Truer words were never spoken.
Cold Spring Cheese Shop. Photo by Hudson Valley Happenings
Before you head home, make sure to stock up on provisions to remind you of your visit. Go to Cold Spring Cheese Shop for cheese and charcuterie (order platters online, in advance); Spice Revolution for spices, coffee, tea, and sugar; and Flowercup Wine, for wine, spirits, and more.
A Place For…
Brunch: Hudson Hil’s Cafe
Beer: Doug’s Pretty Good Pub
Breakfast: Foundry Cafe
Romantic Dinner: Cathryn’s Tuscan Grille
Hiking: Breakneck Mountain
Contemporary Art: Magazzino Italian Art
Riverside Cocktail: Riverview
Scenic Walk: Dockside Park
Burger: Cold Spring Depot
Ice Cream: Moo Moo’s Creamery
Abigail Rose & Lily Too. Photo courtesy of Abigail Rose & Lily Too
– Nyack –
While Nyack is home to exceptional shopping year-round, Nyack’s Winter Wanderland is a seasonal experience that’s bringing the community together to shop safely through the end of February. The ongoing winter event is designed to support small businesses during the slower, colder months by encouraging sidewalk shopping with festive lights, warm fire pits, music, and hearty food and hot drinks. Here are five stores to stop at during Wanderland, and the rest of the year.
Bridge Street Botanicals. Photo courtesy of Bridge Street Botanicals
Plant and lifestyle shop Bridge Street Botanicals offers a variety of houseplants to take home, handmade pottery, CBD products, and incense.
At Squash Blossom on Burd Street, you’ll find one of the largest collections of authentic Native American jewelry and crafts on the East Coast.
On South Broadway, it’s hard to miss the vibrant blue and yellow storefront at Pickwick Book Shop, the only lasting independent brick and mortar bookstore in Rockland County, open since 1945.
A new addition to the South Broadway scene is Abigail Rose & Lily Too, a clothing shop for women and children that relocated from nearby Piermont in August 2020. The store is run by Abigail and Lily Chapin (the namesake inspiration for their mother who opened the store in 1987), who also tour as working musicians with their band, The Chapin Sisters.
Next door is boutique Maria Luisa and neighboring satellite sister store ML by Maria Luisa. The shops carry everything from women’s clothing to candles to children’s toys, and ML focuses specifically on bringing in eco-friendly, fair trade, and handmade goods.