Do you love Hudson Valley history, old houses, antiques, and pretty things? Then this Columbia County destination shop is sure to win your heart.
If you find yourself in the charming village of Kinderhook, plan to stop by Mercantile at the Vanderpoel House to peruse the gorgeously curated items inspired by local history. It opened in April under the guidance of Melissa Davis, who serves on the board of trustees for the Columbia County Historical Society.
From the start, Davis saw a vision for a boutique experience at the Vanderpoel House. She envisioned something different from a typical museum shop that was present in years past. Her goal was “to create a space that felt like a cross between an old-fashioned general store and beautiful antique shop.”
A Well-Curated Experience
Upon entering the shop, visitors are greeted with deep ivy green walls that embrace a rustic charm, a choice that is reminiscent of Hudson Valley homes from many years ago. The merchandise is displayed on antique fixtures and furnishings. Natural light filters in through the large windows, adding another level of beauty to the quaint space. As a stroll through the space makes clear, Mercantile is an ode to why the Hudson Valley is such a cherished region.
“Many of us in the Hudson Valley moved here because we love the history and we love old houses. This shop speaks to that person,” notes Davis.
A beautiful selection of books — many pertaining to local makers, history, and Columbia County homes— are found at every corner of the shop. Flowers from Damsel Garden, soaps from Hudson Naturals, paper products from The Punctilious Mr. P, and other charming items are perfectly displayed for purchase. Davis also hand-selects antiques available at the shop, and she has created a line of handmade glass paperweights filled with paintings and prints from the historic collection.
Some items are made for the shop specifically, such as custom cookies from Kinderhook’s Dough & Batter that are made fresh every week, letter-pressed Martin Van Buren gift tags specially made by Hillsdale’s Hudson Valey Letterpress, and a lovely natural perfume dubbed No. 16 that’s crafted by Mary Ahern of Hudson’s Florent, which is inspired by the Vanderpoel House’s original gardens.
A Picture-Perfect Location
While all shop profits benefit the Columbia County Historical Society, Davis’ main mission with Mercantile is that it will bring new people into the Vanderpoel House, a stately Federal home circa 1820, which is currently being used for exhibitions and events. The home is a gem right in the heart of Kinderhook that was constructed for lawyer and judge James Vanderpoel. It is eloquently trimmed with marble, built with local brick, and gracefully displays symmetry which adds to the stateliness of the structure. It was purchased by the Columbia County Historical Society in 1925.
The picturesque Village of Kinderhook is the ideal place for Mercantile to be, as it is rich with history and a charming town to walk and explore. An array of businesses line the streets, such as the Old Dutch Inn, The Aviary and Morningbird, OK Pantry, Still Life, Two Note, The Kinderhook Bottle Shop, Super Stories, Kinderhook Books, Village Yoga, Saisonnier, and more. On Saturdays from May to October, the Kinderhook Farmers’ Market dazzles with local food and music at the Village Square. And now, the Mercantile is part of that mix, giving locals and visitors alike a slice of history with just the right touch of modern-day charm.
Mercantile at the Vanderpoel House
16 Broad St, Kinderhook
Current hours of operation: Friday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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