My love affair with Red Hook, New York began the year I was born. It was where my family had a summer home and where I always go to clear my head. Red Hook is located in upstate Dutchess County, about 100 miles from Manhattan and about 70 miles from Lenox, Massachusetts. It offers the quaint charm of a day in the country with the ease of a one tank weekend escape.
I have been a dealer in a group antique shop in Red Hook for a number of years. It’s called Attic Memories right in the heart of the village on East Market Street, where it meets Route 9. I have seen business change over the years from the hustle and bustle of rabid antique hunters to the slow current days of Ebay.
Red Hook has always been caught between its artsy, more popular neighbor Rhinebeck, to the south, and its more established antique neighbor Hudson, to the north. Yet, Red Hook, is the perfect Frugal Friday drive for solo travel or weekend antiquers because you can look, relax, eat and you don’t have to buy.
Coming from New York, a drive up the scenic Taconic Parkway places you directly on Route 199 once you exit off the ramp. Turn left and just head straight until you hit the center of town. If you’re coming from Massachusetts, head south on the Taconic and the exit ramp places you in the right direction on Route 199. Drive about 15 minutes and you’ll come upon four shops before reaching your first traffic light.
Boulevard – features the best in vintage clothing and accessories. The shop is always a popular hangout when the kids from Bard College are looking for a funky outfit.
Attic Memories – is a group shop full of surprises, including yours truly stuck toward the back. Look for the lavender showcase of custom-made jewelry and go no further!
The Annex Antiques Center – is actually where I went to the movies as a kid and rather than tear down the building, they turned it into an antique mini-mall.
You will also find East Market Street Antiques, with an eclectic mix of American folk primitives, and the Red Hook Antique Center; but do not miss out on a stop at Hoffman’s Barn. You hang a left at the Route 9 traffic light and it’s about a mile down on the right. It’s where good junk goes to die or catch its second wind. Roger Hoffman is a character and has a story for every rake, windmill and iron bed that is on his expansive yard.
And if you’re looking for a quick nosh before heading back to the Big Apple or over to Massachusetts, stop at the old Village Diner. It’s an historic landmark (their menus were handwritten on construction paper not so long ago and they have the best french toast sticks for breakfast). For the more discerning palate, try the Red Hook Curry House for great Indian food on East Market Street. Happy hunting.
If you want to stay overnight, there are plenty of hotels in Rhinebeck, along with charming B and Bs.
