Visit: Rhinebeck, New York

Quaint and unique stores in a picturesque downtown setting? Let’s explore Rhinebeck, New York.

When Sarah and I visited Rhinebeck last month, we made sure to set aside some time for shopping. Because, well, shopping. And Rhinebeck’s downtown is just too cute not to explore. The shopping area was very convenient to the hotel we were staying at and we.walked.everywhere.

Our fitbits were very happy that weekend.

Blue Cashew
This was first store that we popped into. It is full of gorgeous kitchen and dining room must-haves, but unfortunately the price tags are a little on the high end. I oohed and ahhed over this gorgeous gold sparkly flatwear set. Until I saw the price tag of $96.00 for the set (I wish you could buy individual pieces, I would have been all over that!). If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind items that you won’t find at your local Target, this is a great spot to check out, and perfect for wedding and housewarming gift-giving needs as well. The shopkeeper had an adorable dog behind the counter that I spent some bonding time with, and then we were on our way.

Paper Trail
When I saw the giant string art heart in the window, I knew I was in trouble. Because, you know, hearts. And now I totally want to make a pink one to add to our red one. But I digress. I loved this store, and I think it was my favorite of all our stops. At the time, I was still in present-buying mode for Madeline’s (then) upcoming birthday, and this was a great place for it. Such a beautiful assortment of stationary, art supplies, books, cards, gift ideas, and more, and I left with a very full bag.

Everything is very reasonably priced and, like the items that Blue Cashew sells, these are things that you won’t find everywhere. I bought Madeline a beautiful little dish to keep her jewelry in with a sparkly gold inset, and many different marker, crayon, and pencil sets. They offer many of their items online as well, so do check out their web site if you’re not in the area.

Samuel’s
After we had been traipsing around town for over an hour, I was in desperate need of iced coffee and there was not a Dunkin’ Donuts in sight. One of the shopkeepers recommended Samuel’s, and, really, thank God for her. And Samuels. A tiny, cute coffee bar and old-fashioned sweet shoppe with just a few tables and stools, it was packed to the rafters with every kind of candy imaginable, including many old-school favorites. And coffee. Delicious iced coffee that was gone before we even reached the next store. Friendly counter help and free wi-fi to boot. Those caramels pictured below? Amazeballs.

Rhinebeck Artist’s Shop
Knowing how much both of my kids love art in all its various incarnations, I couldn’t pass up stopping here. Beyond Nick and Madeline, it is just the kind of store that my grandmother would have been all over. As she was the resident artist in the family, she surely could have spent hours in this place. Two floors filled with every art supply imaginable, both for the serious artist and the leisurely one. I left with cute stencils, pencil sharpeners, glittery watercolors, and erasers. Another helpful store owner, who even opened up a few minutes early when he saw us waiting outside.

We spent a couple of hours shopping the downtown district, and these shops were the standouts for me, but there are many, many others to visit. Boutiques and little bars tucked away down alleyways, and even a cheese shop. Oh the cheese shop.

It was the perfect way to spend our free time that weekend, and a great ending to our Jones Dairy Farm trip. If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway, or even just a way to spend a sunny Spring afternoon (because the sun! I swear it’s going to be coming out soon!), Rhinebeck is a great place to visit.

Hungry for more Rhinebeck posts?
The Beekman Arms is the hotel that we stayed at downtown, ghosts notwithstanding.
And the reason for the whole visit? Meeting the nice folks at Jones Dairy Farm.