dance students at a dress rehearsal at kaatsbaan in tivoli; foster’s coach house and tavern in rhinebeck.
Around the corner at Montgomery Row—a small strip of shops and restaurants— you’ll find Oblong Books, a locally owned bookstore with a larger-than-average offering of cookbooks and food writing. As the demand increased for culinary literature, the shop quickly sought to meet expectations. “We’ve certainly increased our culinary section,” says manager Suzanna Hermans, who co-owns the shop with her father, Dick, who opened the store’s original location in Millerton in 1975. “We have a lot of Culinary Institute students that this appeals to, and now that Rhinebeck has become a foodie destination, cookbooks are a big section for us. Customers are very interested in our variety; we have a wide selection, including gluten-free, vegan, and all the specialties people are into these days.” Oblong’s author events are just as popular as its carefully chosen selection and the store hosts about 80 events per year for all ages. The recently started Hudson Valley Young Adult Society, for example, meets once a month and sees anywhere from 50 to 200 attendees. “We’re very fortunate to have a very literary community here in Rhinebeck—meaning, one that values literature and what we offer as far as bringing authors to the area,” she says. “Our goal is getting people to fall in love with books and to discover their next favorite author. The store is very curated; every book is chosen by hand. We read a lot, know our inventory, and can recommend a book for everyone.” Keep an eye out for their extensive local interest section, featuring Hudson Valley authors, regional history, and a few self-published titles not available in larger bookstores. Easygoing Hardscrabble While Rhinebeck is better known for its happenings than nearby Red Hook, there is still much to do in the small town once known as Hardscrabble. Along its outskirts you’ll find Taste Budd’s Chocolate & Coffee Café, a funky little coffee shop and eatery with delicious coffees (including fair trade and organic blends), scrumptious sweets, and a mixed crowd ranging from artsy teens to—well, artsy adults. If the town seems quiet on Thursdays it’s because almost everyone is at the café’s open mic night—possibly one of the most supportive, encouraging environments for an open mic in the Mid-Hudson region; there’s just a great community vibe. 8/13 ChronograM rhinebeck + red hook + tivoli 61