HudsonValleyGoodStuff

Rock Star Rodeo Boutique in Saugerties: Funky holiday gifts in the Hudson Valley

I love Rock Star Rodeo Boutique in Saugerities. I stopped by there for the first time on my birthday last month, and I forgot to blog about it. I had a Twilight Zone experience there. A total stranger carrying two shot glasses and beer walked into the store, and started singing Happy Birthday. I thought there was no way my husband would have planned this, and besides I don't drink beer! Anyway, the guy was serenading Billy Yosh, the store owner who shares my October birthday. We all had a good laugh about that. Billy told me that I had the strangest look on my face.

Anyway, it is a very cool boutique with loads of funny gag type gifts too. Jimmy Fallon, an old buddy of his gave him a shout out on the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon show, and showed off the belt he bought at Rock Star Rodeo.  Check out Rock Star Rodeo's website for Jimmy Fallon clip. Rock Star Rodeo, 110 Partition Street, Saugerties, NY.

KidAround Shop in Saugerties: Clothes, baby gear, toys, classes & personal shopping!

KidAround Shop in Saugerties is a consignment shop that opened up a year ago. They have really expanded since I stopped by in the Spring. They sell used clothes, new and used toys, used strollers, bouncy seats, cribs, the entire line of Melissa & Doug, vintage baby clothes, and handmade bags from local Hudson Valley designers. Owner Claire Raper says, "Grandmas love us!" There is really something for every kid. I was excited to see that they even sell used VHS videos. The only place I find these are at yard sales or eBay.com. In the Fall, KidAround will continue to offer story time, and will be offering Mommy & Me classes as well.

Also, if you are pressed for time, just let Clairel know what you need and she will gather up a few items for you to see (at no obligation).  They also sell cute kids costumes.  The best way to keep up to date with their happenings/events is to follow them on the KidAround Facebook Page. KidAround Shop, 114 Partition Street, Saugerties, NY (845) 247-3342. To learn more about KidAround Shop, including how to become a consignor, visit the KidAround Shop website.

Mama's Boy Cafe in Phoenicia: Mama's comfort food & Catskill gifts!

Mama's Boy Cafe has been open in Phoenicia for about a year now. I checked it out for the first time last week.  It fits right into Phoenicia's quirky, but righteous Main Street. It has a bit of "pot luck" vibe. All the dishes look like Mama just made them.  I only tried the soup and a cupcake this time around. I will be adventurous next time. Anybody have a favorite dish at Mama's Boy? I also love their Catskill-themed souvenirs and locally made preserves and syrups.  

I also noticed that Sweet Sue's is still closed. (This is due to a plumbing/septic issue).  Hopefully Sweet Sue's will be back in business by this Summer. Check out Mama's Boy Cafe! 845-688-3050.

New cheese shop alert: Cheese Louise! on Route 28 in Kingston

Cheese Louise on Route 28 in Kingston opened 4 months ago. I stopped by to check it out last week after I had lunch at Bistro-to-go next door. I was very impressed with their wide selection of local and imported cheeses. The dining area is sleek and inviting. They have lunch specials, soups, sandwiches, a good selection of foodie gifts.

Much Mor Bread, a Hudson Valley organic artisan bread is sold here, and  has a devoted following. Next time, I will try out a grilled cheese sandwich here.  Cheese Louise! 940 Route 28, Kingston, NY, (845) 853-8207. Go check out Cheese Louise! Cheese Louise! website is in the works.

Woodstock Museum at Bethel Woods: Groovy 1969 flash-backs!

 
Bethel, the site of the actual 1969 Woodstock concert is about 90 minute ride from the town of Woodstock. I was excited to finally go as it has been on my list of things to see here in the Hudson Valley for awhile now.   The Museum at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts was very easy to find, and I was happy to see that museum was open on a holiday (Veteran's Day) as the town of Bethel looked like a ghost town.  

The museum was rather empty which was good as we had the kids with us. Although I didn't see any other kids there, the museum is surprising kid-friendly, and I couldn't find anything inappropriate on exhibit.  There are no cameras or cell phones allowed in the museum, and the place is spotless. According to the brochure, there are 20 films, though I only saw a few of them. There is one that plays in a period bus, which was fun to watch.  There is also a film that plays in a panoramic style open cinema with bean bags, which I really enjoyed.

Besides all the cool photographs and memorabilia on the main floor, there is a Special Collection downstairs adjacent to the restrooms which shouldn't be missed. There is a small cafe with a limited menu by the entrance too. Of course, the gift shop is located by the exit/entrance, and there are a ton of expensive groovy souvenir to purchase.  For more information on the Museum at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, visit the museum's website. I'd love to check out a concert at Bethel Woods one day. I've heard it's an amazing concert venue!

Lucky Chocolates in Saugerties now serving DIY gourmet ice cream!

I was very happy to find out that Lucky Chocolates is now serving ice cream. Though there are only 6 flavors, customers can add their favorite gourmet chocolates (say Salt Caramel or Creme Brulee) or any of the other 40 kinds of chocolates) into their scoops to create a dream scoop.(Gluten-free cones are also available too). You just pay $2 for the extra chocolate pieces. You can even add gummy bears, As Rae, the owner says "The possibilities are endless!" You are also free to express yourself and your unique chocolate cravings by custom making ice cream floats or milkshakes. Lucky Chocolates uses organic and fair trade chocolate, and has a selection of vegan and dairy-free treats too. Lucky Chocolates, 115 Partition Street, Saugerties, NY. (845) 246-7337. 

Woodstock Chimes Spring Warehouse Sale is coming!

 

 The Woodstock Chimes Spring Warehouse Sale is almost here. This year it is scheduled for Thursday through Sunday, May 13-16 (9-5 each day). Besides windchimes, you can find tons of instruments for children here. Great place for parents, teachers and education therapists to shop! For more info visit Woodstock Chimes Sale.

Cool Gift Shop: Vintage Designs & Hip Gifts at Still Life Mercantile--Woodstock, NY

 
  
Still Life Mercantile is a cool gift shop in Woodstock. It's a great place to go if you are shopping for a one-of-a-kind witty kind of gift or need to find something for a hip host. Sarah, the owner, says that the store is a design-oriented gift store and most of the merchandise is made by independent designers. You'll find gifts like handmade jewelry (geode slice necklaces), pottery by local artist Shoshona Snow, Envirosax-reusable shopping bags with funky graphic prints on them. (These bags feel kind of silky not like most reusable bags). The gift shop also has crafting books, beautiful designer clothing (under $100). You can see more at the store's blog, Still Life Mercantile, 3 Mill Hill  Road, Woodstock, NY 12498. (845) 679-5172.