Shopping and eating healthily just got a little easier on the west end of Main Street (the end near-ish the train station) with the opening of the new smoothie and salad shop, Blend. Just up the block from long-standing Bank Square Coffeehouse, and in between and across the street from incredibly niche boutiques (Lewis & Pine, a new pottery shop, Colorant, among other retail destinations), eating to-go acai and smoothie bowls, avocado toast paninis, and blended fruits and vegetables just got easier.

But wait - have you seen Blend before in other towns? Yes you have. Blend owners Alaina James and José Medina are from New Windsor, NY, where they opened their first Blend, located at 357 Old Forge Hill Rd. Other locations include Middletown, Monroe, Mohegan Lake (inside of ShopRite), “Blend is not a franchise as many think we are,” says Emily Dolan who works at the Beacon location via email with A Little Beacon Blog. ”Our goal is to make the Hudson Valley a healthier place and we are doing so by expanding locally within different regions of Hudson Valley.”

Why Beacon? ”Blend has always wanted to have a location in Beacon,” says Emily. “It's a small city that is filled with fun, culture, authenticity and diversity. When it comes to eating healthly this is what it's all about; food that's eclectic and great for the body.”

Beacon is not hard-pressed for healthy eating options, as many sit-down eateries offer creative menus with Hudson Valley farm fresh food, including Kitchen Sink (farm fresh rotating menu), Meyers Olde Dutch (burgers), Zaitun (Palestinian), Homespun, Vegetalien (on the east end of town) and many others. Beacon Natural mixes smoothies and offers pre-made menu items, and Studio Beacon has a fresh smoothie and bowl bar.

However, a specialty store just for fresh smoothies, salads and acai bowls is new to Beacon. Emily told ALBB: "We cater to all of our customers individual needs. We care about what we are putting into peoples bodies. All of our fruits and vegetables that we use are 100% fresh and we do not add any sugar or added substitutes. People come into Blend with cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and just want to know what is best for them and that’s why we are here. Not only to make delicious smoothies but also to help our community become a healthy and more health knowledgeable place."

What’s On The Menu?

Fresh flavors are available on this menu of both solid food and juiced. Here’s a sampling:

AVOCADO & TOAST SAMPLINGS:
The Tuscan
Mashed Avocado •Spinach •Tomatoes •Parmesan •Grilled Chicken

Zesty Pesto
Mashed Avocado •Spinach •Pesto •Mozzarella

Green Krunch
Mashed Avocado •Mixed Nuts •Craisins •Chia Seeds

SMOOTHIE SAMPLINGS:
Banana Berry
Strawberry •Banana •Nonfat Vanilla Yogurt

Peanut Butter Delight
Peanut Butter •Apple •Banana •Strawberry •Almond Milk

JUICES & SHOTS
Stress Minimizer
Spinach •Apple •Honey •Banana •Green Tea

Daily Detox
Carrot •Cucumber •Apple •Ginger •Lemon

Fat Burner
Cucumber •Celery •Apple •Ginger •Lemon

ACAI & SMOOTHIE BOWLS SAMPLINGS
Tropical
Granola •Pineapple •Coconut Flakes •Banana •Honey

If you’re a local who wants a quick and healthy bite, a run down to Blend is quick, easy and worth it. If you’re visiting on the weekend and find yourself waiting in line to enter a boutique who is observing social distancing requirements, then you now have a new place to snack and stay fueled up for your Beacon shopping, day to day living, and early voting!

Right now, Blend is aiming to be open into the night, so that evening commuters walking up from the train can grab a snack before dinner. Morning hours start at 7pm or 8am depending on the day. Hours change frequently for stores in Beacon, so always check their website or Instagram first.