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FeedBest of Hudson Valley 2009
It’s that time again, folks. For 23 years, we’ve brought you the Best of the Hudson Valley, soliciting your take on the region’s finest restaurants, shops, services, and people — and offering up a few choice picks of our own. Conjure up a category and you’ll likely find it somewhere on the following pages, from the tastiest shrimp-stuffed jalapeños to what you, dear readers, believe to be the greatest thing about living here. (Hint: it’s big, it’s blue, and it flows in two directions.) So without further ado, we present to you the biggest, the brightest, and the best our region has to offer
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Boutique with Heart
Surviving Sisters Boutique Hyde Park
Founded by Kim Miller, a 2003 heart-attack survivor, this eclectic one-stop shop raises heart-health awareness — while raising the bar, too, on the latest trends. In addition to an extensive clothing collection tailored for all ages and styles, the boutique’s two floors also house a café, lounge, and disco (complete with a dance floor, strobe light, and glittering mirror ball) where shoppers can shake off stress with a quick bite and some dancing. Fund-raisers and collaborations with local organizations promoting heart health are aplenty, such as the American Heart Association and Marist College’s recent Red Dress Project. • 845-229-0425
Jeans Selection
Madina Park Boutique Wappingers Falls
A fashionista’s fantasy, this cozy boutique boasts a stellar selection of on-trend tops and dresses, but it’s their denim collection that we rank second to none. From casual to classy cuts — in more washes than you can shake a finger at — this shop stocks its shelves with only the best: AG Jeans, Blue Cult, Citizens of Humanity, Paige Premium Denim, True Religion — you name it, Madina’s got it. • 845-223-6103; www.madinapark.com
Boutique to Spot a Celebrity
Pique Boutique Rhinebeck
There isn’t a more satisfying daydream than the one where you emerge from your favorite shop, decked out in your latest acquisitions Carrie Bradshaw-style, to find a hunky Hugh Jackman waiting in the cobblestone square outside. Think it’s never going to happen? Think again: Pique Boutique — nestled between Bread Alone (see pg. 35) and the Byrdcliffe Gallery in the Courtyard at Rhinebeck — is known for attracting some noteworthy celebs, thanks to its chic, New York-style fashions away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This summer, Jackman, the star of Wolverine, joined pals Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban for some shopping there before attending a friend’s wedding. Other stars who’ve been spotted: David Bowie and wife Iman; Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick; Natalie Merchant; Jimmy Fallon; and Mia Farrow, a Pique regular. • 845-876-7722; www.myspace.com/piqueboutique
Auctioneer/Auction
George Cole Auctions & Realty Red Hook
Anything goes at this landmark Valley auction house, where George Cole has been in the fast-moving business for more than 30 years, auctioning and appraising anything from antiques and fine art to farm equipment. Got a building or a boat to unload? They’ll do that, too. Enthusiastic crowds come to browse and buy at Cole’s auction gallery, where the bidding can get intense; estate and other sales can also take place on-site, and they’ll coordinate Internet bidding. Items are of excellent quality and hand-picked by the staff; one recent sale, for instance, included both an authentic horse-drawn carriage and an original Milton Avery artwork. • 845-758-9114; www.georgecoleauctions.com
Hudson Valley-Themed Jewelry
De’S Jewelers Poughkeepsie
The business was started by two families back in 1946, and De’S has been a fixture in the Valley ever since. They offer a large selection of wedding and religious jewelry, bracelets, necklaces, and pendants; plus watches, clocks, and other special gift items ranging from crystal and brass to pewter. De’S features one especially nifty item — a sterling-silver Hudson Valley Bead that’s a perfect add-on for the popular Chamilia customized bead bracelets. Each bead or charm is engraved with the words “Hudson Valley” on one side; there’s an apple, bridge, and sailboat on the other facets. A charm-bracelet version is available, too, in sterling or gold. We might not be able to wear our love of the Valley on our sleeve, but now we can on our wrists. • 845-452-0026; www.desjewelers.com
Fine Art Jewelry
Hummingbird Jewelers Rhinebeck
Now at a new location downtown, this family-owned, full-service jewelry shop showcases gorgeous stones and pieces created by more than 75 American and European designers. Hummingbird also features its own workshop where a master goldsmith can help create the ring, brooch, necklace, or other piece of your dreams; restyle an existing item; or restore that antique family heirloom to its original shimmering glory. Their one-of-a-kind “bling” is the real thing; unique wedding and engagement rings are a specialty. • 845-876-4585; www.hummingbirdjewelers.com
Consignment Shop Block
Love Me Too Times and Be Mine Again Beacon
Beacon wins big for its arts and culture scene, and now the charming river town can add affordable style to its list. Made with the recessionista in mind, Love Me Too Times and Be Mine Again consignment boutiques — both a hop, skip, and one-piece jumpsuit away from each other on Main Street — offer the perfect combo of recycling and shopping for the family on a tight budget. Lightly used, high-end fashions (think Donna Karan, Coach, and Gucci) often fill their racks, but it doesn’t end there. In addition to clothing and accessories, each shop boasts lots of extras: Be Mine Again carries home décor and antiques, and Love Me Too Times holds regular music and art events.
• Love Me Too Times: 917-273-9418; www.lovemetootimes.com
• Be Mine Again: 845-234-0672
Trendy Ski and Snowboard Apparel
Potter Brothers Ski and Snowboard Kingston, Middletown, Poughkeepsie, Fishkill, Hancock, Mass.
Since their family sporting-goods store first opened in 1945 in Kingston, Potter Brothers has expanded into a one-stop destination for all you’ll need to hit the slopes in style. They’ve got boots and bindings; high-tech helmets and goggles; and guys’, gals’, and kids’ ski apparel galore. If your thing is environmentally friendly cross-country skiing, you’ll find just what you need. And if hot-dogging is more your style, check out the snazzy snowboarding equipment. You can also plan ahead and pick up discount lift tickets to several local slopes, including Hunter and Windham, while you get your gear. • Kingston, 845-338-5119; Middletown, 845-344-2680; Poughkeepsie, 845-454-3880; Fishkill, 845-297-2941; Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, Hancock, Mass., 413-738-5413; www.potterbrothers.com
Readers' Picks
Antiques Shop: Hyde Park Antiques Center
Hyde Park. 845-229-8200; www.hydeparkantiques.net
Bakery: The Pastry Garden
Poughkeepsie.
845-473-5220; www.thepastrygarden.com
Bargain Shopping: Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
Central Valley. 845-928-4000;
www.premiumoutlets.com/woodburycommon
Bookstore: Oblong Books and Music
Millerton. 518-789-3797; www.oblongbooks.com
Boutique: Elizabeth Boutique
Poughkeepsie. 845-471-2817; www.elizabethboutique.com
Butcher: Fleisher’s Grass Fed and Organic Meats
Kingston. 845-338-6666; www.grassfedmeat.net
Caterer: Main Course
New Paltz. 845-255-2600;
www.maincoursecatering.com
Chocolate/Candy Store: Krause’s Chocolates
Saugerties. 845-246-8377;
www.krauseschocolates.com
Crafts/Hobby Shop: Hobby House
Poughkeepsie. 845-297-3341
Deli (tie): Rossi’s Italian Deli
Poughkeepsie. 845-471-0654; www.rossideli.com
Deli (tie): K & D Deli
Hyde Park, 845-229-8344;
Poughkeepsie, 845-229-8344;
Poughkeepsie, 845-625-2058;
Poughkeepsie, 845-471-1607
Fish Market: Gadaleto’s Seafood
New Paltz. 845-255-1717;
www.gadaletos.com
Farmer’s Market: Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck. www.rhinebeckfarmersmarket.com
Florist: Green Cottage
High Falls. 845-687-4810; www.thegreencottage.com
Fresh Produce: Adams Fairacre Farms
Poughkeepsie, 845-454-4330;
Kingston, 845-336-6300; Newburgh, 845-569-0303;
www.adamsfarms.com
Furniture Store: Davis Furniture
Poughkeepsie. 845-473-1990;
www.1davisfurniture.com
Gift Shop: HiHo Home Market and Antique Center
Gardiner. 845-255-1123; www.hihohome.com
Gourmet Shop & Plant/Nursery Garden: Adams Fairacre Farms
Poughkeepsie. 845-454-4330; www.adamsfarms.com
Hardware Store: Davies Hardware
Poughkeepsie. 845-452-6741;
www.davieshardware.com
Health Food Store: Mother Earth’s Storehouse
Poughkeepsie, 845-296-1069;
Saugerties, 845-246-9614;
Kingston, 845-336-5541;
www.motherearthstorehouse.com
Jewelry Store: Zimmer Brothers
Poughkeepsie. 845-454-6360;
www.zimmerbrothers.com
Liquor Store: Arlington Wine and Liquor
Poughkeepsie. 866-729-9463; www.arlingtonwine.net
Menswear Shop: Pleasant Valley Department Store
Pleasant Valley. 845-635-2220
Outdoor Sports Store: Kenco
Kingston. 845-340-0552; www.atkenco.com
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