Hazelnut Kitchen on Main

Name: Louise
Neighborhood: Strowbridge Street
City: Trumansburg, New York (population 1,642)
My Home: 1900 vintage, three bedroom home, two story, single family. Our neighborhood is like a forest with houses sprinkled throughout.

A three-block, 5-minute walk from my house brings me to the doors of a wide variety of shops and services. Among those on Main Street are: an artisanal coffee cafe, chocolate making shop, antique shop, 4 used clothing stores, the bank, an auto parts store, eclectic gift shop, outstanding thin-crust pizza shop, catering shop, the Post Office, used book store and more.

Louise's Guide to Trumansburg

My favorite thing about living in this neighborhood is the peaceful quiet and friendliness yet privacy the neighbors provide. Please see my blog for more — I created this blog to fill the gaps in this submission form.

1. Go-to Shop for Gifts

SUNDREES
Our go-to shop for gifts is Sundrees, owned and run by a woman with her own 20-year cottage industry creating fantastic handbags and shoulder bags made of sturdy, durable and rugged tapestry fabrics. The shop is a quirky, eclectic, vintage-style and free-form mix of highly creative and imaginative items. “A quaint shop for a quaint town,” as one visitor is quoted as reporting.

2. Best Vintage Shop, Thrift Store, or Flea Market

COSMIC KARMA USED CLOTHING
There are a full four thrift shops, the oldest being The Gemm Shop, which passes along a significant sum from its consignments in scholarship form to a deserving graduate of the village’s school each year. One shop is called Gorges Kids, a reflection of the many beautiful gorges in the region. Another is a collection of mostly linen clothing but also featuring clothing for the middle aged professional. The last is a collection of trendy clothing and used goods for a younger crowd.

3. Favorite Bookstore

ONE GREEN HORSE
One Green Horse is a used bookstore that reflects the good taste and wonderful editorial skills of its owners. They have a great mix of new, antique and eccentric selections. Prices are great. New volumes appear regularly, reflecting a true philomathic’s passion. An uncommon used bookstore with books ranging from obscure academic tomes to 50s pulp paperbacks to old Nancy Drew.

4. Favorite Coffee Shop, Café, or Restaurant

HAZELNUT KITCHEN
The best eatery is Hazelnut Kitchen. The fare is scrumptious and features mostly locally grown regional foods. Exciting, original cuisine, visually stimulating. Reservations strongly recommended.

5. Best Hardware/Paint Store

MILLSPAUGH BROTHERS
The go-to hardware store in the village is Millspaugh Brothers, now run by the middle aged sons of the original brothers. Started in the 50’s it offers an abundant supply of lumber, paint and hardware supplying a steady stream of independent contractors, many of whom grew up with the brothers and cousins now running the show.

6. Best Place to Pick Up Groceries

SHUR SAVE
For grocery shopping it’s Shur Save, the only show in town. A medium sized store that does a good job carrying some organic and locally grown goods in addition to the usual fare.

7. Best Place to Buy Flowers

VINE GARDEN DESIGNS
The best place to buy flowers is Vine Garden Designs, neatly settled into the old Post Office on a side street just a few steps from Main.

8. Best Neighborhood Park

TRUMANSBURG FARMER'S MARKET OR SCHOOL PLAYGROUND
The best park within walking distance in the village is the Farmer’s Market. Since the arrival of the new kiosk shelters and central open sided pavilion families can be seen joining friends for evening or weeknight picnic meals in summer. The Market is open for home grown produce and goods on Wednesday evenings but is used as a park the rest of the time. Another park is the new ‘new’ playground on the central school campus. One feature is the ‘living roof.’

9. Best Spot to Take Visitors

TAUGHANNOCK FALLS
The best spot to take visitors is to the 215’ high Taughannock falls. Options include a wonderfully strenuous uphill/downhill 3-mile walk on the Rim Trail or a less strenuous flat walk along the stream to the base of the falls, a 1.5 mile round trip. Either way it’s a great way to stroll and walk the dogs with visiting out-of-town friends or family and the sound of rushing water is always within earshot.

Thanks, Louise!

Photos: Louise Adie