Goshen will get you through the holidays in style

By Geri Corey
GOSHEN — Christmas is almost here! But, have no fear. Help getting through this time of gift giving and feasting is available right here in the Village of Goshen.
With the array of fine stores located on Main Street, Greenwich Avenue, and North Church Street, it’s a snap to find something for everyone on your list.
The Goshen Art League has made it easy to satisfy your art-lover friends and family members. With a seasonal appropriate gallery of paintings and photography located at the Goshen Music Hall, 223 Main St., there are plenty of artistic pieces on display by accomplished artists.
With price tags going from $75 for Mitchell Saler’s “Snowman,” done in oil to $500 for Joan Kehlenbeck’s “In Search of the Perfect Christmas” in pastel, the price range is vast, as well as the media.
The art show, titled “White Out: Snow, Ice, and All Things Wintry White,” is on display through March 8 (Mon.—Fri., 9-5).
A visit to the Goshen Music Hall is a treat itself during this holiday time. An ample-sized Christmas tree is festooned in traditional hand-folded origami cranes, the symbol of peace and consistency. A large-scale model train chugs around the base and overhead mobiles of embossed paper doves and snowflakes add to the wintry atmosphere. The entire gallery says “winter wonderland.”
If stocking stuffers always “stump” you, meander into Baxter’s Pharmacy and browse the aisles. Get the kids ready for back-to-school, choosing from large assortments of pens, pads, Crayola crayons, tape, and chalk. How about small toys, like matchbox cars, trucks, helicopters? Then there are vintage toys, such as jacks, Hot Wheels and the favorite, Silly Putty.
The old reliable stocking stuffer, a toothbrush, has a new twist: a flossing toothbrush! The bristles are uneven and finer and get in between teeth to massage the gums and remove plaque. Don’t forget other grooming aids, like hairbrushes and toiletries, for kids and adults.
If you’re paying an unexpected visit and need a toddler’s gift, Baxter’s offers a good choice of wooden puzzles and more. Don’t forget stuffed animals! For adults, bring along a box of Russell Stover Candy, a Wonderful Whitman Sampler, or a tin of Danish Butter Cookies.
Time for a breakIt’s time to take a break — shopping can be exhausting! Whether you’re looking for a mid-morning pick-me-up or a lunch, stop in at Orange County Bagel. With a choice of 16 varieties, there’s a bagel suited for everyone’s taste. Popular new varieties are French toast, asiago, and cheddar cheese.
“But the most popular variety is plain,” said Brent Kunis, owner of Orange County Bagel.
Top-quality Boar’s Head cold cuts are available for sandwiches made to order on your choice of bagels, hard rolls, heroes, rye, white, whole wheat or three different wraps.
If salad is your thing, there’s the Chopped Salad Bar: “We fill the tray with your choice of items, we weigh it, and the customer pays per pound,” said Kunis.
If you’re paying an unexpected visit to Aunt Tillie’s, keep in mind the bagel shop has cookie trays (2 lbs. $6.99—$9.99) all arranged and wrapped in cellophane for tasty gift giving.
For at home entertaining, Orange County Bagel has a full catering menu that includes meat and cheese platters, salad platters, fish platters, and bagel and pastry platters. Available also is 90-ounce (and larger size, too) box of “Coffee to Go.”
The really good news here is that Orange County Bagel, 151 Greenwich Ave., Goshen, is open Christmas Day and New Year’s Day from 7 a.m. to 12 noon. (Regular hours: Open seven days a week, daily from 6 to 4; Sat. and Sun. from 6 to 2:30.)
Don't forgot Fido“Dogs are as important as people now, and they deserve to look their best,” said Jean Attolino, owner of Groomingdales, the dog- grooming salon on 41 High St., corner of W. Main Street.
Attolino, a graduate of the NYS School of Dog Grooming, with 30 years of experience, has the knowledge and equipment to make all dogs look good. Starting with a bath, including a medicated bath, if needed, using special shampoos and deep conditioning, all dogs leave the salon ready to greet Santa or guests with soft, clean, pleasing fur with nails clipped and teeth brushed.
Attolino has been in Goshen for five years.
“I love Goshen,” she said. “We’re the only grooming salon here; people no longer have to travel to have their dogs groomed.”
For pet safety, she uses harnesses on her grooming beds, and she massages her dogs while they’re being hand-dried. “They’re never put in cages when they’re wet,” she commented.
Attolino suggests having your dog groomed every six to eight weeks, starting when they’re puppies to get them used to a grooming routine — bath, ears, nails clipped.
“Your pet is special. Have him or her spruced up, not just for the holidays but all the time!” said Attolino. Call 848- 313-8588 for an appointment.
Bring the feast homeAfter work — or a day of holiday shopping — what could be more fun than bringing home a pizza, or two, to the family for dinner? How about bringing dessert, too?
Amore’s Italian Restaurant, already known for having great tasting pizza, pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches and wings, is now selling Trailside Treats Creamery ice cream.
“Why not stop, pick up a pizza and a pint or two of Trailside Treats ice cream for dessert? We have all the popular flavors. It’s one-stop shopping, especially during this busy holiday time,” said Brian Veneziano, owner of Amore’s Italian Restaurant, 182 W. Main Street.
Trailside Treats Creamery, 28 St. James Place, is closed for the season. It’ll reopen again in the spring.
Amore’s is best known for big portions.
“Great for holiday feasting,” said Veneziano. “People always say, ‘I’m stuffed.’ I’m full!”
Amore’s has plenty of eat-in space, but he also prepares take-out orders, delivers and caters. He encourages you to stop in for a catering menu. “Who doesn’t like Italian food?” the owner asks. “Especially during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays of celebration?"
Amore’s will deliver Trailside Treats ice cream along with the pizza or any Italian dishes to all of Goshen, Campbell Hall, and Pine Island. Call 294-1492 to order. (Daily hours: 11-10; Sunday: 12-9.)
End the year rightLimoncello at the Orange Inn, 159-167 Main St., is gearing up for holiday feasting. Said consulting chef, Peter Perrone, “We’re bringing Vegas and Manhattan to the Village of Goshen.”
“We believe in acting local, but thinking global,” said Chef Edison Narkaj.
Limocello will be open for Christmas Eve, but closed on Christmas Day. Ordering will be done off the regular menu, following Sunday hours, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. The last reservation is 8 p.m.
For their New Year’s Eve celebration, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. ordering will be from the regular menu. However, from the last seating at 9:30 p.m., the restaurant is offering a four-course meal with open bar, live band and champagne toast at midnight. Price $100. Call 294-1880 for reservations.
This is certainly a wonderful way to end your holiday celebrating — a great meal, champagne, and lots of noisemakers!