Hidden Gems in Beacon, NY

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!

Hidden Gems in Kingston, NY

Every time I’m in Kingston I make it a point to stop into Facets of Earth, a jewelry store feels different and more special than the other shops in town. Its owner, Morgan Mikula, mixes her own expertly crafted fine jewelry with the work of other drool-worthy designers, and I’m thrilled to have some of my pieces there, too!

This light and airy shop is along Broadway, a stone’s throw away from the Hudson River and the Kingston Waterfront that Morgan loves so much. Next time you’re in Kingston make Facets of Earth your first stop, and then hit up her recommendations for the city’s hidden gems:

Best cup of coffee

For Morgan, it’s a toss-up between Village Coffee and Goods and Rough Draft Bar & Books. Her drink of choice? A Red Eye, an Americano with a shot of espresso and cream.

Favorite dinner spot

She loves The Kinsley, a group of 19th century houses-turned-hotels featuring an exceptional restaurant. If you’re more in the mood for hangover food, she recommends Tubby’s, especially their tachos (a.k.a. tater tots loaded with fixings, a.k.a. the only thing I want to eat for the rest of my life).

BEST place to grab drinks

She recommends Tubby’s again. Morgan says they have a great selection of drinks, and if you see her there she’ll most likely be sipping one of their mezcals.

Favorite boutique

Morgan recommends Hops Petunia, a combination flower and gift shop across the street from Facets of Earth, and Lovefield Vintage, full of vintage clothing treasures.

Perfect Weekend Activity

Visiting the Farmer’s Market and long walks along the Waterfront.

De-Stressing Holiday Travel

Holidays are a great reason to spend quality time with family, especially the ones you don’t see very often. Or maybe you prefer disappearing for a while, visiting remote locales where you can disconnect and recharge. Here are my favorite tips for minimizing the stress of getting there so you can spend more time actually enjoying your time away:

1
Try limiting yourself to one carry-on so you can skip baggage claim and get out of the airport fast. If you do need to check a bag, Tracy of Brunette Wine Bar recommends putting emergency supplies in your carry-on: a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a bathing suit; even if your luggage gets lost, your vacation’s not ruined.

2
If you’re like me and you can’t go anywhere without jewelry, bring a jewelry roll or travel case to protect your valuables. They’ve got dedicated spaces and pockets designed especially for jewelry, and they let you bring options (very, very important 😉).

3
My friend Amy recommends bringing small bags of candy for the airline counter, gate, and cabin crew on your next flight. You might be having a rough day, but they have to deal with everyone’s rough day. It’s a small gesture of thanks that can go a long way, and might results in occasional perks from grateful staff. 

4
Suysel of Tilton Fenwick recommends having a photo of your passport and license on your phone just in case something should happen to the real ones.

5
My friend Peter recommends looking into gym hours or workout classes at your hotel or near where you’re staying. The holidays are all about overeating and lazing about (mine are, at least), and a trip to the gym can help keep you feeling balanced.

Hope these tips help make your trips more enjoyable, and have a wonderful holiday!