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a little introduction...
Here's the part where I get to talk about some of the coolest places in
the valley. For an area where most people get their kicks at the Poughkeepsie
Galleria, there's not a whole lot of hope for the discriminating visitor who
likes something a little more substantial than a day at the mall when they're
considering a shopping excursion. Well, never fear, because the Valley has a
lot to offer - you just have to look behind the Caldor's and Walmart's to find it.
Join me as we search....
Espresso..the first love
While Starbucks Coffee is the preferred brand in just about every major city
in the United States in the eve of the century, any mid-valley towns (Albany to the
north and Mt. Kisco to the south both have it) seem to have eluded the marketing geniuses in Seattle. Funny thing too -- because there's places
here that seem to have taken the proverbial bull by the horns, and created thick
black stuff that blows the corporate giant out of the water! (Now, I would be lying if I
didn't tell you that more of my hard earned money than I care to admit goes to the
'ol green and white,) but I'm happy to see other people doing just as good a job,
if not better! (Really, it's the mind control elements in their half caf half skim no foam
vanilla latte's - how precious can we get! - that make you swear by it.)Anyway.
Before we beat that dead horse completely into the ground, let's get down to business.
The Bakery - N Front St, New Paltz
Why not start with the best! For quite some time I could have sworn that there were
other places around that were better, but one morning on my way home from Newburgh,
I decided to start the morning off right with an Americano with an extra shot (the
beverage of choice.) Well, not only was this charming little place one of the coolest
little coffee shops I've ever seen, it also makes the best espresso around. It's won
rave reviews in all the local papers, and it's usually teeming with college
students, visitors and locals. When you step through the doors, the welcoming
ambience hits you immediately (oh so gently) and you're hooked - you'll come back
for more and more. In the summer time, there is a large outdoor seating area that
invites you to relax with one of their fabulous sandwiches (all kinds of exotic
temptations), baked goods and one of the many papers they carry. So what are you waiting
for?
Bread Alone - Mill Hill Road, Woodstock, NY
This interesting little building just down from the village green was always
an art gallery, as long as I remembered (in my short little life.) The growing
Bread Alone bakery in Boiceville (I remember when it was
just one room and a big stone oven - now it's sold in grocery stores all over!)
decided to branch to this location sometime around 1995. The artistic element lives
on, with rotating exhibitions on the walls, some pretty interesting sculpture in the
front window (last time I checked) and the best bread in the nation. I was raised
on their Swiss Peasant and Mixed Grain breads, and I've never tasted the like anywhere
except Germany, since. Their coffee menu is good, extensive, their espresso
full bodied and satisfying, although the taste is a little different. If you're
looking to find out what's going on in town while you're there, (perhaps a holistic
healing session or a good local act at the Tinker St. Cafe, maybe
a political action meeting to talk about organizing the next march on the capitol,
or a town meeting to discuss the desecration of the beloved Overlook Mountain by all the city folks moving in -- who knows?)Anyway,
all that can be found on the big bulletin board in the back.
the bibliophiles guide to the valley..
Well, okay - It's no book row, but we've got some pretty cool stuff going on. Here.
If you're the kind of person who thinks Waldenbooks' coffeetable readers are high art,
skip this paragraph and head to your local mall. Anyone else who thinks that ambience matters,
and service is everything, you'll be pleased to know about a couple little places we've got.
The Golden Notebook - 29 Tinker St, Woodstock
People like me can hardly fit through the tiny little door to this tiny little
bookstore that most people say is the best in the region. The friendly guy at the
register is always ready to shoot the breeze, place a special order, listen to your
troubles, and point you towards whatever you're looking for. They have a good
non-fiction section, and the maze winds back pretty far (there's not much breathing room) and
leads to an entire store for kids, as well as a gift shop. It's one of the best
reasons to go to Woodstock -- you'll love it, I promise. Go on a weekday morning - you'll
have the whole store (and most of the town) to yourself!
Barner Books - 69 Main St, New Paltz
Close to the SUNY campus (at the corner of Plattekill, this corner shop seems to always have some buzz around it. I believe Hudson Valley Magazine awarded it best
bookstore in the Valley recently. Do stop in and pay them a visit yourself.
Frog Alley - 50 N Front St, Kingston
This new comer to Uptown Kingston (and all those horrible things I said!) offers "gently
used books" and gourmet coffees. I've never sampled the coffee myself - why don't you give
them a shot and then give me your feedback! We'll post it up here. Hurray for another brave
independent retailer - a dying breed. Here's hoping he can handle Kingston's hostile retail
climate.
Mirabai Books - 23 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock
Spirituality and Metaphysics. Hmm.. What an interesting mix! This one's been around forever -
the regular Woodstock fixture.
Barnes and Noble, Route 9 South, Poughkeepsie
We used to have this really crappy little Barnes and Noble just in front of that bastion
of exclusivity, the South Hills Mall. Last time I was in town, I saw the enormous
new store, including all the trappings you expect at a book superstore nowadays. I used
to say it wasn't work the trek over the river, but now you'll have to check that out for
yourself. By the way, Poughkeepsie's Route 9 south of the bridge is shaping up into
a spectacular mall shopping destination. After years of suffering with second rate
retail, the valley is coming into it's own in terms of superstores, etc. Good or bad?
You tell me.
other diversions..
Stoned Peaces - 8 Old Forge Road, Woodstock
Right on the village green, sharing a block with shops such as The Flying Watermelon,
this curious destination features body piercing, Smoking Accessories (we suspect just exactly
what is meant here), Incense and Oils, as well as Spiritual Tools. (?) In Woodstock, only! Don't
try to get through the door on a warm weekend - the place is packed, the scene is intense, and you'll
look dumb if you're just gawking. (But go anyway!)
Joyous Kitchen - 307 Wall St, Kingston
The home economics teacher from my highschool used to work here - (I don't know if she does now)
It's a funkier version of Lechters, and they have all kinds of gourmet jive - last I heard, coffee
was being sold here too. It's definitely a bright spot in Uptown. Go ahead, enjoy!
Uptown Cigar Company -- 42 N Front Street, Kingston
Goodness! They'll make me eat my words yet, that Kingston's Uptown Business Association - what is happening!
Things are happening, that's what. This is the second interesting specialty shop to move in lately -
it boasts that it's the biggest and best in the Hudson Valley. Check it out, cigar lovers!
Candlestock - Mill Hill Road (across from Just Alan's), Woodstock
How very Pottery Barn. (but they were here first!) While you might think, "I'll just run up to Wicks n' Sticks and save a bundle," you'll sacrifice
the extremely funky experience of spending time with the largest wax repository besides Madame Tussaud's, fashioned into
all kinds of groovy colors and shapes. Don't miss the candle lit at the first Woodstock festival, that's
been burning ever since. It's huge, and you can even pull some of the drippings off for a souvenir if no one's
looking!! Come on, go ahead!
Schneller's -- 61 John St, Kingston
Not only do they have a fabulous restaurant, but an extensive deli with fresh wursts, cheeses, and all
kinds of other deutsche delicacies. You'll want to stop in here and eat something, and see one of Kingston's
most beloved veteran businesses.
Blue Jay's -- West Strand, Kingston
This famed stretch of colorful rowhouses along the banks of the Rondout houses a number of groovy little
establishment's, such as this record shop specializing in blues. The friendly staff is always available
to give you the help you need.
more coming!!!!!! patience. 3/25/98
back to the homeland
back to funky town, usa
back to the ol' front porch
