After spending the last few weeks doing decorating and renovating grunt work, it was time to get to the fun part: antiquing. I have always heard Rhinebeck, NY, was filled with incredible antique stores, flea markets–even the yard sales were supposed to be phenomenal. The tiny historic town is located about two hours north of New York City in Dutchess County and, not only were the antique reviews true, but the town itself was adorable!
We spent the day walking up and down the main drag of Montgomery and Market Streets, stopping by Beekman Arms, the oldest inn in America, eating at Terrapin, a restaurant in a converted chapel (above), picking through yard sales on side streets, browsing home design stores (Hammertown Barn and Paper Trail were particularly cute) and, of course, milling around antique shops. Behind the Beekman Arms Inn is their Antique Market and Gallery–a definite must. It is filled with about 25 dealers stalls and the pieces range from neoclassical to Americana. Asher House across the street had a great collection of refined Americana as well but the more we walked around the town (which is about 3 blocks big), we realized that the real origin of the Rhinebeck antique fame stems from the dealers off their highways.
I almost bought these sweet early 19th century French side chairs at the Beekman Antiques Market but since they were wobbly and a bit expensive, I passed (though I am having serious regrets).
We drove down Route 9 towards Red Hook and hit Cider Mill Antiques, Red Hook Antiques Center and the Portly Pug, but the gem of all gems that we found was the Old Country Store on the way to Red Hook. Store is a bit of a glamourization, since the majority of the display is on the owner’s lawn, but a gem none the less. After living in a practically unfurnished home for the last two months, we shopped like there was no tomorrow. We bought a desk, two mirrors, a chest of drawers, andirons, and antique windows. (Those purchases and the furniture projects that will ensue from them are for whole other blog. Stay tuned!).
The only disappointment of the weekend was that we were one weekend too early October 11-12 is the true Rhinebeck Antiques Fair! I suggest a Rhinebeck shopping venture any time of the year but if there was any particular weekend, it would be this Saturday and Sunday. I wish I could be there, so if you can, shop and think of me.
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