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The holiday shopping season is upon us, and Dutchess County is the perfect destination for unique gifts, artisanal food, specialty products and memorable experiences. Our staff is sharing their favorite places to purchase the perfect presents.
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We have so many wonderful independent bookstores in Dutchess County! I can always count on finding fantastic gifts for family and friends (and for me!) and can easily spend HOURS browsing the shelves. Bookstores are my happy place. I love the staff recommendations on the shelves at Oblong Books in Rhinebeck and Millerton where I can pick up books from local and best-selling authors and also order books signed by Neil Gaiman, who is both. If I’m in Red Hook, Megabrain Comics is a must, to pick up the latest issues, graphic novels and collectables for the fanatics in my life. And no trip to Millbrook is complete without visiting Merritt Bookstore. In addition to books, I like to shop there for toys, games, puzzles and stationery. Looking for quality used books including rare and out of print treasures? Look no further than The Book Cove in Pawling. It’s conveniently close to McKinney & Doyle’s Corner Bakery where I can enjoy a pastry and hot coffee while diving into a new novel!
For the holidays I love gifting fun experiences for children of all ages. I love to see the joy when SplashDown Beach Water Park season passes are opened. Another great option is a gift certificate to Escape Time Adventures, an awesome way for families to bond over immersive and challenging escape rooms.
I love shopping for gifts at our many museum shops. I always find inspiration at The New Deal Store at The Henry A. Wallace Visitors Center operated by the FDR Presidential Library and Museum for their incredible assortment of books, art, clothing and novelty items. At Locust Grove Estate, I like to shop for locally handcrafted items, art and unique items with ties to the estate and the Hudson Valley. Staatsburgh State Historic Site is another great shop featuring their Staatsburgh blend of Harney & Son’s Fine Tea, linens and anything with a Victorian flair. The fun part of museum shopping is you never know what treasure you’ll find!
I believe the gift of memorable experience is the ideal gift - like a biplane ride at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome or a session in the Himalayan Salt Cave at the Hudson Valley Holistic Healing Center.
I love gifting Horseshoe Brand Hot Sauce to my friends and family to help spice up their meals! From their milder peach hot sauce to their XXXTRA hot sauce, there’s a sauce for every heat tolerance level. My personal favorite is their Maple Cayenne collaboration with Crown Maple, it’s good on everything – even just a cracker!
Give the gift of memories! As someone with kids, I love the idea of gifting an experience instead of toys. A future trip to Trevor Zoo, a Hudson Valley Renegades baseball game, an alpaca or llama hike at Clover Brooke Farms or Lilymoore Farm, membership to Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum (open year-round!) or a movie at Four Brothers Drive-In are all great options! If you’re looking for a present for an entire family, stop by Hudson Valley Marshmallow Co. and pick up a gift basket of gourmet hot cocoa mix and marshmallows. Paired with matching family pajamas and you’ve got the recipe for holiday traditions. Also, did you know that Millbrook Vineyards and Winery can make custom labels for their award-winning wines?
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I take immense pride in showcasing products from local artisans in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Dutchess County's craft beverage portfolio is incredible, and a 90-day Taste Finder pass makes a perfect gift for any beer fan, wine aficionado or someone looking to expand their palate. This mobile passport unlocks perks—including tastings, flights, pints and merch—at 14 destinations. With vintners, brewers, distillers and cidermakers contributing to local terroir, there's no better place to taste spirits than on the property it was made. Plus, Slate Point Meadery is an amazing spot to try mead for the first time!
Also, for a gift with a personal touch make an appointment to create your own glass-blown ornament at Hudson Beach Glass.
Shopping for a family can require a person to visit many locations; as a hudsband and a father of two, I appreciate a one-stop shop. Eastdale Village in Poughkeepsie is an incredible place to spend an afternoon. Looking to gift your family sweets? Amanda's Macaron Shoppe has something to sweeten anyone's day. Ye Olde Gift Shoppe features an assortment of beeswax and soy candles, plus a range of wellness items and homegoods. Freddy B is an awesome spot to shop women's clothing and accessories, while Daffodils Gift Shoppe is your go-to for jewelry and bright, fun presents.
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I love shopping locally at our vibrant holiday markets this time of year, and I am grateful that we have so many amazing artists and makers here in Dutchess County! Some of my personal favorites include: Be Still Soaps (skincare), Opal & Amber (soaps), Chloe + Lois (jewelry), The Brass Bee Mercantile (décor), Rose Gennaro Art (paintings), Laurel & Ash (maple syrup), Farmhouse Flame Co. (candles), JZB Woodworking (wood furnishings), High Noon Leather Works (leather bags) and Hetta (glögg). Many of their products can be purchased online or found in local shops and holiday markets around the county.
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For the people in your life who are pro-planet I would encourage folks to check out Tomfillery, on Main Street in Poughkeepsie. This is a bulk refill store that has a high standard for their products and excellent customer service! The shop is filled with a lot of delicious treats and healthy food options alike, that can warm any home! While I encourage you to shop in person to get the “Refull” experience, the shop conveniently offers the option to shop online, that’s right, they do the refill for you and you just pick up during store hours! If gifting food isn’t your fancy, then also see the great selection of latest eco-friendly household products beeswax wraps, laundry dryer balls, or their special Holiday & Gift section.
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