‘TIS THE SEASON: HOLIDAY SHOPPING IN HUDSON, NY

From the Publisher - Ellen Thurston, a long-time resident of Hudson, NY, is an accomplished writer. In recent years Ellen has prepared a written narrative about holiday shopping in the diverse Hudson marketplace of shops and galleries. Reprinted with permission. Enjoy!

‘TIS THE SEASON: HOLIDAY SHOPPING IN HUDSON, NY

Don’t you hate those people who have all their holiday shopping done by Halloween? I, for one, have to be in the mood, so now that we are well past December 1st and the pages are flying off the calendar Hollywood style, the push is on.

The easiest and fastest way to shop under these circumstances is to do it all right here in Hudson, so off I went on my usual route across 3rd and up Warren. While I was eager to get it all done, I was relatively uninspired until I stepped inside Verdigris, the teashop on South Third. Of course Verdigris is all about tea, but tea like you’ve never experienced it before. I sampled the unique jam-like Korean Tea in a Jar (merely stir a spoonful into hot water) and chose the ginger. I was then caught by the description on the can of Sarabeth’s Hot Chocolate Parisienne: “Near the Louvre, there is a place they say serves the finest hot chocolate in the world. After many attempts, I recreated this thick luscious ambrosia….” Need I say more. I’ll take one for Cousin Doris and (oh why not) one for myself.

On to two of the most reliable of gift sources—Lili and Loo, a haven for gift givers, and Steiner’s Sports Center, the local spot for outerwear, sports equipment and more. Lili and Loo has expanded its furniture line, and continues to carry a beautiful assortment of tableware and accessories. I was happy to see they still sell the $20 box of wax beads (pour the contents into a suitable container, place the wick in the center and light), a gift I’ve given successfully several times. I’ll be back later, but for now the rest of Warren Street awaits.

No shopping trip to Hudson would be complete without stopping at two of the most inventive stores in town—Tim Dunleavy’s Rural Residence and Dan Turk’s Knotty Woodpecker, both in the 300 block. Elegance is the watchword at Rural Residence, while the Woodpecker offers both the practical and the humorous.

Dan Turk has now created his own KW brand of sleepwear. The unisex long johns come in red and white or black and white stripes, or stamped with roosters, acorns, or a western motif. That’s not all—union suits with trap doors, women’s sleep bloomers, and a new line of men’s sleepwear called, affectionately, the Horse’s A**. These will be perfect for some of the men on my list.

Next, a stop at Marx Home. Though Marx now sells furniture, I still think of it as the kitchen store, with a fine line of cookware and gadgetry and all that silicone stuff in great colors. My favorite stocking stuffer this year is the acid green, dishwasher safe, silicone pastry brush with removable head.

In the 300 block I noted the used books and records at John Doe, and Hudson Home’s sparkly Christmas decorations, and once in the 400 block I was taken with the gorgeous plants and botanical prints at Hedstrom & Judd and Otto’s opulent Turkish imports. I was then pulled toward Mix, located at 438 Warren. Here you will find unusual home furnishings, including a lacy cutout curtain panel made of sturdy Tyvec in black or white. This “fabric” has also been fashioned into a frothy hanging Midsummer Light. I was amused by two recent arrivals—the clip-on pigeon lamp from England and the Japanese shoes and socks with divided toes. I am told the socks work well with Birkenstocks, making them perfect gifts for aging hippie friends.

Spotty Dog Books & Ale is a friendly place to take a break, but you will find yourself shopping here too. It is a good source for art supplies, and children’s books and toys. I stopped off to order a copy of Alan Bennett’s The Uncommon Reader for my sister, and, lo and behold, there it was on the shelf along with a lot of other tempting books.

Speaking of books, a hot new local history book will arrive just in time for Christmas and will be available in Hudson on December 20th at the Spotty Dog, Rural Residence and Hudson City Books. It is Peter Stott’s long-awaited book on industrial archeology, Looking for Work, published by the Columbia County Historical Society. In this book, Stott “turns a spotlight on the remains of local industry—mills, mines, factories, etc…--to discover when and why each of the 18 towns and the city of Hudson was settled… and developed.” Sounds intriguing. Put me down for one.

On to the 500 block. Kosa, relocated at the corner of Fifth, still has those gorgeous one-of-a-kind cashmere hats, neck warmers, and sweaters from e-ko-logic, and oodles of beautiful scarves and other pretty things. Here I bought a free trade Peruvian knit scarf in a beautiful shade of go-with-everything red for my friend Sue.

The 500 block is home to some familiar standbys—Pavillion gift store, and White Rice, where furniture and women’s and children’s clothing can be found. There are great sweaters and jackets here, evening clothes for mom and a little girl butterfly dress (complete with wings) suitable for dress-up.

Two fine jewelry stores reside in this block. You may be familiar with Ornamentum, now holding its annual earring sale, but Shana Lee Studio & Designs at 521 Warren is also worth a visit.

Next I stopped in at Hudson City Books (used and rare) to see if they might have a copy of the Amos Oz book my book club is reading. No on that account, but I walked away with three other books I couldn’t resist: A Traveller in Little Things, a collection of stories, sketches…[and] things overheard” by one W.H. Hudson (no relation); Elbert Hubbard’s Scrap Book (only $5); and Marion Meade’s biography of Dorothy Parker, all good holiday reading.

I then took a peek around the corner on Sixth Street at the new shop and salon called Casa Urbana (Italian for townhouse). The Casa is selling “world-class lines” of bath and body products for both men and women, all beautifully packaged. I settled on the Thymes Olive Leaf soap, so beautiful it should come with a frame around it.

Time for another break, so I slipped into Le Gamin at 609 Warren. Very delicious, and very French, of course, right down to the potential gift items for sale—the Le Gamin coffee bowl for $18, French soaps, tableware and cookbooks.

deMarchin, the reliable men’s and women’s clothing store at 620 Warren, has expanded across the street to open Cote Famille. Here you will find children’s clothing, toys, and great piggy banks, all adorable. Most practical is the baby blanket bag that fits into a stroller. As I leaned against the wind that swept across Warren, I found myself wishing those blanket bags came in adult sizes too.

No Christmas shopping trip would be complete without a stop at Vasilow’s Confectionary on Columbia Street. I bought my favorite chocolate covered cranberries and also picked up Carob covered dog biscuits for William, my favorite dog. The biscuits come in two sizes—large and small—depending on the dog.

Sometimes a consumable gift is your best bet for the person (or pet) who has everything and more. And don’t forget your own holiday entertaining needs. Michael at Hudson Wine Merchants is standing by and so is Dena Moran at Olde Hudson. Michael is making deliveries in Manhattan on Wednesday, December 19th, and Dena is busy preparing cheese platters and gift baskets to suit your needs.

So many shops, so little time. I haven’t yet mentioned Hudson’s antique stores, which offer a great variety of intriguing items, from a $5 china teacup for your Aunt Clara to more expensive items that will last beyond a lifetime. A number of stores carry small collectibles and memorabilia, and practical items too. I was reminded of this when I entered Carousel Antiques at 611 Warren where I saw a portable music stand for $45. Somebody’s grandson needs this.

If you are desperate for a last minute gift, place your book order with the Spotty Dog before 3 pm for next day delivery. If you are really out of time, gift certificates are available from most stores, as well as from local restaurants and salons.

Finally, as I headed home, laden with packages and satisfaction, I realized this is the third year I’ve been able to do all my holiday gift shopping right here, and at surprisingly comfortable prices, especially given the uniqueness and high quality of items. There is always something new in Hudson. Fifteen new businesses (including two restaurants, five antiques/interior design stores, three galleries, four retail shops and one hair salon) have opened on Warren Street since last year’s Winter Walk. Hudson business continues to expand and diversify. Sure I miss the Town Fair, and there are other niches that need filling, but remember that several years ago many people longed for a bookstore, and now we have two.

So, happy shopping, and best of all, happy holidays to you and yours.

--Ellen Thurston

THE OUTTAKES
Whether you are pressed for cash or not, a trip to Hudson’s thrift shop, The Second Show, will open your eyes. Do they save all their best stuff for this time of year? During this foray, there was a rack of previously-owned furs—both faux and real—near the front door, and a Land’s End ski sweater that I swear had never been worn.

If its vintage you want, try Gypsies, a group shop at 624. This is the place for vintage linens and jewelry. Also be sure to check out Lisa Durfee’s Five & Diamond on the corner of Fifth & Columbia.

If you have been lusting after one of Jeffrey Aronoff’s handwoven chenille scarves or throws, (seen at his studio at 307 Warren) now is the time. Jeffrey is holding a big holiday sale right now. Call him at 671-6501.

This Friday from 3 to 6 is your last chance to visit the Winter Market at 243 Warren, where David Ludtke is selling chutneys, relishes, Christmas cookies (for those of us who run out of time to bake), and candy apples. The Camphill bakers will be there as well.

Finally, a membership or donation to your favorite nonprofit organization in your giftee’s name gives triple benefits—introduces the giftee to the organization, gives you a tax benefit, and does good work, all at the same time.

THE END OF FALL ..

We are in the last weeks of Fall. What can I say. Our first storm took place late on Sunday, December 2. The evening before witnessed the arrival of the annual 'WinterWalk' in Hudson, across the river from Catskill. A numbing cold kept the numbers of visitors down, but still thousands showed up. The holiday display at Ad Lib Antiques and Hudson Home garnered top prizes for their window decoration.

Is the mood festive? I'm not sure. Many, if not most, of my fellow merchants in Catskill and Hudson remark that business is off, a lack of the customary visitors to the upper Hudson Valley. To counter that trend historic Catskill is planning a series of holiday events, starting with the monthly 'Saturday Stroll' along Main Street on December 8, late afternoon through the evening.

When the air is brisk and conditions are dry, the back roads of Greene County and the vistas they offer are stunning. This photograph of a painting recently sold at auction illustrates such a view. If you want a suggested afternoon drive toward our Windham and Hunter mountains, let me know.

In the meanwhile you can visit "www.welcometocatskill.com", for more information on our upcoming Holiday Season.