Woodstock is Upping Its Game With Some Great New Places!

  |  May 14, 2015
Signage at Timbuktu store in Woodstock. Chronogram June 2013

Signage at Timbuktu store in Woodstock. Chronogram June 2013

Greetings Upstater Friends and Fans,

For years, I’ve had a love affair with Hudson, NY. Yes, I get to be that person who scoffs at the tourists that pour into Hudson now, rolling my eyes and saying, “Ugh, I’ve been coming here to eat and antique shop since you were in DIAPERS!” Not so long ago, there was a time when Hudson was cheap and a little bit scuzzy and it was delightful. It’s still great and I could happily eat my last meal at Swoon and likewise, swoon over anything from Flowerkraut, but guess what? Hudson’s not the only game in the Hudson Valley.

Case in point – two more gems have popped up in my little mecca of Woodstock, where the main street scene used to be fairly tie-dye hippie bleak.

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Welcome Tinker Taco Lab! Just opened from James Jennings, this tucked away outpost with views onto the Tannery Brook is getting rave reviews for handmade tacos and tamales. The Yam Tamale plate (red mole with shredded lettuce, cilantro, onion, queso fresco and crema) is seducing vegetarians all over town and my son loved-loved-loved the carnitas tacos (confit of pork belly with sweet/sour tomatillo, jalapeno jam and the works). Sit inside or out – Taco Lab is set back from the bustle of Tinker Street and is most definitely a great addition to our food scene here.

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Literally next door is D Day Studio, the most adorable slice of a boutique ever. Owners Asa and Jodi have collaborated on leather goods, textiles, jewelry and more, also bringing in Perfumera Curandera, a local handmade line of perfumes known for their gorgeous heady scents as well as their healing properties. I just treated myself to one of Asa’s amazing totes– he’s been selling his line of backpacks and bags in Japan for years and has developed an enormous following. Likewise for Jodi, whose jewelry is both delicate and bold (I’ve been coveting many, many pieces and Mother’s Day is over… dammit). Textiles include apparel and accessories as well as some stunning leather goods. And there is a smattering of handmade furniture that reads modern but wouldn’t be out of place in your country home. I love this shop!

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So, yes, I’ll still elbow you out of the way for my croissant at Café Le Perche on Warren Street but sleepy little Woodstock has upped its game for sure. See you around town!

About Abbe Aronson

Abbe Aronson is the grande dame of PR, marketing, media, event planning and “artful schmoozing” here in the Hudson Valley. AbbeDoesIt.com for more of her hijinks!

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