Binnacle Books - A New Bookstore on Main Street!

In what used to be a hair salon, the three owners of Beacon's newest bookshop, Binnacle Books, did more sweeping of finished haircuts than they ever thought possible in order to clean up for the grand opening of Binnacle Books during November's Second Saturday. And it was a good thing too, because Second Saturday on a sunny November day drew a plethora of bookworms to investigate the new bookstore.

Adding entrepreneurship to their list of pursuits, the three partners invested in Binnacle Books have collectively been writers, editors, musicians, producers, organizers, filmmakers, and organizers. The bookstore specializes in used and new literature, poetry, literary nonfiction, political history, art, drama, philosophy, graphic novels, and children's books. They profess to offer some of the best prices around to buy your best books. And if the title in this picture, Save Me The Waltz, by Zelda Fitzgerald, is any indication, we are all in for many treats to come.

The children's nook is filled with surprises, both new and old. We picked up a new set of yoga cards and there were many books available for all ages. Initially, Binnacle Books is open 7 days! So no need to wonder which day you're going to walk through their red door. Happily, we at A Little Beacon Blog have ordered a new logo from The Things To Do In Beacon Guides designer, Allie Bopp, for a new Bookstores category in the Shopping Guide!


PS: This blogger was mildly obsessed with Zelda Fitzgerald in college during an American Literature course, when I picked Save Me The Waltz as the subject of an academic paper. However, the writing style of my paper was accidentally influenced by Zelda's tumultuous life (including some time spent at the Craig House in Beacon) and dreamy writing (and I don't mean dreamy as in sweet, I mean dreamy as in ... like how in a dream you switch scenes and emotions a lot), so the report was filled with research but was an #epicfail in terms of being on par with how research papers are written. I redeemed myself by directing Tennessee Williams' play about Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald, "Clothes for a Summer Hotel," which was equally dreamy (Williams called it "a ghost play" in the title). So you can imagine my surprise when I saw this old friend of a book on the shelf, which is not a common title to see in bookstores. And I don't feel so bad about my paper, because the play was dubbed a "critical and commercial failure" for Williams. I'm telling you - once those Fitzgeralds get in your head, things get confusing!

The Wreaths Are Going Up! Holidays Are Coming!

The warmest season of all is coming! Warmth inside our hearts, that is. Canned food drives have started, along with year-end donation planning and winter coat collections for those in need. Finally, the first visual signal that winter is really coming to Beacon: the Highway Department's annual job of hanging the wreaths when they aren't in their trucks collecting residents' raked leaves. Streets throughout Beacon are going to sparkle with storefront decorations and twinkling house lights. Toast with hot chocolate to this highly creative time of year!

A Bookhouse Grows In Beacon - Little Free Library at Polhill Park

In the true spirit that warms Beacon on the windiest of days, a new community offering has popped up at Polhill Park, the triangular park located at the intersection of Main Street, Wolcott (9D), and South Avenue. While at first glance, the structure looks like a giant birdhouse, it is actually a shared reading experience for little people by way of a little bookhouse.

Beacon's most well-known library opened in 1862, and at the time was called the Howland Circulating Library. (Offering only private membership at the start, it was later made public, at the behest of a donor.) The genesis of a Little Free Library is rooted in Lisa Marie Martinez, a professional spatial organizer for her business Space Therapy by Lisa Marie. She recirculates a lot of physical possessions for clients who have emotional attachments to the objects and, rather than sending the objects to the dump, would prefer to see them used by someone else. The catalyst for the project happened after Lisa returned from studying in Havana, Cuba, where books were scarce: "Books were sacred, they were shared, they were community property, and everyone had access to them."

When Lisa moved to Mexico, her local library had few children's books. She wished for a shared box of books like she had seen at a natural foods store during her college years at Plattsburgh State University, where people would anonymously place and take items from this box that they needed or wanted to give. The universal-mind took over, and as Lisa did her research to figure out how to bring this concept to Beacon, she discovered Little Free Library, an international project started after one man built a tiny model of a one-room school house to hold books as a tribute to his mother, a former school teacher who loved reading. He put the structure in his front yard, and the concept took off (there is much more to this story here). Little Free Library has been recognized by the Library of Congress, and is on its way to reaching its goal of 2,510 little free libraries to promote literacy in children and adults, and in libraries all over the world. If you haven't noticed one of these little libraries before, maybe you will now. Certainly others will know about this first one in Beacon, as it is officially registered with Little Free Library, putting Beacon on that map with a lot of other heroic locations.

While most books are for children, you will find some for adults. Lisa hung a Community Log, a journal for visitors to capture thoughts or expressions of love for a good read.

The bookhouse was designed and built by Keith Decent, and the materials donated by Hudson Valley Maker & Artisan Cooperative.

Every library needs an architect to design and build it, and this one was taken on by Keith Decent and the group he is affiliated with, Hudson Valley Maker & Artisan Cooperative, who donated the materials and extra sets of hands. Lisa's directions to Keith were simple: Make the structure accessible to readers of all sizes, including those who use wheelchairs, so that as many people as possible would be able to use it. Lisa spent the summer meeting with members of the City Council, Mayor Randy Casale, the City Administrator, the Building Department and other groups to get permission to install the structure on City of Beacon property. "Once the word got around that this was just a small box with books, people who were unfamiliar with the concept really encouraged this and the City approved of the installation," recalls Lisa.

Lisa's project has led to more initiatives, including requests for more Little Free Libraries around Beacon, and volunteers from the Beacon Police Department to get involved with the "Kids, Community and Cops Program," an initiative also affiliated with Little Free Library to build healthier communities through police involvement in literacy.

Hats off to everyone involved in this project, and be sure to share what special books you find - in the little journal, and in social media! Tag #littlefreelibrarybeacon and @littlefreelibrary in your literary pursuits! Make sure to tag #alittlebeaconblog, too, because we want to see what moved you!

November's Second Saturday Walking Guide for Art Showings

 Second Saturday Happenings on November 14, 2015!

The BeaconArts Logo for Second Saturday.

"Second Saturday" is a lively day into night in Beacon, and is a celebration of Beacon's galleries, restaurants and other businesses arts on the second Saturday of every month. According to Dan Rigney, current president of BeaconArts, the organization who encouraged this movement to happen over a decade ago and heavily promotes the events, says: "Back then, Beacon was one of the last places people outside of town thought to go on a Saturday night. Now Second Saturday has become a part of the fabric of Beacon. It's such a part of it, many galleries have their opening events on other Saturdays, so that they get two big crowds each month." Second Saturday is a great reason to "walk" Main Street and beyond and explore the events going on around town. It's always a pleasure eating and drinking your way through Beacon, so this guide will help you know where to eat and drink as you explore special exhibits and happenings.

What to Know About This Guide:

• This Guide includes gallery and art showings that may be hosted in a gallery or in a shop or restaurant. 
• Many of these shows run through the current month, so check back often if you are on an art hunt.
• Closing times posted here are for Second Saturdays only, and may not reflect regular Saturdays. Always call an establishment directly for current hours, offerings, or any other questions.
• Parking can be found on side streets, on Main Street, and in municipal lots.  
• Live-tweet your way through Second Saturday by using the hashtag created by BeaconArts: #2SAT and tack on #beaconny or #SecondSaturday if you have room in your tweets or Instagram postings.
• If you are a gallery or business owner and have something special to add, please email editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com. 
• For Galleries: You may submit one photo of artwork or something representing your show for Second Saturday. Otherwise, your storefront will be shown. Please email this to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com
• Advertising Opportunities: If you would like to reach readers who refer to this Guide monthly, click here for advertising opportunities.

Late-Night (After 9pm) Spots to Eat and Drink: 
After you walk the galleries, you'll be hungry and need (another) drink!
See our full list of restaurants who are open prior to 9pm in our Restaurant Guide. 
Bank Square 129 Main St.
Chill Wine Bar 173 Main St.
Max's On Main 246 Main St.
Baja 328 328 Main St.
Quinn's 330 Main St.
The Towne Crier (bar only) 379 Main St.
Oak Vino Wine Bar 389 Main St.
(call first to see if cheese plates + dessert still being served)
Draught Industries 394 Main St. 
The Vault 446 Main St.
Joe's Irish Pub 455 Main St.
The Hop 554 Main St.
(reservations usually needed for food)
Roundhouse 2 East Main St.
Dogwood 47 East Main St.

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NEAR THE TRAIN, BEFORE MAIN STREET

Dia:Beacon

Dia:Beacon
3 Beekman St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-0100

Special for Second Saturday: Gallery Talk: Helga Christofferson on Agnes Martin. Christofferson, assistant curator at the New Museum in Manhattan, will discuss Martin’s abstract expressionist painting. Gallery Talks at Dia:Beacon take place the second Saturday of every month at 2 pm. Focusing on the work of a single artist on view at Dia:Beacon, these one-hour walk-throughs are led by curators, art historians, and writers. Free with admission to the museum. (Beacon residents get in free on weekends!)

More details at Dia:Beacon.
Hours: 11 am to 4 pm

Music in the Sanctuary at St. Andrew's

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
15 South Ave.
Beacon, NY
Special for Second Saturday: Music in the Sanctuary, presented by Howland Chamber Music Circle. The Heaton Sasaki Duo is Sara Heaton and Akiko Sasaki, two musicians recently transplanted to Beacon. Their musical tour includes stops in Germany, Japan, Brazil and the U.S. Heaton and Sasaki have performed at Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera. In addition to performing, they teach privately in the Hudson Valley, based here in Beacon, and in New York City.
Hours: 4 pm to 6 pm

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THE WEST END

(Close to the train station)

Catalyst Gallery

Catalyst Gallery 

137 Main St.
Beacon, NY

(845) 204-3844

An artist-run rental space in Beacon. The intention of this artist-run space is to create an opportunity for individual artists or groups to show and sell work in a vibrant community that supports the arts.

Special for Second Saturday: Recent Works: Paintings and drawings by Sara-Jane Lee explore the relationship between thought patterns and resulting facial expressions. "I hope to inspire a greater understanding and appreciation for the subtlety of emotions, as well as emphasizing the contrast between the feelings one gets while thinking alone, and how they differ greatly from any outward emotion presented to others," Lee says.

Hours: Noon to 9pm

The Gift Party at Colorant

Colorant
145 Main St.
Beacon, NY
Special for Second Saturday: The bubbles will be flowing, the playlist blasting and artist Alex Anastas will be creating watercolor portraits live during this holiday shopping party. Find plant-dyed wool, cashmere, and silk from Colorant's signature label, as well as gift sets, soap, scarves, and jewelry, with up to 40 percent off storewide. Colorant carries an array of unique gifts for baby, toddler and modern womenswear. Gift-wrapping is available!
Hours: All day; watercolor portraits and wine from 5 pm to 8 pm

Bannerman Island Gallery

Bannerman Island Gallery
150 Main St. 
Beacon, NY
Special for Second Saturday: The Bannerman Castle Trust presents photographer/artist Thom Johnson. He has used photographs taken years ago of the tower on Pollepel Island to create mirror images that present this Hudson River landmark from a different view. A portion of the proceeds from the photos' sales will go to the Bannerman Castle Trust's preservation efforts for the Castle.
Hours: Noon to 8:30 pm

At Theo Ganz Studio

Theo Ganz Studio

149 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(917) 318-2239
Theo Ganz Studio, the little gallery with the big windows in Beacon's west end, was founded by artist Eleni Smolen as a venue for contemporary artists working in all media. Recognizing the importance of exhibitions in an artist's career, Smolen concentrates on presenting actively engaged emerging and mid-career professionals in either solo or group exhibitions.
Second Saturday: "The Wind Will Carry Us," opening reception from 6 pm to 8 pm. With an emphasis on painting, printmaking and sculpture and taking our title from Abbas Kiarostami’s poetic film, this exhibition is dedicated to refugees, an ode to the present and to all who make a journey, metaphorically or literally, in search of deeper awareness and a better world for themselves and other sentient beings. With work by: Kenojuak Ashevak, Joseph Ayers, Samantha Beste, Sunok Chun, Elana Goren, Mialia Jaw, Lori Merhige, Eleni Smolen and Kenneth Wright.
Hours: Noon to 5 pm; opening reception 6 to 8 pm

Russell Cusick at Hudson Beach Glass

Hudson Beach Glass

162 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-0068
A glass studio casting functional and sculptural objects for over 20 years. A truly special establishment to have in Beacon. Stop in to find blown glass objects of all kinds, from lights to bowls to wind chimes. Sometimes on Second Saturday you can watch them blow glass.
Special for Second Saturday: Russell Cusick's acrylics, in which the mixed-medium process combines photography and painting. Works are a variety of sizes. An opening reception will be held from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Hours: 10 am to 6 pm
 

RiverWinds Gallery

RiverWinds Gallery

172 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 838-2880
RiverWinds Gallery features Hudson Valley artists. Work includes fine art paintings and photography, plus contemporary crafts including ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts and more.
Special for Second Saturday: “Buone Feste” 12th annual holiday show includes a huge variety of holiday-themed and gift items made by Hudson Valley artisans. There's art of all kinds: paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, ornaments, jewelry and hand-made scarves and shawls. You'll also find kitchen items such as cutting boards, cookbooks, and mugs. An opening reception will be held from 5 to 8 pm.
Hours: Noon to 9 pm; reception 5 pm to 8 pm
 

Artisan Wine Shop
180 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-6923
Special for Second Saturday: Try some new bottlings from around the world, just for fun or with an eye toward holiday meal pairings. Four wines - two white, two red - will be poured for tasting from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Hours: 10 am to 7 pm; tasting 3 pm to 6 pm
   

Flora

Flora Garden and Home
197 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 764-1886
Special for Second Saturday: The recently-opened gardening and home decor shop offers such staples as plants, watering cans and indoor bulbs, but is branching out this month with an art showing of Ondine Crispin's classic botanical prints of plants from New York's High Line.
Hours: 11 am to 5:30 pm


Beacon Institute for Rivers & Estuaries 

Beacon Institute

199 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 838-1600

This historic brick storefront houses the Institute’s gallery, Hudson River bookstore and gift shop, and its administrative headquarters. The gallery showcases river and environmentally themed art and educational exhibits. Events feature talks by artists and regional Hudson Valley authors.

Special for Second Saturday: The historic Mount Beacon Incline Railway gets a spotlight in this exhibit, which features large-format photography, digital renderings, animations, and infographics, all exploring the Incline Railway’s early origins in shaping Beacon. The exhibition explores the initiative to bring back the Incline Railway, through the lenses of a historic narrative and an eye towards the future.
Click here for more event details.
Hours: 11 am to 3 pm

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THE MIDDLE & "MARKET SQUARE"

The start of The Middle, aka "Market Square"

Howland Public Library

Howland Public Library
313 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 831-1134

Each month, the library features the work of Hudson Valley photographers and artists. (Please note, the gallery may not be accessible during some library programs.)

Special for Second Saturday: The Howland Public Library is pleased to present “Between the Lines," a semi-annual exhibition of student artwork from the Beacon City School District. This exhibit, organized by Claudine Farley, District Art Department Coordinator, features work from Beacon High School’s Studio Art Classes and is the first of what the library hopes will be many exhibits of student artwork at the library. A reception will be held from 2 pm to 4 pm.
In the Community Room, "Beacon Inspired" features paintings from Jan Dolan and photography by Jean Noack, both Beacon residents. The exhibit is a dialogue between two friends about the city they love. A reception for this exhibit will be from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Hours: 10 am to 4 pm (library hours); 5 pm to 7 pm

Binnacle Books
321 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 838-6191
Grand opening! Binnacle Books, Beacon's "new used (and new!) bookstore" opens its doors! All used books and gift cards are 10 percent off during the opening weekend. Browse the selection as you sip wine from Benmarl Winery.
Hours: Noon to 7 pm
   

****************************************

THE EAST END & BEYOND

(Close to the mountain)

The start of the East End of Main Street and Beyond.

Morphicism Gallery

Morphicism
444 Main Street
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-3092
Moveable art in frames. An art you must see and experience.
Hours: Call first

 






3B Gallery

3B Gallery

458 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-6782
Special for Second Saturday: "Blossom of a face, portrait of a flower" is a solo exhibition of Bob Sproul. His paintings in oil represent a body of work through the eyes of an artist who, for reasons of age, diverse life experience and an ever-increasing introspection, has been drawn to capturing the more intimate experiences of people and nature. An opening reception will be held from 6 pm to 8 pm.
Hours: 11 am to 8 pm

 

Matteawan Gallery

463 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-7901
Matteawan Gallery specializes in contemporary art with an emphasis on works on paper by emerging and mid-career artists.

Second Saturday: "Myths and Legends of the Hudson Valley" brings together the work of six artists who are interested in exploring history, art history, and literature in a variety of mediums. The exhibition includes paintings by Scott Daniel Ellison and
Deborah Brown, photographs by Wendy Small, drawings by Deborah Davidovits and Valerie Hegarty, and sculpture by Jackie Mock. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 9 pm.
Hours: 6 pm to 9 pm

 

Back Room Gallery

Back Room Gallery
475 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 838-1838
Find 30 artists showing here, from large paintings to small collectibles. Also find art supplies such as sketch pads and charcoal pencils. And if you're with a man who wants to skip the art but loves anything to do with the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, send him to the actual "back room" of this gallery for a viewing of a very valuable collection of War art on crepe fabric.
Special for Second Saturday: Stop in and find out!
Hours: LATE

Howland Cultural Center

Howland Cultural Center
477 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 831-4988
Beacon's Howland Cultural Center is not just another arts organization. Its beautiful home is a Victorian building that was born specifically to serve the community as a cultural resource
Special for Second Saturday: "you are my blue / i am your red" is a collaborative exhibition in words, photos, and textiles, with work by photographer Bibiana Huang Matheis and poet Bettina Wilkerson, aka Poet Gold, and a project between multimedia and installation artist Mimi Czajka Graminski and poet Sarah Stern. 
Hours: 1 pm to 5 pm

Maria Lago Studio 502

Maria Lago Studio 502
502 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 765-8421
Hours: Call first

BAU Gallery

BAU Gallery
506 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-7584

bau (Beacon Artist Union) is a platform for members/artists to grow, present and market their work and collaborative curatorial projects, while hosting events of related disciplines: performances, talks, film and music. BAU builds a vital link between the activities at bau and the community.
Special for Second Saturday:  BAU Gallery's 131st consecutive monthly gallery opening will feature “In the Hands of God…wtf?” - a bronze, sculpture self-portrait - by Gary Jacketti in Gallery One, new photographs by Grey Zeien in Gallery Two, and in the Beacon Room, “The Pursuit of Perfection” installation: video projection, hand-painted animation, mixed media elements, sound and scent by Chuck Glicksman and Ginger Andro. A reception will be held from 6 to 9 pm. 
Hours: Noon to 6 pm; reception from 6 pm to 9 pm

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BEACON near RT. 52

(Beacon's part of Rt. 52 that heads into or out of town.)

The Lofts at Beacon Gallery
18 Front St.
Beacon, NY
The Lofts at Beacon brought back to life a 19th-century brick mill that once made textiles in the Hudson Valley, located by the Fishkill Creek and situated near the Hudson River in the artists' haven town of Beacon. The Lofts have been completely remodeled into beautiful lofts, providing excellent loft rental units for the working artist.
Second Saturday: Prime Time - A Group Show
Featuring the work of Peg Borcherdt (sculpture), Dennis Connors (sculpture), Jack Murphy (photography), Robert Paschal (painting/collage), Matthew Pleva (drawing), and Michael Ulrich (gyotaku prints). Open 9 am to 4 pm.
Hours: 9 am to 4 pm; closing reception 3 pm to 6 pm

New Storefronts Opened in the Shopping Guide and a New Discount on Massages in the Beauty Guide!

We here at A Little Beacon Blog are ever-updating our Things To Do In Beacon Guides! Sometimes we have sleuths on the street to hear of new openings, or sometimes just like you, we are lucky to walk by to see what shop has most recently arrived and opened. Without further ado, here are recent Shopping Guide for your retail therapy and great gift buying, and the Beauty Guide for necessary pampering like hair, nails, and massages. Inside each Guide, you may spot a special deal or promotion! So don't miss. And be sure you're subscribed to our free newsletter list to be alerted.  

   

Indoor bulbs at Flora.

Fairly new to Beacon, and thus to our Beacon Shopping Guide, are two sweet shops: Flora and The PfotoShop. At Flora, you'll find plants, flowers, indoor bulbs, and gardening supplies, of course, but also unexpected touches of home decor, like giant watering cans and nightlights. For November's Second Saturday, there will even be an art show! 

The PfotoShop, open in the Matteawan train depot.

Venture three-quarters of a mile down Main Street, toward Mount Beacon, to discover The PfotoShop, stocked with colorful pillows, handmade candles, frames, and other home-y elements. Word is, there is even a photobooth (pfotobooth?) tucked into the historic space, which long ago served as home to the Matteawan train depot. Read more about Flora and The PfotoShop, as well as great Beacon businesses dealing in Music, the Great Outdoors, Pets, Vintage Wares, and Fashion for all ages, in A Little Beacon Blog's updated Shopping Guide.

The Pfotobooth.

Find the perfect pampering for you or someone you love by reading through A Little Beacon Blog's updated Beauty Guide. From lash pros, to hairstyling wizards, to wellness coaches, there are experts around Beacon who can help you take care of yourself, mind, body and soul. This month, Karen Meyer, LMT, of River Therapeutic Massage is offering special pricing on  massage therapy packages. Among current deals: six 60-minute sessions for $420 - a $60 savings! Once you relax a little, you are probably going to want to relax a lot, so why not buy in bulk? It's really the only efficient way to go. 

Check out our Shopping Guide and our Beauty Guide, to find the best ways to look good, and feel better, all around Beacon, NY, and nearby. And if you know of a new Beacon business, let us know! Drop a line to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com.

Get Excited - Bake Sale and Holiday Shop Updates in Pop-Up Guide

We love to support local businesses and sellers here in Beacon and this year, we have a great list of Pop-Up Shops happening in town! Pop-Ups are a great way to find unique, one-of-a-kind gift items and maybe meet the designer in person to learn more about their products.

Starting this weekend, check out BAKE LOVE, NOT WAR at The Shambala Yoga Center on S. Chestnut Street.  All proceeds from this bake sale will go towards the Solidarity Through Humanity mission which aids in bringing life-saving supplies to Syrian refugees in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley.

Another great Pop-Up to mark down on your calendar for December will be the Makers-on-Hudson Holiday Craft Fair on Second Saturday at The Howland Cultural Center, featuring members of the Hudson Valley Etsy Team and local handmade artisans.

So get your Holiday shopping list ready and check out our Pop-Up Shop Guide for a full listing of events in Beacon and nearby!

'Tis (Almost) the Season! Small Business Events Spotlight Both Sides of Shopping | Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency: Business, Personal & Homeowners Insurance (Sponsor)

Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency

340 Main Street

Beacon, NY 12508

(845) 831-4300

www.antalek-moore.com

Insurance is a big, wide industry. There are a lot of faces you could talk to when deciding what agent to use when purchasing your insurance. Antalek & Moore is a local Independent Insurance agency located in Beacon. NY, and licensed in several states. Located right on Main Street, the agents at Antalek & Moore have been serving the people of the Hudson Valley with personal, homeowners and business insurance for over a century. In addition, they are a leading resource in the community for educating business owners and homeowners about what kind of insurance they need and why. Antalek & Moore specializes in

Personal

,

Homeowners

, and many types of

Business Insurance.

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM ANTALEK & MOORE

As a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, Antalek & Moore looks forward to sharing important messages with you as you look toward growing your business.

The season of shopping and giving is starting this month. Antalek & Moore Insurance has partnered with the Beacon Chamber of Commerce to bring businesses two events that help keep them secure and increase sales.

11/12/15

DATA BREACH & THE NEW EMV CHIP CARD (Free Seminar)

For those who accept credit cards, sign up for the November 12 event at Beahive to learn what you are on the hook for with each swipe or online transaction. If you accept credit cards, what are you legally on the hook for? Find out at this seminar.

To RSVP: Call (845) 831-4300 or email arastadt@antalek-moore.com

11/20/15

SHOPPING NIGHT OUT FOR LADIES!

For those of us who love shopping from our favorite local businesses in one place, the Chamber of Commerce has organized a big pop-up night of shopping at Dutchess Manor (263 Route 9D) with food and drink on November 20. Start planning!

To RSVP: Call (845) 831-4300. Tickets will be available for purchase online at the Chamber of Commerce website.

Antalek & Moore

is a local insurance agency right on Main Street, and is happy to review your policy to see how you can save.

Click here to contact them

, or just call (845) 831-4300.

A Little Beacon Blog thanks Antalek & Moore for being a sponsor, which helps make our coverage of the amazing people and things to do in and around Beacon possible!

Editorial and Advertising Policy

EDITORIAL POLICY
This blog is a collection of things to do and buy in and around Beacon. All articles, be them sponsored or pure editorial, have to pass an editorial test of excellence that will serve our readers. If you have something you want to pitch for feature consideration, please email your pitch to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com and it will be considered. If you have a press release, please copy and paste all text and images into the body of the email and do not send it as an attachment. For advance notice on what types of stories we are working on, you can sign up to a special newsletter just for that. Sign up for our Advance Notice Editorial & Advertising email.

ADVERTISING POLICY
Advertising is available on A Little Beacon Blog. Some blog posts are sponsored posts, meaning that a business paid for a special area of their business. The purpose of A Little Beacon Blog is to highlight the little details in and around Beacon (that includes nearby towns like Fishkill, Wappingers Falls, Hopewell Junction, Poughkeepsie and other areas because we all drive places for things we need or want to to!). We help businesses do this through a more controlled message via sponsored blog posts that speak their message to our readers, and these posts are marked [a Partner Post]. Other opportunities are in sponsorships of articles our editorial team is working on, or of entire categories.


If you are interested in sponsorship, please see our Advertising Packages for fun  and integrated ways of getting involved and reaching our readers of Beaconites, Hudson Valley people at large, and even New York City day-trippers.

Fall Foliage | The OMG Edition in The Hudson Valley 2015

Photo Credit: @danilynphoto

The peak season is here for fall foliage in the Hudson Valley! Anywhere you go, you are getting a glorious view of this beautiful area. To really indulge your imagination in the Hudson Valley, read through the first chapters of Native New Yorkers where the author, Evan T. Pritchard, describes New York City as lush and full of fruit trees, before pavement and buildings. We love pulling photos from our Instagram files, and reached out to each of these sight-seers who shared their photo in their stream. Thanks to these Instagrammers for sharing their visions with their streams and now with A Little Beacon Blog. Each photographer is credited below. Enjoy!

Not a painting, but a real life tractor in the Shawangunk Mountains as spotted by Lauree Ostrofsky. Photo Credit: @simplyleap

Run through that field and under the trees at Hudson Highlands. Photo Credit: @hhnaturemuseum

Woa. View from Shawangunk Ridge. Photo Credit: @kelseykleidman

Slice of yellow. Photo Credit: @beacon_transplant

Folks from People's Bicycle riding at Beacon's reservoir. The Reservoir is quite low, and Beacon is in a Stage 2 Drought Emergency. The reservoir is at 40% capacity and one well is out of service. Beaconites are encouraged to reduce water consumption by 20% Photo Credit: @peoplesbicycle

Curiouser and curiouser. Learn about a hike like this at Madam Brett Park. Photo Credit: @natalijewel

So spookily beautiful at Ward Pound Ridge. Photo Credit: @danilynphoto

Could this be you? Get ideas in A Little Beacon Blog's Hiking Series. Photo Credit: @briannax241

Beacon's Hocus Pocus Halloween Parade for Kids is Biggest Yet in 2015 - With Pictures of Costumes!

Reservoir & Wood was one of many businesses participating in the Hocus Pocus Parade.

Record numbers took part in the Hocus Pocus Halloween Parade of 2015, a signature event of Beacon's Halloween festival, A Very Beacon Halloween (a joint event from the Beacon Chamber of Commerce and the City of Beacon). Ron Iarossi, a board member on the Chamber and owner of Beacon Creamery who led the parade, confirms: "The parade was biggest one we have ever had. We had about 800 kids and just as many adults, for a total of 1,500 to 2,000 people." When the parade paused at Teller Avenue, participants who glanced back could see wall-to-wall people on Main Street, from Beacon Pantry to Hudson Beach Glass. Iarossi says that the number of people concentrated during the parade is normal. What was different this year? More people started at the official line-up of the parade, and still more joined in at different points on Main Street.

The Hocus Pocus parade pauses along Beacon's Main Street for kids to trick-or-treat from businesses. From this stop at Beacon Pantry, paradegoers could be seen all the way back to Hudson Beacon Glass.

Dueling Banjos? Adorbs.

Several duos of Little Red Riding Hood and her Wolf were out, but these two take our first prize!

A very serious wolf.

Cat Woman and Dog.

Little Darth Vader!

Baby R2D2 in the wagon of Tom and Andrea Cerchiara.

Yellow as a primary color in this year's parade!

Ms. Jenny, a teacher at Rose Hill and queen of crafts!

Paul Yeaple, of Poppy's, with kids!

Meet the Abrams/Blair family: The Avengers!

Businesses were ready for the crowd, and eager to give treats to the kids.

Locomotive Crossfit and Oak Vino were ready for the trick-or-treaters!

Beacon Bath & Bubble were happy to fill up pumpkins with treats.

The art gallery Back Room Gallery drew a few characters!

The Beacon Bagel was busy - as usual!

Beacon's 4th Annual Car Show Included Vintage and Muscle Cars - Pictures & Video Here!

A classic car on display at Beacon's 4th Annual Car Show. Photo Credits: Katie Hellmuth Martin

It was a chilly Sunday for Beacon's 4th Annual Car Show, a joint production of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce and Dutchess Cruisers Car Club. Several thousand people from Beacon, as well as visiting car enthusiasts, attended the daylong event (held October 18 this year), admiring the goods under the hoods of more than 250 cars lined up on Main Street. Attendees rocked out to music from five different bands, covering genres as diverse as beach and heavy metal, including the Judith Tulloch Band, The Costellos, Chowderhead, Bloated Toad and Talking Machine.

A video with this heavy metal band is below!

According to Pat Moore, president of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce and partner at Antalek & Moore, “Main Street Beacon in the autumn is the perfect setting for this event. It brings visitors from far and wide to our town. It is a terrific event for the City of Beacon and is now considered a must-show for car enthusiasts.” The cars have been carefully restored by their owners; those restorations can reach several thousands of dollars! According to Moore, some cars in the show are valued at well over $100,000.

 

Muscle under the hood of a Mustang.

Many of the cars on display have been beefed up with some serious horsepower. However, most of the cars in the show were older and considered classics. Heidi Bernhart, owner of Beacon Pie Company, the little pie cart next to Ella’s Bellas, closed her cart to walk the show. “I love car shows. I used to go to them every weekend before I moved to Beacon, so I'm glad that Beacon does one. Old cars are the best. My favorites are the Bel Airs.”

The East Mountain Boys represented.

The titling sponsor of Beacon's Car Show was the Healey Brothers Automotive Group. Gold and Silver Sponsors were Sukhothai Restaurant, Max’s on Main, Freedom Ford, Antalek & Moore Insurance and the Rutigliano Group. Many smaller businesses were also sponsors.

With more than 250 cars in the show, many styles were represented!

The $10 Halloween Costume Rack at Dance Bag Is Back!

Just in time for Halloween! The Dance Bag, located next to Yanarella School of Dance and only a block from the Howland Library, has rolled out their cart of costumes. But these aren't just any costumes you'd find in a Halloween pop-up section of a big-box store. These are theater-grade costumes for young performers in the area. This rack has been known to yield elaborate gowns with velvet and tulle, as well as costumes for Snow White, Paris Hilton (pink and black checkered dress seen here), cheerleaders and more.

Costumes are $10 CASH. So go now, because this rack won't last.

Chateau Beacon to Offer Delicious Menu, Double-Wide Booths, and Family Friendly Options

Chateau Beacon to open soon in Mary Kelly's former location.

UPDATE: Chateau Beacon has opened! See A Little Beacon Blog's Restaurant Guide for this and other updates on where you can eat in and around Beacon. Subscribe to A Little Beacon Blog's free newsletter for more updates like this one and stay in the loop!

If you were once devoted to driving north from Beacon, crossing the I-84 overpass, taking a quick left off of 9D at the militia man statue, then parking down at Mary Kelly's for a warm, cozy, and relaxing dinner, then you were probably sad to find out that the restaurant had suddenly closed. But there was good reason behind that sudden closure: New owners are closing a deal on the building, which will remain a restaurant, bar and event space, now called Chateau Beacon.

You know that militia man on 9D? He's your man for the left turn to get to Chateau Beacon.

Originally from Garrison, the new owners currently live in Hopewell Junction. They were fond of the location, the building, and the family- and art-friendly nature of Beacon. Having a young family themselves, the owners of Chateau Beacon also aim to offer classes, from art to cooking, in the building's large, inspiring space, surrounded by woods in a primarily residential area.

The space will remain family-friendly, starting with seating that includes deep, horseshoe-shaped booths on almost all sides of the restaurant. The chef hails from Epcot Disney, and knows what kids like: food on a stick. Chicken, steak and more will all be available. Even vanilla or chocolate milk!

For adults, oh my goodness, oh my goodness. A Mediterranean-American flavor will inspire the menu. Think mussels, fish, flatbread, grilled octopus, caramelized everything served with many choices of sides.

Watch their very active Facebook page for the minute they open...

Pumpkin Patches and Parades 2015: Where To Find Pumpkins & Halloween Events Near Beacon in the Hudson Valley

UPDATE: For Pumpkins and Parades for 2016, click here

Pumpkins and Parades 2015

The tree leaves are turning, there's a crisp note in the air, and every now and then, we catch a whiff of wood smoke. All signs point to fall. But our autumn wouldn't be complete without some family-friendly Halloween celebrations!

The Hudson Valley has a wealth of spooky fall fun. (Maybe you've heard of a little place called Sleepy Hollow?) Here are some of our favorite events and pumpkin-picking spots, all a little closer to our Beacon home. 

Need pumpkin decoratin

g ideas after you collect all of these pumpkins? Consider a couple of our favorites -

covering a pumpkin in go

ld leaf

, or

using a power drill to make beaded designs

.

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Saturday, October 10, 2015

10 am

Location:

Pavilion at Beacon Memorial Park

Kids 15 and younger can compete for Top Carver in two age divisions (13 to 15, and 12 and under). Parents should supervise children at all times! Supplies will be provided, but are limited. Sign up ahead of time at City Hall. Organizers insist, no professionals, please. 

Halloween Parade and Festival

Saturday, October 17, 2015

10 am to 6 pm

Location:

Meiser Park, Wappingers Falls

The second annual festival, in the heart of the village just up Route 9D, will feature a parade, festive food, face-painting, music (an Alice Cooper tribute band, in fact) and a pumpkin patch, among other activities for the whole family. 

Information >

Beacon Sloop Club Pumpkin Festival

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Noon to 5 pm

Location:

Pe

te and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park

Volunteers from the Beacon Sloop Club will serve chili, while pumpkin pie and a host of other treats will be available from vendors. Farm-fresh pumpkins will be for sale, too! And, keeping with the spirit of the late, longtime Sloop Club member Pete Seeger, tunes from several local musicians, a

ll set to the backdrop of the mighty Hudson

.

Information >

A Very Beacon Halloween: Premier Of Beacon's Dark Parade

Friday, October 23rd, 2015

Locations:

7pm Parade Lineup at Chase Bank

7:30pm Parade begins at Chase Bank, and then ends at The Falls

Enjoy this spooky dark party! Costumes and lights are encouraged, including flashlights or other creative lights that may come with your costume, like a light saber or glowing staff! Being that it's dark and late, this is for adults only. Parade ends at The Hop. Get dinner ideas here in A Little Beacon Blog's Restaurant Guide, and consider making reservations first at any restaurant, as you'll be with several other hungry people.

Information >

A Very Beacon Halloween: Psychic Fair

Saturday, October 24th, 2015

12pm to 5pm

Location:

Chill Wine Bar

Treat yourself to tarot and other types of readings from 8 to 10 readers from Notions & Potions. Readings are $25 for 20 minutes of indulgence in your future - if you dare! This event is for adults only. 

Information >

A Very Beacon Halloween: The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Dance Party!

Saturday, October 24th, 2015

DJ: 7 to 10pm; movie: 10pm to midnight

Location:

St. Rocco's, 26 South Chestnut Street

Boo-gie the night away to a rockin' DJ at St. Rocco's! It's the brick building up the hill on South Chestnut. (You've passed it many times as you drove behind the parking lot for the Yankee Clipper diner or Beacon Flea.) In keeping with The Rocky Horror Picture Show tradition, you should probably dress up! Tickets are $25 at the door and a cash bar is available.

Information >

Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest

S

unday, October 25, 2015

11

:30

a

m

Registration at Beacon Barkery, 192 Main Street

12:

0

0pm:

Contest

begins

Location:

Cross Street and Main Stre

et, Beacon (near River Winds Gallery)

Dress up your fur-friend in the cutest costume ever!

Prizes

are award

ed for:

Look Ali

ke

Cutest

Scariest

Most Original

Information >

A Very Beacon Halloween: Kid's Hocus Pocus Parade

S

unday, October 25, 2015

12:30 pm

Parade Lineup at the Visitor's Center & Peace Park

(South Avenue/9D and Main Street)

1pm: Parade begins

Location:

Main Stre

et, Beacon

Cost

umed kids start lining up at Peace Park (South Avenue/9D and Main Street) near the Visitor's Center at 12:30 for a parade down Main Street at 1pm. Trick-or-treating at businesses follows the stroll. Don't forget to check in at the

Beacon Flea

behind the Post Office, too! They'll have some treats for the little goblins. 

Information >

Pumpkins in the Park - Jack O'Lantern Lighting

Carving: Tuesday, October 27 to Friday, October 30, 2015, 3 pm to 6 pm

Lighting: Friday, October 30, 2015, 6 pm to 8 pm

Location:

 Long Dock Park, Beacon waterfront

On afternoons Tuesday to Friday, visit Long Dock Park to put your carving skills to use on pumpkins provided by Scenic Hudson. Stick around Friday evening, when the jack o'lanterns will be set aglow and displayed throughout the park.

Information >

Rascal's Monster Bash

Sa

turday, October 31, 2015

2 pm to 5 pm

Lo

cati

on:

 Dutchess Stadium, 1500 Route 9D, Wappingers Falls

This free family event, hosted by the

Hudson Valley Renegades

baseball team, will have tons of entertainment and activities, including inflatable amusements, trick-or-treating from vendors' tables, and pumpkin painting. For more information, call (845) 838-0094.

Where to Pick Pumpkins

Select your perfect pumpkin from patches at these farms. It's always a good idea to call before you go, to confirm hours, prices and availability.

Fishkill Farms

has pumpkins in their Pick-Your-Own patch set on the 20-acre farm. Fall Harvest Fest weekends include hayrides, fo

od and music. Open daily, 9 am to 6 pm, rain or shine ($5 per car admission on weekends and holidays).

CROWD ALERT!

There are

many, many people at Fishkill Farms

during this season.

Lawrence Farms

in Newburgh has pumpkins in their Pick-Your-Own patch, as well as at their farm stand. You'll also find apples and other seasonal produce, as well as a hay bale maze and a mini-village for kids to play. Lawerence Farms is on many, many acres of beautiful Hudson Vall

ey land, so you have plenty o

f space to run and pla

y

despite

the number o

f people

who are there.

Open daily, 9 am to 4 pm.

AFTERNOON CLOSING ALERT

!

Lawrence Farms closes at 4pm, so

get th

ere

during the first part of your day.

Overlook Farm Market

, also in New

burgh, promises "no razz a ma tazz" at their fourth-generation farm stand and Pick-Your-Own area. Open daily except Tuesdays, 8 am to 6 pm.

Where to Purchase Pumpkins

In a pinch? These markets usually have an easy grab-and-go selection of pumpkins and other colorful winter squash, often locally grown! 

Key Food

, 268 Main St., Beacon

Adams Fairacre Farms

, 160 Old Post Road (Route 9), Wappingers Falls

Hannaford

, 1490 Route 9, Wappingers Falls

Poughkeepsie Nissan: New & Pre-Owned Cars With Great Service

Poughkeepsie Nissan

1445 Route 9 

Wappingers Falls, 12590

www.poughkeepsienissan.com

Today's options of buying a car are abundant. So many choices! Small and fast? Roomy yet sexy? Lease or buy? And who is going to service this car once you buy or lease it? Poughkeepsie Nissan is a full-service dealership who can put you in the car of your dreams or needs at the moment with plenty of financing options. Their friendly staff listens to your priorities about a car, and can match you with a great fit. Not only do they sell Nissans (which has the best-looking and best-packing mini-van out there, starting with the 2012 model - the Nissan Quest), but Poughkeepsie Nissan has an extensive selection of used cars in a range of prices. Chances are, whatever model of a used car you are looking for, Poughkeepsie Nissan has one in their huge lot. Give them a call today to see if they have the car or truck of your dreams, and if they don't, they might be able to find it. Poughkeepsie Nissan offers a guaranteed credit approval and is home of the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty on all new and pre-owned vehicles.

P.S.: Did you know that Executive Manager Fran Pomarico is from Beacon? He has a soft spot in his heart for Beacon, NY, and knows that nowhere else is quite like it. Meet their whole staff.

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM POUGHKEEPSIE NISSAN

Poughkeepsie Nissan knows you want a great selection in your next car purchase. That is why they have one of the largest inventory collections in the area, with one lot dedicated to pre-owned cars of any make or model, and another lot for new models of Nissan vehicles. If a pre-owned Subaru, VW or even a Ford is the car of your dreams, you will probably find it at Poughkeepsie Nissan. Or drive away with a current-model Nissan!

---

LIFETIME LIMITED POWERTRAIN WARRENTY

Poughkeepsie Nissan knows every car that comes into its lot. That's why they offer the Lifetime Limited Powertrain Warranty on used cars with under 100K miles. This covers the Engine, Transmission, Drive Axle and a Towing Allowance. Poughkeepsie Nissan's service station is top-notch and works on imported and domestic cars. Their appointment system will keep all of your records, and even remind you if your car is due for registration renewal. This makes buying a used car a bit more reassuring!

Search for your car now!