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Lower Hudson Valley Holiday Gift Guide

Now through New Year’s Day, New York’s Lower Hudson Valley glistens with the sights and sounds of the holiday season: festive shop windows, stunning art galleries, eclectic shops and a plethora of diverse restaurants that make the region a foodie and shopper’s destination. On the west side of the Hudson River, New York’s Rockland and Orange counties offer a unique mix of scenic villages, fine dining and antique and novelty shops. It’s the perfect antidote to the monotony of retail mall madness. Shop for distinctive gifts and experiences for everyone on your list with some of these local finds.

storefront of fine antique shop in the historic Hudson Valley

Colin Holmes, Nyack, New York
The historic Hudson Valley has many fine antique shops and galleries promising something for all tastes and occasions. Poke around Colin Holmes, a Nyack staple specializing in an eclectic mix of furniture, art, lighting fixtures, French clocks, jewelry, upholstery, garden décor and more. Visitors can expect personalized service and an array of unique gift ideas, home décor treasures and inspiration. 87 Main St, Nyack, 845-358-2565; www.colinholmesnyack.com

The Shops at Jones Farm, Cornwall, New York

The Shops at Jones Farm, Cornwall, New York
Located in Cornwall, New York, the family owned and operated Jones Farm has been supplying the Hudson Valley with quality food and gifts for over 100 years. John H. Jones originally purchased the picturesque acreage in 1914 from Miss Emily Cromwell, a direct descendent of Oliver Cromwell, the 17th-century English military and political leader. Jones Farm is still owned by the same family, with three generations working together side by side. The multifaceted homestead that greets visitors today includes a charming country store, gift shop, art gallery and bakery, Grandma Phoebe’s Kitchen, known for its swoon-worthy pies. Everything in the shop is proudly made from scratch, from the crust to the filling. Try a classic slice like apple or blueberry pie or venture out and taste the chocolate chip pecan pie served hot with a heaping scoop of ice cream. 190 Angola Road, Cornwall, 845-534-4445; www.jonesfarminc.com

colorful yarns

Photo credit: Knitting Nation

Knitting Nation, Nyack, New York
As the temperatures dip lower, “cozy season” is in full swing in the Hudson Valley. The age-old hobby of knitting is a great way to connect with local crafters and is perfect for gift-giving, staying warm or passing the time. Whether you’re a beginner or veteran, Knitting Nation offers classes for all skill levels. Buy a package of classes or a single session, like Fixing Mistakes or Sock Sundays, with materials included. With its wide selection of luxury yarns, make sure to buy materials on location. 30 N Broadway, Nyack, 845-348-0100; www.knittingnation.com

various food items on table at restaurant

Photo credit: 8 North Broadway

8 North Broadway Restaurant, Nyack, New York
Treat a loved one to an authentic culinary experience this holiday season in one of Nyack’s many casually elegant restaurants. Known for its boutique- and restaurant-lined thriving downtown and proximity to New York City, Nyack offers visitors a variety of international cuisine such as 8 North Broadway, a seasonal Mediterranean restaurant overlooking the Hudson River. Inspired by locally sourced seafood, beef, lamb, poultry and organic produce, the menu reflects the freshest ingredients from the Hudson Valley, while a swerving copper bar, exposed brick and large store-front windows are design focal points. Don’t miss the meze and sizzling octopus platters. 8 N Broadway, Nyack, 845-353-1200; www.8northbroadway.com

woman walking through fine art gallery

Photo credit: Piermont Straus

Piermont Straus, Piermont, New York
For the fine art and literary aficionado in your life, visit Piermont Straus, a gallery, foundation and specialty bookstore celebrating the natural beauty, history and culture of the Hudson Valley. Located in Piermont, 15 miles north of Manhattan, the cozy storefront specializes in one-of-a-kind and limited-edition, artist-made prints, paintings, pottery, woodworking, textiles, jewelry, sculpture and an array of plants in unique, handmade earthenware. This magical find, the vision of award-winning photographer Laura Straus, now represents more than two dozen artists and offers an ever-changing, sophisticated selection of treasures to explore that capture the spirit of a creative mind. The gallery is open on weekends or by appointment. 10 Round House Road, Piermont, 845-459-3124; www.piermontstraus.com

front desk at spa

Photo credit: Hand & Stone

Hand & Stone, New City, New York
Treat yourself or a friend to the gift of self-care with Hand & Stone’s many spa services, which range from traditional Swedish massage to new treatments like the Himalayan salt-stone massage, which uses salt crystal stones to soothe away stress and tension. First-time guests can snag a one-hour massage or facial for $59.95. Hand & Stone, 170 S. Main St., New City, 845-708-0808; handandstone.com/locations/new-city

women admiring painting at art gallery

Photo credit: Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center

Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center, Nyack, New York
This holiday season, give a gift that can be enjoyed year-round while benefitting arts education in Hudson Valley public schools: a membership to the Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center in Nyack. Hopper, widely acknowledged as one of the most important painters of 20th century America, was born in Nyack, and his restored residence is on the National Register of Historic Places. Memberships, which can range from $35 for seniors to $70 for an entire household, offer exclusive benefits, including unlimited free admission, 10 percent discount in the museum shop, discounts on museum programs and invitations to member-only events, exhibits and programs. 82 N, Broadway, Nyack, 845-358-0774; edwardhopperhouse.org

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Lower Hudson Valley Holiday Gift Guide

Now through New Year’s Day, New York’s Lower Hudson Valley sparkles with the sights and sounds of the holiday season, with festive shop windows, stunning art galleries, eclectic shops and a plethora of diverse restaurants that make the region a foodie destination. On the west side of the Hudson River, just across the Tappan Zee Bridge, Rockland County is a unique mix of scenic waterfront villages offering fine dining, antique and novelty shops and the perfect antidote to the monotony of retail mall madness. Shop for distinctive, hard-to-find gifts and experiences for everyone on your list with some of these local finds.

Ned Kelly & Company

Photo credit: Ned Kelly & Company

Ned Kelly & Company, Piermont, New York

With hand-painted fabrics, Bernadaud china from France, Egyptian cotton towels, exquisite floral designs and select art and furniture pieces, this purveyor of fine goods in Piermont strives to ensure that patrons “live well at home.” Ned Kelly, the floral designer for Peter Xaviar Kelly’s acclaimed restaurants, also provides complete wedding decor and design, including lighting and quality linens. Located on Piermont Avenue, the village’s main commercial street, visitors also can enjoy lovely Hudson Valley water views and fine area dining after shopping for unique home goods.

Karenderya

Photo credit: Karenderya

Karenderya, Nyack, New York

Treat a loved one to a unique culinary experience this holiday season that will transport you to Southeast Asia without ever checking a bag. Named one of Esquire magazine’s “best new restaurants in America” for 2018, Karenderya is a homey Filipino eatery owned by husband-and-wife team Paolo Garcia Mendoza and Cheryl Baun in Nyack. According to Mendoza, who grew up in the Philippine’s capital city of Manilla before moving to New York when he was 15, the menu is a blend of Indo-Malay, Chinese and Spanish flavors with a dash of Indian. The casual mom-and-pop restaurant, based loosely on the affordable, roadside eateries of the Philippines, offers both traditional and modern Filipino dishes, including Chicken Tocino, chicken marinated in pineapple juice and brown sugar; Pork Ribs Sinigang, pork ribs in sour tamarind broth, bok choy, long beans, served with rice; and unique desserts like Halo-Halo, Filipino shaved ice. Gift certificates are available, and reservations are accepted for groups of six or more.

Antiques Masters

Antiques Masters, Nyack, New York

The historic Hudson Valley has many fine antique shops and galleries that buy, sell and appraise furniture, jewelry, art and other collectibles. Poke around Antiques Masters, a Nyack staple since 1995, specializing in American and European antiques, furniture, art, lighting fixtures and restoration. Owner Mohamed Mahmoud has turned his love for antiques and commitment to personal attention into one of the premier antique shops and refinishing services in the area. Visitors will find an array of unique gift ideas, home décor treasures and inspiration.

Piermont Straus

Photo credit: Piermont Straus

Piermont Straus, Piermont, New York

For the fine art and literary aficionado in your life, visit Piermont Straus, a gallery, foundation and specialty bookstore celebrating the natural beauty, history and culture of the Hudson River valley. Located in Piermont, New York, 15 miles north of Manhattan, the cozy storefront specializes in one-of-a-kind and limited-edition, artist-made prints, paintings, pottery, woodworking, textiles, jewelry, sculpture and an array of plants in unique, handmade earthenware. The vision of award-winning photographer Laura Straus, this magical find now represents more than two dozen artists, offering an ever-changing, sophisticated selection of treasures to explore that capture the spirit of a creative mind. The gallery is open on weekends or by appointment.

Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center

Photo credit: Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center

Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center, Nyack, New York

This holiday season, give a gift that can be enjoyed year-round while benefitting arts education in Hudson Valley public schools: a membership to the Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center in Nyack, New York. Hopper, widely acknowledged as one of the most important painters of 20th century America, was born in Nyack, and his restored residence is on the National Register of Historic Places. Memberships, which can range from $35 for seniors to $70 for an entire household, offer exclusive benefits including unlimited free admission, 10 percent discount in the museum shop, discounts on museum programs and invitations to member-only events, exhibits and programs.

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