ANTIQUING

The growing number of tourists that travel to Dutchess County, New York for its historical value are discovering that they can take home a bit of history themselves. In addition to the allure of its historic sites the county offers some of the finest antique hunting in the nation and is only 90 minutes from either New York City or Albany.

Antiquing in Dutchess County has become increasingly popular among dealers, decorators, collectors and individuals. From its riverfront towns to the rustic Harlem Valley, this county offers a wide range of antique shops, including multi-dealer centers, auction houses and small, tucked away shops. New shops are springing up next to established ones, creating an active, reasonably priced market.

One town noted for antiques is Beacon. The historic architecture and quaint storefronts make it a strong draw for many antique enthusiasts. Home to Cold Spring Galleries (Coldspringgalleries.com), which specializes in large estate and antique auctions, the gallery accepts consignments and provides free appraisals. Auctions are held every other Monday, and include sales on 20th century designs. Dealers and collectors know Cold Spring Galleries for the highest-quality furnishings and antiques.

Antique enthusiasts love to browse through the village of Pleasant Valley, settled by Quakers and Presbyterians from New England and Long Island in the 1740s. The Absolute Auction Center (Abslouteauctionrealty.com) presents “live” auctions every two weeks. The auctions feature estate contents, usually American antiques, from 18th century furniture to 20th century collectibles.

Visitors know Hyde Park in central Dutchess County for The Culinary Institute of America and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Home, Library and Museum. Not all realize that another frequent stop is the Hyde Park Antiques Center. Well-stocked with merchandise of 55 dealers, it features formal and country furniture with an extensive amount of silver, porcelain, glassware and collectibles.

Continuing north along Rt. 9, Old Mill House Antiques (Oldmillhouse.com) in Rhinebeck has been providing quality products in the Hudson Valley for 16 years. Full of many treasures and unique antiques, it specializes in 18 th-20 th century American folk and fine art, shabby chic, fine and costume jewelry and vintage glass and pottery.

Red Hook, which is said to get its name from explorer Henry Hudson's crew in 1609, is home to Annex Antiques Center. Located in an old-time movie-house, the center features the eclectic collections of 26 dealers. The offerings include assorted period furnishings, sports memorabilia, toys, reference books, post cards and specialized items.

Amid the 19th century buildings and clock tower in the heart of Millerton is the Millerton Center for Antiques, Art & Decoration. The more than 35 dealers fill three floors with antiques and collectibles. The center features an art gallery with a working matting and framing studio, a fabric center with silk surplus at discounted prices and the services of two upholsterers and three decorators. It's clearly a unique center for all antique hunters.

Aside from the Millerton Center, the whole eastern area is actually a hotbed of antiques along beautiful Route 22. Any urge for rummaging can be satisfied with stops at Johnson & Johnson and Junk A’tique in Millerton. Scattered along the scenic Route 22, these shops are known mostly to skilled bargain and antique hunters and represent some of the best antiquing in Dutchess County. These smaller shops are usually only open Fri.-Sun. and are all located on the same bucolic road that leads to Pawling and the Pawling Antique Center. Antique shopping on Route 22 is a memorable weekend experience.

In addition to Dutchess County's auction houses and multi-dealer centers, visitors can find hundreds of antiquing opportunities in the smaller shops on the area's main streets and country roads. Frequently, proprietors specialize in specific collectibles or furnishings and should not be overlooked.

Dutchess County's antique shops have been recognized in national magazines including Renovation Style Magazine's 1999 article "I Brake for Junk."