While working the maker’s market circuit all over New York state these past few years, I’ve been lucky enough to meet some really wonderful people doing the same. One of them is Aimée de Simone of Berte, who’s so warm and friendly, has great taste, and is ALSO a champion of handmade makers. Her booths at markets were always brimming with the most beautiful, covet-able things from squishy throw pillows, to burn-all-the-time incense, to handmade ceramics that you just want to show off.
The lovely Aimée, photo by Jennifer Young Studios
And last October she made a major upgrade, opening a real live shop in Beacon! It’s full of even more treasures now (I didn’t know I needed cashmere socks in my life until I picked up this pair) and I’m lucky enough to have a few of my own pieces there. There’s even an occasional cameo from her corgi, Bowie.
Since Aimée has been a long-time Beacon fan I wanted to ask her more about her chosen home town and some of the places she considers its hidden gems. Read on for why she chose Beacon, and her insider recommendations for your next trip:
WHAT ORIGINALLY ATTRACTED YOU TO BEACON?
The post hike brewski. My husband and I used to go to Beacon after hiking Fishkill Ridge. We'd grab a beer and a burger at the local gastropub (which was then called The Hop, but now it's Melzingah's Tap House). I also just loved strolling along Main Street, it just seemed to go on and on and on. Fun fact - I worked in TV for 10 years and filmed B-roll of countless Main Streets in this country. I have to say....I think Beacon's Main Street is the best there is ;)
IS THERE A PLACE YOU THINK MORE PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?
Artisan Wine Shop - they have the most amazing selection of natural wines. The staff is super knowledgeable and so very nice. Also I'd be remiss not to mention a new spot (that's close to Berte!) - Miss Tea - they have the BEST tea selection EVER.
BEST CUP OF COFFEE? WHAT’S YOUR DRINK OF CHOICE?
I love the ambiance and the beans at Kitchen & Coffee (it's all about the beans). Big Mouth and TRAX are tied for a very close second IMHO. Beacon has a lot of coffee shops...it's honestly tough to choose! My drink of choice varies - I usually drink black coffee at home, but if I'm feeling fancy I'll get an oat milk latte...or a matcha latte with oat milk. I like oat milk.
FAVORITE SNACK SPOT? WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO GET?
Hummus and pita from Ziatun's. I've been trying to find out where they source the olive oil that they drizzle all over their yummy hummus, but they won't tell me (wahhhh!!!). Also - a cheddar and scallion corn muffin from Kitchen & Coffee is *chef's kiss*
WHEN YOU WANT TO DISAPPEAR INTO NATURE, WHERE DO YOU GO?
Fahnestock Park. It's massive and there are SO MANY trails. I also love going to Bowdoin Park when it's just my dog, Bowie, and I.
YOUR PERFECT WEEKEND?
Well my perfect weekend these days involves (wo)manning the shop and chatting with all of my lovely customers ;) But before I opened the storefront (and before the pandemic), the perfect weekend usually involved a hike, visiting a nearby Hudson Valley town, a delicious meal (I miss eating out!), plenty of natural wine, friends, and a fire pit.
THE RESTAURANT YOU’RE GOING BACK TO ONCE THE PANDEMIC IS OVER? WHAT CAN’T YOU WAIT TO ORDER FROM THEM?
Brava in Lenox, MA. All of their Italian tapas and pizzas. Literally all of them.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING AT YOUR OWN STORE, WHAT’S ANOTHER SHOP YOU LIKE TO POP IN TO?
Flora Good Times, King + Curated, Afton Road, Hyperbole, Reservoir, Colorant, Solstad House. And yes, I mostly go to these shops because I'm friends with the owners, but I also love what they sell!