Station Cafe - Noshes Instead of Tickets

On the way to the train, it's fun to pick up a snack at the Hastings on Hudson Station Cafe. Or, if not heading to the City, you can just hang out and read the paper while the commuting happens around you. Delightful to see the old station adapted to such a popular new use. Can never have enough cafes in town. Funny, there used to be lots of bars in Hastings. Now it's cafes.

Gem Cove, Hidden Treasure in Hastings on Hudson NY

Tucked away at the southeast corner of Spring Street and Maple Avenue in Hastings on Hudson NY is a white door that leads to a magical world. Open it and you're transported to Gem Cove, a luscious efflorescence of gemstone and pearl jewelry -- in display cases, on floor-to-ceiling shelves, draped on tables.

The ceiling and one wall are painted in shades of cobalt and cerulean, and a door bears an inscription in gold handwriting, which begins: "We believe that the beautiful stones created by nature--the ultimate artist--are the true owners of time and place, to which we human beings are mystified, fleeting visitors . . ."Gem Cove Owner and Designer, Valentina Krochik, creates original jewelry in styles to enhance any outfit. She'll also blend customers' stones with others in her collection to make new treasures. This little gem of a shop deserves a wider audience, so next time you're in the neighborhood in Hastings on Hudson NY, step through the white door and see for yourself.

Sitting on the Wall in Hastings on Hudson NY

It's fun to sit on "the Wall" in front of the VFW on Warburton Avenue and watch the world go by. Especially on a beautiful summer day in Hastings on Hudson NY. Tra la.

Suburban Renewal in Hastings on Hudson NY

Today the weather was lovely, for a change, so I took a lazy amble around downtown Hastings on Hudson NY to see what's new. At Suburban Renewal, on the corner of Main St and Warburton Avenue, there was an enticing display of Fair Trade gift items, at equally enticing prices. Some colorful glassware also caught my eye, and I found myself picturing each piece artfully arranged in my kitchen . . .
Next to the Laundromat on Warburton Avenue, Prudential Riverside Homes was gone, but I was cheered to see favorite broker Chris Browne busily setting up the new Engel + Volkers office that replaces it. Chris and Ling will continue to connect buyers and sellers in the Rivertowns, going forward under their new banner.

Another "coming soon" sign is for Re-find, which is slated to occupy a spot on Spring Street formerly used by Rivercountry Press.

Time was short, so I didn't have time to stop in for my usual cup of soup at Thomas's Coffee & Tea in the Moviehouse Mews in Hastings on Hudson NY. Maybe next time.

It doesn't get more local than Hastings-on-Hudson NY

It's all walkable, and it's all local in Hastings on Hudson NY. Shop till you drop, and then take a break for coffee at Thomas's Coffee and Tea, in the old Movie House Mews, on Warburton Avenue. No national chain stores in downtown Hastings on Hudson NY.

You can find all of life's necessaries right here, including groceries, auto repair, pharmacies, office services, hair salons, doctors, dentists, and just to close the circle, a funeral parlor. Of course, there's also deli food, pizza, hair salons, Chinese takeout, a diner, restaurants, and a health food store (Food for Thought) that's more complete than its quaint storefront conveys.

In the Hastings on Hudson NY library parking lot, there's even a weekly farmer's market every Saturday, where you can meet the producers and buy fresh. If you miss the market, just ask Food for Thought for a box full of your favorite veggies and fruits. They have a large, loyal following of regular customers for their weekly fresh produce.