Bank Square 129 Main St. Your friendly place on the West End Main Street for a latte, craft beer, or Mast Brothers Hot Chocolate. Also have snacks like yogurt, granola bars, and homemade donuts when they are making them.
Open Monday - Friday 6am - 9pm Saturday from 7am - 10pm Sunday from 7am - 9pm
Tito Santana Taqueria 142 Main St. (845) 765-2350 Tito Santana Taqueria is a California-style Mexican fare with really fresh food you'd expect to find in a taqueria! From guacamole to fish tacos to cheesy quesadillas. They also serve beer and cans of wine! Stop in! The taco etiquette: Always order more than you can eat. PS: Inspired Vegan & Gluten-Free options make Tito Santana Taqueria the place to be!
Open daily from 11am - 9pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Artisan Wine Shop 180 Main St. Beacon's most delightful wine shop specializes in pairing wine with food.
Meyer's Olde Dutch 184 Main St. (845) 440-6900 This burger joint bought and replaced Poppy's and you can get the scoop! Look for Dirty Fries, creative cocktails, chicken sandwiches, and more.
Open Sunday thru Thursday for Food 11:30 am until 9 pm; bar until 10 pm; Friday and Saturday Food 11:30 am until 11:00 pm; bar until midnight.
Beacon Bread Company 193 Main St. (845) 838-2867 You'll find not just their delicious, fresh baked bread, but you can stop in for warm french onion soup, grilled cheeses and other sandwiches, cheese danishes, brownies. Vegan options are available!
Open Monday-Friday 8am - 5pm (Closed Wednesdays)
BJ's Soul Food Restaurant 213 Main St. Beacon's stop for soul food including fried chicken, ribs, oxtail, and mac and cheese that rivals Stouffers. Enjoy a generous slice of a homemade three-layer frosted cake. Serves beer.
Open daily 7:30am - 9pm & Sundays 7:30am - 7pm
Homespun Foods 232 Main St. (845) 831-5096 Delicious spot for breakfast, lunch or sweet snacks (like carrot cake or chocolate mousse). Be sure to ask about their deep dish french toast with real maple syrup, which had formerly was only baked on the weekend, but now may be served daily in Homespun's new morning hours for breakfast, starting at 8am. Also serves oatmeal, yogurt, quiche, sandwiches, cheeses and beer. Open Monday from 10am - 4pm & Thursday-Sunday 10am - 7pm Closed on Tuesday & Wednesday.
Isamu Sushi 240 Main St. Beacon's most modern and hip-looking sushi restaurant with a waterfall wall that kids love. Seats large party. Serves wine and beer.
Open daily 11am - 10pm & Sundays 12pm - 10pm
Ziatun 244 Main Street (845) 765-8268 Authentic Palestinian-Arabic-Middle Eastern food that serves vegan & vegetarian options as well as traditional meat dishes that include lamb and beef. Local blogger at Beacon Bits was quite taken with the flavors you'll find there, including mint, sumac, toasted pita, and more. After being open for 6 weeks, Ziatun (pronounced Zay-toon) made it to a Top 10 List at The Culture Trip. It is one of the restaurants from Kamel Jamal (you know him from Tito's, Beacon Bread Company, and W.T.F Beacon), and the child of Palestinian immigrants, born in a refugee camp in Jordan, you are sure to taste his passion for the Palestinian home-cooking and enjoy your dining experience.
Max's On Main 246 Main St. Enjoy Max's for lunch and dinner! A favorite around these parts is their crab meat cakes when they are available as a special. A dependable staple is their potato skins, which are a rare appetizer in these parts. And we know this because we are potato skin aficionados.
Scarborough Fare 257 Main St. While not a restaurant, Scarborough Fare sells the olive oil, vinegar, pickles, pasta and sauces you need to make your own meals.
Hudson Valley Food Hall Eateries Inside: Mizz Hattie’s BBQ, Momo Valley, Shmuck’s Sweet Stuff, The Roosevelt Bar, El Nica, Barb’s Fry Works 288 Main St The Hudson Valley Food Hall & Market showcases a variety of cuisines and local chefs from the Hudson Valley. In addition to food vendors, the hall houses The Roosevelt Bar, with a cocktail program showcasing local spirits from the Hudson Valley.
Open Monday - Thursday 12pm - 12am Friday & Saturday 12pm - 1am Sunday from 12pm - 11pm
The Studio @ Beacon 301 Main St In addition to being a Spin/Boxing studio, they have a refreshing Smoothie Bar with an amazing selection of smoothies which will refresh and energize you. You can call in advance and place your order! See their menu.
Glazed Over Donuts 315 Main St. The sundae of donuts, the aroma of this donut shop, located in the navy blue building on Main Street near the Howland Public Library, can be smelled from blocks away, even into the residential area behind Rite Aid.
Roma Nova 6 Eliza Street (on a side street off Main Street) This little pizza/taco combo is a favorite for some. It may be quick place to swing by and pick up a taco while you're out.
Open Monday - Thursday 11am - 8pm Fridays 11am - 9pm Saturday 12pm - 8pm Closed on Sunday
Beacon Natural Market 348 Main St. The Deli Menu at Beacon Natural Market is an easy, tasty and healthy source for a work lunch or early dinner. A new menu is posted each week at their website, and you'll find creative dishes to select from, including Red Curry Chicken Soup, Mixed Green Salad with Golden Raisins and Walnuts, as well as Smoked Salmon Hash or a vegan Seitan Sausage & Peppers main dish.
Open Monday - Saturday from 10am - 6pm & Sunday from 10am - 5pm
Beacon Pantry Cafe & Market 382 Main St. Beacon Pantry is a specialty market for meats, cheeses, fish, crackers, jams, honey, granola, ice cream, and so much more. Known for carrying French and Italian delectables.
The Market is open Monday - Sunday from 10am - 6pm The cafe is open Saturday & Sunday from 10am - 4pm and Monday - Friday from 11am - 4pm
Open Monday - Friday from 7am - 6pm Saturday 8am - 7pm Sunday 8am - 5pm
Draught Industries 394 Main St. Draught's motto will give you an indication of what's it's like inside this little hallway of a bier garden in the middle of Main Street, and why it could be top of your list for beer: "Some people collect art. We drink it. 20 rotating Draughts & 2 rotating Beer Engines."
Yankee Clipper Diner 397 Main St. If you need broad food selections from veggies to meat to seafood, Yankee Clipper is a Beacon staple that will seat you comfortably for any meal. If you've seen the movie "Nobody's Fool" with Paul Newman, you'll recognize Yankee Clipper in a scene. Find a huge menu that includes Italian, Southwestern, and enjoy a few dishes with a Greek flare such as a gyro or chicken slouvaki. Serves beer and wine.
Open daily from 7am - 10pm
The Beacon Daily 29 Teller Ave. Bringing you Fine Food, Craft Beer, Coffee, and Pie! Open daily and serving breakfast all day, their Brekkie sandwiches with home made English Muffins are a huge hit! Fast becoming a local and visitor favorite.
Kitchen & Coffee 418 Main St. A beautiful cafe and eatery serving baked goods, salads and soups that are all gluten free and really good.
Open daily from 7am - 7pm
Carters Restaurant & Lounge 424 Main St. A high-end yet very comfortable restaurant in one of Beacon's most historic buildings, with a menu that changes with the seasons.
Open Monday - Saturday from 11am - 12pm Sunday from 11am - 8pm
Brother's Trattoria 465 Main St. Find pizza here of course, but also many more entrees of fish, steak and chicken. A favorite pizza is "Grandma's", a Sicilian style garlic cheese pizza with fresh tomato. Also ask about their gluten free pizza.
Open daily from 11am - 10pm
The Bagel Shoppe 466 Main Street The Bagel Shoppe has been offering the best bagels in the area from their Fishkill location since 1998. Now serving breakfast and lunch, Beaconites now have a location closer to home!
Open Monday - Wednesday from 6am - 3pm Thursday - Sunday from 6am - 4pm
Beacon Falls Cafe 472 Main St. This American Bistro restaurant has a cozy and comfortable atmosphere with its quaint, old mountain town decor and super friendly staff. They offer plenty of delicious comfort food and beer options for diners.
The Chocolate Studio 494 Main St. The Chocolate Studio (formerly Gourmetibles) is perfectly suited for birthday parties for kids of all ages. They make their delicious treats in their own kitchen, including custom cakes, made to order. The aroma may hook you in for the night. They also make our own Cake Pops, French Macarons, chocolate covered Bacon, chocolate covered pretzels and lots more.
Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 10am - 5pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 10am - 6pm Closed on Tuesday
Sukhothai 516 Main St. Sukhothai creates traditional Thai dishes, such as Pad Thai and Som Tam. They offer to spice each entree is to your taste, available in 1–5 in degrees of hotness.
Melzingah Tap House 554 Main St. From the owners of The Barking Frog and the Public House, Kevin and Dana Collins, this revival of an old restaurant location is a welcome addition to the East End of town near the mountain. Stop in and look for a special fish and chips.
Barb's Butchery 69 Spring St. Local butcher trained with some of the best in the Hudson Valley, and works with farms within a 200 mile radius of the shop, ensuring that you get local meat every time. You'll not only get cuts of meat, but ask for any special home-stuffed sausages or braises they have put together that day. Barb's Butchery is known for their weekly lunch specials which can include Thick Slab Bacon BLT with Garlic Aioli or Fried Chicken and Waffles, so stay hooked on their Facebook page for updates.
Open 8am-6pm daily.
Barking Frog 435 Fishkill Avenue Awesome Pub & Restaurant located in historic Beacon, NY. Stop in and enjoy our full bar, fantastic food, and friendly pub staff!
Open daily from 12pm - 11pm
Eat Church Food Truck 511 Fishkill Avenue Eat Church is food as punk as truck. Eat Church is a celebration of community. Let us commune to give thanks and praises for the bounty of the Hudson Valley. Rock. Roll. Eat. Amen. They are a food truck that operates with the mission that community is built through the interaction of eating and drinking with one another. They provide multiple opportunities for these experiences through rotating menus or "revues" in which they will visit varying ideas about food and how we all come together to eat it.
Available daily at Marbled Meat Shop grab-n-go fridge!
Editor’s Note: We heard rumors of the new food partnership between Two Way Brewing Co. and The Flying Jib in the summer of 2021 - that great pub food had arrived to the local brewery near the train station with a patio near you. When Two Way Brewing Co. came on as a sponsor of ALBB’s Restaurant Guide, that of course pushed us over the edge to send in long-time readers Matt McKimmey and Brianne McDowell to enjoy a sampling on a date night, and write about it. Matt wrote up the report, with Brianne on photos.
Some background: Matt and Brianne are both foodies who live in Beacon, hailing from the service and hospitality industries. During the pandemic-induced shutdown, both were hunkered down in Beacon with their young and extended family. Matt worked as a favorite bartender at Minetta Tavern, an iconic old school New York City West Village haunt. We say “worked” because he was out of the game for a while during the shutdown. Only recently, he just returned to tend bar again. While his train commuting hours are brutal, his regulars at Minetta Tavern are thrilled to have him back. For the record, as people stereotype NYC employees living in Beacon, both Matt and Brianne have cars in Beacon as being car-less, even though Matt commutes by train. Brianne used to commute by train, and recently found a job in Beacon to replace her demanding hotel job.
Attention Beaconites and foodies everywhere! Two Way Brewery Co. has yet again expanded on their very cool experience to include an awesome food menu. The Flying Jib at Two Way is not to be missed. Chef Trace Martinez really isn’t messing around featuring a delicious spin on Snacks, Sandwiches, and Wings.
We were definitely in the mood for wings but that didn’t stop us from starting with the Korean Fried Broccoli and Patatas Bravas, AMAZING! I was ready for another pint of the Work A Day IPA, sessionable and straight delicious.
A departure from my norm, I usually just get the flight because all of Two Way’s beers are awesome and it’s hard to choose just one.
We picked up our wings from the kitchen’s window, an informal aspect of Two Way that I really like, straight from the chef to your table. Just head back towards the game room when your beeper goes off (I miss the 90’s).
I made the right choice with the “You’re a Jerk” style wings. Caribbean flavors explode with a scotch-bonnet jerk seasoning topped with a tamarind sweet chutney. It was the kind of delicious, sloppy wing experience that just slaps a huge, saucy smile on your face. Wet Naps are provided, a pro move considering you’ll want to get your hands dirty with this incredible selection of wings.
We couldn’t stop there.
The “Los Diablos” style ARE. INCREDIBLE. Like a spicy wing challenge for those brave souls that crave the heat, ghost pepper and Carolina reaper bring you right to the edge and you will LOVE it. Honestly, these were the best, super spicy wings I’ve had in years and I will be back to try all the other flavors (edit: I came back 2 days later and ordered the Los Diablos AGAIN, to go).
Hold on we had sandwiches too!
Editor’s Note: This is where the article ends. We pursued Brianne for more details on the sandwiches: “I remember lots of cheese and it was delicious. There was cheese fig and arugula, and the Patatas Bravas and Broccoli were FIRE. I’m going to stop typing and order them now.”
Follow Two Way Brewing Co. and Flying Jib on Instagram for more food photos and event dates for live music and game nights.
Last year in the Fall, diners at restaurants were eating in the newfangled “parklets,” which were the borders of bright orange Jersey barriers outside of restaurants. These barriers created a safe-ish space for people to eat outside of restaurants in parking spaces, thereby adding seating to a restaurant and an opportunity for restaurants to earn more money during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is a virus passed primarily through the air, making outside spaces the safest. Last year, restaurants were getting crafty with what kind of heating units they were going to provide their patrons.
This year, Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White pulled the parklets in late September, citing scheduled milling and paving that was to be done on Main Street. Indeed, Beacon has been investing in infrastructure such as paved roads and seeking grants for new sidewalks for a number of years. Restaurant owners were already fearful of when the parklets were going to disappear, while some members of the community were bothered by the parklets for beauty reasons, and fear of car accidents, due to Beacon’s increasing reputation for speeding down Main Street, and any street around town.
Announced at the 11/1/2021 City Council Meeting, Main Street will indeed not get paved this year after all. City Administrator Chris stated: “The planned milling and paving of Main Street has been moved to next Spring. Because of all of the rain we have had recently, the contractors who are lined up to do the the milling and paving can't give us dates until late November, and then we run into the problem of getting into cold weather, in which the new striping won't set. Rather than rush it and not have the best job done, we will do April or early May.”
While the City Administrator said that the bump out project will be completed at South Avenue and Wolcott, it seems as though new cross-walk painting will not happen for the new location of bump-outs, which are the new side-walk extensions presumably for more accessible wheelchair use and pedestrian crossing. Currently, some of the new bump-out extensions do not match up with old cross-walks.
Some side-streets, such as South Chestnut Street, have been newly paved, with new bump-outs added. Several new bright yellow cross-walk signs have been added along Main Street as well, aiding in visual signals drivers get when zooming down the road.
Remember that time last year when Halloween was practically canceled, and people were Pinteresting "candy shoots" and other inventive ways to be COVID safe for Trick or Treating? And parents may have been secretly thinking: "Thank goodness for this year off from one of the most intense weekends of the year with all of the school parades, Trunk or Treats, and the big Halloween Night itself..."
Well...all of that pent up energy is flowing strong for this year's Halloween Weekend which culminates on Sunday. The weather is providing a perfect dose of blustery with a chill and a threat of rain. Rain or mist, most things seem to be still on.
Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade and Katie Hellmuth Martin
You can sponsor this Event Guide with your event, for extra promotion of it! If you'd like to guarantee to see your entertainment event listed here, book an Event Promotion Advertising spot here.
Walkway at Night: Halloween Edition
Day: Friday, October 29, 2021 Time: 6pm - 7:30pm Location: Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park Information >
Newburgh Literary Festival
Day: Saturday, October 30, 2021: Safe Harbors Lobby at the Ritz & Sunday, October 31: Writing Workshops Safe Harbors Lobby at the Ritz Time: Featured Program: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Local Writer's Fair and Cocktail Reception: 4 - 6 p.m. Location: 107 Broadway, Newburgh (Virtual options, too) Information >
The Halloweenining Spooky Soundscapes In The Howland’s Courtyard
Day: Sunday, October 31, 2021 (weather permitting) Time: 5pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, Beacon NY
Spooky fun for the whole family! Wear a costume, bring a blanket and listen to unsettling sounds as the sun sets.
The Patty Pan All Hallow's Eve Get Down: Halloween at the Beacon Farmers Market
Day: Sunday, October 31, 2021 Time: 11am Location: 223 Main St., Beacon NY
This Hallow's Eve, come celebrate at the market! At 11am, there will have a costume parade for kids and adults alike plus trick or treating back through the market. Then, at 11:30, a mini-Dance Party will get those sugar highs in check, fun for kids but of course adults are always welcome to shake it! PLUS! A costume contest w a GRAND PRIZE for adults and first, second and third place for kids! Information >
Adults Take & Make Fall Greeting Card Craft
Day: Monday, November 1, 2021 Time: All day
Stop by the Library on November 1st to pick up a "Take and Make" craft bag. It will include supplies to make 3 beautiful Fall-themed greeting cards. Each with its own unique motif. Artist, Theresa Stufano, provides an instructional video link to go with her supplies, so you can create at your convenience. First come, first served. Information >
Do Good With Chipotle - Fundraiser For Sargent Elementary School Day: Tuesday, November 2, 2021 Time: 5pm - 9pm Location: 10 Westage Dr., Fishkill NY
So easy to donate money to kids at Sarget Elementary when you pick up dinner at Chipotle in Fishkill. If you have kids, vote early so that you can have this day as a full holiday.
Fall Harvest Festivals
Day: Now - October 31st! Location: Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY Information >
The Great Give Back Stichin' for the Kitchen
Days: October 1 - November 15 2021
Get out your hooks and needles. Stichin' for the Kitchen is back! As part of the Great Give Back, the Howland Public Library is collecting handmade hats and scarves to donate to Fareground and Beacon Community Kitchen. Crafters can donate a set or individual items. Donations should be placed in individual plastic-zip bags and dropped off in the Big Red Bin at the library. Drop off between October 1st and November 15th. For more information, contact Michelle at community@beaconlibrary.org.
TWO WAY BREWING COMPANY
18 West Main St.
Cheers to the weekend! Really good fall beers from Two Way! And a food menu with goods from The Flying Jib! Stop in this weekend for all the #fallfeels See beers on tap here > Check out Events at Two Way > PS: Trivia is on Thursdays! OPEN:
Thursday 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday 4:00pm - 11:00pm
Saturday 12:00pm - 11:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm - 8:00pm
Two Way Brewing Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
EAT CHURCH
3091 U.S. 9, Cold Spring, NY
Banana Fritters from Eat Church anyone? Sweet and spicy! Looks delicious! Eat Church is always adding new delicious items to their menu! You must try them all... they never disappoint! Eat Church is a favorite with gluten-free options!
Find Eat Church at more places:
Thursday-Sunday at industrial Arts Brewing
DAILY GrabnGo at Marbled Meat Shop
Sunday at Beacon Farmers Market
So many opportunities to get your hands on this deliciousness! Website >
Eat Church is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193 Main St.
A cortado paired with a mini three-layer chocolate-peanut butter cake drizzled in ganache?! It must be the weekend, alright! Don’t forget to treat yourself this weekend! You deserve it & BBC has your back. PS: If you need a special loaf or pastry for your holiday or event, BBC is more than happy to take custom orders! Give them a call today. PPS: If the weekend is too busy for you, Beacon Bread is open 7 days. Be crazy, and go on a Monday! Menu > Order Pick Up or Delivery > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
MEYERS OLDE DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon, NY
It's the weekend & you deserve a double dutch from MOD to kick it off! Or... choose any protein and stack it any way you want with the BYOB (build your own burger) - either way, stop into Meyers for a bite of Beacon!
Take out, delivery, indoor/outdoor dining. Order online! Make Halloween Night easy on yourself by ordering MODs through their app! Open Sunday thru Thursday for Food 11:30am - 9pm; Bar until 10pm Friday and Saturday Food 11:30am - 11:00pm; Bar until midnight. Order Now > Meyers Olde Dutch is a Sponsor, thank you!
TITO SANTANA TAQUERIA 142 Main St.
Celebrate the weekend with a CUBANO QUESADILLA!! Loaded with Swiss cheese, pulled pork, ham, pickles and mustard, it’s definitely a must-try on your visit this weekend! PS: Dinner takeout special available Monday-Friday from 4pm - 9pm: 4 tacos, + 2 street corn, + 1 chip & salsa, + 1 rice & beans for only $24! PPS: Catering available! Menu > Catering > Tito Santana Taqueria is a Sponsor, thank you!
HOMESPUN
232 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Yogurt with Housemade Granola, Berries & Mint - MMMM! Looks fresh & delicious. Also, Homespun is hiring! They're looking for a lead server to join their growing team. Learn more here > PS: Homespun even has a Beer Store & Beer Subscription online! See more here > PPS: Gift Cards are available in-store at Homespun! PPPS: Order cutoff for Farm Kits is every Tuesday at 5pm, and pick up is at Homespun every Friday, anytime between 10am-7pm. Find more Farm Kit Info Here > OPEN HOURS:
Thursday - Monday, 10am - 7pm Order Food > Homespun is a Sponsor, thank you!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
How about some dumplings from MoMo Valley located inside of the HV Food Hall?! We heard they're amazing!!!! Stop in this weekend & give them a try.
Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! Momo Valley: Himalayan Spiced Hand-Crafted MoMo & More Barb's Fry Works: Gourmet, small-batch-loaded fries. And salads. El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar in a well-ventilated space with Outdoor Patio! Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Let's taco about the 13 different taco flavors from Baja - they're all delicious & made with fresh/real ingredients! Barbacoa, Cajun Chicken, Sweet & Sour Pork Belly, Pork Carnitas, Al Pastor, Gringo, Steak, Market Fish, Ahi Tuna, Scallop, Baja Shrimp, Buffalo Calamari, Chorizo, Short Rib, & Veggie! Mouth watering yet? PS: Happy Hour Tues-Fri 4-6pm Check out their specialty drinks > Check out the specials >
BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!
ZIATUN
244 Main St.
Ziatun's famous Futur Sampler is quite the weekend spread! Served with pita (or cucumber, for GF friends!), it’s a great starter to share or enjoy all to yourself! It is still the weekend after all. PS: Fall Season = Soup Season & Ziatun has you covered with delicious soups! PPS: You need to try the Za’atar fries with spicy tahini to fire up your lunchtime > Menu > Order Online > Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
DIRTY BACCHUS
380 Main Street, Beacon
Skin Contact Amber Orange Heaven!!! And this is only part of the display, and there’s a separate display of Hungarian, Georgian, Slovenian, Croatian, Greek, Slovakian and Czech amber wines, and even a few in the $20 & Under section, and several others spread about the store… If you like this style of wine, Dirty Bacchus has you covered! PS: Dirty Bacchus is hiring! HOURS:
Mon-Wed: 12-6pm
Thur- Sat: 11am-7pm
Sun: 12-5pm Dirty Bacchus is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon “Medicine for a Nightmare: Part Two”
This item is new in the shop and features an essay by @m_trecka about the Beacon Prison Books Project and the theoretical depths of organizing across prison walls! And much, much more! Super beautiful. Check it out!
“Conceptually, ‘Medicine for a Nightmare: Part Two’ is a collection of thoughts and expressions to be part of a larger conversation. It contains essays, poetry, short stories, photography, and other visual art from a unique selection of 60+ characters from many walks of life, age groups, and cultural backgrounds. It's presented in a perfect-bound paperback book that comes with a 90-minute long audio companion compilation consisting of exclusive instrumental music from 17 different artists. The core of this project is to embrace emotions and impermanence, with the focus on this volume being ‘what brings one to see another day.
Binnacle is NOW *Open daily!
Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you!
BRETT'S HARDWARE 18 West Main Street, Beacon
Not only can you get your home goods needs at Bretts but you can get your pets some goodies too! New bowls, leashes, collars, etc. We mean it when we say Bretts has it all! PS: Get your winter mats & supplies earlier rather than later! Stay ahead of the game.
Stop in & check it all out. OPEN
Monday-Friday 7:30am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm Brett's Hardware is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE
181-183 Main Street, Beacon
The face you make when you find that perfect pair of glasses from Luxe! Have you stopped in yet?!Make an appt today... your glasses want an upgrade & you deserve it! PS: New arrivals are always arriving at Luxe! PPS *NEW HOURS
Monday 10 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Closed on Sundays! They've gone shopping! Shop Online > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS
470 Main Street, Beacon
It is written in the stars! Zodiac necklaces are very popular & flying out of the door. Luckily, there is a restock so HURRY & snag one for you and maybe for holiday gifts?!
Saturday Store Hours 11-6pm
*New Arrivals Weekly / Free Shipping
Download their free app in the iTunes Store PS: Everything is under $100!! PPS: MENS clothing now available!
Did you sign up for the new sessions of Mommy and Me that started on 10/25?! It's a five week session on Monday's from 10am - 10:30am and Fridays from 3:00pm - 3:30pm starting 10/29. $40 for the full session or $10 per class. Drop ins are welcome!
ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY
340 Main Street, Beacon
As a business owner, finding the best health insurance package for your employees and understanding their benefit options might seem like an intimidating task...but it doesn't have to be! Let Antalek & Moore help you find the right solution for your business, your employees, and their families. Give Antalek & Moore a call today: 845-831-4300 and visit their website. Latest Announcements > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor. Thank you!
TIN SHINGLE
Connect with Tin Shingle's co-founder, Katie Hellmuth Martin for a Hourly Private Training Strategy Sessions. Through her role as leader of Tin Shingle's community, Katie has seen the inner workings of hundreds of businesses all over the country. As a publisher of a local online newspaper, A Little Beacon Blog, she has had the privilege of getting up close and personal with storefront-based businesses on Main Street to learn the intricacies of retail life. Find out more > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
The Do It Together Plan - Let’s make changes to your website and/or newsletter together. This is great for people who know they need something on the simpler side done, but don’t know how to do it. Benefits of this package include working side by side, together. Often during this time, ideas are exchanged and strategies developed that may not have even been a twinkle in your eye before this meeting. Find out more > Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you!
HIRING: Homespun Foods Is Looking For A Lead Server To Join Their Growing Team Details >
HIRING: Maintenance & Packaging Manager At Industrial Arts Brewing Details >
HIRING: Social Media Lead At The Hyacinth Group Details >
HIRING: Daycare Teacher & Assistant Wanted At Care 4 Me, Inc. Details >
HIRING: Beacon City School District Food Service Department Is Looking For Substitute Food Service Helpers Details >
Announced late in September to prepare people, The Roundhouse in Beacon is requiring proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Published at their Facebook page:
“At The Roundhouse we are dedicated to providing a safe space for all to enjoy, and the safety of our guests and staff is our top priority. "As of October 7th, all adults and children 12 and older must show proof of Covid 19 vaccination to dine in our restaurant, outdoor patio or lounge. Children under 12 that are not yet eligible for the vaccination may accompany a fully vaccinated adult.”
For private events in their other buildings, The Roundhouse has a COVID-19 Event Safety FAQ page that outlines how private events can work, which are in line with how some other event locations have been running.
The Roundhouse is not the only restaurant in Beacon to require vaccinations: Quinn’s is also requiring proof of vaccination. All restaurants, bars and gyms in New York City are requiring proof of vaccination, as is LA.
The subject line of Quinn’s press release announcing their reopening (again) had a kicker at the end of it: “Joe McPhee 82nd Birthday Kicks Off Return of Live Music at Quinn's in Beacon NY (We Mean It This Time!)” Very cute and real, as everyone flows with the pandemic times.
Days before most people woke up to the raging Delta variant, Quinn’s had announced an aggressive lineup of long awaited jazz performances, including a clever “Joevember” themed month of November featuring musicians named Joe.
Shortly after that, Quinn’s announced a last call for a pause on their being open at all. In that time, the parklets (outside dining on the street) had been picked up, and their loyal customers began dreaming of ways to help them reopen.
This week’s reopening announcement will come with a sigh of relief, but it also comes with a new set of directions: live performances now require an admission price to enter; and there’s a new definition of getting carded - Quinn’s is carding for proof of vaccination. Masks will also be required for admission during all live performances.
Quinn’s will be open for food dining during non-performance days as well. Check with them for latest hours and days.
Normally, during a pause in a performance, band members go around the restaurant with a donation box, hoping people will give cash. With this new policy, performers are guaranteed a payment. Initiating the new policy, read the press release, “will be a celebration of the 82nd birthday of our dear friend, Hudson Valley legend and internationally recognized multi-instrumental titan, Joe McPhee (pictured above), on his actual birthday: Wednesday, November 3 at 8:30 PM. Admission for this very special event will be $20.”
The next performance will be the iconic Beacon punk band Ate Bit, with special guest Social Standards opening. Making it up as they go along (which is the beauty of running your own business), is a twist to “Joevember” with two musicians not named Joe scheduled to perform: Jessica Jones and Tony Jones on November 15th.
From the press release: “Highlights of Saturday night concerts include a devastating one-two punch from one of our favorite Beacon bands, Knock Yourself Out. First, on Second Saturday, November 13, we present KYO Surfers, featuring members of Knock Yourself Out, Dirt Bikes, and The Nighttimes performing songs by the infamous Texas psych-punk band Butthole Surfers — then, on Saturday, December 18, KYO bids us all farewell with their final performance, joined by special guest musicians Mimi Sun Longo, Daria Grace, Jonny Taylor, and Ken Fox. Other Saturday highlights include the bands 100 and Zero with opener Wall of Ego on November 20, and another Hudson Valley legend, DJ Bill Skillz, brings his Diggin' in the Crates Radio Roadshow back into Quinn's during Thanksgiving weekend on November 27.”
The upcoming schedule is listed below, but do check first before going, as dates and status could change.
MONDAY JAZZ SESSIONS (except for Wednesday 11/3): 8:30 PM EACH NIGHT, $15 CASH ADMISSION
NOVEMBER 11/3 Joe McPhee 82nd Birthday Celebration 11/8 Joe Giardullo w/ Vance Provey, Billy Stein and Harvey Sorgen 11/15 Jessica Jones/Tony Jones and Friends 11/22 Joe Fiedler's Open Sesame "Fuzzy and Blue" Record Release Party, w/ Jeff Lederer, Steven Bernstein, Sean Conly and Michael Sarin 11/29 Joseph Vincent Tranchina w/ Robert Kopec and Don Devine
DECEMBER 12/6 Mike Dopazo 12/13 Eric Person's Music of Ronald Shannon Jackson Project w/ Neil Alexander, Robert Kopec and Dean Sharp 12/20 Karl Berger & Friends
JANUARY 1/10 Iris Ornig 1/17 MLK Day 2022 Celebration w/ Ray Blue
SATURDAY NIGHT CONCERTS: 9 PM EACH NIGHT, $10 CASH ADMISSION (except for 11/27)
NOVEMBER 11/6 Ate Bit/Social Standards 11/13 KYO Surfers: Music of Butthole Surfers 11/20 100 and Zero/Wall of Ego 11/27 DJ Bill Skillz' Diggin' in the Crates Radio Roadshow (holiday open house — no cover, donations requested)
DECEMBER 12/18 Knock Yourself Out Farewell Performance, w/ Mimi Sun Longo, Daria Grace, Jonny Taylor, and Ken Fox
Just as swiftly as they went up, the parklets that enabled additional outdoor dining opportunities for restaurants and patrons due to the COVID-19 pandemic have come down by September's end. The parklets are the orange barricades out front participating restaurants. The barricades were filled with water, making them very heavy for increased safety for those sitting on the other side of them. Restaurants often decorated them with flowers and in some cases built patios below them with coverings above them. They first appeared in Beacon in June 2020, but the concept has been in other cities for much longer.
The early take-down is a result of anticipated milling and paving of Main Street, as first announced by Beacon's City Administrator Chris White during the City Council's Meeting on 8/2/2021. He explained that a new surface coat will be going down, with epoxying using a high quality paint that will hold up for many years. He stated that all parking spaces, cross walks, and more will all be repainted. "We are in a state of flux right now," he expressed, "but hoping that by end of October, Main Street is tightened up."
City Administrator Chris announced again during the City Council Workshop Meeting on 9/27/2021 that the parklets would be pulled to begin milling and paving. On 9/29/2021, the City posted a brief Road Closure schedule through October 5, 2021, which includes some Main Street intersections, but are a fraction of the mile long Main Street that offers dining experiences from restaurants using parklets. It is unclear at this time if this is an incomplete list, or the full list of milling and paving. Additionally, it is unclear if milling and paving on Main Street will be conducted while Main Street is open, but traffic routed around into the other lane in order to avoid too many Main Street closures.
Throughout the summer, Beacon experienced the installation of "bump-outs," which are circular extensions of the sidewalk at corners. In theory, these are easier for people in wheelchairs (but if you're in a wheelchair, let us know in the Comments below if Beacon's installation is helpful to you!), and getting pedestrians more into the street at crosswalks to be seen by passing cars (deep breaths as you step out).
Construction of these bump-outs lasted throughout the summer, causing moving drive-arounds as different intersections on Main Street were worked on. Completed work to the bump-outs will happen once the street is milled and paved, to match the street paving to the end of the sidewalk for a smooth transition. Currently, there is an unfinished drop-off between the bump-out and the street.
One month after the announcement of an aggressive and celebratory live music lineup, Quinn’s has announced they will be closing temporarily to reassess how to move forward in a COVID-19 era with the current variant, Delta, circulating.
As posted on their FB page on September 10, 2021: “Quinn’s will be taking a big ol’ breather as we assess how best to venture forward. We adore this community and are hopeful to return. That being said, stop by tonight for a drink (or several) as we all say “see you later.” We will be closed tomorrow and onward. Stay tuned for updates”
First indicated on September 2, 2021, the venue announced that their music lineup would be postponed for September, but the restaurant would remain open.
Just over half of Dutchess County is vaccinated. Vaccinations have proven to decrease the severity of illness for those who do get infected. Non-vaccinated people’s bodies are contributing to the mutation of variants, which is keeping the pandemic alive and dangerous.
Tomorrow (Saturday) is 9/11, the culmination of September days leading up to this moment, mixed with first day of school excitement and raw emotions that come with that for parents, kids, educators and staff. Happy Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year that happened this week, and Happy Muḥarram, the Islamic New Year that happened in August.
This year is the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, and circumstances are very different. Americans and the world watched the departure of American troops from Afghanistan, and have been learning about the varied emotions that is bringing to veterans and people who have been investing in Afghanistan to be part of building infrastructure and societal systems in Afghanistan. American women watching Afghan women protest the Taliban is opening a new chapter in this "war on terror." Does the war on terror include all skin colors, including those on January 6th at the U.S. Capitol?
Local Beaconite author Olivia Abel has been working at Guidposts, and just published a story on the Fireboat McKean that saved hundreds of people that day, has the strangest history of always being in the right place at the right time, despite being decommissioned. The fireboat is being turned into a floating museum. Maybe we'll see it up here in Beacon?
Olivia starts the article out with: "I heard lots of stories on 9/11. I was a reporter at People magazine in New York City then; that day we scrapped the weekly issue that was slated to close that night and put out a special commemorative 9/11 issue instead. I reported on the phone, hearing harrowing tales of regular people on hijacked planes calling to say goodbye to their loved ones. I reported from the streets in midtown Manhattan, where dazed New Yorkers milled about telling me about narrow escapes, missing loved ones and amazing stories of strangers taking people into their cars and their homes. By the time I left the office at 5:30 a.m. the following day, the sun was dawning on a city—and a world—that would never be the same. My mind was full of incredible stories of unimaginable tragedy, as well as unimaginable heroics.
"But until recently, I had never heard a story about an amazing boat that rescued hundreds of people on that fateful day." The firefighters on boat rescued people in the darkness of the fallen towers, and was able to pump water from the Hudson River when water main pipes had broken. It could pump the equivalent of 18-20 fire engine trucks. Read her article on the Fireboat here.
THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE
Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade and Katie Hellmuth Martin
You can sponsor this Event Guide with your event, for extra promotion of it! If you'd like to guarantee to see your entertainment event listed here, book an Event Promotion Advertising spot here.
9/11 Remembrance Services in Beacon, Fishkill and Wappingers
Get the list of Remembrance services here, as reported by the Beacon Free Press. Information >
20th Annual Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival
Days: Saturday, September 11, 2021, & Sunday, September 12, 2021 Time:
Saturday: 11am – 6pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm Location: Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6636 Rt 9, Rhinebeck, NY
The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest celebrates the bounty of wine, food, and fun in the Hudson Valley at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. Enjoy wines from Hudson Valley wineries, cideries, distilleries, craft beers, food trucks, and gourmet foods. Information >
Howland Cultural Center’sClassics for Kids: Concert in the Park
Day: Sunday, September 12, 2021 (rain date, Sept 26, 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM) Time:11:30am - 12:30pm
Location: Seeger River Front Park, 2 Red Flynn Dr, Beacon, NY
Howland Cultural Center’s Classics for Kids series returns with a Concert in the Park - A walking Concert. We're so pleased to be able to bring you another outdoor concert in Beacon's Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park (map). As you stroll along the pathway you'll be greeted along the way by small musical ensembles bringing you music in a variety of styles. With the mighty Hudson River as the backdrop, it's a splendid way to spend the day. Feel free to bring a picnic and enjoy the afternoon. Family-friendly, and FREE! Start times are staggered every 5 minutes, beginning at 11:30 AM, so we ask that you please register in advance here >
TWO WAY BREWING COMPANY
18 West Main St.
This Sunday, Two Way Brewing turns 7 years old! To celebrate, they will be releasing their fall beer (our favorite!), the oktoberfest, that is called, Wanderer. An Oktoberfest is a malty amber lager with notes of toast and caramel - YUM! Two Way will also be having a little get-together with live music by the TMcCann band.
Join them on Sunday, September 12 at 4pm! See beers on tap here > PS: Trivia is on Thursdays! PPS: Live Music on Fridays!
Matt Cross, September 10, 2021, from7:30pm - 9:30pm
King Dutch, September 17, 2021, from 7:30pm - 9:30pm OPEN:
Thursday 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday 12:00pm - 9:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm - 8:00pm
Two Way Brewing Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
EAT CHURCH
3091 U.S. 9, Cold Spring, NY
The Beef Short Rib Tacos from Eat Church has us dreaming about it for days. Just imagine sinking your teeth into those short ribs.
Find Eat Church at:
- Marbled Meat Shop in Coldspring (daily grab-n-go fridge!)
- Industrial Arts Brewing from Thursday-Sunday (order online now!)
- Beacon Farmers Market on Sundays!
So many opportunities to get your hands on this deliciousness! Website >
Eat Church is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193 Main St.
Fried chicken sandwich loaded with arugula & house-made kimchi to fill your weekend with lots of joy! If you love kimchi as much as BBC does, you can purchase at the counter! Open 8am - 5pm every day except Wednesday. PS pair this with a Blueberry Basil Margarita! Made with house blueberry compote, basil from the garden, fresh squeezed lime & tequila!! Menu > Order Pick Up or Delivery > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
MEYERS OLDE DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Fried pickles from MOD! House kosher dill spears served with chipotle Dijon dip. These are only available for a limited time and our guess? Don't miss out. We'll take this, a Double Dutch, and dirty fries, please! Open Sunday thru Thursday for Food 11:30am - 9pm; Bar until 10pm Friday and Saturday Food 11:30am - 11:00pm; Bar until midnight. Order Now > Meyers Olde Dutch is a Sponsor, thank you!
TITO SANTANA TAQUERIA 142 Main St.
We don't know about you, but we could eat chips, guacamole, and salsa, from Tito Santana Taqueria every day! Only $6 and the best snack or appetizer! PS: Vegan options available (tacos, bowls, salads, & soups. PPS: Dinner takeout special available Monday-Friday from 4pm - 9pm: 4 tacos, + 2 street corn, + 1 chip & salsa, + 1 rice & beans for only $24! PPPS: Catering available! Menu > Catering > Tito Santana Taqueria is a Sponsor, thank you!
HOMESPUN
232 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Brioche French Toast with peach, blueberry & maple compote topped with vanilla cream. And a little something in the back (we see it!). Breakfast & lunch at Homespun? Why not?! The All-Day Menu will make you wanna do that! PS: Gift Cards are available in-store at Homespun! PPS: Order cutoff for Farm Kits is every Tuesday at 5pm, and pick up is at Homespun every Friday, anytime between 10am-7pm. Find more Farm Kit Info Here > OPEN HOURS:
Thursday - Monday, 10am - 7pm Order Food > Homespun is a Sponsor, thank you!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
A sneak peek of the deliciousness from Miz Hatties BBQ. Inside the HV Food Hall! Delicious Southern Style BBQ! Take Out, Dine-In, Catering Available. Open 6 Days (closed Tuesdays). Stop in this weekend!
Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! Momo Valley: Himalayan Spiced Hand-Crafted MoMo & More Barb's Fry Works: Gourmet, small-batch-loaded fries. And salads. El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar in a well-ventilated space with Outdoor Patio! Schmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Buffalo Chicken Chimichangas from Baja?! Yes, please!!! Stop in! Happy Hour is from 4-6 Tuesday-Friday and it's going to be a beautiful weekend! Sit outdoors. Don't feel like cooking? Treat yourself & order delicious take-out from here! PS: Happy Hour Tues-Fri 4-6pm Check out their specialty drinks > Check out the specials >
BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!
ZIATUN
244 Main St.
Ziatun offers Palestinian-Arabic-Middle Eastern foods that are locally sourced, vegan friendly, and incredibly delicious! Appetizers like Futur Medley, Soups & Salads including options like a Tahini Salad & Addas (red lentil & carrot soup with crispy onions), Mezze options including falafels, hummus & kibbeh, so many Entrees, & so many Flat Bread Wraps! Stop in this weekend! Menu > Order Online > Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
DIRTY BACCHUS
380 Main Street, Beacon
Andrew and Annedria Beckham / Beckham Estate Vineyards / 2017 Estate Pinot Noir / Chehalem Mountains AVA, Oregon. Steve (owner of DB) shares that it starts with aromas of zesty fruits, cherries maybe but with a strong layer of plump red currants. There were also wafts of fresh rhubarb in a cedar box where green herbs and cooking spices had been stored. The grapes used, organic and dry-farmed on volcanic Jory and Saum soils came from all over the 14-acre state! PS: Dirty Bacchus is hiring! HOURS:
Mon-Wed: 12-6pm
Thur- Sat: 11am-7pm
Sun: 12-5pm Dirty Bacchus is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon Did you know that Binnacle Books has a dollar rack?! It is kept flush with fascination — for the community. We heard that the Julian Barnes book (located on the bottom right in the photo), is a beautiful retelling(s) of flood legends. (The half chapter is particularly lovely.) Seems like the dollar rack has a lot of gems! Stop in & snag!
Binnalce is NOW *Open daily!
Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you!
BRETT'S HARDWARE 18 West Main Street, Beacon
Get your paintbrushes from Bretts! A great time to freshen up your rooms! All the supplies you need here and more! PS: The cold is coming! Get your winter mats & supplies!
Stop in & check it all out. Brett's Hardware is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE
181-183 Main Street, Beacon
The Leisure Society Lassen Frame masters that simple yet elegant look you’ve been searching for. Upgrade your accessory wardrobe! It's time & you deserve it. Stop in today and shop Luxe Optique's collections! HOURS:
Monday: 10am–5pm
Tues-Saturday:10am–6pm
Sunday: 11am-4pm Shop Online > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS
470 Main Street, Beacon
Fall flannels have entered the game. La Mere's NEW Flannel Shirt has knit sleeves and a removable hood!! But seriously, who doesn't love a flannel?!
Available in store now.
Store Hours Friday 11-6pm
New Arrivals Weekly / Free Shipping
Download their free app in the iTunes Store PS: Everything is under $100!!
ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY
340 Main Street, Beacon
Has severe weather impacted your home? Let A&M know how they can help by calling 845-831-4300 or email your inquiry to info@antalek-moore.com. One of their agents will answer your email as soon as possible and is beyond happy to help. Antalek & Moore is a full-service insurance and risk-management agency located right on Main St in Beacon! They offer commercial and personal insurance solutions to customers in the Hudson Valley community, the New York region, and across the country. Give Antalek & Moore a call today: 845-831-4300 and visit their website. Latest Announcements > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor. Thank you!
TIN SHINGLE
How does a Media Kit Membership work? Tin Shingle is designed for all brands to benefit from, including artists, authors, makers, experts, service providers, communications and marketing directors, and PR agencies. We provide the PR resources you want at your fingertips - Media Contacts, Editorial Calendars, and Hashtag Cheat Sheets - as well as the education to know what to do with it all. Find out more > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Pairing great writing, content, and design for an experience that means something to people. From the reporting and design team that produces A Little Beacon Blog, a local online newspaper covering Beacon, NY, as well as the media training team that is behind Tin Shingle, an education and empowerment zone for small businesses, Katie James, Inc. is the uniquely positioned design studio that knows how to align with businesses and artists of all kinds with different needs, to get them the online tools they need to keep selling to their customers and clients. See some of the projects we did below! Homespun Foods In Beacon > Sparenberger Studio > Barb's Butchery In Beacon > Find out more > Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you!
HIRING: Social Media Lead At The Hyacinth Group Details >
HIRING: Daycare Teacher & Assistant Wanted At Care 4 Me, Inc. Details >
HIRING: Beacon City School District Food Service Department Is Looking For Substitute Food Service Helpers Details >
HIRING: Sous-Chef Position At Homespun Foods Details >
HIRING: Part-Time Production Assistant At SallyeAnder Details >
Quinn’s opened under new ownership 8 years ago, keeping the decor and much-loved vibe of the diner-like eatery, but changed the focus to be a destination for jazz music and live performances. The menu also changed to offer renowned Japanese homestyle cuisine, a case of craft beers, sakes, whiskies and much more. When the pandemic shut them down, the music scene stopped as well, starving musicians from the live audience they crave.
Until now….Starting on Saturday, September 11th, Quinn’s is turning on the lights and setting up the stage for an fully stocked musical lineup on Saturdays and Mondays Jazz Sessions, with a sprinkling of performances on those days by people named Joe. Quinn’s is dubbing that “Joevember”
Kicking it off on Saturday, September 11th at 9am will be Beacon punk band Ate Bit, featuring the long-running Hudson Valley band Social Standards opening. The following Monday, September 13th at 8:30pm, the first Monday Jazz Session will be alto saxophonist Mike Dopazo, leading a trio featuring Adam Coté on bass, and Dave Berger on drums.
Quinn’s Is A Destination In The Jazz World & Other Genres
Quinn’s is one of the premier live music venues in the Hudson Valley. Beaconites may not realize what jazz gem is located behind that iconic brown brick wall decorated with pictures of Ramen dishes. To help you realize, we went to one of the - if not the - top jazz critic in the country - Nate Chinen. Nate is a former Beaconite who left this place for Philadelphia in order to have better commute to his radio job as Director of Editorial Content for WBGO 88.3FM, as well as a bigger yard for his family and pandemic dog.
To give you a background on Nate, so that his quote has context: Nate was a music critic for The New York Timesfor 12 years, and helmed a long-running column for JazzTimes. In addition to his editorial work for WBGO, Nate works with the multiplatform program Jazz Night in America and contributes a range of coverage to NPR Music. He is author of Playing Changes: Jazz For the New Century (buy it at Binnacle Books in Beacon! they can order any book for you), published in hardcover by Pantheon in 2018, and in paperback by Vintage in 2019. Hailed as one of the Best Books of the Year by NPR, GQ, Billboard, and JazzTimes, it's a chronicle of jazz in our time, and an argument for the music's continuing relevance. It has also been published internationally, in Italian and Spanish editions.
Nate is coauthor of Myself Among Others: A Life in Music, the 2003 autobiography of festival impresario and producer George Wein, which earned the JJA’s award for Best Book About Jazz.
And while we're gushing, Nate is a 13-time winner of the Helen Dance–Robert Palmer Award for Excellence in Writing, presented by the Jazz Journalists Association, as well as a co-host for the podcast Jazz United for WBGO. Here’s what he had to say to ALBB about Quinn’s reopening for live music:
“I moved to Beacon from the West Village in 2009, and assumed that my days of walking down the street to a world-class jazz gig were over. I got here just in time to catch the tail end of Quinn’s as a diner (great blueberry pancakes!) — and then, after a dormant period, it reopened as a music venue. To my great and pleasant surprise, it became a go-to stop for improvised music, often featuring the very same artists I would see in the city, like Mary Halvorson, Matt Wilson and Joe McPhee.
“Beyond the extraordinary quality of the booking, Quinn’s is remarkable for its atmosphere — what’s probably best described as a “vibe.” The no-cover policy means that anyone can enjoy the music, and it creates a festive feeling in the room. If every American city the size of Beacon had a room like this, you wouldn’t hear so much about the plight of jazz in our culture. I wish the best to the club as it reopens, and look forward to my next hang there.”
Other artists who have performed at Quinn’s include: “Wilco guitarist Nels Cline to Japanese pop-punk icons Shonen Knife; from the Malian Tuareg rockers Mdou Moctar to Czech avant-garde violinist/vocalist Iva Bittová; from psychedelic free guitar freak Eugene Chadbourne to MacArthur ‘genius’ grantee Mary Halvorson; from Captain Beefheart/Jeff Buckley guitarist Gary Lucas to Downtown jazz legend William Parker; from otherworldly power trio Sun of Goldfinger (Tim Berne/David Torn/Ches Smith) to the Colossus of Poughkeepsie himself, multi-instrumentalist Joe McPhee, among many other outstanding artists. Mike Faloon's celebrated book The Other Night at Quinn's details many of these unforgettable performances.”
COVID-19 Cautions: Quinn’s Is Monitoring
While we are in Year 2 of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and some people vaccinated, restaurants are trying to avoid shutdowns, and their customers are just as eager to have the option to continue to dine and dance inside. They state in their press release: “Please note: we are closely monitoring the ongoing COVID Pandemic and, based on guidance from the CDC and state health authorities, may be forced to revise our schedule without notice.”
Keep up with their changes and announcements, as well as food features at Instagram and Facebook.
The Musical Lineup
Quinn's is located at 330 Main St. in Beacon, NY and its phone number is (845) 202-7447. All listed concerts are no cover, but donations for the artists are requested and greatly appreciated. Bring cash, as the artists walk around to collect from everyone in attendance.
As of today, Quinn’s schedule is as follows:
SATURDAY CONCERTS: 9/11: Ate Bit/Social Standards 9/25: Knock Yourself Out — final KYO performance (!!!) 10/2: 100 and Zero/Wall of Ego 11/13: KYO Surfers — Butthole Surfers tribute w/ former Knock Yourself Out members + special guests
MONDAY JAZZ SESSIONS: 9/13: Mike Dopazo Trio — w/ Adam Coté and Dave Berger 9/20: Eric Person's Music of Ronald Shannon Jackson Project — w/ Neil Alexander, Robert Kopec + Dean Sharp 10/4: Two Sisters, Inc. — w/ Claire Daly, Dave Sewelson, Dave Hofstra + Michael Sarin 10/18: Pete Levin Trio — w/ Mike DiMicco + Jeff "Siege" Siegel (the last musicians to play Quinn's in March 2020!) 10/25: Adam Lane Trio — w/ Nick Lyons and Vijay Anderson 12/6: Matt Pavolka Band w/ Ben Monder, Santiago Leibson + Allan Mednard 12/13: Ted Daniel's International Brass + Membrane Corps — w/ Charles Burnham, Joe Daley and Newman Taylor Baker 12/20: Karl Berger Group
JOEVEMBER!!! All Mondays in November to be led by musicians named Joe, including: 11/1: Joe McPhee 82nd Birthday Celebration 11/8: Joe Giardullo 11/15: Joe Daley Exploratory Project 11/22: Joe Fiedler's Open Sesame — w/ Jeff Lederer, Sean Conly + Michael Sarin 11/29: Joe Hertenstein
Other Live Music Venues In Beacon
Other established eateries have turned on the microphones as well. Towne Crier Cafe has reopened their famous stage for live music, and on the other side of town, the stage is also lit at Dogwood. Open Mic Nights are abound, including on the back patio of Beacon Bread Company.
Guess what? Tripadvisor has featured Beacon and many businesses rooted here in Tripadvisor's weekend guide! A Little Beacon Blog was featured as well. Thank you Laura Begley Bloom (who hails from Brooklyn) for interviewing us, and hearing our take on how community is one of Beacon's strongest assets and reasons why people want to move here.
THE RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade and Katie Hellmuth Martin
Hike to Mount Beacon
Organized by UWC NYC - United World Colleges New York City Day: Saturday, June 5, 2021 Time: 9:45am - 4:00pm Location: Mount Beacon Trail, NY-9D & Howland Ave, Beacon, NY Information >
Wellness Shines on the Green Day: Saturday, June 5, 2021 Time: 10am - 3pm Location: Safe Harbors Green, 97 Broadway, Newburgh, NY Information >
Big Gay Hudson Valley's All-Ages PRIDE Tea Dance Day: Saturday, June 5, 2021 Time: 1pm - 5pm Location: Wilklow Orchards, 341 Pancake Hollow Rd, Highland, NY Information >
Authors in Conversation: Danielle Trussoni and Julie Metz - Outdoor Program
Day: Saturday, June 5, 2021 (Rain Date: June 12, 2021) Time: 2:30pm - 3:30pm Location: Newburgh Free Library Plaza Information >
Viorel Florescu Retrospective 1970 - 2021
at Howland Cultural Center Day: Saturday, June 5, 2021 Time: 1pm - 9pm Location: 477 Main Street, Beacon, NY
The Howland Cultural Center is pleased to present RETROSPECTIVE 1970 - 2021, an exhibition featuring powerful and evocative images by two-time Pulitzer Prize winning international photojournalist Viorel Florescu. Information >
Meadow Winds Community-Wide Yard Sale Day: Saturday, June 5, 2021, & June 6, 2021 Time: 9am - 4pm Location: 25 Wesley Ct, Newburgh, NY Information >
Pride Ride @ The Studio at Beacon Benefiting the Trevor Project
Day: Sunday, June 6, 2021 Location: 301 Main Street, Beacon NY Time: Two times available: 10am and 10:45am Tickets >
Cornwall-On-Hudson RiverFest
Day: Sunday, June 6, 2021 Time: 11am - 6pm Location: Donahue Park, 99 Shore Rd, Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY 12520 Information >
Student Concert From Piano Adventures Day: Sunday, June 6, 2021 Time: 1 pm - 5 pm Location: Piano Adventures Beacon 26 Dutchess Terrace, Beacon, NY 12508 Information >
Blood Drive From Beacon Hebrew Alliance Day: Sunday, June 6, 2021 Time: 11 am - 5 pm Location: Lewis Tompkins Hose, 13 South Ave., Beacon NY
Sign up at nybc.org or call 1-800-933-2566 Information >
ARF Supply Restock Fundraiser at Dennings Point Distillery
Day: June 1-15, 2021 Time: Dennings Point hours, or donate online any time! Location: Dennings Point Distillery, 10 North Chestnut Street, Beacon, NY 12508
Calling all animal lovers! Help @denningspointdistillery collect supplies for ARF Beacon and get 15% off any of their full size bottles. See here for their list of supplies! Information >
City of Beacon Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall
Day: Monday, June 7, 2021 Time: 6pm - 6:30pm Location: City Hall, Beacon NY Information >
EAT CHURCH
3091 U.S. 9, Cold Spring, NY
Eat Church is BACK! At Industrial Arts Brewing, out on Rte. 52 past the John Deere lot. And they're not alone. Also at the complex facing Mount Beacon is District Social - the full bar with craft beer experience that includes Axe Throwing. Yes, you read that right. Axe Throwing. And billiards and arcade games. Gluten free, juicy chicken, craft beer, scenic-loving people, we know where to find you this weekend. Website >
Eat Church is a Sponsor!, thank you!
Beacon Bread Company 193 Main St.
Fresh bread & pastry options in Beacon are a plenty, thanks in part to Beacon Bread Company 🥐 - it's hard to choose a favorite! Daily, select from Baguettes, Sourdough Loaves & Boules, Harvest Grain Loaves, Pan Aux Cereal Loaves, Brioche Loaves & Rolls, Bagels, Sticky buns, Croissants, Apple Turnovers, Muffins, Vegan Brownies, Seasonal Loaf, Banana Bread Loaf, Chocolate Whoopie Pies, Twinkies + more! Open 7 days a week from 8 am - 5 pm. Menu > Order Pick Up or Delivery > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
MEYERS OLDE DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Amazing to finally see food going out to customers eating in Meyers Olde Dutch restaurant again! Indoor dining is back! With a covered patio in the back (look up at the giant ceiling fan), and Parklet. New order-from-table option is available, so you can just point your camera at the QR code at your table, and order your next cocktail or side of dirty fries. Delivery is still available. Keep an eye on MOD's gram for live music nights. Order Now > Meyers Olde Dutch is a Sponsor, thank you!
Tito Santana Taqueria 142 Main St.
NEW ALERT: Crunchwraps now available at Tito Santana Taqueria. 🌮 Fresh & delicious.So many taco options, burrito options, bowl & salad options, quesadillas, empanadas, tostadas, soups - please tag us in your food photos. PS: Tacos are only $2 on Tuesdays! Menu > Catering > Tito Santana Taqueria is a Sponsor, thank you!
HOMESPUN
232 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Not only is Homespun a place for good food & a wine store (with an online wine subscription option), but they also have a $20 & Under Table! Special bottles like these go quick. You must get it while it lasts... @monteriocellars & @patrickwine ... Piquette & Pinkette 🏴☠️ fresh fizzy light and delicious 🏴☠️ - Save the bottle(s) at the end & put some flowers in them! Be sure to use the discount codes for orders over $75 and $100 for 10% and 15% off your order respectively. (Look for the discount codes at the top of their website.) PS: Purchases of 3 or more bottles get a free Homespun tote bag! OPEN HOURS:
Thursday - Monday, 10 am - 7 pm Monthly wine subscription > Order Food > Order Wine > Homespun is a Sponsor, thank you!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
This deliciousness is from Miz Hatties located inside of HV Food Hall! Miz Hatties is a Southern Style BBQ is famous in Dutchess County for catering, and now dining in or taking out. It is one of the easiest group-ordering home meal if you are entertaining and need comfort food. Neighbors in Beacon were lucky enough to have her fried chicken, pulled pork, mac ‘n cheese, fish ‘n chips, and more. Now, you can too! Even her Sweet Tea is original, with crunchy ice. Experience the mac ‘n cheese melt in your mouth, and savor the fried chicken and sweet yet spicy pulled pork in a bowl or a bun.
Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! Momo Valley: Himalayan Spiced Hand-Crafted MoMo & More Barb's Fry Works: Gourmet, small-batch-loaded fries. And salads. Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar in a well-ventilated space with Outdoor Patio! Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
It's the weekend! It's hot! & Baja 328 has the most delicious/refreshing drinks you can enjoy with their garage door open for a breeze. Pictured are: the Green Monster, the Sangria Azul, and a blueberry/raspberry margarita. People-watch from your seat on Main Street & order the plantains as a snack. Do check out the specials that are always on the menu! Check out their specialty drinks > Check out the specials >
BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!
W.T.F Beacon 195 Main St. Did you know you have access to this seafood on Main Street? Yes, it's at W.T.F Beacon waiting for you. Naked Mussels, Curry Coconut Mussels, Tuna Tar Tar, & Scallop Ceviche. Many classic cocktail & house cocktail options pair nicely with any of the seafood options! Fresh & delish. Plates, Burgers, Compliments, and more too! Right next door to Beacon Bread Company. Open on Fridays & Saturdays from 6pm - 10pm (and on Tuesdays for Open Mic Night). Menu > W.T.F Beacon is a Sponsor, thank you!
Ziatun
244 Main St.
Whoa, baby! The falafel platter from Ziatun looks amazing! This is 100% next on our list to try. Hummus, foule, baba ghanouj, falafel, turmips, salad, za'atar. All house-made from family recipes back in Palestine. Also check out their Falafel Burger (it's Vegan!) - falafel patty with pickled turnips, Persian pickles, and creamy tahini on a vegan brioche bun from beacon Bread Company! 🥙 Menu > Order Online > Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
Two Way Brewing Company
18 West Main St.
Two Way has something new on tap for the weekend... *Drumroll please*...It's their Summer Session IPA! It comes in at 4.5% ABV and is bitter crisp and super refreshing to drink. Just in time for this hot weekend. Plus, we know you'll be hungry, and the kitchen is OPEN! Enjoy upscale pub food from The Flying Jib. Rumor has it, they are killing it with the wings. OPEN:
Thursday 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday 12:00pm - 9:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm - 8:00pm Two Way Brewing Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon Binnacle specializes in used and new literature, poetry, literary nonfiction, political history, art, drama, philosophy, graphic novels, and children's books. If there is a particular title you're interested in, let them know. If they don't have it, they are always happy to order it for you! They are also always looking to acquire used books in excellent condition, especially in their core categories.The bookstore is a collaborative endeavor by four partners, who have collectively been writers, editors, musicians, producers, organizers, teachers, filmmakers, and booksellers. If you love books, they welcome you. If you don't, they'll do their best to convince you otherwise. Open Thursday-Monday 12 pm - 6 pm - Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.Masks are required for all customers entering the store.Their staff will be masked as well.
Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you!
KAIGHT SHOP
512 Main Street, Beacon
Kaights Shop has once again done your shoe shopping for you. Just in time for summer, the artisan-made Pons are back in stock in the shop. Check them out online, but coming in at $85, this sandal is handmade in Spain, using a leather insole that molds to your foot. This is how you keep your step cool yet stylish on the hot streets. PS: Thursdays are Locals Day at Kaights! Locals get 10% on everything not on sale. Shop Online > Kaight Shop is a Sponsor, thank you!
BRETT'S HARDWARE 18 West Main Street, Beacon
Did we overhear our neighbor right? Is it going to be 90 on Sunday? Better get your water game lined up. Thankfully, with more and more people taking the vaccine, more and more outdoor activities with friends are open and available. Prepare the right way for Summer Camp with goggles and all other necessities by shopping at Brett's. He's fully stocked. So many different pairs of goggles and outdoor essentials to keep the kids entertained, safe, and happy all Summer long! Brett's Hardware is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE
181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Woa. These new frames from Anne Et Valentin at Luxe Optique are insanely amazing. Please try them on! They probably change the light of your eyes. Imagine with an off-white summer dress or with a grey jumpsuit. They are the must-have accessory that you're missing! Treat yourself as special and unique as you are. Make an appt at Luxe today! : @anneetvalentin
Monday: 10 AM–5 PM
Tues-Sat:10 AM–6 PM
Sunday: Closed Shop Online > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you! LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS
436 Main Street, Beacon
Summer Casual from La Mere is our favorite! There is nothing better than looking good & feeling comfy. La Mere is the destination for boho fashion that features the latest trends in apparel and gifts. High quality at fantastic prices. Open 11-6 and always open online! Need a gift card? They have those too! PS: Do check out their perfumes.
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY
Angela Van Vlack, owner of Yanarella, is a true Beaconite. She was born at the then Highland Hospital, raised in the Beacon City School District, built a family here, and continues to reside in Beacon to this day. Angela has had a unique opportunity to actively participate in and help shape the flourishing Beacon arts community over the past several decades with her community involvement.
Angela began dancing at the early age of four under the direction of Carol Ann Yanarella Miller. She fell in love from the very first class. Dance quickly blossomed from a passion to a lifestyle. As a child, Angela and her cousins would coordinate and choreograph dance recitals for the neighborhood. Angela was an exceptional acrobat, demonstrating tremendous skill with her ability to perform various high-level tricks including limbers, walkovers, aerials, and back handsprings. She started assisting at the age of 14, teaching at the age of 16 and now has over 40 years of experience as a dance instructor. Teaching has brought immense joy to Angela’s life and she is proud of all of the students she has taught.
Angela is celebrating her 25th year as owner and director of Yanarella School of Dance—an illustrious studio that has been in existence for over 60 years. Angela teaches all levels ranging from Mommy & Me for toddlers to adult classes with students as old as their mid-80s. She teaches all types of dance including but not limited to Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Tumbling, Contemporary, and Hip-Hop. Angela’s diverse Dance resumé is not confined solely to Yanarella. Angela studied Classical Ballet and Modern and served as choreographer for the annual Landphony Swimphony Competition at the College of New Rochelle.
Furthermore, she has studied and collaborated with a long list of dance legends including Luigi, Gus Giordano, Sheila Barker, Ginger Cox, Chio, Anthony LoCascio, Hillary-Marie, Frank Hatchett, Jason Warley, Bob Rizzo, and, one of her greatest influences, Debbi Dee mainly through her involvement with NADAA (the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Arts)—an organization for which Angela currently serves as National Vice President and New York Chapter President. Angela has also taught a preschool program for the Humpty Dumpty Nursery School, has taught throughout the Beacon City School District, and was co-coach of the award-winning Beacon High School Dance team.
Angela also had a professional career outside of the realm of dance. She earned a Baccalaureate of Science degree in Nursing from the College of New Rochelle and is licensed as a registered nurse in New York and Connecticut with a specialty in Neonatal/Pediatrics. She worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Danbury Hospital, was a visiting nurse and worked as a substitute nurse in the Beacon City School District before taking a leave of absence to raise her family and focus on the studio.
ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY
340 Main Street, Beacon
Is Defensive Driving Worth The Investment
To say there are distractions on the road would be an understatement.
"Between texting, GPS, finding the right song on our playlist, and perhaps even a little speeding, it is no surprise there are millions of trips to the ER due to motor vehicle accidents in New York State alone. We know what you’re thinking, “I am a responsible driver and not doing any of those things”, but does that mean you know how to defend yourself from those on the road who are distracted?
As cliche as this may sound, defensive driving courses really do save lives. It doesn’t matter how cautious or responsible YOU are when driving, accidents do happen. Many of the insurance carriers that we work with offer up to a 10% discount on all vehicle liability, PIP (Personal Injury Protection), and collision premiums for up to 3 years off the principal operator. And you may be eligible to reduce up to 4 points off of your driving record.
A good defensive driving course will teach you many tools to drive safely and strategically. Yes, we did just say strategically. When looking at driving from this approach, we are able to clearly show the different defensive driving techniques that are essential to remaining safe on the road.
TIN SHINGLE
Lena Rizkallah is a friend of Tin Shingle, and a neighbor here in Beacon, NY, where Tin Shingle is based. She advises people on financial planning, and calls herself a recovering attorney. One day, Lena walked into Tin Shingle's co-work space to consider renting it for workshops and single working days. That was the last day I saw Lena before the pandemic covered us all in stay-at-home orders.
The next time I saw Lena was when she walked by me in a Free Palestine march in Newburgh, NY. I was there to cover it as a reporter for my local publication, A Little Beacon Blog. We recognized each other from behind out masks. The march ended at Rep. Sean Maloney's district office in Newburgh, and Lena walked up the stairs to deliver her speech at the planned open mic session that usually accompanies marches in Newburgh and Beacon.
She was there to talk about what Palestine looks and feels like on the other side of the occupation wall, based on her experience as a first generation Palestinian living in America.
Lena gave Tin Shingle permission to publish her speech in full. Read it here >
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Pairing great writing, content, and design for an experience that means something to people. From the reporting and design team that produces A Little Beacon Blog, a local online newspaper covering Beacon, NY, as well as the media training team that is behind Tin Shingle, an education and empowerment zone for small businesses, Katie James, Inc. is the uniquely positioned design studio that knows how to align with businesses and artists of all kinds with different needs, to get them the online tools they need to keep selling to their customers and clients. Contact us to tell us about your goals.
HIRING: Gold Star Family Member For Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney Details >
HIRING: Part-Time Production Assistant At SallyeAnder Details >
HIRING: Administrative Assistant At Daniel Aubry Realty Details >
HIRING: Teacher Assistant At Care 4 Me, Inc. Details>
HIRING: Office Assistant At Gilded Audio Details >
HIRING: Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County Details >
ALBB's Business Directory is a Deep Dive List of services you need right now in Beacon and the Hudson Valley. There is a lot of talent here in the 12508 and beyond and we want to highlight all of them. Check out the Business Directory HERE.
Meyers Olde Dutch Owner/Chef Brian Arfnoff, standing in front of his newly renovated restaurant. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Meyers Olde Dutch, your favorite burger shop for beef and vegan burgers, has been seemingly closed during much of the pandemic (spoiler alert: it was open the whole time). Some saw the boarded up windows and assumed the worst - fire. Others saw the boards and assumed the whole place was closed. Not so! Die-hard fans read the sign out front and knew that MOD set up shop at their sister restaurant down the street, Kitchen Sink, never skipping a beat flipping those burgers and dirtying those fries.
Was the renovation planned? Was the pandemic the perfect time to break ground? Yes and yes, as we discovered in our interview with Owner/Chef Brian Arnoff, who bought the little building in 2017 from the prior burger joint owner, Paul Yeaple of Poppy’s.
As did all restaurants in Beacon and the nation, Brian worked hard to figure out new ways to keep serving customers using an order-by-table app so customers can dial in their food/drink order straight to the kitchen/bar, keep his staff employed, keep live music every now and then, and keep the air healthy for when the doors could open again to the public.
We love hearing stories from the people themselves, so read how Brian tells it below:
ALBB: After you bought the building in 2017, had you always considered renovating it?
The new HVAC unit to improve air quality when the doors and windows are closed, lifted in before the big opening. Photo Credit: Meyers Olde Dutch
Yes. There were a number of issues with the building that always needed to be addressed, like a leaky roof and very outdated/undersized HVAC system among other problems.
ALBB: Did the pandemic shutdown push you over the edge to take the time to dig into the renovation?
“Basically yes. We had been working on the plans, which went though several iterations for a while. As you know, going through the Planning Board process takes time especially when you’re in the Historic District and need variances. After the initial shock of COVID-19 passed, it started to become clear this was basically an ideal time to try and complete this renovation.”
The new covered patio and fan at Meyers Olde Dutch, a COVID-friendly improvement made during the pandemic. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
ALBB: What improvements did you make to make it COVID-friendlier?
“We updated our HVAC system with Merv-13 filtration. The system turns the air over more often and filters significantly more of the particles COVID-19 is known to float on. Additionally, we added some windows that can be opened for more fresh air, and covered our patio to give guests the option to sit outside all the time.”
ALBB: Were you able to retain some of your staff team?
“I’m very lucky to say yes! We have many staff who have been with Meyer’s Olde Dutch for a long time, including our kitchen manager Adam and bar manager Jesse, both of whom started at Kitchen Sink before MOD even existed, as well as Emily our lead bartender who has been with us at MOD since basically the first month we were open back in 2017, among many other staff.”
ALBB: What did you grow appreciative of during the pandemic shutdown?
“My time. I started working for myself in November of 2010 when I opened a food truck in DC and haven’t had a lot of down time since. The pandemic definitely gave me a different perspective on that and how I want to ‘protect’ my time and use it wisely.”
ALBB: Did any new offering emerge from the pandemic shutdown when you were in survival mode?
“Delivery for one. But also an increased focus on making new specials at MOD because we wanted to keep the menu fresh for our local customers who were so supportive during COVID.”
ALBB: What has been a huge struggle during the shutdown?
“Obviously there were many struggles, and those changed over time, but the energy at times enforcing masking last summer was really tough. No hospitality-minded person wants to constantly tell their customers to do things, and then occasionally have to fight with them about it. That was hard on our staff.”
ALBB: We are hearing from other restaurants that there have been struggles with 3rd party apps and delivery. What do you want people know about delivery? As convenient as it is, there are a lot of people involved from the ordering of the food, to the delivery, and the problems are aren’t always coming from the restaurant. What struggles have you faced there?
“So many things! Every restaurant has a different story and perspective on this, as we all used and did different things. Overall, I would just say, if you can avoid ordering through a third party app and instead order direct through the restaurant’s website, that is the most helpful/supportive thing the general public can do. Also, get vaccinated and just go sit at restaurants because more than anything, hospitality people want to have your real life presence back in the restaurant.”
ALBB: There was recently a report on Marketplace that one of the ways restaurants streamlined to survive was to introduce ordering-by-table, where a unique QR code is placed on the table, and a person can scan it with their camera app, and the menu pops up - for their table only. The customer can order a cocktail, beer or burger without telling a server, but the server brings it out and makes sure it’s OK. I see you have unique QR codes on your tables - how has this been going?
“Good! It cuts down on the wait time for the customer a lot. I was bar-tending the other night, and people who were outside were able to order drinks without me having to leave the bar to check on them. People are basically opening tabs for themselves. If they are in a group at one table, each person can open their own tab, and pay down when they are done.”
ALBB: Genius! This solves the problem of splitting the check 10 different ways!
“Yes (Brian laughs sheepishly). It’s all so new, we as staff aren’t used to guiding people to use it. But it is going well!”
Editorial Note: Meyers Olde Dutch is an advertising client of ALBB, and a branding client of Katie James Inc. This article was produced independently of that partnership.
Just months after Homespun’s new owner and sommelier, Joe Robitaille bought Homespun from its former longtime owners and founders, the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, and businesses and restaurants were forced to close. The rollout of Unemployment Insurance was rocky and overwhelmed almost every state in America including New York State. The subsequent business bailout, known as the PPP Loan, was a moving target in terms of who could apply and how the money could be spent if the business owner wanted the loan forgiven, leaving restaurants owners and staff in precarious situations between the PPP Loan and Unemployment Insurance but not both, with initial penalties to restaurant owners who could not bring all staff back (if staff stayed on Unemployment Insurance).
After the long, cold spring of 2020, the City of Beacon followed the trend of allowing street-dining in sectioned off “parklets,” where patrons, hungry for in-person dining, could come to gather around a table, and inspire a new round of photos prompting mask-judging as patrons could go mask-less as masked servers waited on them. The judgement passed, and diners continued to come, well into the fall, bundled in coats and all. Some speculated as to the safety of the parklets, but no reports of accidents emerged from the June - November season.
Homespun was one of the most cautious restaurants and delayed their opening, focusing instead on building their wine selection, to sell bottles of their highly researched wine selection. They invested in an online store to sell the wine, reflecting Joe’s training as a sommelier. Homespun eventually opened from Thursdays - Sundays for outdoor dining only in the patio out back, and just last week, announced that they had opened their small dining room for some indoor dining, and were adding Monday as an open day. This is great news for locals, who can enjoy Beacon without the weekend rush, and a win for businesses who need more business than just weekends.
City of Beacon Receives More Parklet Requests This Year
The parklet at Max’s On Main, which arrived this week to kick off the warm season.
This year, Councilmember George Mansfield announced the parklet applications, stating that the City had opened them to more business types, and for no fee. “I just wanted to let everyone know that for businesses on Main Street, we're accepting applications for the parklets for Dining or Hospitality or Retail. Applications are being accepted at City Hall. No Costs. Hope you use it because it was a successful attempt to assuage business last year. Looks like we're going to have a good spring. For now, the City is trying to do what we can to help those businesses on Main Street.”
Councilperson Mansfield is also a business owner in Beacon, having opened Dogwood. In December 2020, George temporarily closed Dogwood for the winter, and at the end of April 2021, re-opened on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning at 2pm.
During the April 19, 2021 City Council meeting, Mayor Lee Kyriacou stated that there had been more applicants this year, and that he supported no-fee. “More applications [came in] this year than last year. They should be without charge. We considered a charge, I will be coming to Council. We may need approval for additional funds. I think it's the right thing to do.” It is unclear at this time what those additional funds would be for the parklets.
During Tuesday Business meetings last year during the shut-down, where business owners could call in and discuss issues with the former City Administrator Anthony Ruggiaro, discussions were had on the purchase of the parklets by the City of Beacon, and how they would look in the street.
Parklets Arrive To Main Street Parking Spots
Business owners who applied for the parklets arrived at work today (Monday) morning to see them positioned out front of their establishments in the street. Some parklets occupy 3 on-street parking spots, which have some residents questioning how parking will be impacted in Beacon. On Sundays, the currently free municipal parking lot at the DMV, owned by Dutchess County, will be occupied by the Beacon Farmers Market, who was moved there by the City of Beacon for the 2021 season, years after a contentious and confusing negotiation to stay at their usual Veterans Place location in 2019, during which they encountered resistance from the Towne Crier, yet had overwhelming support from other surrounding businesses.
The DMV municipal parking lot is occupied by visitors in cars on Saturdays and Sundays, and has 2 electric car chargers. The small municipal parking lot across the street across from the gas station is also usually full on weekends, despite comments made during City Council Meetings that both parking lots are under-utilized. Below are photos of the parking lots taken on the past two Sundays, mid-day.
The Windows And Doors Stay Open
In order to have a safe and successful indoor dining experience for everyone involved, including staff and patrons, several restaurants are opting to keep their windows and doors open. Reports have come in that some patrons are requesting to have a window be shut, but the preference is to remain open for ventilation. The same practice is happening in Beacon schools, in addition to upgrades to ventilation systems.
Several restaurants on Main Street made upgrades to their ventilation systems, including Meyers Olde Dutch (currently under renovation, to open soon in May), and Dogwood. Owner George Mansfield says that Dogwood cannot take advantage of the parklet option because they have no on-street parking outside of their building. “We’re just trying to make our inside air as good or better than the outside air,” owner George Mansfield told A Little Beacon Blog. “We installed a high tech ventilation system that scrubs the air of 98% of pathogens. Hoping for the best.”
Editorial Notice: As a notice, Homespun and Meyers Olde Dutch are advertisers with A Little Beacon Blog.
The weather is getting warmer and you know what that means… it’s time for ICE-CREAM (although we are truly big fans all year round)! A reader already wrote to us about it on Thursday: “Urgent question: When is Ron’s opening?” By Friday afternoon, the Beacon Creamery had happy patrons sitting outside of it on their carved wooden bear bench.
People are gearing up to stand in socially distant lines (remember, don’t over-crowd!) to begin practicing how to order ahead from an ice cream shop, if they offer it. It is time to revisit Beacon’s ice-cream shops, as the spring weather has everyone itching to get outside in the sunshine.
The Beacon Creamery is located at 134 Main St in Beacon, NY and they have mouth-watering flavors that you need to try now! Some include, “New York, New York” which includes cappuccino Kahlua, hot fudge, whipped cream, and raspberry sauce. They also have floats, ice cream sundaes, specialties, tipsy shakes, and regular ice cream with an option to add WINE ice cream for $2.00!
Pictured: Blue Panda
Ron’s Ice Cream
Ron’s Ice Cream is located at 298 Fishkill Ave in Beacon, NY and they have all of the fun flavors you want like Birthday Cake or Cookies and Cream. And always sprinkles. Some special flavors include Chocolate Moose Tracks, Graham Central Station, Crazy Vanilla, Cookies n Cream, and many more! They also carry sundaes, specialty sundaes, flurries, milkshakes, slushies, and more. Oh, plus, they have hotdogs, burgers, snacks, sandwiches, and sides!
The parking lot is small for line crowding during a pandemic. Last year, Ron’s initiated a call-in service with no walk-up service. ALBB does not have word yet on how they will do it this year. Stay tuned!
Zora Dora’s
Zora Dora’s Micro Batch Ice Cream And Paletas is located at 201 Main St in Beacon, NY, and makes ice creams and sorbets in the form of paletas! If you don’t know what a paleta is, it’s a frozen treat on a stick! Their handmade products are produced in small batches every day and they source and handpick the freshest seasonal ingredients available. They also offer catering and cart rentals!
Pictured: Vegan Chocolate Orange
The Chocolate Studio
The Chocolate Studio doesn’t only have delicious chocolates and signature treats, but they also have ice cream! Vegan flavors too. You can pick-up vegan and gluten-free treats (or nonvegan/gluten-free) OR they ship nationwide! Sadly, ice-cream is excluded from the shipping part so you will have to stop in the store for that! But you’ll want to! So many flavors, you might have to get a few.
Yankee Clipper Diner
You can also stop in the Yankee Clipper Diner for ice-cream! They have a few sundaes on their menu, including the Waffle Sundae, which is a freshly baked Belgian waffle with 2 scoops of ice cream, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles, walnuts, and a cherry on top! I mean, this could be your breakfast! Add additional toppings for only $1.
Support for this publication comes in part from these businesses. We have highlighted what makes them special on their own dedicated pages. Want your business listed here? See the "Sponsor Spotlight" or "Event Promotion" option in our Advertising Page.
A podcast from A Little Beacon Blog. Your hosts: Katie Hellmuth martin & Brandon Lillard.
The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.
Do Good With Chipotle - Fundraiser For Sargent Elementary School 
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
