Winner of the "Where Is This?" Contest! Mural on N. Chestnut Street Wall

The Rene Magritte inspired mural, "Son of Man" on North Chestnut, the wall of The Dance Bag and Dennings Point Distillery.

We have a winner! Just one day after releasing this picture contest, Michelle Rivas correctly identified the mystery photo and wins the jar of hot fudge sauce from Utensil! The mystery photo was of the edge of a silver fish's red lip, which was painted along the bottom of the mural. The mural is a Rene Magritte inspired surrealist painting based on the "The Son of Man" painting from 1946. The mural is located the on North Chestnut wall that is shared by The Dance Bag and Dennings Point Distillery. Someone else was inspired by the painting, inspired enough to recreate the green apple themselves in mid-air, which you can see here.

To see the original mystery photo, click here.

Until the next contest, test your knowledge on past pictures!

Where Is This? Hint: It's Cold

Your Hint: It's Cold. WINNER! A winner has identified this mystery photo! Click here to get the answer.

Hello Beaconites and Hudson Valley enthusiasts!

Guess where this photo was taken and what it is, and you will win this week's prize!

PRIZE:

Your Prize: The first person to identify this photo in the comments below will win one jar of Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream's Extra Bitter Hot Fudge Sauce from Unensil, Beacon's affordable and practical kitchenware shop.

PS: Want to sponsor these contests? See here for details...

We're Open: Thanks to Businesses Who Are Open on Snow Days!

Beacon Schools may be out, and roads may be slushy, with more in the forecast. But that's not closing down Beacon businesses. Several daycare and childcare centers have remained open, including some extra curricular classes. Beacon Bagel is taking orders. Beacon Bread Company dug out early this morning and keeps on digging with a bright red Open sign. Max's is open as always. Poppy's lights were on. Roosevelt Vet is seeing patients. Reservoir and Wood is open for shopping. The snow is falling, and life goes on in Beacon! Just make sure you have your slushy snow boots and a shovel for constant digging out!!

The OPEN sign at Roosevelt Vet.

Slushy boots are a must!

Mmmmmm...salty pretzel from Beacon Bagel.

Shopping at Reservoir and Wood is possible!

Valentine's Day Chocolate Fix - Forget Date Night, Just Give Us Chocolate

Valentine's Day is really a religious holiday for chocolate, let's be honest here. You can go out on a date night, but where are you getting your chocolate, and just how deep and dark are you going? Get in touch with your cravings, because you've got choices right here in Beacon...

CHOCOLATE SNACKS

Praise be, Jeni's has arrived to Beacon, NY by way of Utensil! This is a big deal, folks. I normally get it straight from Columbus, which is a long 12hr drive! As a connesour of hot fudge on ice-cream or brownie sundaes, I can tell you that this fudge it bitter, dark, and hits the spot. It also is a perfect match with Salty Caramel ice-cream, which good news for us - is here in caramel sauce form!

Ask Instagram, and you shall receive the real deal for Yodels. When we asked 5 Hens if she had her own version of the Yodel, she clucked back "Yes, at Martha's in Newburgh!" These Chichi Ding Dongs are made from Valrhona chocolate filled with whipped cream from a local dairy. Pre-order for Valentine's Day, at Martha's Friday and Saturday located at 105 Liberty Street in Newburgh. Find 5Hens in many Beacon shops, including Dennings Point Distillery. Full list here: www.fivehensbakedgoods.com

The chocolate cheesecake cupcake at Get Frosted Cupcakery may give you immediate satisfaction as you're walking to your next pedicure or to get a glass of wine at Oak Vino or Chill. www.getfrostedcupcakery.com

GIFTS FOR TEACHERS & FRIENDS

Chocolate covered strawberries are a fancy treat for anyone on your list, including a great idea for an office party or platter. Hand dipped in Belgian or dark chocolate using fresh ingredients at The Chocolate Studio. www.facebook.com/TheChocolateStudioBeacon

Chocolate covered Oreos from The Chocolate Studio, located on the very East side of Main Street are an easy treat for yourself, and a much appreciated gift for a teacher or friend. www.facebook.com/TheChocolateStudioBeacon

And your box of chocolates will be coming from Alps Sweet Shop of course! Beacon's local yet national chocolatier makes their chocolate in their Main Street factory in the copper pots you see pictured here. They can ship to wherever you like. www.alpssweetshop.com

DATE NIGHT WITH WHOEVER - JUST ORDER IT!

The espresso chocolate cake at Dogwood is a surprising spot-hitter. It's surprising because usually for a cake, icing or a fudge topping is required (or hint hint Dogwood: we'd love a scoop of vanilla ice cream!). But this chocolate is so deep and moist, that you'll want to take advantage of it while you're enjoying yourself on date-night, I suppose, with a stout of some kind. If you're enjoying this at home (yes...you have permission to order dessert to go), enjoy with this recommendation from Tim Buzinski of Artisan Wine Shop: "A glass of slightly fizzy red from Italy works great, and one we have right now: Sangue di Guida Special." www.dogwoodbar.com

There is a secret society of chocolate pastry chefs in Beacon, and the maker of this Bliss Cake is one of them. JoAnne Meyer is the Chocolatier & Pastry Chef at The Chocolate Studio, and also bakes and delivers for local eateries. This Bliss Cake has become somewhat famous, if not hard to find.  The Bliss Cake is a decadent fudge cake topped generously with a deep, rich dark chocolate mousse, covered in ganache, served with a port wine reduction. Find it at the Piano Piano Wine Bar in Fishkill, at an upcoming Ladies Night at the Chocolate Studio. You can also order it directly on-demand from the Chocolate Studio directly. (845) 765-1165

Banana Bread Recipe with Pumpkin Pie Spice Balsamic Vinegar and Maple Syrup

While shopping for olive oil in the Scarborough Fare Olive Oil & Vinegar Tap Room on Main Street, this Pumpkin Pie Spice infused balsamic vinegar caught my eye. Pumpkin Pie Spice anything would be great, and the cashier told me of how she'd been baking with it, and to her surprise, repeatedly goes bottles rather quickly. I'd been wanting to make a banana bread, so bought a bottle of it, plus a bottle of the Tuscan Blend extra virgin olive oil, and marched straight home to modify my regular recipe for banana bread!

Get ready to make some of the best banana bread ever, and without white sugar.

With a banana bread, I start with the basic recipe from the Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book, but the 1968 edition. Any edition from the 60s would be fine because it was before the recipes were edited to include fat-free versions with margarine, aspartame or other artificial sweeteners. Our recipe does not have white sugar, but instead uses maple syrup. The consistency of the bread is unaffected, and in fact, with the additional liquid, is deliciously moist and sweet.

A LITTLE BEACON BLOG'S RECIPE:

Ingredients:

1/3 cup soft butter

5 tablespoons 100% maple syrup

1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice balsamic vinegar from Scarborough Fare

1 teaspoon olive oil (Tuscan Blend from Scarborough Fare is a good match)

2 eggs

1 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt (or 1 teaspoon for salt lovers)

1 cup mashed ripe banana (or 1 yellow banana, and 1.5 brown mushy bananas)

plenty of butter for spreading on slices of cooked banana bread

Enjoy watching the thick Pumpkin Pie Spice balsamic vinegar pour into your teaspoon.

Directions:

• Cream together butter and maple syrup. 
• Add eggs and beat well.
• Sift together dry ingredients, then add to creamed mixture alternately with banana, blending well after each addition.
• Pour into a well-greased 9x5x3-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350degrees for 45-50 minutes or until done. 
• Remove banana bread from pan and cool on rack. 
• Slice one piece and eat immediately with butter to enjoy the warm butter on the fresh bread. 
• Wrap or place into plastic bag whatever you don't eat and store in refrigerator for a longer keep. Store at room temperature if you are finishing within the next three days. Only wrap when the bread is completely cool.

Take a picture right away of your masterpiece, as you will eat it faster than you think!

Martin Luther King Day March from Springfield Baptist Church

 

Today Beacon recognizes Martin Luther King Day with participation of hundreds of Beaconites marching in a parade organized by the Springfield Baptist Church on Mattie Cooper Square, among other events happening in Beacon. Marchers walked the icy streets on a slightly warmer winter day, singing in a quiet chorus to help create the feeling of peace and unity.

Rev. Mattie Ophelia Cooper in the pulpit of the Springfield Baptist Church in Beacon, NY circa 1970s from the UUPATT website.

In addition to celebrating Martin Luther King, this is a great moment to also recognize the Rev. Mattie Ophelia Cooper (pastor and organizer of the Springfield Missionary Baptist Church in Beacon, NY), who was one of many community game changers for Beacon, in part by starting the Mattie Cooper Scholarship Fund, an annual award given to a Beacon High School student at graduation. According to the scholarship's webpage at UUPATT, this scholarship was initiated "in or around June of 1962, because of her desire to see children of color receive an award during graduation, something that rarely happened back when she first started going to the graduation programs at Beacon High School."

See a snippet of the march here:

Beacon's Shoe Cobbler - John's Shoe Repair - Can Fix Your Leather Boots and Bags

Diesel black slouchy boots with buckle. John's Shoe Repair replaced the soft sole.

Boots are special. Boots are in your closet for a long time. They develop personality. And when boots develop holes in the soles, you get sad. You need a shoe cobbler, but shoe cobblers are a dying breed. Except in 2009 when the Wall Street Journal did a story on how shoe cobblers were on the rise because people were getting their shoes resoled during the Recession instead of buying new shoes. This resurgence of the shoe cobbler may not have been long-lasting, but the spotlight on a trade like shoe cobblering was appreciated. Then in 2010, the same Wall Street Journal reporter did an article on online shoe cobblers. She shipped worn out shoes to four different shoe repair shops, and got resoled shoes back in the mail.

Well folks, we have a local shoe cobbler right here in Beacon on Main Street - John's Shoe Repair. John's Shoe Repair will certainly bring your shoe back to life. And they may even secure your denim or leather bag straps, if your own sewing machine cannot handle such heavy fabric. You have probably seen the shoe cobbler on Main Street. They are right next to Zora Dora's or the winter pop-up shop version, Cherry Bomb. I have had several shoes and a bag fixed by them, and have been pleased each time. In fact, if I wasn't pleased, I feel certain that I could bring the item back for repair. Even though boots are very important to me, what is more important at times is a secure purse. I bought a designer denim purse that actually slipped out of its buckle every time I carried it, causing it to slip off my shoulder. Solution? Shoe Cobbler John stitched the straps permanently in place, and it currently serves as my gym bag.

A little tip when using John's Shoe Cobbler: be very precise with what you want. If you want stitching done on a purse strap, for instance, and you know that a certain color thread would look best, then tell them to use that color thread. If you need an elastic loop replaced on a shoe to secure a button, request a color that was the previous color or close to it. Seems obvious, but sometimes repair shops are focused on fixes, not fashion. :)

Imitation Frye Boots. Got 'em at DSW in NYC years ago. Beacon's Shoe Cobbler has replaced the soles and fixed.

Denim slouchy bag. Beacon Shoe Cobbler stitched the purse strap and handles in place.

John's Shoe Repair is at 209 Main Street, Beacon.

Christmas Tree Removal

Happy New Year! It’s that time of year for resolutions and clean slates. We make big plans to clean out closets and clear our minds in the process. For many of us it all begins with finally removing the big twinkly Christmas tree in the corner. 

The Highway Department is in charge of collecting trees after the holidays. According to Highway Superintendent Anthony “Zep” Thomaselli, curbside tree removal is currently in progress. Tree collection with occur during January, weather permitting. If you are a bit of a procrastinator or if you feel your tree has been overlooked, just give the Highway Department a call at (845) 831-0932 with your address and they will haul your tree away.

Christmas Lights! More Christmas Lights!

Driving around with kids in car seats during the holidays makes looking at holiday lights even more special. You thought you liked Christmas Lights as an adult? Well kids are enthralled by them and can't wait to see the next house. You could drive through a light festival, which would be amazing and you should check out Boscobel's), or you could drive around every night in Beacon to see the decorated houses of our enthusiastic citizens. Those who put on a show at Halloween often come through for Christmas as well.

Coming home after school has a new soundtrack now, and it sounds like this:

Kids (breathlessly): "MORE Christmas Lights!!! Backup, Mama, Backup! I see a light! The Santa is up!"

Here is a collection of Christmas Lights that you may recognize. Hats off to you folks for decorating! More photos will be added during this 2014 season.

You know this house - on Willow at the base of East and West Willow. Much better in person, so drive the loop.

A house also on one of the Willow streets.

Again with Willow. Who is also a top trick-or-treating destination! Not a surprise that they pull through for Xmas.

Yard art is a requirement in Beacon. You can let your inner yard-art enthusiast out.

Beautiful.

The Firehouse on Main Street.

Beacon Falls at Fishkill Creek lit by The Roundhouse.

Look at These Great Brands - Key Food Shakes Off A Haunted Reputation

My family and I moved to Beacon in 2009 from Manhattan's "Upper Upper West Side" on Columbus Avenue. Grocery stores were all around us. Our apartment was above a Bravo, and we had several "markets" on Broadway. Not to mention vegetable stands, and an occasional honest to goodness bakery. Whole Foods had just opened up a few blocks down. Life was good food-wise.

So when we moved to Beacon, we had one requirement: to live within walking distance to a coffee shop so that we didn't experience too much of a culture shock from living in the City where we walked everywhere. This was one of the best requirements to have, because it meant we moved within walking distance to a big grocery store, Key Food.

In the last few years, I've noticed many changes at Key Food, as have others. From the classical music playing during the day, to the wide selection of organic and independent brands stocked on the shelves. So I took a meeting with two of the owners of Key Food - Junior and Mo - to give me the real scoop on what's been going on.

We met behind the big black doors near the produce section - the real behind the scenes of Key Food! Junior confirmed rumors I'd heard from shoppers who commute to Beacon from areas south of Newburgh, that this Key Food in particular was known for listening to shoppers. Junior says he takes many requests and finds the items to put on the shelves. I asked him if they felt as if they were living under the shadow of previous owners. Junior somberly nodded his head. Unknown to me was that the current owners of Key Food and my family moved here at the same time, so I didn't experience what longer Beaconites had encountered. From the day they bought the Beacon Key Food, his family, who also lives in Beacon, has been working to improve damaged relationships from everyone including customers and vendors.

As for pricing, well, I know that business owners do their best to deliver to their customers, and that the equation that makes a price is calculated based on what makes that business tick, from employees to benefits to group purchasing sales to warehouses. For instance, some grocery stores own their own warehouses to keep prices down, while other grocery stores can't take on owning a warehouse so they pay a warehouse to store their inventory, like Key Food does.

At the end of the day, has Key Food made a Beaconite's life easier? Yes. Several shoppers gave me their favorite items that they find weekly at Key Food, so lets walk the shelves in Key Food to see  what's in stock!

Mrs. Meyers is a fixture in our home, as is the $.99 dish soap! Key Food gives you a selection here, to pay a few dollars more for Mrs. Meyers, or $.99 for a generic brand. We actually use the $.99 dish soap but buy the Mrs. Meyers counter spray and all purpose liquid to refill.

Organic milk is a highly sought after item. New to me was the price of Hudson Valley Fresh, a local brand that is delicious and responsible. It's a fact that Stoneyfield milk is in the $5 range when it can be found at Hannaford for the $3 range, but here sits Hudson Valley Fresh for $3.19! An often over-looked and local choice.

Hello delicious cottage cheese.

Tas Kafe and Sumptown are favorites for a lot of people, but so are illy and Starbucks for others. Lately, Starbucks has been on sale for $7.99 or $8.99, which is on par with Hannaford and other big stores.

Ghee has been growing in popularity by health enthusiasts and butter lovers who want more from their butter, but less fat and these health benefits.

Those who love nuts are loving the dedicated nut section that has been living near the meat department.

The gluten free pasta selection has increased, as well as pasta alternatives like rice pasta.

An entire freezer of healthy food! From frozen Indian food to frozen Annies to Ezekiel bread.

And look! Ezekiel bread in cereal form! Or you can get a strawberry PopTart. Options!

Annie's chocolate chip bars!

Some people really love seaweed snacks. Here is Annie Chun's brand of Korean seaweed, and it's not the only brand here.

For the babies, HappyBaby and HappyTot. Pick up one as you shop to help getting through the isles easier.

Hot dogs aren't the healthiest things, but if you like them, the Boar's Head beef brand has been a favorite.

Alright - I'm no meat specialist, but early adopters of grass fed beef like Poppy's has helped bring responsible meat to Beacon. Beaconites actually have several options to get great meat that has been raised  responsibly, but if you're in Key Food getting other things and can't make another the meat section does offer a wider selection now.

Northerers don't know how lucky they are to have Sticky Fingers BBQ sauce in a bottle. I know this first hand because I lived in Charleston, SC and frequently went to Sticky Fingers restaurant before they bottled their sauces. Finger lickin' good.

Beacon Shopping Guide - Store Hours, Days and Ideas in Beacon!

Shopping! So fun, yet so strategic. With so many options to shop on Main Street, we compiled a Shopping Guide for your shopping and bookmarking pleasure! Save this in Pinterest or on your phone to refer back to as you shop! Before we get started, here are the tough questions we asked ourselves before compiling the Shopping Guide.

Things you should know about this guide:

• Open and Closed Hours are posted, but we know that small business owners need to make sudden changes based on personal situations, so keep that in mind as you shop and always call a store first.
• Special Message For Businesses: If you are a business wanting more information about being featured in this Guide, or if your business has been featured in this Guide and you want to enhance your listing with an advertising package, click here for more details.

Mountain Tops

144 Main Street
(845) 831-1997
PrAna, Patagonia, Keen and many other of your favorite (or soon to be favorite) brands are in this small but packed shop. Find boots, walking shoes and hiking shoes, and the socks to match. And find boots and socks for wee ones as well. As always, socks are buy 4 get the 5th free!
HOURS
Open Daily:11am-6pm
Sunday: 11am-5pm


COLORANT
145 Main Street
Colorant is a high-end fashion boutique that Beaconites first knew as a pop-up shop, and has rooted its concept store here permanently. Inside the store, you will find silks, cotton, cashmere, and wool garments that were hand-dyed by COLORANT using colors from naturally derived ingredients such as indigo, weld and madder root. They delight in the unpredictable nature of a color, depending on where and how the material was grown. Select from COLORANT's own designer label, as well as others designers carried in the store.
HOURS
A weekend shop.
Friday - Sunday: 11am-6pm

Nella Bellas Boutique

155 Main St.
(845) 838-3833
Nella Bella's Boutique is a women's and teen's boutique. The boutique is filled with of unique finds hand picked by the owner herself and has friendly prices for great fashion.
HOURS
Wednesday-Sunday: 11am - 5pm
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Lorraine Tyne
161 Main Street Beacon, NY 12508
845-418-5LTS
The easiest bling you'll ever buy. From huge statement necklaces to tiny wrist bracelets. There is usually a sale or special deal going on at Lorraine Tyne, so stop in to see what you can piece together.

River Winds Gallery
172 Main St, Beacon
(845) 838-2880
River Winds Gallery is the brightly lit gallery you see as you first drive or walk into Beacon. Always festive, their window is twinkling each night with lighting and wearable art found within. Oh yes, you will find large or small canvas paintings here, but you will also find jewelry from sought after designers from metalsmiths to glasswork.
HOURS
Wednesday - Monday: Noon-6pm
Closed Tuesdays

NFP

457 Main St.

(646) 823-3274

For those who like the cozy, sexy, sleek sweater look, this is a must-shop. Super cool, unique and high fashion sweaters and knitwear are designed by Gail Travis.

Open Saturdays 11am-5pm or by appointment only

Reservoir and Wood

460 Main St.

Reservoir & Wood is lifestyle boutique of the modern, mid-century, rustic and inspired. The clothing is high-end design and is pretty dope. Find fashions for women, men, baby, and some household.
HOURS
Monday: 11am-6pm
Thursday-Friday: 11am-6pm
Saturday: 11am-7pm
Sunday: 11am-6pm
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday

Lauren & Riley

462 Main Street

(845) 831-3862

A hip little shop to find bling, dresses, and sometimes tops and sweaters. You'll find perfumes and lotions and girly things, yet for those who love the skull and crossbones, you'll also find some punk designs as well. Also find an assortment of tea and honey, wallets, and other unexpected adornments like cuff links and jewelry.

HOURS
Monday: 11am-5pm
Closed Tuesdays 
Wednesday-Friday: 11am-5pm
Saturday: 11am-6pm 
Sunday: 11am-5pm

Echo Beacon

470 Main St.

(845) 440-0047

Women can find complete outfits in Echo. From skinny pencil skirt/dresses, to stretchy tops, to slouchy sweaters. Also find a line of shoes from Fly London and other brands. Oh, and there's the lip gloss, purses, nail polish, and more.
HOURS
Mon-Sat: 10am-7pm
Sun: 10am-6pm

The Bra Fit Expert
470 Main St. (inside of Echo Beacon, in the back near the fitting rooms)
Women's wardrobes are complete with a variety of bras to choose from, including stretch lace, under-wire, strapless, and more. This popup bra shop was opened by Christina Faraj, a professional bra fitter. Thought you needed a fitting room in Victoria's Secret to get measured? Not anymore.
HOURS
Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Gwenno James

17 E Main St.
(845) 202-3224
Gwenno James signature designs incorporate hand dyed and hand printed fabrics which are crafted at her studio and boutique in Beacon, New York. Using traditional textile techniques such as silk screening, marbling and blueprinting, Gwenno considers each fabric piece as a fluid canvas onto which an original surface design emerges...one color, one brushstroke, one imprint at a time.
HOURS
Tuesday-Wednesday: 11am - 6pm
Friday-Sunday: 11am - 6pm

Closed Monday and Thursdays
 

Mountain Tops
144 Main Street
(845) 831-1997
Easily find a gift for the man in your life. Camping gear usually mean gadgets that men love, like propane, head lights (lights you put on your head), manly slippers, sunglasses, hats, and much more.  As always, socks are buy 4 get the 5th free!
HOURS
Open Daily: 11am - 6pm
Sunday: 11am - 5pm

Reservoir and Wood

460 Main St.

The jackets for men that you will find in Reservoir and Wood will give your man a unique look. This is the store for the stylish but rugged man.
HOURS
Monday: 11am - 6pm
Thursday-Friday: 11am - 6pm
Saturday: 11am - 7pm
Sunday: 11am - 6pm
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday 

Echo Beacon

470 Main St.

(845) 440-0047

New to Echo is a men's line of coats and heavy duty gloves, as well as scarves and hats.
HOURS
Mon-Sat: 10am-7pm
Sun: 10am-6pm

Clay Wood & Cotton

133 Main Street
(845) 481-0149

Delightful little store for hand made pottery, jewelry, stationery, wood based designs, and many other things. Has an entire room devoted to knitting.

HOURS
Thursday-Monday 11am - 6:30pm


 

Hudson Beach Glass

162 Main Street, Beacon
(845) 440-0068

Beautiful. Anything you find in Hudson Beacon Glass is special. From ornaments to wind chimes to large platters. Like with many of the galleries in Beacon, the art you find here may be acclaimed world wide. Their studio glass blowers include those who have created major architectural installations and have crewed with Dale Chihuly. Stop in to find blown glass objects of all kinds, from lights to bowls to wind chimes and ornaments. Do investigate their extensive jewelry case for jewelry from local designers. Special for the Holidays are the glass blown ornaments where you or your child can blow into an ornament and preserve the breath forever.
HOURS
Monday - Saturday: 10am-6pm
Sunday: 11am-6pm

Notions-N-Potions

175 Main Street

(845) 765-2410

Where the motorcycle enthusiast and the spiritualist come together!  Notions-N-Potions makes products that are handcrafted using only the finest herbs, essential oils and fragrance oils, and are made in the store. Find apparel, books, candles, helmets, herbs, pocketbooks, incense, tarot cards, and more.

HOURS
Monday: Noon-6 pm
Thursday: Noon - 6pm
Friday: Noon - 7pm
Saturday: 10am - 7pm

Sunday: Noon - 4pm
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday

Dream in Plastic

177 Main St

(845) 632-3383

An addictive shop for items you never realized you needed until you wanted everything. Full of whimsical items like over-sized cupcake pillows, mugs, whimsical to-do list pads, and more. And socks. Lots of really cool socks. You can find something for anyone on your holiday list.
HOURS
Monday: 12p -5pm
Thursday: 12p -7pm
Friday: 12pm-7pm
Saturday: 11am-7pm
Sunday: 12pm-6pm
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
 

Beacon Bath & Bubble

458 Main St

(845) 440-6782

Bubbles and soaps of all shapes, sizes and colors.

HOURS
Wednesday-Saturday: 11-6pm
Sunday: 12-4pm
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Utensil

480 Main St.

(845) 202-7181

Utensil is the home chef's go to store for anything you need in the kitchen, from honey to french presses, to wooden pizza peels (aka giant spatula).

HOURS
Monday: 11am-6pm
Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-6pm
Sunday: 11am-5pm

Closed Tuesdays

After the Barn
508 Main St
(845) 202-7146
Live the reclaimed life in After the Barn, where you can find beautiful tables, chairs and other pieces of furniture made from dismantled old barns. But that's if you didn't want to make it yourself. Owner Bob Staab brings back collectibles like printer's keys with different fonts, wooden crates, lights, and more. After the Barn brings new life to old barns by painstakingly dismantling barns and turning them into fine furniture, flooring, cabinets, even birdhouses.
HOURS
Wednesday-Saturday: 10am - 6pm
Sun: Noon - 5pm
Closed Monday-Tuesday

FABHAUS
512 Main St
(845) 440-7090
FABHAUS Beacon is a creative store that sells meticulously designed products and offers Hudson Valley residents an opportunity to make their own ideas a reality. With the FABHAUS in-store laser cutter, customers can have objects fabricated from a wide variety of materials, or customize their existing gear by laser engraving. Great place for a custom-made holiday ornament!
HOURS
Thursday-Saturday: 11am - 7pm
Sunday: 11am - 5pm

Closed Monday-Wednesday

Trendy Tots Take Two

296 Main Street


(845) 838-2200
This unique infants & children's consignment boutique sells new and gently used children's apparel and gear for your little ones.
 Very friendly pricing and a source for big and little ticket items from pac-n-plays to mittens.

HOURS
Tues-Sat: 10am-6pm
Thurs 10am-7pm 
Closed Sunday-Monday

Play

167 Main St.
(845) 838-2134
Don't be fooled by the name - Play is for adults and kids. Play is a toy store that has something fun for everyone, of all ages. Retro toys like slime balls and metal lunch boxes, fun books like Regretsy (and some books with titles we can't publish here!), a wide selection of wall art, hanging beads for doorways, jewelry, games, books, artwork, rare candy, tricks & novelties galore. Be sure to check out their darkroom in the back for electricity balls and other glowing things. If you have a creative girl on your list, there are many design books available for her to draw in.

HOURS
Open Daily: 11-6
Sunday: 11-5 
2nd Saturday of each month: Beacon Open House til 9

Beacon Bath & Bubble

458 Main St

(845) 440-6782

Bubbles and soaps of all shapes, sizes and colors. An easy stocking stuffer!
HOURS

Wednesday - Saturday: 11am - 6pm
Sunday: Noon-4pm 
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays 

Echo Beacon

470 Main St.

(845) 440-0047

Ho Ho Ho, so many choices. Echo specializes in toys from Calico Critters and Melissa & Doug, as well as retro Fisher Price favorites from your childhood. Train sets galore, and if you're into educational toys, owner Karen has selected some of the best games.
HOURS
Monday-Saturday: 10am - 7pm
Sunday: 10am-6pm

Lauren & Riley

462 Main Street

(845) 831-3862

The perfect spot for a holiday dress for a little girl. Owner Kim also has a daughter, so the wardrobe she makes available for your toddler is one you want to pick up and show off in pictures.

HOURS
Monday: 11am-5pm
Wednesday-Friday: 11am-5pm
Saturday: 11am-6pm 
Sunday: 11am-5pm
Closed Tuesdays

Reservoir and Wood

460 Main St.

A high-end boutique with adorable pajamas, leggings and other clothes for a new baby or funky toddler. The baby clothes and leggings you'll find here are a perfect gift for the most perfect parent on your list. You'll also find belly cincher secrets for the pregnancy stage.
HOURS
Monday: 11am-6pm
Thursday-Friday: 11am-6pm
Saturday: 11am-7pm
Sunday: 11am-6pm
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday

Waddle n Swaddle 
484 Main St
(845) 831-5952
Waddle n Swaddle is a natural parenting store and wellness boutique, focusing on the essential needs of mama, child and the “naturally modern family”.  They hand-pick eco-friendly toys, maternity/nursing bras and clothing, baby carriers, feeding supplies, potties, cloth diapers, swaddles, gear and more.
HOURS
Monday-Wednesday: 10am-5pm
Thursday: 10am-6pm
Friday-Saturday: 10am-7pm
Sunday: 11am-5pm

American Gypsy Vintage
263 Main St
(845) 440-3670
A little bit country, a little bit rock & roll. From bohemian to bike, this boutique sells a well-edited assortment of vintage and contemporary designers. In addition to running the shop, owner Nicole Alyse is also a sought after personal style blogger who does photo shoots in Beacon and NYC. For inspiration or fashion envy find her on twitter and instagram.
HOURS
Thursday-Monday: 1pm - 7pm
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday 

Blackbird Attic

442 Main St

(845) 418-4840

Michelle Caves' consignment boutique is an orderly, well-curated mix of reasonably priced modern, vintage, and designer clothing & furniture/decor pieces.

HOURS
Sunday-Monday: Noon - 5pm
Thursday-Saturday: Noon - 6pm (or later)
Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Vintage:Beacon

478 Main St.
(845) 202-7172
A stylist edited consignment and resale boutique, specializing in women's vintage and designer fashion. It's a cozy space that owner Angela Hasting stocks full of amazing finds.
HOURS
Mon: Noon - 6:30pm
Thurs-Fri: Noon - 6:30pm
Sat-Sun: 11:30am - 6:30pm
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Mountain Tops
144 Main Street
(845) 831-1997
Kayaks, canteens, non-electric coffee makers, hats, river shoes, Frisbee golf, you name it. If you want to climb a mountain or go camping, this is your store. As always, socks are buy 4 get the 5th free!
HOURS
Open Daily: 11am - 6pm
Sunday: 11am - 5pm

Peoples Bicycle
430 Main St
(845) 765-2487
An old school bike shop with new-school style. Find a wide range of bikes from custom-built heavy-duty cargo bikes to kids’ tricycles. Visit the beautiful new Main Street storefront meet all the dudes who make and maintain these beautiful bikes!
HOURS
Open Daily
Monday-Friday: 12pm-7pm
Saturday-Sunday: 8am-7pm

Beacon Natural Market
348 Main Street
Beacon, NY 12508
(845) 838-1288
Though you will find organic produce here, you will also find heavy duty men's and women's jackets and shirts here as well. If the sturdy hemp material is what your favorite person likes, then this is a good place to swing by to choose from a carefully selected stock of outdoor-wear.
HOURS
Monday-Saturday: 9am - 7pm
Sunday: 10am - 5pm

Scarborough Fare

257 Main St.
(845) 831-7247
Scarborough Fare has a large selection of gourmet olive oils and vinegars and their shelves are stocked with local and imported goods. Want to impress the foodie on your list with flavorful olive oil or vinegar? You pour the oil into a bottle that you can bring home and back for a refill. Try their Pumpkin Spice Vinegar to transform your baking, and see our recipe for using in to bake banana bread. While visiting enjoy a tasting of their enormous collection of pastas, sea salts and spices.
HOURS 
Monday-Friday: 11am - 7pm
Saturday: 10am - 7pm
Sunday: 11am - 6pm

Beacon Pantry
382 Main Street, Beacon
(845) 440-8923
Known for carrying French and Italian delectables, Beacon Pantry is a great idea source for eclectic gift baskets for the foodie in your life. They have wonderful gift boxes for every type: pasta lover, Francophile, tea drinker, chocolate lover, cheese lover and more.
HOURS
Monday-Friday: 7am - 8pm
Saturday: 8am - 8pm
Sunday: 8am - 6pm

Drink More Good
383 Main Street, Beacon
(845) 797-1838

Drink More Good produces small batch soda syrups, tisane concentrates, and cocktail bitters that are thoughtfully handcrafted using organic ingredients. Their ginger syrup is also a great addition to veggie juices and smoothies!

HOURS: Daily 10am-8pm, and Tuesdays 10am-3pm

Alps Sweet Shop
269 Main St
(888) 442-2577
Chocolate made in small batches, fresh ingredients, attention to detail and respect to tradition, Alps Sweet Shop hand makes over 100 different confections.
HOURS
Monday-Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 11am - 5pm

The Beacon Barkery

192 Main St

(845) 440-7652

It’s unique place to find the coolest gourmet cookies and treats in the Hudson Valley-for your beloved furry ones! Favorite treats include “Cannolis”, “Peanut Butter Puppies”, and “Tail Bangers” for dogs and “Bonita Flakes” and seafood treats for cats. Also find leashes, collars and clothes.

HOURS 
Monday-Friday: Noon - 6pm 
Saturday: 10am - 6pm 
Sunday: 12:30pm - 5pm

 

Jake's Main Street Music

393 Main St

(845) 765-8548

A music store and stringed instrument shop featuring quality new, used, vintage and consigned stringed instruments as well as music lessons.They also carry a wide variety of strings and accessories, art, gifts, CDs and vintage vinyl recordings. It's a relaxed, low-pressure shop where visitors are encouraged to stay a while and try things.

HOURS
Wed: Noon-8pm
Thur-Sat: Noon-7pm
Sun: 1pm-6pm


Beacon Music Factory
629 Route 52, Beacon
(845) 765-0472
As the name suggests, this is a music factory where kids and adults can learn, be in rock bands, and can listen to music. Do check out their Rock Band Boot Camp for upcoming camps and performance dates.
HOURS:
Hours vary; contact business.

2 Way Brewing Company

18 West Main St Beacon, NY
(this is down the hill from Main Street proper, near the train)

(845) 202-7334

On your way up from the train station, either on foot or by car, Beacon's own brewery is a must-stop. Check out the artists on display as well!
HOURS:
Thurs: 5pm-11pm
Fri: 3pm-11pm
Sat: 3pm-11pm
Sun: noon-5pm

Denning's Point Distillery
10 N. Chestnut Street, Beacon
This spot isn't technically under the "Beer" category, but it shouldn't be overlooked. Denning’s Point Distillery in Beacon, NY crafts the finest artisanal spirits available including Viskill Vodka, Beacon American Whiskey & Denning's White Rye Whiskey. They use high quality grains from New York state farms and strive to create classic spirits of unique character and depth. Denning's Point Distillery works from a unique, urban production space and offers impromptu tours and tastings.
HOURS:
Fri: 2pm-8pm
Sat: 2pm-8pm
Sun: 2pm-6pm

The Hop
554 Main Street, Beacon
(845) 440-8676
The Hop is not just a delicious restaurant with artisanal fare. Its beer store boasts an amazing selection of craft beers. Perfect place to pop-in for a unique 6-pack!
HOURS:
Mon, Wed, Thurs & Sun: noon-10pm
Fri-Sat: Noon- Midnight

Santa is Coming to Town! Where and When to Find Him

Santa is coming to town! Have breakfast with Santa, coffee, or spot him while you're out shopping. You never know where he'll show up, but here are a few places we know he will be! If you know of more, please email editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com with your inside info.

TOWNE CRIERCAFE WITH MISS VICKIE

Santa Spottings on Main Street
December 2016
Main Street Shops
Santa comes to coffee shops and restaurants around Beacon. Where will you visit him?
Information >

12/3/16

Saturday Breakfast with Santa

10am Doors Open, 11am Breakfast Starts

This is the 8th year "Tinsel" (Miss Vickie) has hosted Breakfast With Santa in Beacon, and it is more popular every year! Tinsel, Little Santa and Elf Bob hand out craft ornaments for children to work on as they are finishing their buffet breakfast from the Towne Crier kitchen, and enjoying their Christmas coloring books (all included). Santa stops at each table to talk with children and give out candy canes while parents take pictures. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Lunch With Santa Pre-Christmas Carol Play (Beacon Players)

December 5th and 6th 2015

Saturday and Sunday

12noon

Come and have a great lunch before the show with Santa and some very special guests! At 12:00 noon we will be serving a lunch (with a special Holiday dessert), a photo and a personal visit with Santa, lots of fun and Holiday games, but you need to make a reservation! The cost is $8.00 per person and seating is very limited to 50 guests each day. You will need to make a reservation by sending an email to beaconsantalunch@gmail.com.

Information >

All Sport Health & Fitness

12/13/16

Tuesday Evening

5pm - 7pm

Cookies, Crafts & Santa, Oh My! Free holiday fun for kids, All Sport is hosting a Santa night that is free for everyone, including non-members. Kids will have fun decorating cookies and making holiday gift crafts in the community room, with plenty to do while parents work-out. Santa will be in the Grand Lobby, so bring your camera! Santa cares about animals too and is taking donations for dogs and cats, so please bring a donation of pet food for the SAFEHAVEN Pet Food Pantry. Cat food is especially needed. 

Details >

All Sport is a main sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and we thank them for their support!

City of Beacon + BeaconArts + Beacon Hebrew Alliance Annual Tree and Menorah Lighting

12/10/16
Second Saturday
3:30pm-6pm

This 4th Annual Tree Lighting is free to the public and this year it will be held at Pohill Park (next to Beacon Visitor’s Center, Main Street & Route 9D). Small children's craft, music and dance will kick-off the celebrations at 3pm. Santa will arrive via pedi-cab to officially welcome the spirit of the holidays to Beacon at around 4:30 pm.

Details>

2016 Santacon in Beacon
12/10/2016
1:00pm

Start at Bank Square Coffeehouse, 129 Main St, Beacon, NY
Please join us for the first Santacon Beacon! If NYC got too crowded for you, why leave Beacon? We're starting at 1pm at Bank Square, then moving our way up Main Street to various locations, with our final destination at The Elks Lodge for a live band, drink specials, and Santacon Prizes! 

Leave the kids at home and put on your walking shoes. Bring cash for drinks, although credit cards are accepted at most of our stops. Dress for the holidays - Santa, Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Dwalli, whever. Santa loves everyone.
Information >

Breakfast With Santa
12/18/2016
10:00am-2:00pm

Location: County Fare, 2652 East Main St, Wappingers Falls, NY
Join us for breakfast with Santa. The man himself will be in the building to spread holiday cheer and take some pictures. Seatings at 10AM and 12PM. Price is $10 per child, $15 per adult and includes a breakfast buffet and a make your own ornament craft for the kids. By reservation only so give us a ring and book your spot today.
Information >

BeaconArts & The Beacon Hebrew Alliance Menorah Lighting
12/24/2016
Location: Polhill Park / Beacon Visitor's Center (Main Street & Rt. 9D)

Kringles Christmas House

By Surprise

Santa stops by this Christmas Shop sometimes on the weekend, so if you're out and about, peek your head in here! Also pick up Christmas decorations.

Holiday Giving in Our Local Back Yards

This article was planned to be published a few days from now, but with the newly created #GivingTuesday, we put a rush on it. It's time to address that collection of suggested donation sources that you file in the back of your bills folder, and write the checks for end of the year donations because they make a big difference. Beacon is steeped in volunteer organizations that provide vital services that many come to depend on, whether it be for enjoyment or a life threatening emergency. Here are a few ideas for you to donate to this Holiday Season.

BEACON VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE CORP.

When I got the letter in the mail to donate to the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corp (BVAC), I almost overlooked the word "Volunteer". When my husband called 911 for me a year after we'd moved here, while we were hosting a spring BBQ, I was having a then undiscovered bout of appendicitis which left me blue and shaking in my bed while my guests ate potato chips (I felt extremely embarrassed to be so unsocial). An ambulance and medical people showed up (even more embarrassing as our new neighbors viewed the scene from their front porches), because that is what happens when you call 911. What amazes me to this day is that the ambulance service is volunteer based, and has been since its inception. It is also the "busiest volunteer service in the country" with 2200 calls per year, according to their website.

When they started, the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corp made calls out of a 1948 refurbished Cadillac ambulance. The "dispatch system" was 3 volunteer members setting up a phone in their house. Then 7 volunteer members set up phones in their houses. Then they got pagers. And now the Dutchess County Bureau of Fire dispatch system is their system.

If you want to make sure these guys stick around, consider donating to the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps. They have a membership PDF, but consider just sending a check to the address on their website.

DONATION DETAILS >

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CITY OF BEACON FIRE DEPARTMENT

A combination paid and volunteer organization, the City of Beacon Fire Department has been protecting Beacon since 1913. It has 13 paid firefighters, 3 support staff, and a volunteer organization of 60. That's a lot, and possibly how they fill 3 fire stations and have been designated with the fastest response time in Dutchess County, according to the City's website. Currently, their entire website has been under construction since early November, so when they are out fighting fires, perhaps your donation can help them make the updates they need. Or buy new equipment and maintain trucks ;)

Send your donation to:

City of Beacon Fire Department

Fire Department

13 South Avenue

Beacon, NY 12508

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COMMON GROUND FARM

Common Ground Farms is hosting their Annual Benefit Auction this Saturday, December 6th at the Scenic Hudson River Center Red Barn, 8 Long Dock Road, Beacon for food, drink, and live music from Tall County.

All proceeds go to support the Farm's nonprofit farm-to-school programs in which local Beacon school kids visit the Farm, and which allows the farmer to visit Beacon classrooms. In 2014 every third, fourth, and fifth grade class from J.V. Forrestal Elementary School (which is one of four elementary schools in Beacon) visited Common Ground Farm to learn about worms, bees, compost, organic farming, and local vegetables. Common Ground Farm also provides Chefs in the Classroom that conduct taste tests of local veggies and who prepare healthy food and recipes, which are then served in the school cafeteria. Common Ground Farms' goal is to increase funding so that they can work with their partners, including Hudson Valley Seed, to expand programming to additional schools.

BUY TICKETS HERE >

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BEACON DOG PARK

After a year of fundraising, the Beacon Dog Park finally hosted a ribbon cutting to officially open its gates in March of 2013. Right next to Memorial Park for Kids, where dogs are not allowed, the Beacon Dog Park has made socializing dogs and humans easier and more attainable. Your membership as a dog owner is donation enough, but if you wanted to donate a little extra, it does help to buy new benches, fix any fencing, etc.

DONATE NOW >

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GIANNETTA SALON & SPA

Near and dear to Giannetta Salon & Spa's heart for the Children's Tumor Foundation, which has made great strides in developing cures for cancer, tumors, bone disorders, and learning difficulties. Right now, Giannetta's is hosting a raffle for a basket of wine, as well as 3 Kerastase Chroma Thermique system products. This is sort of major because if you've ever tried Kerastase, you'll know it's the most luxurious shampoo lather you've ever experienced, and really does make a big difference in your hair. A donation box for the Children's Tumor Foundation is available as well. You can stop into the salon to enter the raffle.

MORE ABOUT GIANNETTA >

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MID-HUDSON CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

Any city is so lucky to have a Children's Museum, and if you're not already a member or a regular attendee of this museum, you should know that Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, located on the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie almost under the Walkway Over the Hudson, is a special place for kids. They celebrate childhood and are proud to offer exhibits that get kids moving, exploring, building, pretending, collaborating, creating and discovering. Their exhibits focus on nature, science, literacy, art, music and community and allow children the opportunity to develop foundational learning skills. The museum also builds a lot of their own exhibits.

BECOME A MEMBER or JUST DONATE >

Remember, these are only a few ideas. Let's see how creative you can be in your Holiday Giving!

Well Lookie Here! New Crosswalks in Neighborhood Streets!

City workers spray new crosswalks in residential neighborhoods in Beacon.

As I geared up to walk my dog this chilly morning, the smell of paint fumes was unmistakable. I assumed it was coming from a house down the street that is getting a total renovation and was getting an exterior coat of paint sprayed onto it, but no...the fumes were from white spray cans of brand new crosswalks on a street that never had them before yet is highly populated with church and school pedestrians. This must be from the federal grant that the Mayor spoke of earlier this month!

Gingerbread House Decoration Party from Beacon Public Space

The 8th Annual Gingerbread House Decoration Party is today at the Howland Public Library!

It's a BOYGBH (Bring Your Own Gingerbread House) supplies or buy a kit there if there is one left for $12.

Brought to you buy Beacon Public Space, this tasty project is loads of fun and is a great excuse to decorate a gingerbread house. But it doesn't stop there! It then adds to the decoration of Beacon's Main Street, because with this Gingerbread House Decorating Party, there is a catch - at least one house per decorator must be put on display in a storefront window December 11 - January 20th.

 

Details at Beacon Public Space!