GENIUS! Drop-Off Kid Makers Workshop On Black Friday At Crafty Hammer

/

The makers at The Crafty Hammer have opened their workshop space for a Kids Drop-Off Day while you shop Black Friday!

They are having two workshop sessions on Friday, November 29, 2019. Snacks, food and a project are included. For kids who get fidgety with the widgets, there will be a movie room, too!

This is a perfect opportunity to see what The Crafty Hammer is all about, and just how big and diverse their space is. See their website for registration details to sign up and for age ranges.

Located at 4 South Chestnut Street, next to the new wellness pharmacy and across the street from Rite Aid. The Crafty Hammer is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog’s Classes Guides! Their support makes what we do possible.

We have been in the space with the kids several times, and it’s a great way to occupy little minds! Glitter everywhere. But not on your kid, of course! They clean up good.

IMG_2725.png

New Car Charging Station At Beacon’s Welcome Center, 13 South Avenue

/

The car-charging station at 13 South Avenue near the Visitors Center (aka the Welcome Center) is activated and ready to charge your car for $1.25/hour.

This small parking lot has two entrances: one on South Avenue, and one on Wolcott Avenue (aka Route 9D).

The other charging station is in the DMV parking lot near Homespun. That charging station and parking lot are owned by Dutchess County.

Another charging station is at City Hall, and is expected to be activated in the next two weeks, according to Beacon’s City Manager, Anthony Ruggiero.

IMG_9812.jpeg

Annual Bicycle Tree Lighting Not Happening For 2019 (For Now)

/
bicycle-tree-not-happening-2019-MAIN.png

Beacon has had a bicycle tree representing its welcome into the holidays for the last nine years. For the last eight of those years, this tree was the only ceremonial tree that was lit up at Beacon’s welcome intersection at the corner of Main Street and Wolcott, which is also the location of Beacon’s Welcome Center.

A large evergreen tree stands rooted in the ground next to the Welcome Center, and it has had lights on it, but it wasn’t being used for the city’s official tree lighting. The tree of wheels was. This year, the City of Beacon will have a tree lighting - of the earth-rooted tree - but the Beacon Bicycle Tree will not emerge.

Why? Why did Beacon have a tree of bicycle wheels for its annual lighting in the first place? Some people wondered this silently, while enjoying the annual tradition, and others wondered it aloud, in criticizing manner, a manner of complaining that this was a tradition imposed upon them.

Exploring The Bicycle Tree, And Why It Was Created

The real reason the Bicycle Tree was created, according to Ed Benavente, the artist behind the interactive sculpture, is that there simply was no ceremonial tree lighting prior to his sculpture version. Nothing was lit up in a ceremony of any kind at Beacon’s front door. If no tradition existed at all, then the experience was a blank canvas that Ed was tempted to fill - with the help of some of his friends.

For the past several years, the City of Beacon has not been an investor in public events. The public events that people enjoy, like the Spirit of Beacon Day, the kids Halloween parade, and other such events, are the result of groups of people feeling so strongly about an event that they get together and organize it. The Bicycle Tree became one such project; Ed gained support from BeaconArts to produce and promote the work. Eventually, the City of Beacon also got behind it financially, and became a partner in the tree lighting.

At the time of the tree’s inception, Beacon’s art scene was thick with artists filling in the voids where festivities were not happening. BeaconArts as an entity started as a way to help promote artists, but adopted a lot of business promotion since that was lacking as well.

Ed explained to A Little Beacon Blog his inspiration to start the Bicycle Tree:

 

“I started this project along with the Beacon Arts Community Association at a time when public Christmas celebrations seemed to be waning and lacking a central event. I wanted to see if we could create a related art project that was different and meaningful in spite of having no funding. By incorporating the themes of recycling and transportation, I cobbled together the first Bicycle Tree. A half-dozen or so people then gathered around it to sing Christmas carols led by Kelly Ellenwood (an opera singer) and Stephen Clair (founder of Beacon Music Factory). The spirit of the season was invoked and a tradition was born. My intention was to do this once or twice, but the enthusiasm grew, more volunteers stepped up, more bicycle parts were donated and Beacon Arts eventually partnered with the city Park and Recreation Department to establish an annual event drawing an estimated 500 people one year for the lighting ceremony.”

 
ed benavente removing beacon3d sculpture 2019.jpg

The Bicycle Tree Artist’s Statement On Why It Is Not Getting Built This Year

As Ed shared his scoop with A Little Beacon Blog, he was removing his well-known hammer sculpture that resided in front of Brett’s Hardware on West Main Street, set up as part of the outdoor public art exhibition, Beacon3d. That event has just ended, as it always does at this time of year.
PS: You can always buy any of these Beacon 3D sculptures… They become part of our lives as we walk past them daily or weekly, but really they are just on display. Contact the artist to find out how. Usually artists are not salespeople and they might forget to mention that.

Ed shared the news with a bit of an Eeyore tone. Not entirely happy about it, yet solid in his decision. He tried describing the current status of the Bicycle Tree, that it was pushed aside, under his summer lawn equipment, that was going to take a long winter’s nap until the artist shed got cleaned out come spring.

“Each year brings new challenges,” reflected Ed. “Each year, I wonder if it can be done. Each year I have been encouraged and supported by a team of volunteers and the community at large. This year, I have to concede that my own time and energy is lacking and it's time to take a break.”

According to Ed, his grand visions of the Bicycle Tree were never fully realized. Each year, he did add new interactive elements to it. Kids could turn gears and make wheels move over here or over there. New lights were brought in and strung up.

To dig into the mind of Ed, to discover more about why he designed this design, one would check out his Artist Statement. That’s where artists state what drives them. According to this statement at the Austin Art Projects, Ed was the perfect fit for an interactive project like this, that involved religion and meaning and the human experience:

 

The work of Ed Benavente is largely focused on the illustrative portrayal of the human condition. Whimsical yet often with a footnote of serious thought and contemplation.

 

We may never know what his engineering vision was. “Although the Bicycle Tree will be absent this year,” says Ed, “the Bicycle Menorah may still make an appearance, as well as the Bicycle New Year's Ball drop at Fountain Square (Dogwood). The Bicycle Reindeer might also make an appearance here and there.”

Is There A Tree Lighting In Beacon?! Yes.

“Christmas tree fans should not despair,” encouraged Ed. “There will be a traditional, real, live Christmas tree lighting event on Saturday, November 30 at Polhill Park, complete with music, snacks and Santa!” Details about that lighting are here.

Just so you know, Ed used to pedal Santa down Main Street in his mysterious Bicycle Reindeer bike. At this point, the bike is not scheduled to be anywhere. So the only chance you have to see it is … keep your eyes peeled for its red glow and musical sounds as it makes its way through Beacon - maybe.

Report back if you hear or see it.

PPS: If you want to send Ed your thoughts and memories of the tree, you can email him at ed@beaconarts.org

He has received one such comment, via ALBB’s Instagram, from @emilymac8: “Ed Benavente, if you're seeing this please know your work was a magical part of Beacon childhoods, especially my daughter who was born in 2009. Thank you for filling what was a void, and filling it in a quirky fun interactive way.”

The New Christmas Tree Lighting In Beacon Continues For 2019

/

Last year marked the first year that a group of organizers orchestrated a Christmas tree lighting around an actual live tree, versus the Bicycle Tree that had been built in years prior. The new tradition, with the nature-based tree, will continue for 2019. The Bicycle Tree, however, will not be built for 2019. You can read all about why here.

Details for the tree lighting for Beacon are below:

City of Beacon Tree Lighting
Day: Saturday, November 30, 2019
Time: 4 to 6 pm (lighting to happen at dusk, ETA 5:50 pm)
Location: Welcome Center - Main Street and Route 9D, Beacon, NY
Make an ornament, enjoy hot drinks and cookies, enjoy carols sung by Scouts and welcome Santa Claus. The tree will be lit at dusk.
Information >

Hop & Shop Hits Beacon's Mile-Long Main Street Again This December 12th and 13th, 2019

/
hop and shop 2019.jpg

Back for its second year, with an even longer list of participating businesses - 60 in total and five new sponsors - Hop & Shop Beacon is set for two nights of extended shopping and special deals on Main Street in Beacon on Thursday, December 12, and Friday, December 13. The following Saturday will be Beacon’s Second Saturday, so anticipate a long weekend of (even more) live action on Main Street.

“Last year after Hop & Shop had wrapped, we received a number of emails and messages from customers who said they had the best time and how they hoped we would do it again,” the event’s co-organizer, Erin Murphy Doan, owner of Reservoir, told A Little Beacon Blog. “Another wonderful result that has come from this event is the relationships built between the business owners,” she continued. “Main Street feels very unified, and we’re all here to help each other!”

The Origins of Hop & Shop

Created in 2018 out of the collective desire for more reasons for Beacon businesses to work together, Hop & Shop Beacon’s mission is to lengthen the shopping day for commuters and people who just like walking around Beacon at night. Said the other co-organizer, Lauren Decker of King + Curated: “We wanted to find a way to unify all Beacon businesses with each other and the community. It’s a great way to celebrate our locals (who also can be commuters) of Beacon by staying open late. Usually they never get the chance to shop local, with some shops closing at 6 pm. Weekends are sometimes spent enjoying hiking and outdoor activities in the Hudson Valley.”

This year, over 60 businesses will stay open until 9 pm, and five sponsors came on board to support the event: Hudson Land Design, SallyeAnder, A Little Beacon Blog (hey, that’s us!), More Good, and Tipsy Social.

Hop & Shop has grown as anticipated as Black Friday itself. Which is great news for you - more deals! More access to unique things! Shops like Luxe Optique have crafted deals that work for both Black Friday and Hop & Shop. Which is great for this blogger, who is out of town for Black Friday, but in town for Hop & Shop!

How Hop & Shop Works

You step outside onto Main Street and side streets, and you gaze into the warmly lit shop windows filled with goodies, creations, inventions, and other things you didn’t realize were so close to you here in Beacon.

Enjoy food and drink specials, art openings, sales, etc., all up and down our over mile-long Main Street! Wear your cutest, coziest winter outfits and accessories, because you will want to walk the entire length of Main Street. Drink hot chocolate at one coffee shop, and a latte at another coffee shop at the other end of town. With maybe a cupcake or marshmallow in-between!

Recommended: Get cozy with Hop & Shop’s Instagram. It features participating businesses, which include services such as yoga, as well as shops and eateries. Like the beef jerky shop, The Village Jerk, located inside The Chocolate Studio on the far end of Main Street near the mountain.
INSIDER TIP: The Chocolate Studio has delicious chocolate-covered lots-of-things, but also sells dairy and vegan ice cream.

Raffle tickets for prizes are available, given per receipt, from participating businesses only. The idea is, the more you shop, the better your chances of winning. This year, raffle categories include:

  • Eat + Drink Local

  • Shop Local

  • LifeStyle Local (*new!)

Mark your calendars!

PS: If you have kids and need them to not be with you while shopping on Black Friday, local business The Crafty Hammer is having a Black Friday Drop-Off Makers Session, so check that out and get scheduled up. The Crafty Hammer is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and we thank them for their support!

Participating Businesses

For the longest list of participating businesses, see here! As a blog, we have the space (unlike a print newspaper or magazine), so have at it! Also learn more about these shops in A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide.

133 Main Street LEWIS & PINE.
Modern, ethically-crafted jewelry, apothecary and home goods featuring work by local artists and artisans.

135 Main Street STOREHOUSE BEACON.
A modern-day apothecary featuring an herbal dispensary and all natural/ handmade hair, skin, and home products.

142 Main Street TITO SANTANA TAQUERIA.
Innovative Mexican tacos, quesadillas and vegan dishes.

143 Main Street UTENSIL KITCHENWARE.
A practical, affordable kitchenware shop.

144 Main Street MOUNTAIN TOPS.
Rafting, kayaking, sporting goods store.

149 Main Street BEACON TINTYPE.
Handmade heirloom portraiture studio utilizing the wet-plate collodion process. Archival and hauntingly timeless.

151 Main Street THE INN & SPA AT BEACON.
A 10-room, boutique hotel and spa described in Vogue as "a dream getaway for New Yorkers." Small. Wonderful.

155 Main Street DARRYL’S.
Darryl’s is a Contemporary Women’s Boutique offering a combination of style, personalized service and high-quality clothing and accessories at value pricing not found anywhere else in the area.

155 Main Street KNOT TOO SHABBY.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® stockist providing hands-on service for your family heirlooms and flea market finds.

171 Main Street BEETLE AND FRED.
Modern sewists shop. Focusing on modern quilting and garment sewing. Sewing classes available.

173 Main Street CHILL WINE BAR.
A place to chill and relax with 27 wines by the glass, great beer and light food. Celebrating 13 years in Beacon.

175 Main Street NOTIONS-N-POTIONS
We carry jewelry, loose stones, candles, incense, evil-eye home decor and so much more!
ALBB Tip: Ask about their Flying Wish Paper…

177 Main Street ZAKKA JOY
Find joy in our elevated and eclectic mix of stationery, housewares, toys, cameras, accessories and more!

181-183 Main Street LUXE OPTIQUE
Curated eyewear, gift cards, $25 eye exams, personalized eyewear consultations, kids eyewear, repairs and more!

197 Main Street FLORA GOOD TIMES
Botanically focused shop offering an unusual and extraordinary selection of houseplants, fresh flowers and home goods.

123 Rombout Ave. ROC PILATES
Roc Pilates is a tiny boutique studio located in Beacon, New York, just three blocks off Main Street. Focused on personalized, one-on-one training and small group lessons in the classical method. Senior Teacher Trainer Jordana Herman is a leader in the industry, with multiple national certifications including Power Pilates and the Pilates Method Alliance.

257 Main Street SCARBOROUGH FARE OIL & VINEGAR TAPROOM
Fine olive oil and aged balsamics, savory spreads, gourmet pasta, olives, local maple syrup and jams.

288 Main Street HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
Seven chefs offer Himalayan dumplings, southern BBQ, Indian street food, fresh salads and raw bar, plus Himalayan gifts.

291 Main Street A LITTLE BEACON BLOG
Highlighting awesome people, art, and businesses and Things-to-Do in Beacon guides. Visit for the latest!

301 Main Street THE STUDIO @ BEACON
Cycling, boxing, and barre studio. We also feature a smoothie bar with delicious smoothies and bowls.

314 Main Street LAST OUTPOST
Menswear, lifestyle and outdoor. Flannel, barware, camp cooking, local artists, brands that donate to national parks.

321 Main Street BINNACLE BOOKS
Beacon's independent bookstore. Find a hidden gem among dense shelves of tightly curated new and used books.

323 Main Street B. HAIR STUDIO
A full service hair salon that specializes in custom crafted haircuts, highlights, hair color, balayage, and more.

10 N. Chestnut DENNING’S POINT DISTILLERY
Creating award winning spirits from local New York grains.

378 C Main Street WYLD WOMYN
Birth and postpartum doula support, childbirth ed, lactation support, placenta encapsulation, full moon circles.

383 Main Street MORE GOOD
Organic teas/spices/herbs/handcrafted syrups and mixers, as well as bar and tea-ware! Stop in for perfect gifts for your whole list!

412 Main Street GREEN MOUNTAIN MINERALS
Fine mineral specimens and mineral gifts for enthusiasts from 7 to 70.

424 Main Street THE BEACON HOTEL
A boutique hotel with 11 rooms, restaurant/bar and event space; serving cocktails, steak, seafood and weekend brunch.

436 Main Street LA MÉRE CLOTHING + GOODS
Your women’s fashion destination. We offer quality and trends at just the right price.

442 Main Street BLACKBIRD ATTIC
A curated collection of ever changing modern and vintage clothing, accessories and more!

446 Main Street THE VAULT
New American restaurant featuring tapas menu, small-batch spirits and specialty cocktails and local craft beers.

453 Main Street AFTER EDEN GALLERY
Specializes in fine 18th-20th century art, antiques and crafts, vintage advertising, antique toys & country furniture.

456 Main Street THE ARCHIVE
Clothing, Furniture & Uncommons for the home.

457 Main Street NFP
Engineered sweaters with the ability to mold and shape into new forms.

458 Main Street BEACON BATH & BUBBLE
Unique soap and soda shop featuring handmade soap, vintage soda pop, candy and more!

460 Main Street RESERVOIR | CLOTHING & HOME
Men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and home décor focused on sustainability and a dedication to affordable prices.

469 Main Street NO.3 READING ROOM & PHOTO BOOK WORKS
Select artists' books, photobooks, works on paper and poetry books by small and independent presses.

470 Main Street ECHO WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE & TOY STORE
A curated selection of women’s clothing, and an award-winning toy store - all under one roof.

470 Main Street THE BRA FIT EXPERT
Lingerie, luxe pajamas, fittings by appointment, gift certificates available.

474 Main Street RAVEN ROSE
Lifestyle boutique with a wide selection of gift items and fresh florals.

478 Main Street VINTAGE BEACON
A stylist-edited women's boutique featuring high-end designer consignment alongside curated vintage treasures.

480 Main Street DENISE GIANNA DESIGNS
Home, health, hospitality interior design studio/retail showroom; fabric, upholstery.

482 Main Street RUDY’S JEWELRY
Expert repairs, custom work and fine jewelry selection; jewelry services with a personal touch since 1992.

484 Main Street HYPERBOLE
A colorful mash-up of Artifact & Wares, Hyperbole sells small-batch jewelry, clothing, vintage and art.

488 Main Street PAVONINE YOGA
Beacon’s new (and only!) hot yoga studio! Hot and Power Vinyasa and Boot Camp. New students: Two weeks unlimited classes for $35!

493 Main Street BEACON MERCANTILE
Freshly made candles, perfumes, skincare and apothecary items, plus fun seasonally curated finds for home and gifting.

493 Main Street CAMPBELL & CAMPBELL
An established NYC couple offering cutting, color and styling services; nail and makeup services just added.

494 Main Street VILLAGE JERK
Jerky, hot sauce and accessories.

496 Main Street THE CHOCOLATE STUDIO
Gourmetibles, vegan treats, Wine/beer jellies, chocolate bacon, custom platters, gift certificates & baskets.

498 Main Street THE LEAF
All products hemp. The best that nature has to offer with everything from tinctures, creams, textiles and clothing.

500 Main Street LOOPY MANGO
Beginner-friendly DIY knit kits, quality yarns made with natural fiber and knitting workshops.

510 Main Street HUDSON VALLEY MARSHMALLOW COMPANY
Handmade flavored marshmallows, hot cocoas and s'mores and gift baskets. S'mores roasted right on the spot!

512 Main Street KAIGHT
Specialty boutique offering a curated mix of sustainable fashion, home goods and clean beauty.

516 Main Street SUKHOTHAI RESTAURANT
Spiced-to-order Thai favorites and innovative dishes served in a spacious, brick-walled cafe.

528 Main Street THE BLUSHERY
Award-winning beauty studio, providing brow, makeup, skincare, and hair removal services.

530 Main Street KING + CURATED
From affordable to aspirational, voted “Best Jewelry store” for custom and fine jewelry.

554 Main Street MELZINGAH TAP HOUSE
An all-new gathering place for craft beer enthusiasts, cocktail connoisseurs, and food fanatics.

1 E. Main Street LAMBS HILL BRIDAL
Bridal boutique reflects the rustic-chic style of our venue. Gowns range from $1,000 to $3,000.

1 E. Main Street SALLYEANDER
Handmade, trusted solutions for healthy skin, home and family since 1982.

2 E. Main Street ROUNDHOUSE
A unique, historical property repurposed into a restaurant, bar and boutique hotel overlooking a waterfall.

7 E. Main Street HUDSON VALLEY BREWERY
Craft brewery creating dynamic expressions of traditional and nouveau ales. Tasting room and to-go sales Thursday thru Sunday.

17 E. Main Street SOLSTAD HOUSE
Venture down to East Main and cross the bridge at Beacon Falls to discover a brand new mercantile shop/general store that features wares from local artisans and carefully curated handmade goods from all over the country - candles to consumables.

47 E. Main Street DOGWOOD
American and globally inspired eats pair with seasonal craft beers at this hangout with live music.

PPS: If you are a business looking to get involved with Hop & Shop next year, hit them up in their DMs in Instagram.

The Wreaths Are Going Up! Holidays Are Here 2019

/
wreaths-going-up-2019-MAIN.png

Perhaps this is the year you have accepted that Thanksgiving has been swallowed by Christmas, and that is OK. For those who view it as a gathering of friends and family for some very heavy food, why not treat it as a holiday about that?

Decorators of houses may have traditionally waited until after Thanksgiving to put their yard art out, but this year, the lights have started blinking from front porches and apartment windows.

Some of you have already brought home your Christmas trees on the roofs of your cars. You know who you are.

So it’s time to go all in on the winter holiday season. Therefore, thank you City of Beacon for putting up the wreaths this Monday morning!

Early-Bird Pricing For 2020 Summer Camp Guide In A Little Beacon Blog

/
summer camp guide early bird special.png

Back when we started the Summer Camp Guide for Beaconites, it was primarily because there were so many great camps around us, yet it was hard organizing which camps which of our children should go to on which dates. So we made a list about it, and that list quickly got used by many, many parents to referred to it as a bible as they plotted their summers.

We have also now learned that the building of these Summer Camp Guides starts in November (a great tip given to us by a magazine publisher friend). So we are announcing now the ability to get us your information so that A Little Beacon Blog’s Summer Camp Guide can be spit-spot ready to go by March, which is when the camps start sending out their notices to parents, and parents begin locking in plans.

About A Little Beacon Blog’s Readers:

Readers come from Beacon, but they also come from other Hudson Valley towns including Fishkill, Wappingers, Peekskill, Kingston and Poughkeepsie. Even New York City! We have even gotten requests from people who live in those communities to start something like A Little Beacon Blog in their cities or towns.

READERSHIP
21,500 views/month
3,690 followers on Facebook
4,900 followers on Instagram
1,700 newsletter subscribers

See our full Media Kit here.

How A Little Beacon Blog’s Guide Works (The Secret Sauce)

Our guide is a living guide, which means that it lives online on the same web page every year. This is how it has maintained its #1 ranking in Google over the years for people searching for summer camps. All of our Guides work this way, in fact. Here’s our Secret Sauce:

  • Lots of Great Recommendations: We include basic information for camps based in Beacon for free. This includes the dates. The dates are the most important part for parents.

  • Links: We include links to camps’ websites because that’s what Google loves, because readers love links. Easy-peasy connections to info!

  • Dedicated Sponsor Pages: Advertising camps get their own pages on A Little Beacon Blog. So, you pay for a page on our website that can include lots of details about your camp, including price, descriptions, photos, etc. Even videos if you have them!

Why Advertising In The Guide Is Crucial For Camps In And Outside Of Beacon

There are a lot of great camps. The space even inside of Beacon has gotten crowded. Parents look outside of Beacon for different date ranges, age ranges, and specialties. A Little Beacon Blog’s Summer Camp Guide is a central place for them to refer to as they research and register.

  • So Much! While we started listing as much as we could for free for Beacon businesses, we started drowning over the years. We no longer can keep it up without sponsor support from the camps.

  • Dates get released late into the season. While this turns into breaking news and is good for us to get the scoop on, we might not get to it because, well, Life. This is why advertising is helpful. It locks in your update!

  • Stand out in the competition. Those who advertise get logos and photos, and can get featured on the main page of the Summer Camp Guide.

Early-Bird Special - Pay Now - Get Your Camp Info Updated In Advance!

The Early-Bird Special is going on now for enhanced listing in A Little Beacon Blog’s Summer Camp Guide. Parents are planning their summers early. Let them see your programming and dates!

The Summer Camp Guide lives here:

https://www.alittlebeaconblog.com/summer-camp-guide

An advertiser at Level 2 in that guide ($485 Early Bird, regularly $685) is ID Tech Summer Camp. See how their listing looks in the main Summer Camp Guide, and then the special sponsor page they get.

Their dedicated sponsor page is here:

https://www.alittlebeaconblog.com/summer-camp-guide-listings/id-tech-summer-camp-stem-education

You can purchase the advertising online here at any time, and we will get it up for you onto the website. That way it will be ready for whenever it is that parents begin their research!

Even if you don’t know dates yet, you can buy now during our Early-Bird period, and submit the information when you’re ready.

Start Advertising In Summer Camp Guide

Beauty Tip: The Original Moroccan Oil Is At The Green Room

/

Ladies - and gents and everyone with hair to care for! - your hair miracle is here. The original Moroccan Oil at the Green Room, located allll the way around Main Street near the mountain, past The Blushery, and near a free parking lot. Pair this oil with the conditioning mask. Some people use it daily (ahem)! Accept no imitations. We’ve tried ‘em. This is the real deal to get your hair in the best shape ever.

Find this tip and more in A Little Beacon Blog’s Beauty Guide! Which is proudly sponsored in part by Cold Fit Cryotherapy, also on Main Street but heading the other way - near Brothers Trattoria. Cold Fit Cryotherapy is where you can now go for a full-body, super-cold, super-quick treatment to treat aches and pains, jiggle stubborn fat, and other benefits. Popular on the West Coast right now, and now in Beacon too.

Find the Beauty Guide on the blog!

IMG_2581.jpeg

Happening This Weekend - 11/23/2019

/

Advertising Perk For Black Friday For Our Subscription Advertisers

/

Here’s the deal, guys: Here’s how one of the most fun advertising packages works at A Little Beacon Blog. It’s a program we created just for Main Street businesses.

No other magazine does it this way. We crafted it this way because we love telling stories. We love showing pictures. We love 💕 sharing the juicy details of what our small-business friends are doing with our readers.

Black Friday is next week. In addition to this weekend’s newsletter, we are prepping next week’s because we too will be traveling and shopping! We are going to all of our subscription advertisers to find our what they are offering for Black Friday, and including it in this next newsletter. If you were thinking of joining as an advertiser in our Guide advertising (curated recommendations), or our new Business Directory, now is the time to start. We can include your special Black Friday Deal in this roundup.

✨✨HOW IT WORKS✨✨

SHOPPING GUIDE: $185/month to show storefront and product photos that best reflect your shop and logo. $285/month is that and weekly features in the newsletter and blog! Plus random Instastories.

RESTAURANTS: Our Restaurant Guide ranks top in Google for people searching for where to eat in Beacon. $185/month to elevate your listing with a storefront photo, logo, and photo gallery. For $285/month, get that, plus music and event listings. People want the musical lineups, but we can’t list them all for free. We’ll drown! Help us help you. Includes Weekly features in the weekend newsletter.

CLASSES: Another reader favorite. We randomly feature curious and on-off classes. For more control of your description and listings, you can enhance this listing. $185/month includes your photo, logo, photo gallery, and overall class programming with links to where to buy. $285/month is that, plus weekly features in our weekend newsletter.

We think ahead for the marketing ideas for you.

All you have to do is be awesome!

Click Here For Details

Found Them! Frankenstuffs - Recycled Stuffed Animals - Pop Up In Beacon's Shopping Scene

/
frankenstuffs-MAIN.png

Frankenstuffs, the recycled stuffed animal company from Beacon-based Stephanie Dignan, first came across my radar in a Facebook Group. That was several years and several rabbit holes ago. I’m not longer in most Facebook Groups (thanks, invasion of privacy and total lack of trust in that platform!). I’ve been searching for these stuffies ever since, since Stephanie accepts stuffed animal donations, of which we have several in my home. To give you an idea, watching Toy Story is torture for me.

Hence, Frankenstuffs. The recreation of stuffed animals to live new lives. After I stumbled into the temporary location of the traveling pop-up, Sleepwalker Textiles, there they were. You can also find Frankenstuffs on Etsy.

New Pop-Up In Little Sliver Of A Shop Next To Beacon Hotel: Sleepwalker Textiles

/
sleepwalker-textiles-MAIN.png
Sleepwalker textiles-3.jpg

The little sliver of a shop next to (and part of) the Beacon Hotel that used to house Howling at the Edge of Chaos and a shop called something like Wanderlust or some such (chime in if you remember!) is now the temporary home of Sleepwalker Textiles from Sally Streets, the traveling pop-up shop that started in the cluster of shops that is The Chocolate Studio (former home of Denise Gianna Designs and current home of The Village Jerk).

Sleepwalker textiles-2.jpg

Sleepwalker Textiles sells cute little things like sweet lady boxer shorts and aprons, and is the embodiment of the concept: “Human consumerism and globalization has led to unsustainable living wages for the American working class and the precipitous decline of our planet. Sleepwalker questions this apparent inevitability by posing a challenge. Is is possible to create and sell products within a community, priced within $5 of a comparable product found at a big-box store, while providing a $20/hour wage?”

There’s a sewing machine in the shop, and constant creation of new inventory, most of which is most likely unique, in that the fabric used is donated in order to pay the desired wage, and to reduce the fashion footprint of clothes into the trash.

Frankenstuffs-3.jpg

Equally exciting is that they are carrying other designers as well, namely Frankenstuffs, the stuffed animal company that I first discovered deep down in Facebook groups somewhere years ago, and have been chasing them through Facebook ever since. (Chasing unsuccessfully since my footprint in that place has been reduced by leaving most groups except for mom groups.) And here Frankenstuffs is finally on Main Street in Beacon! For now.

Frankenstuffs is your answer to continuing life for stuffed animals that are not wanted anymore (sniff). You’ll find a few of the stuffies in the Sleepwalker Textiles shop.

Find the Sleepwalker Textiles shop at 438 Main St., next to the Beacon Hotel, which is near the Beacon Movie Theater, Story Screen.

Want to pop-up in Beacon, NY? A Little Beacon Blog makes it easy for you! We have outfitted our own headquarters on Main Street, A Little Beacon Space, to be a pop-up shop, complete with display shelves, clothing racks, tables for vendors, and more. With built-in promotion, we offer an instant pop-up experience in our beautifully lit, cozy and well-known space. Learn more here.

Frozen 2 Opens In Beacon On Main Street Starting Thursday!

/

If you Google “When is ‘Frozen 2’ coming out,” the Internet (and your child) will tell you it’s Friday, November 22. But if you read your Story Screen newsletter, the weekly newsletter from the movie theater located on Main Street in Beacon (yes, it got revived, and renovated, and has really cushy seats and real butter popcorn), you will know that “Frozen 2” hits the big screen in Beacon on Thursday, November 21, 2019. Tomorrow. Or today. Depending on when you are reading this.

DO YOU HAVE YOUR TICKETS YET?

Tickets are sold through Fandango or MovieTickets.com. Or by visiting the theater in person. Showtimes for “Frozen 2” do continue through the week, at least until Wednesday. But if you’re going out of town for Thanksgiving, and you want to keep your souvenir movie ticket stub for the Beacon movie theater, then you would go now. If you are thinking: “Ya know… We are visiting relatives out of town, and they really want to see “Frozen” with us as something to do after we are stuffed with turkey,” that’s fine. You could see it a second time (assuming it’s good… please be good!) and still get to have your Beacon movie ticket stub by seeing it this week.

Story Screen - the operation that runs the Beacon movie theater - has new releases playing often. In fact, the lineup changes weekly. This is a theater where you’ve got a few chances to see the film, and then the screens light up with something new.

We are awaiting confirmation on whether “Frozen 2” will continue playing during the week of Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and all that. Keep it tuned here and refresh this article for the answer.

IMG_2473.png

Advertising Opportunity For Christmas Eve/Day Article

/

Every year we publish an article with a list of restaurants in Beacon who are open and closed on Christmas Eve/Day. Everyone wants to know where to go if they are leaving the house with out-of-town guests. Or just by themselves! It is one of our most popular articles of the year. We do the research, make the phone calls and get the scoop.

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY:

Are you catering? Delivering? Creating an amazing experience you want people to come to? Sponsorship for this article is $150.

Your business can sponsor this article with a logo and one-sentence description of what you want to let readers know.

All of our advertisers help make this publication possible, to deliver great businesses to great readers. This is one way that helps local media, and your business at the same time.

PS: To be clear, there is no charge to Beacon restaurants to say if they are open or closed. That is the editorial and guts of this article. If you want to tell people about a special discount you’re offering, well, that’s a different story and moves into the advertising category. Which helps make this all possible!

If you’re a restaurant or caterer in the area that is open on Christmas Eve or Day, you can also reach our readers with an advertisement on the list! The opportunity is open to all.

Find the advertisement link from A Little Beacon Blog in the latest article or email us at production@alittlebeaconblog.com.

Sponsor this article

[UPDATED] Flora The Flower Shop Is Under New Ownership - Now "Flora Good Times"

/
flora-new-owner-now-flora-good-times-MAIN.png

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in August, 2019. We later heard from Flora’s original creator, Mary, and amended this article in November 2019.

This just in! One of your favorite little flower shops on the west end of town, Flora, is under new ownership from the proprietress Corinne Bryson. Says Corinne of the shop, which is now called Flora Good Times: “There will still be tons of plants and flowers, but I'm aiming to work with small local farms to get flowers during the growing season rather than imported flowers, and unusual plant specimens!” The shop has also started offering classes, like the Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop this Thursday, November 21, 2019 (catch rare workshops like this in A Little Beacon Blog’s Classes Guide).

But Wait - Where’s Mary?

Mary Fris originally created Flora - which had a different logo in all lower case (see Niche Modern’s coverage of them here when Mary first opened in 2015). We tracked Mary down in her gardening boots, and learned her true thoughts - which she never held back on sharing as she participated in city government goings-on by submitting her opinion from time to time.

 

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss all of my lovely customers. ... Beacon has been my home for the last 20 years, but having a business here really made me appreciate what a truly wonderful community this is and continues to be as it evolves with a whole new generation of young families.

I intend to stay involved by volunteering or maybe even a part-time job on Main Street to keep my finger on the pulse. This community has given me so much and I hope to return the same. I also want to take up painting and travel ... maybe check off a few places on my bucket list or escape somewhere for the winter. It’s nice not having to lift buckets of water or run back and forth between suppliers. I don’t like the word ‘retirement’ - it seems foreign and I am not the type to put my feet up. I intend to stay active. But my days of owning my own business are over. At least for now ... lol!

 

To add to your Beacon trivia, Mary was once a pastry chef at 02, which is now Isamu. “Running a cafe is pretty much 24/7,” Mary told A Little Beacon Blog. “I’ve done that a couple times too! Lotsa work work work. Hats off to Jessica of Homespun!”

About The New Owner, Corinne

Where does Corinne hail from? It is always interesting to follow the thread of a small business journey, tracing from where a business owner started, and how they got here, to Beacon. Corinne is originally from outside of Detroit. She’ll fill in the rest:

“I moved to Rochester, NY, 10 years ago to go to school for photography. I moved to Brooklyn almost seven years ago to pursue that career and tripped and fell into floral design and fell in love with houseplants. My husband and I currently live in Brewster, where we’re working at filling our house with rare plants, hand-thrown ceramics and knick-knacks from our travels.”

Tripping and falling into floral design sounds fun. Let the opening of the shop begin! Flora Good Times will hold an opening day celebration on Sunday, September 1, 2019 from 12 to 5 pm. The shop is located at 197 Main St., Beacon, NY near the Beacon Bread Company.

We know you're getting ready for it ... the big Thanksgiving week ahead! Travel, food, clothing. It's going to be a great week (right?) especially if you're prepared. Luckily, we have ideas from our local business supporters that will make getting what you need easy.

TIP: Next Friday at 8 am, we are publishing our Black Friday Issue that will include the deals from our amazing advertisers who help make producing this publication possible. Friday will be a big day for you to find savings from your favorite stores, hair salons, restaurants, wherever it is that you need things from. Don't be shy about buying gift certificates for yourself (totally doing this at Salon Dae).

If you are a retail business who has been thinking of advertising with A Little Beacon Blog, this is a great time to start. Here's how.
Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance.
Events Guide sponsored by The Crafty Hammer


 

Little 3x3 Boxes Art Contest Reception
A fundraiser for the Sloop Woody Guthrie
Day: Saturday, November 23, 2019
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Location: Scenic Hudson River Center (Red Barn), Long Dock Road, Beacon, NY
Little canvases have been painted, and the artwork is available for purchase by bid at this annual reception party.
Information >

Live Concert: Chris Forbes (Pianist)
Day: Saturday, November 23, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY
Information >

Live Concert: 4x4 Music Off Road
Day: Sunday, November 24, 2019
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY
Information >

Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.
 
Mid-Hudson Etsy Makers Holiday Pop-Up Market
Day: Saturday, November 23, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY
Information >

Re-Pop-Up Perma-Pop-Up of Sleepwalker Textiles
Day: Through December 31, 2019
Time: See store for hours.
Location: Next to the Beacon Hotel, 428 Main St., Beacon, NY
Get The Scoop >
 
 


BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END
 
Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique
155 Main Street
www.darrylsny.com
You just got invited to an awards dinner. Or a gala. Or a fancy family dinner party. What will you wear? First thought: Go to Darryl's. On the racks now is a flirty little black velvet polka dot dress with long sleeves and a tiered skirt. Pictured here is a deep navy blue number, also with polka dots and a puff sleeve. (We may or may not have bought this after photographing it...) Ask about their long skirts and pants, too!



 

Luxe Optique
183 Main Street
www.luxeoptique.com
Eye candy! That's what you'll find at Luxe Optique, especially on the shelves from French Collective.

 


 

BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END


Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
1 East Main Street, Retail #3
www.lambshillbridalboutique.com
(near the dummy light)
"Rain or shine, you'll always be mine" - what a lovely photoshoot, this #lambshillbride is still glowing! We are also crazy about this beautiful fall-inspired bouquet. 

Book your appointment with Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique today or call them at (845) 765-2900!

 
                           

 
 
For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Adult Classes Guide.
Submission Guidelines for classes you'd like us to consider adding to these guides can be found here.
 
 
                             
 
 
The Crafty Hammer
4 South Chestnut Street, Beacon, NY
(845) 834-9665 (WOOD)
www.thecraftyhammer.com

SAVE THE DATE!
Black Friday Fun Day For Kids
Day: Friday, November 29, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm or 2 to 6 pm
Location: The Crafty Hammer, 4 S. Chestnut St., Beacon, NY
Here's the answer to the scheduling crazy that could be shopping on Black Friday. Entertain your kids at The Crafty Hammer on Black Friday! There's drop-off service for kids on Black Friday, with two different sessions. Children can bring lunch or dinner. Snacks and beverages are provided. Kids will make a holiday wood project and watch a holiday movie.
Information >

For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes Guide.
Submission Guidelines for classes you'd like us to consider adding to these guides can be found here.
REAL ESTATE LISTINGS
15 Fairview Road, Fishkill, NY
3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom
From Gate House Realty: "Total privacy in this completely renovated contemporary-style home, on a half-acre of property bordering state land."
Price: $475,000
Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550
Details + Pictures >
VIEW THIS LISTING
VIEW ALL LISTINGS
JOB LISTINGS
HIRING
HEADLINE NEWS FROM OUR SPONSORS
       
A Little Beacon Space :: Black Friday Deal!
A Little Beacon Space is going to have a Black Friday deal! It will be 50% off any rental package. Short meetings, medium meetings, full-day meetings, pop-up shops, anything. Friday only. To be used at any point in the future. Details to come in next week's newsletter.
Check Pricing & Availability >

 
Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency
Event planning includes a lot of details. Antalek & Moore makes the insurance part easy. Let them do the homework and find you the best rate for the coverage you need.
Learn More
Beacon Chamber of Commerce :: Business Directory
Is your business in the Business Directory of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce yet? No? Why not? It really should be. Join here today.
Learn More >
MASTHEAD
Producers of this newsletter include:
Katie Hellmuth Martin, Publisher, Writer, Designer, Photographer
Marilyn Perez, Managing Editor
Catherine Sweet, Editor of the Second Saturday Guide

Advertise With A Little Beacon Blog
The support from every advertiser of A Little Beacon Blog helps make local news get produced. You can be part of making it happen, and get your business in front of the community in a meaningful way.
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Until next week!