© J.N. Urbanski
Go to Blue Barn Antiques, in Shandaken/Phoenicia for some excellent bargains on high-quality antiques like this Rockwell-painted plate (above) for $15. There is still a pile left with different Rockwell paintings. Other utterly gorgeous vintage and antique dresses are still there alongside modern artisanal products like Pillowtique’s pillows and handmade crafts.
Order Organic Traveler’s Tea online. Try the sampler tin for $26.99. Favorites are the Berry Breakfast for morning refreshment and the Earl in Paris for the afternoon, which is blended with coconut, bachelor button petals and vanilla.
© J.N. Urbanski
Now that Cheezehound is shipping everyone can enjoy the nutty goodness of their luxury vegan cheeze. Try the spicy Qasbah, Upstate Dispatch’s firm favorite for 2014, which is absolutely tongue-stoppingly tasty. You will eat the whole thing, so be sure to add one or two wheels for yourself.
copyright J.N. Urbanski
Most of the lotions and potions featured on Upstate Dispatch can be found at Home Goods of Margaretville or The Roxbury General. Otherwise, go to Green Spiral Herbs and the Catskills Artisan’s Guild for other local lotions, soaps, arts and crafts. Whilst there, visit the Longyear Gallery, a gallery run by artists for artists, for some local art. Visit Tree Juice for fine maple syrup and other local sugar. You can also find more luxury shopping at The Roxbury General, in Roxbury, which stocks modern, locally hand-made jewelry, blankets, wall-hangings and art.
© J.N. Urbanski
Go to Mystery Spot Antiques for their extensive vinyl collection, leather boots, jackets and purses. Find alpaca yarn, shorn on the premises from their nine alpacas, on Two Stones Farm in 4-ounce skeins for $25 and 2-ounce skeins for $15. Read the Upstate Dispatch review of Two Stones Farm here.
Girl & Bee Chocolate: the peppermint bark is “like a party in your mouth” as promised. Get gift tins of bark for $25, delectable hand-made truffles and infused honey.
© J.N. Urbanski
Also find locally-sourced, raw infused honey at Phoenicia Honey Company in Phoenicia: delicately steeped with ingredients like lavender, star anise, orange and cinnamon for a light flavour. Perfect with tea!
© J.N. Urbanski
For the best range of local whiskys and vodka on Route 28, go to The Wine Hutch on your way up to the mountains. The Wine Hutch: 936, Route 28, Kingston, NY 12401 (845) 334-9463, or Margaretville Liquors.
© J.N. Urbanski
© J.N. Urbanski
You can also purchase lift tickets and skiing lessons from Belleayre Mountain, Hunter Mountain and Windham for the sports lovers in your life.
Belleayre Mountain © Chase Kruppo