Our office in The Telephone Building is really fun to work out in. Well, not so much work out as stretch and do yoga. If we wanted a real workout, fast, we could go to our neighbors at Studio Beacon for a boxing class. Marilyn is more the cyclist/boxer; I would be just boxing (can’t manage that bike) and jogging around the block.
Sometimes during workouts, articles percolate to the surface, letting us know when the best time to publish them will be. That’s what this chalkboard is for - to catch those ideas. They also live in our Excel spreadsheet for our shared Editorial Calendar, but here’s the more fun-looking version.
If you were walking around Beacon this weekend, you may have been gazing at real estate listings taped to realtors’ windows on Main Street, and thought to yourself: “Gosh, I wish I could own something in Beacon. I wish I could buy one of these buildings.” But they are all going for $1 million, and you’re thinking: “Gosh, I really wish I could pay less, and have money left over for renovations or to hit the ground running with making it awesome.”
Your answer may be in Newburgh. Specifically at 321 Liberty Street. It’s a property that isn’t going to be listed for long. It’s going Off Market for the winter. Unlike a snowbird, it’s going to sit there until someone chirps up in the spring.
Buildings on Liberty Street in Newburgh - Kind Of Like Main Street, Beacon
Liberty Street is a pretty happening street in Newburgh. Just follow the blog Newburgh Restoration and you’ll see. Well, parts of Liberty that is. And 321 Liberty is north of this area, but close enough to be connected soon as new businesses set up shop on Liberty Street.
New businesses south of it include the cafe Blacc Vanilla and Cafe Macchiato (has changed hands a few times over the years and has a new dinner menu!), and the new bakery Newburgh Flour Shop (beware of their Instagram, you may drive over the bridge just for one pecan pie). Then there’s the Shred Foundation in Newburgh (working to introduce the youth in local rural and urban areas to snowboarding).
If you’re curious about owning and renovating buildings in Newburgh, talk to some of the current-day pioneers. Go into Newburgh Brewery and ask them all about it, and their involvement with the larger Newburgh community. Dine at Ms. Fairfax and ask for Phillip and Ellen. They can tell you about commercial and residential renovations, and their views on where the different neighborhoods are headed.
Newburgh Still In Come-Back Stages - Know Your Agent
Newburgh is very diverse with people, buildings, empty buildings, renovated buildings, abandoned buildings, beautiful homes, beautifully decaying homes, and beautifully renovated homes.
It’s quite a canvas over there. And this building probably needs work. The agent for this listing, Sarah Beckham Hooff, is up to her elbows in Newburgh, having renovated a building herself, which is what got her hooked on real estate and being involved in the community. She is a wealth of information for what is going on now, and can point you in the right direction for getting to know Newburgh better. Plus, this building at 321 Liberty Street is in a newly established area, granting tax breaks for capital gains, called an Opportunity Zone (learn more about that here).
This is your chance to participate in the revitalization of a once-thriving area of the country, centuries ago when it was Washington’s headquarters during the Revolutionary War, as well as a shipping resource, before urban changes routed traffic out of there, leaving it to spiral downward. But it’s on a climb back up. Refresh or start your Newburgh history here.
Afternoon snacky snack. A slice of Homespun’s famous carrot cake and a cup of coffee.
Alright, fine - the honest answer - this was dinner.
Doing a Saturday work session to catch up on publishing some articles that are getting way too backlogged! We’re in the middle of a series on the Shopping Guide Shuffle that highlights businesses who have moved down the street, or moved in for the first time, and the buildings that house them. Then we’re doing a few features on the Real Estate Guide, including a spotlight on Newburgh.
Hence, the need for coffee and sugar. Eyes are blurry at this point. :)
Beacon Zoning Forum Discussion 2.0: A detailed discussion about zoning laws, how the city is developed, and the hows and whys behind decisions. For anyone interested in why commercial or residential buildings are allowed - or not allowed - to be built, how they are designed, and what can be done inside and outside of them. The first forum like was held around this time last year. Date: Saturday, December 1, 2018 Time: 10am-12pm Location: BEAHIVE 291 Main Street, Beacon NY 12508 Details >
The second public forum that (tries to) discuss Beacon’s Zoning Laws and the constant tweaking of those laws is set for Saturday, December 1, 2018 in the BEAHIVE at 291 Main St. The words “tries to” are used because zoning laws are by default loaded with jargon, and usually experts and industry professionals are the ones discussing them. In Beacon, many members of the public have become interested in the ins and outs of zoning, so translating how it all works has come down to communication. According to the event’s page, Beacon City Councilperson “Lee Kyriacou will facilitate the discussion — operating in this capacity as a private citizen.”
Zoning laws have been a hot topic in Beacon for many years. Basically - zoning laws are what defines what kind of building can get built where, what it can look like, and what can go on there. On paper, the laws can be hard to follow, and usually do not have a large audience.
However, if you’ve driven or walked through Beacon lately, you’ll see the new buildings going up. Decisions that make those buildings able to go up can live for years in public meetings, often traveling between city boards, like the City Council, Zoning Board, and Planning Board. Small and large issues about the construction of those buildings - or houses or condos or town homes - get batted around from board to board until approvals green-light them completely, or rejections or re-zonings of current laws send them back to the drawing board.
To help the growing number of people who are interested in these laws keep up with intentions and changes, a forum convened last winter in 2017, and a website was launched. Since that time, several key zoning regulations have been changed, and more changes are anticipated.
On The Agenda
According to the event’s page, the morning will be divided into two sections:
What’s Been Happening - An Overview
“Zoning 101” for brief background
What zoning laws have been enacted in the past year in Beacon
Zoning laws still on the table for Beacon
What construction is currently occurring and under what zoning laws
What construction is planned/potentially doable
Big Pieces of Rezoning Still Remaining:
Protect 60+ historic structures in/around Main Street (in addition to ones protected on either end of Main Street).
Revise the zoning adjacent to Main Street for uses that fit residential areas behind Main Street.
Totally revamp and simplify the permitted uses and setback tables for all zones.
Revisit Linkage Zoning for more ground-floor commercial, et al.
If you’re interested in how and why the buildings around you are being built, then attend the meeting to learn more. The more you listen or read, the easier it becomes to keep up. Just like regular homework!
Unlike big-city living, in a small city-town, you are able to get a little closer to digging in to help form a vision. Keep in mind, there are lots of different visions, so it is also an exercise in hearing one another and working together.
Beacon Zoning Forum Discussion 2.0: A detailed discussion about zoning laws, how the city is developed, and the hows and whys behind decisions. For anyone interested in why commercial or residential buildings are allowed - or not allowed - to be built, how they are designed, and what can be done inside and outside of them. The first forum like this was held around this time last year. Date: Saturday, December 1, 2018 Time: 10 am to noon Location: BEAHIVE, 291 Main St. (the Telephone Building), Beacon NY 12508 Details >
What will the weather bring this weekend? Something spooky for sure! The Kids Hocus Pocus Halloween Parade down Main Street is going to be held rain or shine, and so might some other events you had planned. There are plenty of things to do indoors as well! Let's get down to it...
Fishkill Farms Fall Harvest
Day: Saturday & Sunday through October 28, 2018 Time: 9 am to 5 pm (rain or shine) Location: Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY Information >
International Film Night - “Victoria & Abdul”
Day: Friday, October 26, 2018 Time: 7 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
October Moonwalk: Last One for 2018!
Day: Friday, October 26, 2018 Time: 6 to 8 pm Location: Walkway Over The Hudson State Park, 61 Parker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY Information >
Symposium - “Continued Traditions: Painting and Sculpture in the Hudson River Valley"
Day: Saturday, October 27, 2018 Time: 9:30 am to noon Location: Boscobel House & Gardens, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison, NY Information >
Free Comic Book Day
Day: Saturday, October 27, 2018 Time: 11 am to 10 pm Location: The Underground Beacon, 462 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Haunted Barn & Hay Ride
Day: Saturday, October 27, 2018 Time: 4 to 7 pm Location: Stony Kill Farm, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY Information >
Levanta CD Release Party
Day: Saturday, October 27, 2018 Time: 8 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Hocus Pocus Kids Halloween Parade
from the Beacon Chamber of Commerce
Day:Sunday, October 28, 2018 (rain or shine) Lineup Time: 12 pm at the Visitors Center Parade Start Time: 1 pm Locations: Costumed kids start lining up at the Visitors Center in Polhill Park (South Avenue/9D and Main Street, near Bank Square and Beacon Creamery) for a parade all the way down Main Street stopping at the intersection of Verplanck Avenue and Main Street. How This Works: Wait - Verplanck intersects with Main Street? Yes, it does! Allllll the way at the end of Main Street by the old train tracks and the former Hop location, now Melzingah Tap House. You will parade past the Howland Cultural Center, past the Dummy Light, past The Roundhouse, and you will parade past lots of art galleries and shops you may not have discovered yet on this slightly hidden end of Main Street, sometimes referred to as the East End Gem of Main Street. Collecting Candy: The first step is the parade. Smile and wave! A firetruck will be bringing up the rear of the parade. The second step will be trick or treating from businesses on Main Street, on the sidewalk, on your way back from the end of the parade route. The street will be unblocked, and you and the kids will trick or treat on the sidewalk on the return trip back up Main Street. BONUS: The Roundhouse will once again be handing out cider on their patio. Information >
BROADWAY - Bannerman Island Benefit Performance
Day: Sunday, October 28, 2018 Time: 2 to 4:30 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Story Screen Presents “Nosferatu”
Day: Sunday, October 28, 2018 Time: Doors at 7:30 pm, movie at 8 pm Location: Quinn’s, 330 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Beacon Film Society Presents Screening of “Netizens”
Day: Sunday, October 28, 2018 Time: 7 to 9 pm (6:30 pm doors) Location: BEAHIVE, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in ourEvents Guide.
Sleepy Hollow Halloween 10K
Day: Saturday, October 27, 2018 Time: 9:30 am; at 9 am there will be a kids costume 1-mile fun run (ages 6 & older) $5 Location: Morse School, 30 Pocantico St., Sleepy Hollow, NY
Rocks, Shells, & Paper: Intro To Marbleing
Day: Saturday, October 27, 2018 Time: 10 am to 12 pm Location: Riverwinds Gallery, 172 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Coloring Books for Adults Day: Tuesday, October 30, 2018 Time: 6 to 7:30 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
First Reading Session
Day: Saturday, October 27, 2018 Time: 7 to 9 pm Location: Beacon Music Chamber, 4 Academy St., Beacon, NY Information >
Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com (across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company)
Little did you know, Luxe Optique has an extensive eye exam office inside of the shop, with two very qualified doctors inside just waiting to check out your eyes. You can learn more about Dr. James Carroll, O.D., and Dr. Alexandra Herrera, O.D., here, or stop in to meet them!
BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END
Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the Dummy Light) THIS WEEKEND! Friday to Sunday, October 26-28
Gorgeous dresses are on display at the Justin Alexander Trunk Show in Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique. Lambs Hill is located in the renovated factory building known as 1 East Main, neighboring Trax and SallyeAnder.
This slightly gorgeous total renovation of 1910s Cape Cod-style house at 48 Poplar Street in Newburgh is nice and cozy for countless mornings of coffee in the new kitchen or front sun porch. It has brand-new plumbing, heating and electrical systems throughout, as well as new stainless-steel appliances, a tiled kitchen and bath, refinished wood floors and contemporary fixtures. Located just 5 minutes from Stewart International Airport, and listed at $209,900, you'll want to go check it out. Details + Pictures >
Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency
Antalek & Moore matches you with the best, and sometimes lowest price insurance for your Home, Car, and Rental. Here are examples of insurance carriers Antalek & Moore works with, who they will price out for you for competitive bids: Home & Rental Insurance:
Travelers
Sterling
Progressive
Hartford
Car:
Travelers
Progressive
Hartford
Need a change in insurance or want to go cheaper? Call Antalek & Moore any time: (845) 831-4300 They don't carry the insurance, but they hook you up with a new insurance provider or better plan from several big-name companies.
A Little Beacon Blog's Space - 291 Main Street
Looking for space to book your holiday company or client party? Come to A Little Beacon Blog's Space, located on Beacon's Main Street. You can host an intimate gathering, bring your own wine, beer or spirits, and serve light food. Details and Pictures >
Want to host your pop-up shop at A Little Beacon's Space? How about Black Friday Weekend? See here for details.
Beacon Chamber of Commerce
Each year the Beacon Chamber of Commerce puts on the Kids Hocus Pocus Halloween Parade with the intent of bringing the community and the businesses and art galleries together. It's this Sunday, rain or shine. Come see the cuties in costume! Details Here >
BeaconArts
Are you an artist looking to connect in Beacon? A membership with BeaconArts is the coziest way to meet others. BeaconArts is a huge supporter of the arts of all kinds in Beacon. Learn About Membership >
Tin Shingle
Are you trying to get the word out about your business, but don't know where to focus? Tin Shingle is a training platform for how to do this, and also offers Private Training Sessions if you just need to focus and align your efforts in a one-on-one setting. BONUS: Tin Shingle Members of any level get a 25% discount. Please contact for a coupon code before purchasing. Learn More >
Katie James, Inc.
Katie James, Inc. is a couture branding agency located in Beacon, and is the parent company and designers behind A Little Beacon Blog and Tin Shingle. If you like what you see here, hire Katie James, Inc. for your branding needs. Specialties include: Website Design (Squarespace), Newsletter Design, SEO Writing, Ghost Writing, Print Design and Production. Learn More >
Advertise With A Little Beacon Blog
The support from every advertiser of A Little Beacon Blog helps make local news get produced. You can be part of making it happen, and get your business in front of the community in a meaningful way.
Day: Sunday, October 28, 2018 (Rain or Shine) Lineup Time: 12 pm at the Visitors Center Parade Start Time: 1 pm
Hocus Pocus Kids Halloween Parade, from the Beacon Chamber of Commerce
Every year, the Beacon Chamber of Commerce puts on the Kids Halloween Parade, known as the Hocus Pocus Parade.
Costumed kids start lining up at the Visitors Center at Polhill Park (the little triangle land at South Avenue/Route 9D and Main Street, near Bank Square and Beacon Creamery) for a parade all the way down Main Street stopping at the intersection of Verplanck Avenue and Main Street.
In years past, kids have trick-or-treated while they parade. However, according to the parade’s main organizer, Sheryl Glickman of Notions-n-Potions, the intent has been for participants to parade down the middle of Main Street, and head back up on the sidewalks to casually trick or treat from storefronts, and spend time visiting the shops and galleries. We checked in with Sheryl, and got the nitty-gritty details for you on how it all works:
How This Kids Halloween Parade Works
The lineup is at the Visitors Center, which is near Bank Square and Beacon Creamery. When the parade starts, the kids and parents march down the middle of Main Street showing off their costumes. This year, the parade route has been extended. It will end at the intersection of Main Street and Verplanck Avenue. Sheryl has indicated that the Beacon Jeep Club may lead the parade route. We shall see!
Extended Parade Route
Wait - slow down - Verplanck intersects with Main Street? Yes, it does! Allllll the way at the end of Main Street by the old train tracks and the former Hop location, which is now Melzingah Tap House. You will parade past the Howland Cultural Center, past the Dummy Light, past the Roundhouse, and you will parade past lots of art galleries and shops you may not have discovered yet on this slightly hidden end of Main Street, sometimes referred to as the East End Gem of Main Street. See A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide and Art Gallery Guide to familiarize yourself.
Collecting The Candy - Trick or Treating Back Up Main Street
The first step is the parade. Make sure you smile and wave! A firetruck will be bringing up the rear of the parade while police escorts lead the parade.
The second step will be trick or treating from storefronts on Main Street as you make your way back up - on the sidewalk! - from the end of the parade route. After everyone completes Phase 1 of the parade (the marching part), the street will be unblocked, and you and the kids will trick or treat on the sidewalk on the return trip back up Main Street. This gives people time to visit the storefronts, see what’s inside, and have an overall more casual experience.
Bonus Round - Cider
Before you head back, stop by The Roundhouse! They will once again be handing out cider on their outdoor patio.
It’s Phoebe here - kicking off this column with what everybody is reading here at A Little Beacon Blog before we dive into the second installment in this new column, Writerly Happenings.
I just returned Peter Carey’s new “A Long Way From Home” to the library without getting too far, though he’s usually a favorite. Now I’m starting “The Glitch” by Elizabeth Cohen, which passed me by when it was published in 2012, but I’ve heard good things.
Katie is reading edible Hudson Valley’s Fall issue about the secret hotel created by an app developer of luxury cars (what?!). He wouldn’t even let them take full photos - all secret photos.
Marilyn, our Managing Editor, is actually blogging about her yoga teacher training experience at her blog, Ink and Coffee.
Catherine, our Editor of the Art Gallery Guide, is reading science. Science! Actually it’s Anatomy this week. She is back in school to be a nurse.
Speaking of good things, here’s the second installment of this new A Little Beacon Blog Guide to Writerly Happenings. Every couple of weeks I round up the best events happening in our growing local community of writers and readers and the people who love them.
WRITERLY HAPPENINGS IN BEACON & COLD SPRING
On Wednesday, November 7, Binnacle’s Book Club meets from 7 to 8 pm at Denning's Point Distillery to discuss “Lake Success,” by Gary Shteyngart. If you are going and want to buy the book at Binnacle, you get 10% off this title. I’m sorry to have missed the reading of “The Seas,” by Samantha Hunt, on Wednesday the 24th, but staying tuned for more events to come.
The littlest Halloweenies and literary types might love the storytime and costume contest at Split Rock Books in Cold Spring on Sunday the 28th with David Quinn, author of “Go To Sleep, Little Creep.” Grown-ups should check out local author and journalist Virginia Sole-Smith’s reading from her first book, “The Eating Instinct” - described as “a personal and deeply reported exploration of how we learn to eat in today's toxic food culture,” on Saturday, November 10, from 7 to 8 pm.
Get Lit Beacon has its monthly writer salon at Oak Vino on Sunday, November 11. Featured speaker will be notable author Leland Cheuk. Get Lit offers an option for any writer to read their own stuff, so you should also sign up to read some of your work. And - they made T-Shirts! So far you can only buy them at the event, so go. Last month featured a very engaging professional storyteller explain how to tell a story, as well as local journalists Brian Cronin of the Highlands Current, and Katie of A Little Beacon Blog.
On Tuesday, November 13, poets from Ruth Danon’s Live Writing workshops take over Quinn’s for a reading of their work. We’ll be back with an update once the Facebook event page is up.
Beacon’s new Poet Laureate, who has not yet been announced, will be inducted on Tuesday, November 20, at the Beacon Library in the Community Room from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
OPEN MIC NIGHTS THAT LITERARY TYPES MIGHT LIKE
For monthly musical open mic nights, check out The Falcon Underground in Marlboro, the Wherehouse in Newburgh, the Howland Cultural Center in Beacon and Fiesta Friday in Poughkeepsie.
Calling All Poets is having an open mic night at the Towne Crier in Beacon on Thursday, October 15, and on Friday, November 2, at its First Friday reading series up in New Paltz at Roost (the open mic on Friday, December 7, will feature Beacon local Ruth Danon).
FARTHER AFIELD
Rough Draft Bar & Books hosts a reading on Tuesday, October 30, with local author John Langan reading from his horror novel set near the Ashokan Reservoir. Sounds scary and also totally worth a trip to Kingston.
We are prepared to tailgate to hear Roxane Gay discuss her book “Bad Feminist” on Wednesday, November 7, at Vassar. And we might have to because it’s first-come, first-serve to get in. Get your elbows ready!
And we are super excited that former Beacon resident Jon Beacham is back in the Hudson Valley and has opened The Brother In Elysium Books. This Tivoli bookstore had its grand opening at the end of September, a poetry reading earlier this month and in addition to focusing on poetry, literature, art, design, photography and film, also carries used and out-of-print books, actively buys books and “is also home to The Brother In Elysium publishing imprint and letterpress studio.”
We’ll see you back here in a couple weeks with more upcoming events. Tell us where to go and what to read in the meantime, if you like. phoebe@alittlebeaconblog.com
It’s always a good sign when there’s a BOX OF CANDY 🍭 outside your door. Getting ready for Beacon’s Hocus Pocus Halloween Kids Parade on Sunday! Check A Little Beacon Blog’s Events Guide for details. Thank you to Katy Hope from Beetle and Fred for hooking us up with this stash of candy - and for the door-to-door delivery!!
Luxe Optique came to Beacon about two years ago. It wasn’t the first glasses store that owner Laurie Riehle had opened - and it won’t even be her last. Prior to coming to Beacon with her loyal crew, Laurie sold her optics shop in Warwick, NY, but couldn’t sit still. She moved into 183 Main Street, the spot on the corner of Main Street and Cliff Street that had been the location of School of Jellyfish, the curious combo shop that was half sustainable architecture teachings, and half hot chocolate bar and source of an award-winning truffle (really, it was a place to present green architecture with bait of really good chocolate - it worked).
After a time, the building that housed Luxe Optique went up for sale, and Laurie went for it. She bought the building, which included two storefronts. At the time, Beacon Pilates was upstairs (they have since moved to West Main Street by Brett’s Hardware, with better parking - and you can always find their outpost at All Sport) and Bellus on Main, one of my personal favorite boutiques while they were here for high-end shoes.
Stretchin’ Their Legs
Luxe Optique are collectors of distinct lines of hand-crafted glasses, and have fantastic eye doctors to give eye exams to adults and kids in their store for glasses and contact prescriptions. You can see how Luxe Optique quickly got crowded with their ever-growing number of frames for kids and adults, and the eye exam office. Luxe Optique began an expansion into the second storefront. For now, the original side of the store on the left is under construction, and the new side on the right is open!
Look for the following enhancements when the work is complete:
A larger selection of children's frames - getting a thorough eye exam is really easy.
A larger selection of sophisticated affordable brands to make sure everyone has access to good quality eyewear, no matter the budget.
A private lounge that patients can book (for free) to secure time with an optician like Ryon, Christos, Julia, or Laurie herself so they can receive the best experience possible.
And an overall facelift!
Keep your eyes on these folks - and get some new glasses and an exam to see everything better.
P.S.: Luxe Optique is known for making super-fine adjustments to glasses. For those with particularly tricky prescriptions, going there is like therapy for your glasses while the pros adjust them.
You’ve driven by it countless times - the construction going on at 143 Main Street, the building that formerly held the office for Shane Hobel’s The Mountain Scout Survival School. Prior to that storefront, the space was the location for the art gallery Fovea before it moved across and up the street to the second floor of Hudson Beacon Glass.
Slated for a Saturday, November 10, 2018, grand opening, Utensil Kitchenware, owned by Emily Burke, will move from her location on the east end of town to this larger, fully renovated space on the West End. Emily and her architect husband designed it specifically to fit the kitchenware store.
The store has always held a cozy collection of pretty much any kitchenware item you needed - or didn’t know you needed - and now will offer an interactive demonstration space so that you can learn how to use the gadgets that Emily has discovered. The front doors have been expanded to be double doors, the front windows enlarged. If you’ve walked by, you may have seen exciting red ceiling beams on the inside.
The building Utensil originally opened in is currently for sale. Says Emily of her new location: “I am really excited about this new chapter. Although I will miss the East End, I think the community will like the new location too. I secured a long-term lease at 143 Main Street a very fair rate. The building owner is a great guy who really cares about Main Street, the tenants and building renovations.”
Newest shop, Darry'l’s Contemporary Women’s Clothing, opened in former Nella’s Bellas, which had been Global Home. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Fun Fact for Beacon Trivia Lovers: This is not Emily’s first time working on this end of town. She worked at the home decor shop, Global Home, before it pulled up its pins several years ago. That location was later occupied by Nella’s Bellas, and now Darryl’s Contemporary Women’s Clothing. (A brand new shop… looks like they are also in Rhinebeck and NYC on Amsterdam of the UWS… We are investigating!)
West End Of Beacon’s Main Street Is Basically Getting Renovated
Colorant, now located at 146 Main Street started out inside of Beacon Healing Massage as a pop-up shop, turned perma-pop-up shop, and now has a permanent home across the street in the space formerly occupied by Miss Vickie’s Music. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Storefront shops always come and go on any Main Street, but taking a moment to reflect on what’s going on, not only has their been an ongoing Shopping Guide Shuffle since the summer, but there are building improvements as well.
Renovations Have Begun
At first blush, one might think that a bunch of new businesses are moving in. However, Beacon businesses already located here, for the most part, are simply moving around. The first major move and renovation was to Colorant’s space, which used to be a seasonal pop-up shop in Beacon Healing Massage’s space, which is right next door to the (now former) Mountain Scout office. Beacon Healing Massage’s new neighbor will be Utensil.
Colorant transitioned into a perma-pop-up in the Beacon Healing Massage space, and then officially moved out and across the street into the studio where Miss Vickie hung her musical shingle - but not before that space was totally renovated for Colorant. Miss Vickie has since moved to another location owned by the same people a few blocks up, down the alley near the shoe cobbler and Mr. Bell’s barbershop.
Miss Vickie’s Music, down the alley near Mr. Bell’s barbershop. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
reMADE, the boutique carrying handmade Hudson Valley items recently closed, yet the space has re-opened as a new store - Lewis and Pine. The new shop, however, occupies half the space. The store was essentially two stores inside with an existing wall and door separating the two. This can make for an awkward layout - or not - depending on how you set it up. The space will now be two storefronts.
Says Liz Ferrera, owner of reMADE and PAX Studios of her decision to close the shop: “For me personally, the decision to close reMADE was primarily ‘life getting in the way.’ More specifically, aging parents and my desire to learn all that I can from them while I have the opportunity. The maker community in the Hudson Valley is just incredible! The craftsmanship and creativity that I saw being produced just blew me away. Educating people on the benefits of handmade will continue to be my passion.”
Wait - Where Is Mountain Scout Going?
A survival training workshop on the Mountain Scout property in Hopewell JuncTion. Photo Credit: The Mountain Scout Instagram
The inside of the Mountain Scout office was really neat, and was set up as if you were outside in the wilderness. The Mountain Scout trains in survival tactics in the wilderness and taps into primitive stuff we humans otherwise may have disconnected from thanks to modern technologies. The true training takes place on several acres of land that Mountain Scout owns in Hopewell Junction, just 5 minutes from I-84 or the Taconic.
The big, tan Mountain Scout passenger van you see driving around Beacon is part of their offerings of shuttling clients to and from the Beacon train station to their land in Hopewell Junction for workshops or private trainings. His classes are just so neat - you should check them out for survival tactics for kids or adults, including Family Emergency Planning.
Meanwhile… On The East Side Of Beacon Near The Mountain
There are incredible finds! So many shops, galleries and eateries. We have a few articles slated to tell you about them, but a lot of good stuff. Loopy Mango (giant yarn), the No. 3 Reading Room for extremely rare art books and interesting print things not found in art galleries or book stores, The Vault for creative cocktails and one of the best baby kale Caesar salads, and Jeffrey Terreson’s curious dimensional paintings.
Fishkill Farms Fall Harvest
Day: Saturday & Sunday thru October 28, 2018 Time: 9 am to 5 pm (rain or shine) Location: Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY Information >
‘The Unsilent Picture’ at Philipsburg Manor
Day: Friday to Sunday, October 19-21, 2018 Time: 6:15, 7:15, 8:15, and 9:15 pm Location: Philipsburg Manor, 381 North Broadway (Route 9), Sleepy Hollow, NY Information >
Project Drawdown Learn: Solutions-Based Approaches to Climate Change
Day: Friday, October 19, 2018 Time: 6:30 to 10 pm Location: BEAHIVE, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Woodworking Demonstration Day
Day: Saturday, October 20, 2018 Time: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm (begins every half-hour) Location: Boscobel House & Gardens, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison, NY Information >
New York State Sheep & Wool Festival Day: Saturday & Sunday, October 20-21, 2018 Time: Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm Location: Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6550 Springbrook Ave, Rhinebeck, NY Information >
Grace Smith Pumpkin Parade Day: Saturday, October 20, 2018 Time: 11 am to 3 pm Location: Pulaski Park (at the Waterfront), Poughkeepsie, NY Information >
Peak at the Peak: Fall Sunset Kirtan with Kirtan Rabbi
Hosted by Beacon Hebrew Alliance
Day: Saturday, October 20, 2018 Time: 5 to 7 pm Location: Surprise Lake Camp Retreat Center
382 Lake Surprise Road, Cold Spring, New York 10516 Information >
Woodworking Demonstration Day
Day:: Saturday, October 20, 2018 Time:: 10:30am-4:30pm (begins every half hour) Location:: Boscobel House & Gardens, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison, NY Information >
Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.
Ayurveda Workshop
Day: Saturday, October 20, 2018 Time: 1 to 4 pm Location: Bebhakti Yoga, 89 Dewindt St., Beacon, NY Information >
New Women's Volleyball League
There's a Women's Volleyball League playing Wednesday nights at Rombout Middle School. Join up! Details >
For a full list of upcoming classes, classes during the week, and workshops of all kinds, visit our Adult Classes Guide.
Art & Zine Club Meetup Day: Friday, October 19, 2018 Time: 3:30 to 5 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
4H Club Information Session
Ages: 5+ Day: Monday, October 22, 2018 Time: 7 to 8 pm Location: Stony Kill Farm, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY
Howland Chamber Music Circle presents So Percussion
Day: Sunday, October 21, 2018 Time: 4 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes Guide.
Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com (across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company)
Luxe Optique is expanding! They've been busy at work on their new location - right next door - and now are renovating their current location. (We hear they are making a lounge!) BUT - they are as OPEN as ever. You just need to walk into the door on the right, as pictured here! The new side is larger and more spacious. The eye doctor's office inside also remains open and is taking new patients. Walk in and ask them about it!
BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END
Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the historic dummy light) SAVE THE DATE! Friday-Sunday, October 26th-28th
Gorgeous dresses will be unpacked and on display at Lambs Hill's Justin Alexander Trunk Show. 💕 Book a showing by calling Lambs Hill at (845) 765-2900 or book through their Instagram!
Blushery Brows, Bubbly, and Breast Cancer Awareness
Day: Saturday, October 20, 2018 Time: Noon to 6 pm Location: The Blushery, 528 Main St., Beacon, NY
Yes, October is about all things pumpkin, foliage, sweater weather, and Halloween. But more importantly, October is about Breast Cancer Awareness. The Blushery is hosting a special event honoring those affected. They will be offering complimentary brow services to all breast cancer fighters and survivors. Whether your brows are newly growing back post-chemo, or are just beginning to fall out, they will help you look and feel your best. Walk-ins welcome. Appointments recommended. Information >
Pro Tip: The bra store in Beacon, The Bra Fit Expert, has all sorts of pretty things for all sizes. It is run by Tina Faraj Savarese, who dedicated her career to helping breast cancer patients regain their confidence and femininity after surgery, after she lost her own mother to breast cancer at age 17. Find The Bra Fit Expert inside of Echo and across from the Howland Cultural Center.
Pet-friendly folks will love renting at 7 Creek Drive. Known for accommodating renters, 7 Creek Drive is located in a wooded area of downtown Beacon. We know - how is that possible? That's why dog people will love it here. There's even a pet-washing tub in the building! Come visit. Now with Beacon's big blue free bus from the train to all of downtown Beacon, commuters have a free ride home. Details + Pictures >
PS: The original house listings from Claire Browne at Gate House Realty have all been taken! Gotta act fast around here. That cute little vintage ranch may be in the hands of a new happy homeowner soon. New listings coming soon from Jon Car Realty! Specifically one of our favorite mystery houses on Academy Street...Watch the Real Estate Guide!
Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency
Antalek & Moore matches you with the best, and sometimes lowest price insurance for your Home, Car, and Rental. Here are some of the insurance carriers Antalek & Moore works with, who they will price out for you to get the most competitive bids: Home & Rental Insurance:
Travelers
Sterling
Progressive
Hartford
Car:
Travelers
Progressive
Hartford
Need a change in insurance or want to go cheaper? Call Antalek & Moore any time: (845) 831-4300
SAVE THE DATE 291 Main Street - A Little Beacon Blog's Space
!! VINTAGEMANIA !! '90s Vintage, Trivia, DJ and More!
Second Saturday, November 10, 2018 (one day only)
You need (even) more '90s in your life, and you can get some swag, stuff, and even play some games at this '90s Pop-Up Experience!
What You’ll Find:
Starter Jackets
Snapbacks
Vintage WWF
Sports Apparel
Accessories
Home Decor
PLUS: There will be a round of '90s Trivia with door prizes, a DJ in the afternoon, and video game tournaments. More Details >
Want to host your pop-up shop at A Little Beacon's Space? How about Black Friday Weekend? See here for details.
Beacon Chamber of Commerce
The cars rolled into Beacon once again for the annual Car Show produced by Beacon Chamber of Commerce and Dutchess Cruisers. Normally we take pictures of the cars themselves for the blog, but this year, we explored the Devil in the Details: the engines. Art is expressed in many forms, and it was clear that tinkering with cars is an art form. Look Under the Hoods >
BeaconArts
Are you an artist looking to connect in Beacon? A membership with BeaconArts is the coziest way to meet others. BeaconArts is a huge supporter of the arts of all kinds in Beacon. Learn About Membership >
Tin Shingle
Are you trying to get the word out about your business, but don't know where to focus? Tin Shingle is a training platform for how to do this, and also offers Private Training Sessions if you just need to focus and align your efforts in a one-on-one setting. BONUS: Tin Shingle Members of any level get a 25% Discount. Please contact for a coupon code before purchasing. Learn More >
Katie James, Inc.
Katie James, Inc. is a couture branding agency located in Beacon, and is the parent company and designers behind A Little Beacon Blog and Tin Shingle. If you like what you see here, hire Katie James, Inc. for your branding needs. Specialties include: Website Design (Squarespace), Newsletter Design, SEO Writing, Ghost Writing, Print Design and Production. Learn More >
Advertise With A Little Beacon Blog
The support from every advertiser of A Little Beacon Blog helps make local news get produced. You can be part of making it happen, and get your business in front of the community in a meaningful way.
There’s a new Women’s Wednesday Night Volleyball League happening at the Rombout Middle School Gym from October 2018 through May 2019.
According to a press release from the Beacon Recreation Department, there are existing teams, and they are looking for an eighth team. New players are welcome. We have a few questions about this development, and are finding out more. When we do, we’ll post it here! So come back and refresh this article every now and then.
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 6:30 to 9 pm
Questions? Email these folks: Mark Price at the Beacon Recreation Department - mprice@cityofbeacon.org - or Joanna Matias, jmatias8@optonline.net.
Love these little cuties every time they get put out at night in the storefront window of Beacon Fine Jewelers. They are part of the collection of miniature things that the son (of the father-son team) 🔥 fires up inside in the back of the store.
Not sure where this store is? 284 Main Street. Beacon Fine Jewelers are in the middle of Main Street, across the way from EnotecaAma. We profiled them last Holiday season, so check them out!
Really good gift ideas are in store for collectors in your life... or the real life fairies 🧚♀️ you find in your house... We’re just sayin’.
Photo Credit for All Photos: Katie Hellmuth Martin
This year, we changed it up a little bit with photo coverage of the Chamber of Commerce and Dutchess Cruisers Car Show. Engines!
I don’t know how engines work, but during the car show, hoods are usually open for spectators to take a peek inside, so there must be something very creative about them. There was one cylinder in the middle of the ... under the hood part (lol, not sure what the whole area under the hood is called) and I asked the car owner what this large circle did (see picture below of smooth circle in the middle). It’s the air filter! Then I noticed that all of the cars had them, but in different forms. Some thicker, some smaller, and some in cone shapes. But all of them were part of the show.
Beacon is usually equated with modern art. But, you know, these super custom cars are art. This hobby for some requires a passion and a curiosity to tinker and fiddle and figure things out. That’s what the car show is all about. Some even had screaming Halloween decorations! That’s what my kids were looking for - the Halloween-decorated cars.
Can you see the rat on top of the car? Pictured here is the trunk of the car - a convenient coffin. Boo!
This air filter looks a little taller…
I don’t know if that cone-shaped thing is an air filter, but looks like it’s in the same family…
Hadn’t seen this Joker car yet… Did you peek inside to see how he decorated the interior roof?
We only saw a smidge of the car show, as it stretched from the beginning of Main Street at Route 9D, all the way to Fishkill Avenue. Can’t wait to see the creativity next year’s show offers.
The Queen of Halloween has flown into Beacon on her broom to take over A Little Beacon Space with her collection of mostly handmade Halloween things. You may have read about her in the Poughkeepsie Journal’s Halloween highlights article.
You'll find little coffin boxes she has decorated, a collection of original Halloween children's books she has written, pins she designed and had produced, pendants she polished, and pottery she pressed. She must like working with mediums in alliteration.
Don't miss the selfie-screen with the ghosty pumpkin path!
WHERE: 291 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 The Telephone Building First Floor, First Door WHEN: October 13th-14th Saturday: 10 am to 8 pm Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
Take pics if you love or buy something, then share them with our Instagram, @alittlebeacon!
Support for this publication comes in part from these businesses. We have highlighted what makes them special on their own dedicated pages. Want your business listed here? See the "Sponsor Spotlight" or "Event Promotion" option in our Advertising Page.
A podcast from A Little Beacon Blog. Your hosts: Katie Hellmuth martin & Brandon Lillard.
The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.
