Cat Rocks: Family-Friendly Hike in Pawling

Today we’re going to hike The Appalachian Trail. Well, 0.07% of it.

Your kids probably aren’t quite ready to hike 2,150 miles from Georgia to Maine (although they might be), but this 3-mile round-trip hike to the scenic overlook known as Cat Rocks, just below the summit of West Mountain in Pawling, is a good introduction to the AT.

Expect some company: Cat Rocks can be a crowded spot. It’s the halfway point in a popular 7.5 mile day hike that goes from the Appalachian Trail Metro-North stop on Route 22 all the way to Route 55 with a stop over at Nuclear Lake. (Guess how Nuclear Lake got its name? You’re right!) But it’s always fun to meet people who are in the middle of through-hiking, or at least tackling large sections, of the AT, and this hike even gives you a chance to check out an AT shelter.

We especially enjoy this hike in early spring when the skunk cabbage has emerged, seasonal snow-melt streams are rushing, and tasty fiddleheads and ramps can be found if you keep an eye out. Plus, since the trees haven’t filled out yet, when you get to Cat Rocks you might be able to see your car parked at the bottom.

Cat Rocks lookout in spring

On the other hand, I’m starting to think that the view from Cat Rocks is probably even better in the fall during peak leaf season. Anyone want to head up for a hike this fall?

1. Begin by parking here on West Dover Road/Route 20, by the massive, 300-year-old oak tree known as the Dover Oak. More than one guide to the AT claims that the Dover Oak is the largest blazed tree on the entire 2,150-mile length of the trail. Speaking of blazes: You’ll be following the white blazes for pretty much the entire hike.

   Parking area

   Appalachian Trail

2. Cross the road and take the stairs down into the skunk cabbage marsh. There are some boardwalks to take you over the muddiest parts, but you should still be wearing something waterproof on your feet. 
3. After the marsh is the hike’s only tricky part: a rocky outcropping that you’ll have to scramble up. The ascent is gradual enough that it’s not too difficult, but if it has rained recently, the rocks can be quite slippery. Take your time, and keep a hand on the wee ones as you guide them up the slopes. 

   Rock scramble

4. It’s smooth sailing from here. You’ll soon reach a wooden bridge that traverses a seasonal stream. Also, look for a tree on the left side of the trail right here that Cooper swore looked like a giant dinosaur foot.

   Exploring the stream

5. Shortly after that is the junction with the 0.1 mile-long blue trail, which branches off to the left. It’s worth your time to check it out. Not only is there a beautiful rushing stream with cascades and frog ponds, but it also leads to the Telephone Pioneers Shelter - so named because it was built by the White Plains chapter of the Telephone Pioneers back in the 1980s. The Telephone Pioneers is what they used to call the volunteer service programs run by the various telephone companies. Today they’re known as the Telecom Pioneers because landlines? LOLOLOL. What’s also notable about this particular shelter is that a mini-library is attached to it, run by the Pawling Free Library. Hikers are encouraged to take, or leave, a book. The last time we visited the shelter we ran into a section hiker named Gas (all AT hikers give themselves a trail nickname) who had so far hiked the AT all the way up from Georgia, and he told us that was the first library he’d ever seen attached to a shelter. 

   Appalachian Trail: Telephone Pioneers shelter

6. Backtrack to the junction, and continue along the white-blazed trail for the final push to the top. Cat Rocks is actually just off the trail itself. You’ll see an unmarked trail branching off to the right around here, and the view will be partly visible. Head right for about 100 feet and you’re there, facing east. Plop yourself down and have a snack! If you want to reach the true summit of West Mountain, head back to the trail and push ahead another 0.1 mile for a north-facing view. 

   Almost to the lookout

7. From Cat Rocks, backtrack down to the trailhead. Again, use some caution when you reach the rocky, sloping outcrop near the trailhead. Honestly, we’ve found that it’s easier to just slide down most of it on your bottom. We call it “booty-scootin’” which Coop find hilarious. Then he won’t stop saying “BOOTY SCOOTIN’! BOOTY SCOOTIN’!” for, like, days. You know what? Maybe it’s better to walk down.

   Cat Rocks lookout in summer

Round-trip distance: Just under 3 miles.

Where to park: The parking shoulder is here on West Dover Road/Route 20, on the side with the giant oak tree (trust me, you can’t miss it). If you’re coming from the south: If you pass Valley View Farms Road on the right, you’ve gone too far by about a mile. If you’re coming from the north: Once you pass Valley View Farms Road on the left, start paying attention, because you’ll hit the trailhead in about a mile.

What to pack for the kids:

• Snacks and water
• First aid kit
• Insect repellent (The bugs can be bad on the trail’s swampier sections in the summer.)
• Binoculars 
• Waterproof shoes with good grips
• Maybe even a book to leave at the shelter library

Brian PJ Cronin, editor of Hudson Valley Parent magazine and local writer extraordinaire, shares his writing talents in focusing on family-friendly hikes for our Hiking Series. The beautiful photography is by Kristen Cronin, local do-gooder and co-founder of For Goodness Bake.

An Interview with Melissa McGill, Artist Behind "Constellation" on Bannerman Island

Bannerman Castle has been a point of mystery for everyone who passes it on the Metro-North's Hudson Line train on their way through the Hudson Valley, or by those on boat or kayak. It’s a personal discovery for each person who gazes unbelievably at what seems to be a sinking castle on an island.

And what is this island? Indeed its history is just as exciting, and involves usage by tribes, patriots, prostitutes, fisherman, bootleggers, and vandals. In the early 1900’s, Francis Bannerman, a Scottish-born business man from Brooklyn who at a young age began collecting scrap from the harbor which was then filled with ships, made a business of buying and selling surplus stock from government auctions. He moved his arms collection from Manhattan to Pollepel (or Polopel) Island, forced out of the city due to laws on ammunition storage. He went north to build a Scottish-inspired castle, Bannerman Castle, to hold his arms collection, the ammunition room of which blew up in 1920. In the 1970s, a fire with flames 20 feet high devoured Bannerman’s warehouse, leaving the castle ruins we pass by today, the dramatic view of which was increased after a partial collapse in 2009 (there is an organization dedicated to preserving the castle by creating events and gardens should you wish to donate).

Local artist Melissa McGill was captivated by the location and the history. In her career as an artist, Melissa explores what is and what is absent. She wanted to apply this study to the island, the castle, and pieces of the castle that no longer exist. She envisioned that points of light could glow above pieces of the castle that are now missing. Melissa is the most recent architect on this island - an architect of light and space - stars - that shine above the castle as a new constellation starting at dusk of every evening.

Even though Melissa makes art of all kinds - paint, sculpture, sound installations - this project could be the largest and most visual representation of her fascination of what is and is not in the spaces in between absence and presence. She became a director and producer of the project, working with other local artists like Niche Modern to build the lights, and worked with The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to secure what was needed to make this project a reality for launch in June 2015.

Intrigued by her role as an artist in this project, we thought Melissa a great role model for children and adults who yearn to be artist but don't know how, or who need to give themselves permission to be their own type of artist. Melissa was kind enough to answer some questions about her captivating Constellation project in this interview with us below.

Why did this idea occur to you? To build the stars?
Like so many who travel and live along the Hudson River, I’ve had a long fascination with the mysterious castle ruin and this island.  As I investigated its history and re-imagined its present, I was moved to create a project that continues my work exploring the space between absence and presence, bringing to light the overlooked, hidden, or lost aspects of architecture, found objects, and places. The sculptural poles of Constellation reference the lines of the castle ruin and through the star-like points of lights hovering above, a new constellation is created conceptually connecting our world with others. I look up at the stars for inspiration, for a sense of reality, to remember how small we are in the universe, and to feel how we are all one under these stars.

I wanted to ask you about your type of artistic medium, and how as an artist, you are directing a project and don't necessarily touch everything that is being made by hand. I loved seeing the pictures of the glass blowers making the stars. So for budding artists, it's an example to show them and their parents the different types of artistry that can exist. So I suppose the question is - in this project, are you an artist who is not physically making things, but you are leading the construction of an idea?
My work involves an interdisciplinary process, primarily incorporating drawing, sculpture, and sound. I make a lot of work in my studio. When ideas require specific expertise that I don't have, I work with others who have that expertise so the work may be realized. Regarding the glassblowing...While I do have some experience with glass blowing and have made other work in blown glass, the globes that house the LED's had to be very high quality and luckily Niche Modern here in Beacon specializes in exactly what I needed. They were amazing to work with and they very generously donated the globes for the project. A project the size of Constellation requires a lot of expert experience in many areas…fabricators, architects, engineers, installers, lighting designers…the list goes on. Almost every single person on the Constellation team lives in this area and I am involved in every step of the process.

What did you need to go through legally to get this done, and how long did that take?
Pollepel Island with the Bannerman Castle ruin is located in the Hudson Highlands State Park so I worked closely with NYSOPRHP (New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation throughout Constellation's 3 year process). Constellation had a full environmental assessment through NY State, a NY State Archaeological Review, and NYSOPRHP executed a permit.

Financially, did this come together through different grants and/or donations? How did you approach and accomplish that?
I raised the funding independently through many channels- by crowdfunding, applying for grants and being persistent. A number of wonderful supporters taught me a lot about fundraising. Fractured Atlas is my fiscal sponsor and this is a non-profit public art work and so all donations are tax- deductible. I am so deeply grateful to Constellation's generous supporters. They have helped transform this project from a dream to reality. I still have quite a bit to raise to close the funding gap to cover installation and production. It's an on-going process and donations of support are appreciated!

The project is set to launch this weekend, June 28th. Boat tours will be offered to those curious enough for an up-close experience of this new magical constellation. Watch the video about the project here or follow along on the project's Facebook page for news and updates.

Constellation from Melissa McGill on Vimeo.

Sugarloaf Hill: Family-Friendly Hike in Garrison

Please welcome back our contributors: Brian PJ Cronin, editor of Hudson Valley Parent magazine and local writer extraordinaire, shares his writing talents in focusing on family-friendly hikes for our Hiking Series. The beautiful photography is by Kristen Cronin, local do-gooder and co-founder of For Goodness Bake. Enjoy!

Today’s hike takes us to Sugarloaf Hill in Garrison. Not to be confused with Sugarloaf Mountain in Cold Spring or the Sugarloaf Mountain ski resort in Maine or the Hudson Valley town of Sugarloaf over in Orange County or the approximately 14,000 other things in the Northeast named “Sugarloaf.” It’s a bit of a common name. Until the late 19th century, before granulated sugar became a thing, refined sugar was processed via conical molds. Once the process was done, the sugar came out of the mold in a tall, mountainous shape, called a sugarloaf. And since early Colonial settlers were too busy trying not to die of starvation and/or dysentery to be creative, they pretty much named every other mountain they saw “Sugarloaf.” So when your kids ask what a sugarloaf is, now you know what to tell them! You can leave out the dysentery part, though.

The parking lot and trailhead are across from the Garrison Institute on Route 9D.

1. From the parking lot, backtrack the way you drove up and hang a left. Keep following the dirt road as it heads towards the hills and then bears right at another gate. You’ll start to notice red trail markers, which are the markers you’ll be following all the way to the top.
2. Take a left into a big, beautiful meadow of tall grass and wildflowers. From here the trail is usually mowed into the grass. As you begin to ascend through the meadow, look back and you’ll get a fantastic view of West Point. Keep in mind though, as you’re all getting your Andrew Wyeth vibes on, that if you’re hiking this trail between May and July that you’re basically walking through tick-alapooza. So stick to the mowed parts, use a good tick repellent from the knees down, and do thorough tick checks on the whole family when you get home. (I should add that in the five or so times we’ve done this hike we’ve never found a tick on us, but better safe than sorry.)
   
   
   
   
3. Partway through the meadow, the trail splits. Head straight, into the woods, and you’ll come across a wooden gazebo. Turn right, into the woods, for a small shortcut. Both paths shortly meet up again, so take either one.
4. After crossing a small brook, the trail begins to wind up the hill. Keep an eye out for those red trail markers. There’s plenty of unmarked trails that branch off and lead to private property. On your way up, look for a large climbing boulder, a cairn atop a stone pillar, and a frog pond.
   
5. Shortly after the pond you’ll come to a junction. The blue trail begins here and continues straight ahead. There’s another wooden gazebo just up ahead, if you’ve got a bit of time and want to check it out. Otherwise, hang a right to follow the red trail as it ascends. This is the only steep part of the hike, so littler hikers may need a hand here. Fortunately, the ascent is short and you’re almost to the top.
   
6. In a few minutes you’ll top out at the ridge. Keep following the trail along the ridge until you reach the end point, with scenic views facing south on the Hudson River. Look around a bit and you’ll find a very rare sight for the Hudson Valley - wild cacti growing near the rocks. Yes, cacti can grow this far north, but the conditions have to be just right. And Sugarloaf Hill is one of those very special places in the Valley that’s got just the right mixture of rockiness, access to open sunlight, and ample drainage within the soil to make that happen.
   
7. Backtrack down the hill to return to the parking lot. And check for ticks!

Round-trip distance: 3.1 miles

Where to park: To get to the parking lot, look for the stone gate across from the Garrison Institute on Route 9D. Above the gate, you’ll see a brown DEC sign with yellow letters that reads “Castle Rock Unique Area.” The gate says “Wing & Wing” on it. Bear left on the dirt road, and follow the signs to the lot.

What to pack for the kids:

• Snacks and water
• First aid kit
• Sunscreen and hat (You’ll only need these for the beginning; once you get past the field the rest of the hike is pretty shaded.)
• Tick repellent
• Tick key or tweezers
• Map (See the “East Hudson Trails” map #101 of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Series, which is sold at Mountain Tops.)

Mount Beacon: Historical Hike

Please welcome contributor Dylan Price, a writer/filmmaker and avid outdoorsman who moved to Beacon with his wife from Washington D.C. They were attracted to Beacon for the unique mix of nature, art and food. Dylan will explore and share the more historical aspects of our local trails for our Hiking Series.

Hiking Mount Beacon
Forever peering over her town, Mount Beacon is perhaps the first trail in the conversation of where to hike around Beacon. The day hike offers many a chance to take in much of the beauty and bounty of this area, in one spot. 
 

Beautiful Views

The Nuts and Bolts of the Mount Beacon Hike
The trailhead begins in the parking lot off the intersection of Route 9D and Howland Avenue. It is a good day hike, if not strenuous at times, so remember to bring water and snacks. If you happen to forget, Bob’s Corner Store is just across the street. After parking, it is a short quarter mile amble past a creek and wooded area, where at dawn or dusk, you’ll often find deer, woodpeckers, flycatchers, passer birds cutting between the flagging hawks, falcons, and eagles. The hike begins at the ruins of the old incline railway, a specter of the past glory of Beacon running up the mountain like an old rusty back-brace of the bygone city. Climb the metal stairs to your first restful panorama and head up the trail from there following the red burn Casino trail markers.

Mount Beacon is a hike full of switchbacks and graceful views from various plateaus as you make your way up the 1000 plus vertical ascent. Early on in the hike, a spur off a connecting switchback leads you to a small outcrop observation deck built by volunteers. Much of the hike is covered under a canopy of various deciduous and coniferous trees. As you reach the summit, the topography gets a bit more rocky and open. The summit of Mount Beacon is certainly a pay-off with viewpoints of almost the entirety of the region.

Allow around three hours for the out-and-back on just the mountain itself, and on a nice day, expect company on the trail (including dogs). The hike is sometimes strenuous, but it is certainly rewarding. During the fall and early spring, views are expansive and follow you up the mountain when the leaves are down and the crowds aren’t as great. 

The Incline in its heyday

The History of Mount Beacon
Standing on the foundation of the old Mountain Top casino and Beacon Crest hotel (both having succumbed to fire), your views are limitless and awe-inspiring. History surely unfolds in a panorama at this point. The Daughters of the American Revolution, in 1900, dedicated a monument here for the soldiers of the continental army who lit bonfires (beacons) to warn of British troop and ship advances. Vernon Benjamin, in his great book “The History of the Hudson River Valley: From Wilderness to the Civil War,” discussed certain…crafty European businessmen who, during the colonial era, purchased the land from the Wappinger Indian tribe in the area. They made a deal that they could buy all the land they could see, and after agreeing to those terms, promptly hiked Mount Beacon and claimed their lands. Standing there, you can appreciate the cunningness of these men and the vast beauty of the Hudson Valley. When you reach the top, you really get a sense of the vastness and history of the valley. Explore the uneven summit and the various relics of the past up here, but don’t forget to take in the panoramic views reaching far across to the Catskills and bending along the river, as Mount Beacon is the highest peak in the Hudson Highlands.

Thousands would flock on grand ferry's up the much-traversed Hudson, or take a long train ride into Beacon or Newburgh. Combo-tickets were sold by the hotel for travel by ferry via Newburgh, to the trolley on the other side of the river which took them to the incline, then bringing them up a 65% graded rail to the top. The incline opened on Memorial Day, 1902. The first year alone, 60,000 people came. Life atop the mountain was grand, packed with party-goers, the cool breezes lifted people from the sweltering heat in Beacon and Newburgh, and attendees to the hotel and casino enjoyed long walks around the park, spring-fed aquifers and plenty of games, food and dancing, all while dressed to the nines. Some would stay for weeks at a time. The casino held many big-band dances, some of the most famous names at the time performing there, and every Saturday during the summer grand parties were held. At one point during its golden age, the entire incline was fully illuminated, and the lights leading up to the summit could be seen from miles away. Cottages were built scattered along the mountainside for summer retreats, and a popular radio station was broadcasted from the top as well called "The voice from the clouds."

In its heyday, with the casino and hotel garnering hundreds of thousands of tourists, Hollywood stepped in to utilize the natural beauty of the mountain. The top of Mount Beacon was used for several silent movies in the 1920's including a popular Western silent film, D.W. Griffith’s “The Red Man's View” which was meant to depict a long march in the rugged western lands.

In 1927, a year after the summit attained its most visitors in one year, a midnight fire in the casino burnt the complex down. They began new construction the following year, but the nation fell into the Great Depression and it went unfinished. In the following decades, the incline remained in operation, but business fell off despite the steady flow, and touristy-draw of being the world’s steepest incline railway at the time. Fire struck three more times, once in 1934 destroying part of the track, and again in 1967, this time burning the lower station and rail car. The last fire, in 1983, finally took the great railway down for good.

The historic mountain, which is depicted on the New York State flag, has seen many changes come its way throughout the centuries. Take your time exploring, appreciating, and conserving the beauty and history of this hike.  There is an active group restoring the incline railway, which you can learn more about via their website, and the conservation group (and owners of the land), Scenic Hudson.

Extend Your Stay on the Trail…
Expand the 2.4-mile out and back hike by pressing on to the old fire tower, which offers even more impressive views and further seclusion. When you are at the summit of Mount Beacon, turn from the river to look at North and South Beacon Mountains. The tower is set on the southern mountain, which you can see from there. The hike to the tower will almost double your outing, and allow you to ascend another 500 plus feet over the extra mile out. On a clear day, you can see all the way from Manhattan up to Albany.

If you are after an even longer hike, try for the Beacon Reservoir nearby, which sunders Mount Beacon and Scofield Ridge in Putnam County. And even farther yet, the connecting Fishkill Ridge via Wilkinson Memorial trail, which connects to the mountain via yellow burns. This will tack on another 3 plus miles and over 1,000 feet more in vertical ascent, but will give you an ecological study of nearly the entirety of the Hudson Highlands. For now though, allow the scripting vultures and eagles to mark this long ridgeline for you from atop Mount Beacon as you rest and refuel for the trip back.

Earl’s Chimney: Family-Friendly Hike in Garrison

Please welcome our contributors: Brian PJ Cronin, editor of Hudson Valley Parent magazine and local writer extraordinaire, shares his writing talents in focusing on family-friendly hikes for our new Hiking Series. The beautiful photography is by Kristen Cronin, local do-gooder and co-founder of For Goodness Bake. Enjoy!

  

Hi! My name is Brian PJ Cronin and I’m honored that Katie has invited us to share some of our favorite family-friendly hikes in the Hudson Valley with the readers of A Little Beacon Blog.

For our purposes, we’re defining “family-friendly” as “any hike that our 3.5 year old son Cooper can walk all by himself with a manageable amount of complaining.” Although we also always tell him that if he can make it through the entire hike without being carried, he can have ice cream. Your mileage may vary.

For our first hike, we’ve chosen Earl’s Chimney in Garrison. This out-and-back hike is just over two and a half miles long (round-trip) and features a scenic overlook at the site of an old camp cabin. Only the stone chimney remains at the site, hence the name. In case you’re wondering who Earl was, or when the cabin was built, or when it was destroyed, here’s your answer: I don’t know. I even checked with the Putnam History Museum, the Putnam County historian, and the Garrison Fish & Game Club and they don’t know either. But your kids are going to ask, so better make something up. My suggestion? Ninjas.

This hike starts at the Moneyhole Mountain Access trailhead, located just across from the Garrison Fish & Game Club.

1. Begin by taking the green trail north, as it rises and falls through pine forests and next to the bubbling Phillips Brook. There are a few opportunities to go off trail and head down to the creek if you wish, but the creek will be coming to you soon enough. We always hear woodpeckers during this first section of the trail, so keep those ears open!
2. Soon you’ll hit the first intersection as the green trail ends and meets up with the yellow Catfish Loop. Turn right.
3. Now the pines thin out and are replaced by scores of mountain laurels. The trail flattens out and crosses over the brook a few times, as well as a few swampy patches. Now would be a good time to mention that you should make sure you’re wearing waterproof boots. This middle section of the trail is short, but offers plenty of opportunities for puddle-splashing and creek-dipping, so you might want to factor that into your time management. One of the creek crossings also features a small hole in the rocks that you walk over, so that you can look down and see the water rushing beneath you. I am pretty sure that Cooper would live at this part of the trail if we let him.
4. Eventually things dry out and the white trail begins to the right. The pine trees return, and during one point the trail even passes under a broken tree that fell against another tree, creating a sort of “tree arch.” As you take the white trail, you’ll finally begin to notice that you’re starting to ascend. Actually, you’ve been climbing this whole time, but so gradually that you (and your little ones) probably didn’t even notice.
5. Soon you’ll top out at Earl’s Chimney itself, 216 feet above the trailhead. Your view is directly facing the Highland Gap across the river, which holds West Point inside of it. Look down and you’ll see parts of the Garrison County Club spread out before you.
   (Note that around the summit are several blueberry bushes, but also several buckthorn bushes as well. Buckthorn berries are similar to blueberries except they’re slightly darker, lack the distinctive “crown” that blueberries have near the base, and can cause severe cramping and diarrhea. So make sure you pack enough snacks so that hungry little hands don’t get grabby.)
6. Backtrack from here to return to the trailhead. Just remember to turn left at both intersections now instead of right. Then, family reward time!

Round-trip distance: 2.7 miles

Where to park: By the Moneyhole Mountain Access trailhead, across from the Garrison Fish and Game Club, 183 South Highland Road. There’s a parking turnout down the street a bit, across from the lake.

What to pack for the kids:
    • Waterproof shoes or boots
    • Snacks and water
    • First aid kit
    • Binoculars (We always forget to bring these and always regret it.)
    • Sunscreen and hat (most of the trail is shaded, but the terminus is open and sunny)
    • Bug spray (just in case)
    • A map (See the “East Hudson Trails” map #103 of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Series, which is sold at Mountain Tops. On this map, Earl’s Chimney is referred to as “Chimney Top.”)

13 Desserts and Friday the 13th at Towne Crier Cafe

When we took our visiting family out for Valentine's Day, which this year was on February's Second Saturday, we happily landed in the Towne Crier Cafe. As promised in a glowing New York Times review, the dessert case welcomed us as we walked in, promising a selection of 13 desserts for a ravishing end of the evening. At least, 13 desserts were available that night. Their norm is 12 desserts, and every so often, they offer a special pastry.

It was from our waiter that we learned that the Towne Crier's pastry chef, Mary Ciganer, was his mother and is part of the foundation of the restaurant with her husband and founder, Phil Ciganer. He didn't mention that Mary had formerly been at New York's legendary Le Cirque, but by then, we had ordered the Apple Walnut Danish with Chocolate Chips and were totally intent on trying her dessert. It was a hard choice, as we could have ordered the Chocolate Truffle Torte, or the Sour Cream Plum Coffee Cake, or my other favorite, the simple but deadly Carrot Cake, or the friendlier Poppyseed Cake made with out dairy, sugar or eggs.

Here's how the Apple Walnut Danish with Chocolate Chips went over at our table:

Apple Walnut Danish with Chocolate Chips with a mandatory scoop of vanilla ice cream. All forks on deck.

The sweet sauce is quickly wiped up by my neighboring father who leaves no evidence of his swoop.

Forks are beginning to fend for themselves, and we are wishing for spoons for bigger scoops.

Elbows are out. The photo is blurry because things have surpassed getting serious.

The end.

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!

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

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!

Stoney Kill's STONYART Event Happening!

It's finally here! You've seen the flyers, you've mentally marked the date in your mind, and now you get to go to the STONYART live auction featuring local artists to support the Stony Kill Foundation this Sunday, October 26! 

For only $20, you are directly helping the Stony Kill Foundation stay alive and well and beautiful along 9D. The event is easy-peasy to attend. It's at the Howland Cultural Center on the East End of Main Street on the big curve. It's from 3-6pm on Sunday, so you have plenty of time to do your Main Street thang after a brunch in Beacon, stop in for wine and cheese and maybe even a little auctioning of local art! You will be amazed by the art you find there, so don't miss it!

For other events and opportunities such as yoga days and kids classes, visit the Stony Kill Events page.

Secret Gardener Vicki Raabin's Streetscape Project

What's being said more and more about Beacon NY is that the citizens are making it great. While that's a pretty good political slogan, it's ringing true. As one walks by the pleasantries and stops to smell the roses, one may notice they are admiring sunflowers, lavender, basil and other herbs in addition to the potted and hanging floral arrangements that adorn Main Street. What you are witnessing is an "urban streetscape project" by one of Main Street's most known citizens, Miss Vicki Raabin. She is one of several, independently driven, "secret gardeners" that keep the streets looking nice.

Several garden plots started and maintained by Miss Vicki Raabin outside of stores including Play, Towne Crier, The Pandorica, and across the street from Poppy's next to Beacon Bread Company.

In May of 2014, Miss Vicki, most commonly known as the local music teacher and music venue organizer, decided to put some action to her critical thoughts as she walked Main Street and grew dissatisfied with the sidewalk trees. "I got tired of seeing all of the gravel around the trees. My feeling is, if you're complaining about something, you need to step up and do something about it. It bothered me and I felt we could do better." 

Miss Vicki Raabin feeding and watering her plants in her urban streetscape project along Main Street.

Raabin started the project a few years ago with small tulip beds. But this year, she committed to herself to "take over small spaces and make them viable again." Working closely with several local businesses on Main Street, Raabin has received strong support from a growing number of storefronts with beds near their buildings, including Tito Santana Taqueria, Towne Crier, Bank Square, Mountain Tops, Beacon Bread Company, and Key Food.

Donations from the businesses have come in an unusual form: egg shells and water from Towne Cryer; coffee grounds from Bank Square and Beacon Bread Company; bags of mulch from Key Foods, more water from Kamel Jamel, owner of Tito's who fostered a partnership with Green Teen by way of putting in the Common Greens Garden at Tito Santana which has a water collection system. Local residents have given Raabin shubbery when splitting plants in their own gardens which is helpful for acquiring butterfly bushes, creeping thyme, lavender and maybe hostas for next year.

One of many planters designed and maintained by the Tioronda Garden Club.

Miss Vicki isn't the only one making Main Street beautiful. The potted plants you walk past at major street corners, and all of the hanging petunia baskets are put together by the Tioronda Garden Club, which fundraises for its yearly budget with individual donations and events, like a Wine and Cheese night. In fact, the Tioronda Garden Club gave Raabin some of their flox to act as ground cover for tree plots, as flox is a hearty plant that spreads easily over the years and looks beautiful with masonry.

Hanging baskets on Main Street are put together by the Tioronda Garden Club and watered by Mayor Casale.

As for the watering of all of these flowers and plantings, you'll see Miss Vicki pulling her red wagon from the Visitor's Center at beginning of Main Street all the way to Towne Crier where she gets another water fill and picks up egg shells to be used as plant food. But who waters those hanging baskets? Years ago, the hanging plants were on the chopping block down at 1 Municipal Plaza during Mayor Gold's tenure. Then council member, Randy Casale volunteered to do the watering, since the Tioronda Garden Club supplied the hanging baskets through their fundraising efforts. He woke up to drive the cherry picker truck in the early mornings when it was still dark. 

As for now Mayor Casale, he still wakes up early to water.  "I do it because it I believe the beautiful flowers that are put together by the hard work of all the volunteers of the Tioronda Garden Club makes our Main Street vibrant and attractive. This is also a way for me to mentally relax. I would like to thank all our volunteers who help to keep our city the city that it is."

Gardening certainly is relaxing. And right now, it's helping Beacon to stay original and special as a train town along the beautiful Hudson River. Secret gardening is offering ways for citizens to dig in, literally into the earth of Beacon to keep it vibrant and ever-changing.

$10 Dresses and Costumes on Sale at The Dance Bag for Halloween

On your way home from work, or while pushing your brood down Main Street, take pause at the sale rack outside of The Dance Bag (opposite corner of Rite Aid). Little imaginations think that some of these $10 ballet dance dresses look like "Elsa dresses". You'll also find cheer leader-ish dresses, girl pirate looking dresses, and just a fancy dress to add to a girl's dress-up box. Most material is elastic, and straps are easy enough to stitch shorter until little ones grow. Sign says "$10 Cash" so...bring your dollas.

Shine on Harvest Moon

Fall is coming as the crickets and locusts chirp all day and night, and the Harvest Moon glows over this peaceful morning at 5:46am. Quite a thrill to gaze at the mountain range in the distance, knowing that the Hudson River is just below this spot on Main Street.

Need a Nap? Squishable Plush Pillows in Dream in Plastic

One Friday evening, the kids and I were strolling down Main Street looking for a little treat present after a great week. We were in Dream in Plastic and I was looking at paper stationery that struck my fancy. I turned around to see my two little ones snuggling with these Squishable pillows! Yum! I've never quite found the perfect "nap pillow" for daycare and school, and these are probably too big, but they certainly are contenders for nap pillows at home, being that naps at home are pretty hard to make happen and how can one not doze off when snuggling with this Squishable Pug on the couch or rug??

Plan Bee Farm Brewery - Farm to Bottle Beer

Inspired by the "Barn to Brew" article in the Summer season's issue of edible HUDSON VALLEY, I finally ventured down to Beacon's Farmers' Market to try the beer from Plan Bee Farm Brewery that is mostly all grown and cultivated from one farm: the farm owned and operated by founders and brewers Evan and Emily Watson.

Even more compelling is the component that makes this beer extra special and unique: the Watsons use their own yeast from their farm, using cultures from peaches, apples, and unpasteurized honey from two bee-hives that came with the farm when they bought the property in Fishkill.

The most special thing about cooking, baking or brewing something is using ingredients around you to make the freshest of flavors not easily replicated time and again. Plan Bee Farm Brewery loves this spontaneity of flavor, and embraces and actually seeks out the different flavors their unique yeast method produces. According to Even in the article from edible: "I love the odd and complex flavors you can get from it. These are the backbone of our beers."

Each of their beers have a story which you can read about on their blog. The bottle I tried was their popular Chamomile, developed specifically for and sold at the Cold Spring General Store. Delicious. I took it to a gathering on Mahopac Lake and a friend happily dubbed it a "soft" flavor and immediately texted his parents who were hiking for the day in Cold Spring, to request that they buy a few bottles at the store.

A brew with a notable story behind it is the TechiNiki, which was named after an Indian woman of the Wappingers tribe who picked a peach on a Dutch settler's farm in 1659 and was shot - thus starting the Peach Tree War throughout the entire Hudson Valley. So you're drinking history with these beers, along with flavors and ingredients grown just miles away from you.