Gary Stoller is an award-winning travel and investigative journalist.
(This is the second of a two-part series providing travelers bound for New York's Hudson River Valley with recommendations from Mike Adamovic, who has written three books about the region. Part 1 focuses on the region's history, geography and recommended sites.)
The unique shops in New York's Hudson River Valley are always close to the heart of Mike Adamovic, the author of three books about the region.
No. 1 on his favorites list is the Catskill Native Nursery, which may come as no surprise to those who know him well. Adamovic's next book, expected to be published by Trafalgar Square Books in fall 2025, is Through the Seasons: A Botanical Odyssey of the Native Plants of the Northeast. He has written three other books: Hudson Valley Reflections: Illustrated Travel & Field Guide, Hudson Valley History & Mystery and Hudson Valley History & Mystery, Volume 2.
The Catskill Native Nursery is located in Kerhonkson, "a town the straddles the nebulous boundary between the Hudson Valley and the Catskills," and "sells hard to track down native plants ranging from rare orchids to more mundane milkweeds," Adamovic says.
Customers have come to the nursery from such faraway states as Maine and Maryland to purchase certain species not available elsewhere, he says. It specializes in nursery-propagated North American perennials, fruits, shrubs and trees but is currently closed for the winter. The nursery will reopen in April, and the exact date, according to its website, "will be determined by the weather."
The nursery, created on a site that has been a market garden and homestead since the 1820s, says it "has been inspiring gardeners since 1999 to create biodiverse and remarkably ornamental gardens using plants that are native to eastern North America.
"We think of our business as a continuation of a tradition which valued ecological knowledge, hard work, organic methods and a respect for nature," the nursery adds. "Our customers often mention how they feel transported back to a simpler agricultural time when they visit."
Another favorite shop of Adamovic may also transport customers back to yesteryear. The Merritt Bookstore was founded 37 years ago and has remained independent.
"This independent bookstore and toy store located in pastoral Millbrook is unlike just about any bookstore you've visited before," Adamovic says. "Its eclectic content gives it a classy general-store feel. The cheery and knowledgeable staff add as much to the store as its contents. Author events are also regularly held."
Samuel's Sweet Shop in Rhinebeck is a candy store and cafe that "is one of the best in the Hudson Valley" and has won numerous awards, Adamovic says. "Owned by Paul Rudd, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Hilarie Burton, one might spot a celebrity when visiting."
On Main Street in Beacon, Hudson Beach Glass is a glass-blowing facility that "creates one-of-a-kind pieces from the utilitarian to works of art," Aadamovic says. "Pick up a set of bowls, wine glasses, earrings, Christmas ornaments and more. You can watch pieces being made in an adjacent glass- blowing studio."
After hours spent shopping, walking the region's scenic trails or touring the Hudson Valley's wondrous geography by car, visitors may want to consider a meal at one of Adamovic's four favorite Hudson Valley restaurants. His comments about each follow below.
*Terrapin. "Located in the heart of Rhinebeck, this restaurant and bistro is situated in a former church built in 1825. Chandeliers hang from the vaulted ceiling. During the holidays, this place is impeccably decorated. Enjoy a wide array of artisanal dishes from all over the world."
*Ship Lantern Inn. "Open for its hundredth year in a building that dates back to the American Revolution, this Milton restaurant offers an intimate setting to partake in outstanding American continental cuisine."
*Mariner's Harbor. "If you enjoy seafood, this Kingston staple is the place to go. Located on the banks of the Rondout Creek, an important tributary of the Hudson, this restaurant offers superb waterfront dining."
*The '76 House. "Situated in a 300-year-old building and called the oldest tavern in America, this restaurant in Tappan offers a cozy setting dripping in American history. British Major John Andre, who conspired with Benedict Arnold, was confined in this building shortly before his execution. Partake in an eclectic menu ranging from crabcakes, venison and duck to more mundane staples like hamburgers and salads, while warming yourself in front of period fireplaces and regaling in various pieces of Americana."