Ancram, NY
Places to visit in Ancram, NY
Fulton & Forbes
Fulton & Forbes brings a thoughtfully curated wine and spirits experience to the historic town of Ancram, NY. Housed in a beautifully restored cottage-style building, the shop reflects owner Rachel Merriam’s vision of pairing classic and traditional wines with distinctive, small-batch spirits—many sourced from outstanding producers across the Northeast. Alongside bottles from Hudson Chatham Winery, Milea Estate Vineyard, and Field Supply Wine, the shelves feature regional gin and brandy from Branchwater Farms. To complement the collection, Merriam also stocks beverage wares and elegant housewares—from decanters and cocktail sets to linens and glassware creating a space that feels equal parts wine shop and curated antiques store.
Merriam’s path to opening Fulton & Forbes is as carefully considered as her selections. After training at the Culinary Institute of America, she rose to wine director and sommelier at Manhattan’s acclaimed Casa Mono & Bar Jamón before moving into the world of wine import and distribution. Later, hands-on work at Hudson Chatham Winery deepened her appreciation for vineyard management and sustainable production. Inspired by her grandfather’s entrepreneurial legacy, she poured two years into transforming a long-abandoned building into a welcoming shop filled with personality and purpose. Today, Fulton & Forbes not only celebrates fine wine and spirits but also fosters community through weekly tastings, a soon-to-launch wine club, and private events in the upstairs tasting room.
Whether you’re a weekend visitor exploring the Hudson Valley or a local stocking your cellar, Fulton & Forbes offers something for every occasion. Customers can choose from bespoke half- and full-case selections, browse value wines under $20, or take advantage of complimentary delivery across Columbia County and beyond. With its mix of heritage, hospitality, and heartfelt curation, Fulton & Forbes has quickly become a beloved gathering spot—where conversations flow as easily as the wine.
Hillrock Estate Distillery
At Hillrock Estate Distillery, the rolling hills of Ancram, New York, serve more than just a picturesque backdrop‚ they're an integral partner in the artful creation of spirits. This isn't just a distillery; it's where tradition meets innovation, and each bottle tells a story of meticulous craftsmanship and reverence for the land. The estate operates with a unique approach: from grain to glass, every step of the process is overseen with a dedication to authenticity and quality, ensuring that each sip is a testament to the Hudson Valley's rich agricultural history.
Visitors to Hillrock are invited to wander through fields of grain that whisper tales of time-honored practices and modern ingenuity. The estate's commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients makes it a paragon of farm-to-table distilling. As you explore the elegantly appointed tasting rooms, the air is rich with the earthy aroma of maturing whiskey. Here, you're not just sampling spirits; you're experiencing the essence of the region, distilled into liquid gold. Hillrock Estate Distillery doesn't just offer a drink; it offers a journey through the flavors of the Hudson Valley, where every sip invites you to savor the legacy of the land.
Le Jardin Flower Farm
Le Jardin Flower Farm in Amenia brings a “farm-to-vase” ethos to life with seasonal blooms grown right on their Smithfield Valley acreage. Led by Romane Recalde, of rural France origin, the studio’s style is wild, graceful, and effortlessly natural. Le Jardin is guided by what’s blooming now and, celebrating the imperfection of floral stems making every arrangement one of a kind. From delicate flower crowns to show-stopping arbors, no two are the same, just like the Hudson Valley landscapes that inspire them.
In addition to floral styling for weddings and events, Le Jardin is a neighborhood flower shop where nature meets artistry. Step through the French doors to find fresh stems, a make-your-own flower bar, and a curated mix of local vases, ceramics, antiques, thoughtful gifts, and home goods. Walk in or order ahead for custom arrangements, with local delivery and pickup available.
For celebrations big and small, Le Jardin offers flexible à la carte florals as well as full-service design and installation. Their sustainable, seasonally driven approach turns flowers into atmosphere – personal, textural, and a little wild – so hosts can be fully present while the story of their day blooms around them. Workshops and community events round out the experience, inviting guests to play with flowers and reconnect with creativity and Hudson Valley style.
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