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Places to visit shop in the Hudson Valley
Hammertown – Pine Plains
Just outside of the Main Street district in Pine Plains, NY, Hammertown offers a vibrant collection of home furnishings and decor, continuing a legacy that began in a humble barn over 35 years ago. Founded by Joan Osofsky in 1985, this storied location remains the cornerstone of the business, deeply rooted in the Hudson Valley's distinctive style ethos. Hammertown Pine Plains is known for its eclectic range that melds contemporary trends with cherished classics, making it a beloved stop for both locals and visitors seeking something truly special for their homes.
This original store sets itself apart with its carefully curated inventory that features a seamless blend of new and vintage finds. From durable, family-friendly sofas to rare antique kilim chairs, each piece tells a story. The Pine Plains location is especially noted for its array of textiles—a trove of patterned kantha bed quilts and breezy cotton throws that celebrate texture and tradition. Additionally, the site benefits from the charm of its origin, once being Joan Osofsky's personal project, transforming the barn on Hammertown Road into a design haven.
Uniqueness is the hallmark across all Hammertown locations, but Pine Plains stands out with its welcoming barn-like atmosphere and its role as the original site that started a regional design movement. Customers appreciate the seasoned guidance of staff members, whose expertise in design helps buyers conceptualize their ideal spaces. Besides, Hammertown offers in-house design services, enabling shoppers to bring an 'aspirational but attainable' aesthetic into their homes. While Hammertown Rhinebeck location continues this legacy, introducing varied elements suited for urban environments, Pine Plains remains a testament to the brand's rural, yet refined spirit.
Parking: Ample parking available in a dedicated lot alongside the store
Vibe: A cozy, barn-inspired setting with a mix of old and modern decor
What to try: Kilim-upholstered chairs and vintage-inspired textiles
Who it's for: Interior designers and home decor enthusiasts seeking unique pieces
Hours note: Open daily, but checking exact hours online is recommended
Hammertown – Rhinebeck
Hammertown in Rhinebeck, NY, is a distinctive home furnishings and decor shop known for its eclectic mix of rustic, contemporary, and modern styles. Opened in 2001, this location has become a cornerstone in the community, offering everything from custom upholstery and lighting to unique home accents and gifts. Situated in the heart of Rhinebeck's bustling shopping and dining district, Hammertown Rhinebeck invites locals and visitors alike to explore a curated collection that includes both new and vintage pieces, all designed to infuse homes with a comfortable yet stylish aesthetic.
What makes this location unique is its dual role as a design hub and a community space. Hammertown Rhinebeck provides more than just products; it's a place for discovery and inspiration. Customers often engage with knowledgeable staff for design ideas or explore exclusive offerings from brands like Cisco Home and Lee Industries. Along with its flagship, Hammertown Barn in Pine Plains, the Rhinebeck location amplifies its hometown feel, welcoming a steady flow of visitors who seek both practical advice and cutting-edge design concepts.
The store champions a style that's approachable and versatile, making it easy to refresh a single room or undertake a complete home transformation. The space blends effortlessly into Rhinebeck's vibrant district, echoing the town's charm with its thoughtfully layered textiles, antique finds, and contemporary pieces. Whether you're a seasoned interior design enthusiast or someone dipping their toes into home decor for the first time, Hammertown helps you create spaces that feel authentically yours.
Parking: Ample street parking available in downtown Rhinebeck
Vibe: Inviting shop that feels like a cozy living room
Highlights: Exclusive brands like Cisco Home, custom design services
What to try: Vintage seating, unique lighting solutions
Who it's for: Homeowners seeking a fusion of classic and modern design elements
Hours note: Open seven days a week; specific hours vary seasonally
Homestedt
Nestled in the charming village of Livingston Manor, NY, Homestedt is more than just a shop; it's a gateway to the rich culture and scenic beauty of the Catskills. At this intimate and cozy shop, you’ll find an exquisite selection of carefully curated home goods, outdoor clothing, and unique Catskills memorabilia that evoke the spirit of this enchanting region. Each item, from handcrafted kitchenware to British wool sweaters, tells a story of craftsmanship and quality, offering a piece of the Hudson Valley to take home.
Just off Main Street, this quaint shop features a beautifully salvaged checkout counter from a local post office, adding a touch of history to your shopping experience. In this space, you’re invited to explore a blend of European elegance and Catskills charm. It's the perfect stop to gather insights on the area's top outdoor activities—from fly fishing to hiking—recommended by the passionate and knowledgeable owners.
After experiencing the enchanting offerings of Homestedt Livingston Manor, consider venturing to their other remarkable locations: the North Branch Cider Mill for a taste of locally crafted cider and the Homestedt Barn for more bespoke home inspirations. Together, these locations form a trio of destinations that capture the essence of Hudson Valley living, offering both serenity and adventure to all who visit.
Vibe: Cozy and intimate, with a touch of Catskills history
Highlights: Unique home goods and outdoor apparel inspired by the Catskills
What to try: British wool sweaters and handcrafted kitchenware
Who it's for: Individuals seeking unique, locally inspired goods
Good to know: Just off Main Street, contributing to its convenient and accessible location
Homestedt Barn
Step into the Homestedt Barn, a recently opened oasis of charm in North Branch, NY that invites you to explore a carefully curated collection of unique and distinguished items. From British wool blankets to exquisite handmade ceramics, every piece tells a story and enriches your space with character. The environment itself feels inviting and personal, offering a shopping experience that feels remarkably like browsing the intimate corners of a well-loved home.
Beyond retail, the barn serves as a dynamic showroom for Homestedt Houses. Here, you can immerse yourself in the thoughtful designs, rich materials, and expressive mood boards that define the brand's approach to creating special living spaces. This is a place where ideas come to life, and inspirations flow freely.
As you explore the North Branch area, consider also visiting the Homestedt and North Branch Cider Mill locations. Each offers its own delightful experience, complementing the eclectic charm you'll find at the barn. Whether you’re redecorating, seeking a special gift, or simply indulging your love of design, the Homestedt Barn promises an experience long remembered.
Parking: Onsite parking available for visitors
Vibe: Cozy and welcoming with a blend of modern and vintage decor
Highlights: Unique handmade ceramics and vintage furniture pieces
Who it's for: Home decorators, design enthusiasts, and antiques hunters
Hours note: Open Saturdays 10-5 and Sundays 10-4
Hudson Wine Merchants
Since its founding in 2004, Hudson Wine Merchants has positioned itself as an essential destination for wine and spirit enthusiasts in Hudson, NY. Located on the bustling Warren Street, this boutique shop distinguishes itself with its meticulously curated selection of wines and spirits sourced from renowned vineyards and distillers around the globe. The store's aesthetic combines historic charm with a modern sensibility, reflective of Hudson’s own dual nature. Visitors stepping into the store are met with organized displays where each bottle is chosen for its character and craftsmanship, a testament to owner Marianne Courville's dedication to quality and discernment.
What sets Hudson Wine Merchants apart from other wine shops is its community-focused ethos and the international network of partnerships that drive its selection. Courville, who relocated to the Hudson Valley from Brooklyn, brings her experience from the art world into the meticulous selection of offerings, which include everything from boutique French vintages to cutting-edge American spirits. Her first-hand vineyard visits and participation in industry tastings ensure that patrons can access rare and noteworthy bottles that might otherwise be difficult to find.
The shop also serves as a cultural touchstone within Hudson, often hosting tastings and events that draw both locals and visitors to explore its offerings more deeply. With a keen eye on the latest beverage trends, Courville has also been involved in the broader local ecosystem through ventures like The Hudson Standard, which complements the wine merchant with handmade cocktail bitters and syrups made with ingredients from local farms.
Parking: Street parking is available along Warren Street
Vibe: Warm and inviting with a focus on personal service and expertise
What to try: Ask about their latest French vintages or unique American craft spirits
Who it's for: Wine connoisseurs and cocktail enthusiasts
Hours note: Sunday 12-7, Monday to Thursday 11-7, Friday to Saturday until 8
Irwin Garden
Irwin Garden on West Market Street is a botanical boutique in Rhinebeck, NY, offering a thoughtfully curated mix of rare and exotic plants alongside design-forward home goods. The space feels like a living gallery, where lush greenery is artfully arranged among ceramics, apothecary items, and decor that balances rustic charm with a refined, modern sensibility. It’s equally appealing to dedicated plant collectors and casual visitors looking to bring a bit of nature indoors.
Beyond its plant selection, Irwin Garden stands out for its attention to quality and curation. The shop features handcrafted ceramics from makers like Jessie Lazar and Bergs Potter, as well as locally inspired apparel and accessories. Knowledgeable staff provide practical guidance for plant care, while the shop’s strong ties to the Hudson Valley community give it a sense of place that feels both personal and enduring.
Parking: Street parking available on West Market Street
Vibe: Rustic meets modern elegance with an emphasis on nature
What to try: Check out the Bergs Potter ceramics and Ula Botanic apothecary line
Who it's for: Plant lovers, decor enthusiasts, and those looking for unique gifts
Hours note: Open Thursday to Sunday, from 11-5
Jamestown Hudson
Jamestown Hudson stands as a well-regarded boutique in the heart of Hudson, NY, offering a chic selection that draws on the nuanced aesthetics of its founders, James Scully and Tom Mendenhall. Channeling the refined influences of Ralph Lauren, the store caters to both men and women with a distinctive blend of clothing, accessories, and home goods that manifest a dedication to craftsmanship and enduring style. This shop is not only a testament to fashion, but also embodies a community ethos, embodying the Fifteen Percent Pledge which focuses on supporting black-owned businesses by dedicating a portion of their inventory to minority entrepreneurs.
Among Hudson's many boutiques, Jamestown Hudson pairs upscale, timeless fashion with an inclusivity-first buying philosophy. Emphasizing inclusivity and high-quality offerings, the store takes pride in a variety of brands that reflect a commitment to diversity and sophistication. Visitors can expect to find unique pieces that transcend fleeting fashion trends, promoting enduring style rather than fast fashion. This community-driven approach fosters a sense of belonging and connection, making Jamestown Hudson not just a shopping destination, but a participant in the story of Hudson's vibrant, artisanal scene.
Parking: Convenient street parking along Warren Street
Vibe: Upscale boutique with a commitment to community and craftsmanship
Who it's for: Fashion enthusiasts seeking enduring style
Good to know: Offers products from minority-owned businesses
Hours note: Typically open seven days a week, but check online for holiday hours
Photography by: Adam T. Deen
Kingston Wine Co.
Kingston Wine Co. finds its home in the charming historic waterfront district of downtown Kingston, NY. This boutique wine shop stands out for its meticulously curated collections of wines and spirits, attracting both locals and visitors eager to discover new favorites from acclaimed and emerging vineyards alike. The shop’s shelves feature an enticing array of options that span domestic offerings and international classics, catering to both casual shoppers looking to restock their evening dinner wines and connoisseurs in search of something distinct. With a focus on pairing quality with discoverability, Kingston Wine Co. is a key fixture for wine enthusiasts traveling through the heart of Ulster County.
Within a compact interior, Kingston Wine Co. manages to represent a broad sweep of the wine world. The shop not only supplies well-known varietals but also champions lesser-known wine regions and varietals, providing customers with a broad spectrum of choice from affordable to indulgent price points. This commitment is evident in their special curated cases, like the Unique New York Six Pack and the Chillable Reds, which offer thematic samplings tactically assembled by knowledgeable staff to deepen the wine-drinking experience. As a local institution, it also hosts events and private tastings that serve as a cultural bridge between the local community and the global vineyard landscapes, emphasizing both education and enjoyment.
Hours note: Open Mon-Wed 12 PM - 7 PM, Thu-Sun 11 AM - 8 PM
Highlights: Curated wine cases for varied themes and tastes
What to try: Unique New York Six Pack featuring local selections
Good to know: Located in Kingston's historic waterfront area
Vibe: Intimate shop with a focus on discovery and education
L'Impatience Ceramics
L'Impatience is a ceramics studio dedicated to crafting pieces with timeless design and pure form. Located between the Hudson Valley and the Catskills mountains of upstate New York, their full-scale production facility is complemented by a vibrant community space. Here, they offer memberships and workshops, inviting you to engage with the art of ceramics and rediscover the beauty of everyday rituals.
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.
Parking: On-site and street parking available
Vibe: Rustic flair with a touch of French countryside
What to try: Create your custom bouquet at the make-your-own flower bar
Who it's for: Nature enthusiasts, event planners, and anyone seeking bespoke floral designs
Hours note: Open Thursday through Saturday, 10-4; consider pre-ordering for convenience
Good to know: Offers local delivery and pickup options for pre-ordered floral arrangements
Little King
In the bustling center of Beacon, New York, Little King distinguishes itself as a haven for premium homeware and innovative design. Specializing in Nordic and Japanese aesthetics, this shop is where Ken Baldwin’s expansive curatorial vision comes alive. The blend of functional and beautiful items, from timeless Finnish glassware to top-tier kitchen gadgets, is carefully chosen to not just decorate a home but also enhance the quality of daily life. Collaborating locally, the shop integrates the craftsmanship of regional artisans into its offerings, fostering a network of creative synergy right on Main Street.
One of Little King's defining characteristics is its commitment to diversity, visible both through its ownership and its advocacy for community inclusion. Not just a purveyor of goods, the store champions local creativity by hosting pop-up events, supporting artists, and emphasizing sustainable practices. Chef Jeremy King's culinary influence adds another layer of distinction. The aroma of fresh pastries fills the air, showcasing his culinary artistry developed over years in London. Regulars know to pair these delicacies with a cup of Gracenote Coffee, creating a seamless blend of culinary and retail experiences.
Beyond its product lineup, Little King offers an atmospheric shopping experience that is as inviting as it is enlightening. With a bright interior designed to encourage exploration, each visit feels like a new discovery. Shoppers are often drawn to the array of home goods, from linens to candles to kitchenware, subtly whispering the philosophy of ‘buy better, buy once.’ For travelers and locals alike, Little King is more than a shop; it’s a destination that encapsulates Beacon's culture of artistry and innovation.
Parking: Street parking available along Main Street
Vibe: Welcoming community space celebrating diverse cultures
What to try: Freshly baked pastries by Chef Jeremy King
Highlights: Hosting of local artisan pop-ups and events
Good to know: Offers a thoughtfully curated range of sustainable products
Marton & Davis
Marton & Davis is a home and lifestyle boutique in the heart of Chatham, NY, co-founded by longtime Columbia County residents Melissa Davis and Sherri Marton. Located at 33 Main Street in a historic storefront, the shop offers a thoughtfully curated selection of décor, bath and body products, gifts, and a signature line of Swedish sweets packaged under the Marton & Davis brand. Drawing on their backgrounds in fashion, branding, and real estate, Davis and Marton have created a space that blends timeless style with a sense of discovery, featuring products from renowned designers like John Derian and Bordallo Pinheiro alongside locally made goods, antiques, and exclusive small-batch items.
The shop is deeply rooted in community and history, reflecting the founders’ shared passion for design, storytelling, and the Hudson Valley. Both Davis and Marton previously served on the board of the Columbia County Historical Society, and Davis previously created the Mercantile at the Vanderpoel House, a project that inspired her desire to open a permanent retail space. With Marton’s encouragement, the pair transformed their vision into reality, quickly reimagining the narrow storefront with thoughtful design touches like French doors connecting to neighboring boutique Still Life for future shared events.
More than just a retail destination, Marton & Davis celebrates craftsmanship, local makers, and the joy of in-person shopping. The owners aim to create an inspiring shopping experience where customers can discover beautifully made, often hard-to-find pieces that feel personal and unique.
Parking: Street parking available on Main Street
Vibe: Community-focused with an emphasis on design and history
Highlights: Signature Swedish sweets and exclusive designer items
What to try: Locally made antiques and calligraphed gift tags
Hours note: Open Saturdays and Sundays from 11-5
Photography by: Mendy Waits
North Branch Cider Mill
Nestled in the scenic region of the western Catskills, the North Branch Cider Mill in North Branch, NY Road is a cherished local establishment dedicated to celebrating Sullivan County's agricultural roots. The mill entices visitors with its fresh apple cider, warmly spiced apple cider doughnuts, and expertly crafted apple pies, each bite connecting patrons to the rich landscapes of New York. As an enduring symbol of the region's apple-producing heritage, this cider mill continues to play a vital role in the community offering more than just products, but a true taste of the local harvest.
Unique elements set the North Branch Cider Mill apart, notably its revitalization under the stewardship of Anna and Tom, who sought to breathe new life into this historic institution. Their extensive efforts to preserve the mill's legacy, with an eye toward sustainability and community collaboration, enriches the visitor experience. Beyond nostalgia, this cider mill embodies integration with new and local traditions, making it a significant cultural landmark. Retaining its original charm while adapting to modern sensibilities, the mill provides both historical insight and contemporary pleasure, connecting with locals and visitors alike through its commitment to high-quality products.
In addition to its sweet offerings, the cider mill stocks a carefully curated inventory of pantry provisions, candies, chocolates, and gifts, drawing from the traditions of old-fashioned country stores. Customers can explore items that echo the mill's rustic and timeless character. The adjoining Homestedt store and the Homestedt Barn further amplify this artisanal experience. Offering home goods and design elements sourced with the same heartfelt intention, these spaces together nurture a multifaceted engagement with the Catskills. Whether stopping in for a quick purchase or a leisurely exploration, the North Branch Cider Mill provides a wholesome journey through taste and craft.
Hours note: Saturday 10-5 PM, Sunday 10-4 PM, Wednesday to Friday 11-5 PM
Highlights: Renowned for its fresh cider and artisanal apple pies
What to try: Fresh apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, and apple pies
Who it's for: Ideal for families and food enthusiasts exploring the Catskills
Good to know: Close proximity to Homestedt and Homestedt Barn for extended shopping
Olde Hudson
Olde Hudson stands as a distinguished specialty shop on Warren Street in Hudson, NY, renowned for offering an eclectic array of gourmet foods and delicacies. While its roots date back to 2001, when Dena Moran first began showcasing high-quality items, today it has evolved into a cornerstone for both locals and visitors in pursuit of exceptional culinary products. The shop is celebrated for its diverse selection of cheeses, prime Angus meats, fresh seafood, and an assortment of exclusive pantry items, melding local flavors with international influences to create a unique shopping experience.
What sets Olde Hudson apart is its meticulously curated selection, reflecting Moran's passion for quality and global cuisine. A notable highlight is their cheese course, crafted to please even the most refined palates. Guests can handpick from a variety of cheeses, harmonized with artisanal accompaniments like crackers and charcuterie. This dedication extends to their exclusive lines, such as the La Castellina extra virgin olive oil, the only place in the U.S. where this Tuscan oil can be found. Such offerings not only emphasize the store's quality but also its role in connecting the Hudson Valley's culinary scene to the broader world.
The inviting space at Olde Hudson is as much about the ambiance as it is about the products. Visitors can explore rows of carefully selected goods that include fragrant spices, lush estate coffees, and indulgent sweet treats. The shop's cafe also entices with its fresh market meals available for pickup, adding convenience for those with busy schedules. Practicality meets passion here, as each visit offers a chance to uncover new flavors and create memorable dining experiences at home. With its reputation for both quality and variety, Olde Hudson continues to be a vital gourmet destination in Hudson.
Parking: Ample street parking along Warren Street
Vibe: Blend of rustic charm and modern elegance
What to try: Custom cheese courses with trio of gourmet selections
Good to know: Only U.S. carrier of La Castellina olive oil
Hours note: Opens early on weekends for shoppers
Otto's Market
Otto’s Market has been a cornerstone of Germantown since 1927, offering locals and visitors a welcoming place to shop, gather, and connect. Originally established as Central Market, the grocery closed briefly in 2007 before Otto Leuschel revived it the following year, transforming it into a hub that seamlessly combined everyday groceries with local farm-fresh produce, specialty foods, and a sense of community. Today, Otto’s remains true to its roots as both a small-town market and a social gathering place, serving deli sandwiches, fresh baked goods, prepared meals, and an evolving selection of local products, all within a space that celebrates its historic character.
In 2017, Otto’s Market entered a new chapter when it was purchased by four friends—Tracy and Dana Martin, Rae Cohen, and restaurateur Noah Bernamoff—who have built upon Leuschel’s foundation while bringing their own expertise in sustainability, hospitality, and design. Under their leadership, the market has undergone significant upgrades, from energy-efficient renovations and a new patio to expanded seating and a composting program that invites community participation. These initiatives reflect Otto’s deep commitment to nourishing Germantown not only with food, but also through environmental stewardship and inclusive community engagement.
More than just a grocery store, Otto’s has become an anchor for Germantown’s revitalization and a living embodiment of its values, supporting local farms, fostering partnerships, and providing a safe space to connect. Whether stopping in for coffee, grabbing a Friday night pizza, or sharing conversation on the patio, neighbors find Otto’s to be a gathering place rooted in nearly a century of tradition and carried forward with care for the future.
Photography by: Matthew Johnson
Pidgin
Tucked away in the quiet hamlet of Oak Hill, Pidgin is a poetic blend of antique shop, design studio, and sensory experience. Founded by poet and designer Kostas Anagnopoulos, the shop takes its name from a “pidgin”, a simplified form of communication born out of necessity between people without a shared language. Here, that idea takes shape in objects rather than words. Each piece, from weathered wooden tools to handwoven textiles, speaks its own dialect of beauty and utility. Together, they form a kind of conversation, one that bridges eras, cultures, and sensibilities with unspoken grace.
The store itself, set within a lovingly restored 1870s general store, feels more like the home of a design-minded friend than a traditional shop. Every corner carries Anagnopoulos’s curatorial eye and emotional connection to the objects he’s collected over a lifetime, from vintage brassware and handmade soaps to pashmina scarves and small-batch olive oil from his family’s orchard in Greece. The scent of copal resin incense fills the air, and the effect is immersive and intimate, part gallery, part sanctuary. Visitors are invited not just to browse, but to linger, converse, and perhaps share a cup of tea.
Anagnopoulos’s philosophy of collecting is as much about letting go as it is about acquisition. “The harder it is to part with something, the better it feels,” he says, embodying the paradox that defines Pidgin: reverence and detachment, preservation and reinvention. The store’s ever-evolving mix of antiques, artisan goods, and contemporary oddities creates a living ecosystem, an ongoing dialogue between past and future, maker and collector, object and observer. Whether in person or through its upcoming online shop, Pidgin continues to extend this quiet, soulful conversation to anyone willing to listen.
Pidgin is open Friday through Sunday 11-5, long weekends, and occasionally by appointment.
Photography by: Victor Schrager
Plain Goods
Slightly outside the Hudson Valley proper, Plain Goods is a thoughtfully curated shop devoted to impeccable craftsmanship, purity of form, and a deep respect for materials made to last. Each season, the store presents a refined collection for the home and wardrobe, spanning men’s, women’s, and children’s offerings, guided by a belief in simplicity, functionality, and beauty that improves with age. The mix of contemporary pieces alongside antique and vintage finds creates a layered, tactile experience where everything feels considered, useful, and quietly special.
Founded in 2015 by interior designer Michael DePerno and fashion brand manager Andrew Fry, Plain Goods is located in New Preston, Connecticut, inside the lovingly restored Pavilion Hall, a prominent Victorian building dating back to 1897. The 6,000-square-foot, two-level space serves as both a shop and a canvas, blending historic architectural details with a modern sensibility. Furniture, textiles, clothing, and everyday objects are displayed in a way that encourages discovery—where a perfect linen napkin, classic trench coat, or beautifully reconditioned antique chair can feel equally essential.
At its core, Plain Goods is about slowing down and buying well. DePerno and Fry prioritize artisanship, longevity, and timeless design over trends, working closely with skilled craftspeople and designers who share their values. Recognized by Architectural Digest as one of the best home décor stores in New England and praised by Vogue for its minimalist sensibility, Plain Goods offers more than shopping—it offers an experience rooted in care, restraint, and an enduring appreciation for things made with integrity.
Photographs by Ellen McDermott with Bridget Sciales
Rough Draft Bar & Books
In the heart of Kingston's Stockade district, Rough Draft Bar & Books has carved out a singular space where beer taps meet bookshelves, and espresso pairs as easily with a novel as it does with a neighborly chat. Founded in 2017 by Amanda and Anthony Stromoski, former Brooklynites turned small-business visionaries, Rough Draft blends bookstore, bar, coffee shop, and event space into one warm and highly social community hub. Set in a historic building at the city’s Four Corners, the space brings together exposed brick, cozy seating, and an ever-rotating selection of new books and locally sourced drinks—from Hudson Valley craft beers to Counter Culture coffee and Aussie-style savory pies.
But Rough Draft isn’t just a vibe—it’s a smart business model. By combining multiple revenue streams (books, booze, coffee, snacks, and merch), the Stromoskis have built resilience into their business, weathering the pandemic with strategic pivots like home delivery, outdoor seating expansion, and online ordering. Events like author readings, trivia nights, and brewery showcases draw a loyal following, while the bar’s casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere has made it a magnet for creative meetings, local families, and remote workers alike. Named for both literary drafts and draught beer, Rough Draft is more than a bookstore or bar—it’s a thoughtfully unfinished place where ideas, friendships, and good stories continue to unfold.
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