What's New | Hudson Valley Living | Jan 2020 Edition

One of the best things about being a Real Estate agent is that it's part of my job to know what's going on in the towns and villages that I serve. I love that. Not only do I dig being "in the know", but I love having a reason to perk up and take notice when people's dreams come true. In the past few months I've seen a lot of dreams come to fruition in the form of new businesses; I want to share them with you. Try them out! See what you think! Opening can be hard and every new customer can make a difference.

Here's my list of new spots to check out in January:

 

Hickory Hill Market in Windham

It might seem odd to start with a gas station, but everyone in Windham is loving the Hickory Hill Market. They have gas and the other little things you need on a daily basis like yummy yummy wood-fired pizza and delicious sugar coated doughnuts - you know, the essentials. Check them out when you're in Windham, even if you don't need any gas, you might need some "The Pickle Man Says" pickles for your ride. Learn More.

 

 

Sweet Maresa's - Kingston

Sweet Maresa's is simply lovely. It's located at 291 Wall Street in Uptown Kingston, dangerously close to our Kingston Office. The vegan, fair trade, ethically sourced baked goods are over-the-top delicious - all of them (I personally sampled more than I like to admit); and you have to appreciate the care the bakers take making each and every item look beautiful! It's so nice when your sugar delivery system is a piece of artwork. What about the atmosphere? The atmosphere is so relaxing it might become your favorite hideout. It's become mine.

 

 

BIA - Rhinebeck

How many Hudson Valley restaurants serve "modern Irish cuisine"? I think Bia may be it; and it is getting rave reviews. Peruse their menu here and you'll see why - everything sounds wonderful and accessible. You can bet you'll find me there sometime in the next couple of weeks trying out their duck breast and a crafty cocktail. Bia is in the Garden Street Plaza in Rhinebeck, right out the back door of our Rhinebeck office.

 

 

Half Moon Books - Tivoli

Half Moon Books, a staple of Uptown Kingston has expanded to a new location in Tivoli. We're particularly excited about this opening because owner Jessica DuPont and her husband Raymond Iaia are part of the Village Green family. Jessica turned a disheveled used book store into an organized place for bibliophiles to browse and buy and in her Uptown Store, and now she's doing it again at 48 Broadway in Tivoli. Now, no matter what side of the river you're on you can pick up something to read that's been hand selected by the knowledgable staff at Half Moon. Long live the local independent bookshop! 

The Kroeg - Rhinebeck

The Kroeg is meant to be an extension of your living room - a place to stop in after work, have a beer and a soft pretzel with a friend, and stay for a little while, or a long while. They serve NY craft beers, wine, and little bites. It's low-commitment and high-fun, just what I'm looking for in a hangout. Get your pretzels and craft beers at 41 East Market Street in Rhinebeck.

 

 

Mirbeau Inn & Spa - Rhinebeck

From one kind of relaxation (a simple beer and pretzel with friends) to another kind, luxury spa treatments - if you need to chill out this Winter, Rhinebeck has the new places to go. Mirbeau is a French-style spa with one of the most extensive treatment menus I've seen in the area. I have yet to visit the restaurant, Willow, but it bears Charlie Palmer's lauded name, and their photo of the tuna tartar looks to die for - let me know if you try it!

 

 

Herwood Inn - Woodstock

Herwood at 148 Tinker Street in Woodstock may look somewhat familiar to readers of this blog as it was listed for sale with us, and we did an article here before we sold it in spring 2019. We loved it before, and we love it now. It is great fun to see how different aesthetics can transform a property we all know so well. With a focus on sustainability & fair trade goods Herwood's rooms, and the commune + shop, make you feel good about where you're staying. Your mind will be at ease, and you'll be able to do what the owners suggest - relax and create! My favorite touch is the record player and curated records in each room. The photos here are from their website and their wonderful instagram feed - follow them and come for a creative stay! 

 

 

People's Place Cafe - Kingston

People's Place is a well-known local organization with this mission: "To feed, clothe and respond to the essential needs of the people of Ulster County with kindness, compassion, and the preservation of human dignity."

They're carrying out their mission in a new way, and with flying colors at the People's Place Community Cafe at 779 Broadway. Monday through Friday they serve continental breakfast and lunch to anyone in the community. If you can pay, great, if that's a struggle, then you are welcome to sit down and have a meal. Visit their website here to see what's on the menu for lunch every day, to donate or to volunteer.

 

 

River Mint Finery - Kingston

Right next to our office on Fair Street in Kingston is this beautiful shop filled with shoes, jewelry, clothing, perfumes, and objets d'arte. One of us is tempted by all the pretty things on a daily basis. With the cookies down the street and the lovely boots next door, Uptown is getting mighty distracting.

 

 

Hotel Kinsley & Restaurant Kinsley - Kingston

Hotel Kinsley is an excellent addition to Uptown. There aren't quite enough places to stay in Kingston, and The Kinsley adds rooms with style. The rooms are both sophisticated and simple, as well as right in the midst of everywhere you'd want to go in Uptown. If you want a nature experience, drive a short way out of Kingston for a real hike. The restaurant has heightened style as well, start with the marinated olives.