A Guide to What’s New in Beacon This Summer
A July sunset on Main Street, Beacon.
In the blink of an eye, a raft of new businesses have sprung up in Beacon. We wrote a story in late spring about a cluster of newbies coming to the city. Now, it’s time to share even more news. Whether you live in Beacon or visit from time to time, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the breadth of who’s joining the city’s already vibrant business community.
Main Street Openings
A New Vintage Store
MOD Hudson Valley just opened at 171 Main Street.
In late June, MOD Hudson Valley opened at 171 Main Street, quickly taking the place of Beetle & Fred which moved to a larger location just a few doors east at 217 Main Street. We love a good news story, and Beetle & Fred’s expansion is the latest example of Main Street optimism.
MOD Hudson Valley (not to be mistaken for Meyers Olde Dutch), is open seven days a week and specializes in handpicked, stunning-but-well-priced vintage clothing from around the world. It has a seriously impressive vintage denim collection as well as dresses, tops, and a men’s section. It also has some standout new linen and handmade deadstock creations. Owner Sherry comes to Beacon from a popular location in Cornwall-on-Hudson, having built a strong following on Instagram over the past 10 years. The new space is double the size of MOD Hudson Valley’s former space. Vintage and fashion lovers won’t want to miss stopping by (frequently!).
Dave the Butcher Opens
At the beginning of July, the much-anticipated Dave the Butcher—owned by husband-and-wife team, Dave and Melissa—opened its doors in the former Homespun spot at 232 Main Street. After a high-energy three-day opening, the café and market is open for business six days a week (currently closed Tuesdays as of this writing) and neither the menu nor the quality of what Dave the Butcher serves disappoints.
Dave the Butcher, in the former Homespun location, 232 Main Street.
This charming space is reminiscent of a European artisanal grocery store stocked with high quality fresh and pantry ingredients. As the name suggests, you can buy cuts of meat or grab breakfast or lunch which include a bacon, egg, and cheese “sammy,” a Bad Luck burger, a roast beef “sammy,” or a house made hot dog. Vegetarians and vegan will enjoy a delicious, marinated artichoke “sammy,” with a touch of mint and spicy pickled spread. Wash it all down with a refreshing Lavender French 75 or a Spiked Cherry Lemonade. Dave the Butcher also offers a thoughtful selection of wines, beers, and soft drinks.
From Farm to Main
We mentioned in our last new store openings feature that Hudson Valley Jane—a “Farm to Main” cannabis dispensary—opened its doors at 544 Main Street. But details at the time were scarce. With a super-attractive upstate farm stand vibe, Hudson Valley Jane is a licensed micro-dispensary offering cannabis flowers, edibles, pre-rolls, and accessories. What makes it “farm to main” is Hudson Valley Jane grows its own cannabis in the Hudson Valley and has complete control of its supply chain from growing to packaging to selling.
RE: FORM LAB (340 Main Street) hails from Warwick and is a high energy pilates and barre studio. Founded by New York-based pilates instructor, Jenn Seracuse, RE: FORM LAB offers four different class formats suitable for all levels. Each class is 45 minutes long and requires grip socks.
Up in the Clouds Slime & Doh Co
Up in the Clouds (300 Main Street) describes itself as designed for kids and kids-at-heart. It’s a DIY slime studio where you can create unique slime from color and texture to scent and sparkle. They also offer pre-made slime kits and homemade playdough kits to take home. Those looking for a fun and a different kind of birthday party activity in the event space or at home will want to explore this.
Finally on Main Street, in late breaking news, Wild Kitchen & Bar (416 Main Street) just announced this week that it will offer dinner service starting Thursday, July 24th, just in time to make the most of summer al fresco dining.
Gallery news
SKVAF Beacon, 1154 North Avenue.
Yet another art world icon has come to Beacon. The Shigeko Kabuto Video Art Foundation (SKVAF Beacon) quietly opened here just a few weeks ago, taking over the former Analog Diary space at 1154 North Avenue as a Video Artspace, as well as moving into a workshop location at 20 West Main Street. Currently on view at the Video Artspace are Video Landscapes (1993-1995), Cherry Blossoms (filmed in the Tokyo Chidorigafuchi Gardens in 1986), Video Rock Garden (1993-1996), and Korean Grave (1993). Art lovers won’t want to miss this stunning exhibition. You can request a tour here.
If you don’t know, Shigeko Kubota (1937-2015) is a renowned pioneering Video Artist who became recognized as a significant early pioneer of the then new medium by taking on the role of artist, curator, critic, and essayist.
Shigeko Kubota Video Art Foundation (SKVAF) preserves her artworks and works to secure her cultural legacy by developing and supporting programs to create a wider awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the history and future of video art. The Foundation’s primary location is in Mercer Street, Soho where Kubota and her husband, Nam June Paik 1932 -2006)—who was known as the “father of video art,”—lived and worked. When her beloved husband passed, Kabuto stopped making art. However, she was dedicated to preserving their joint legacy and enabling programs for breakthrough artists. The Foundation is the result of her commitment to this.
The Patron Saint of Hopeless Causes Comes to Beacon
Saint Rita’s Music Room, 85 Eliza Street, Beacon.
Saint Rita of Cascia is known as the patron saint of hopeless causes. But it’s certainly not the case for Saint Rita’s Music Room at 85 Eliza Street. Opened by long-time Beaconites, Kelly Ellenwood, Tim Parsaca, and their adult children, Beacon’s newest music venue is tucked away in the KuBe Art Center. This intimate, cozy space opened just last last week during the Upstate Art Weekend with a sellout show from Broadway in Beacon and legendary trombonist Dick Griffin and his quartet performing Sun Ra Ascending. Saint Rita’s describes itself as a sanctuary for cabaret, theater, jazz, burlesque, comedy, indie, drag, and dancing, and promises almost any musical experience your heart desires.
Moon, Serpent & Bone Oddities and Curiosities Shop and Café also opened recently in the KuBe Art Center (211 Fishkill Avenue, 3rd floor, Room 309). Originally a Full Moon Oddities and Curiosities Night Market, it has expanded to open Saturdays (12 PM to 6 PM) and Sundays (12 PM to 4 PM).
With just a handful of empty storefronts on Main Street, we have a feeling we’ll be updating this feature very soon.
So, now that you know about the latest newcomers, the 90+ shops, and the 90+ eateries on and off Main Street, when’s your next visit going to be?
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Until next time…
The Beacon Beacon🧡