The Magnetic Pull of Eastdale
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of upstate New York lies the village of Eastdale, a picturesque town that seems plucked straight from a Hollywood movie set. With its charming main street lined with quaint boutiques and cafes, Eastdale draws crowds from the Hudson Valley and beyond.
Originally from Singapore, Mingyi Lim and Rachel Tan escaped the madness of New York City and spent the weekend exploring the Poughkeepsie area.
“We took the Metro North train to Poughkeepsie and rented a car. We wanted to see more of the state of New York and less of the city,” said Tan.
“It’s really peaceful. You don’t hear the cars honking or sirens screaming; it also smells really nice,” added Lim.
From its humble beginnings as a lot with a urologist office, Eastdale has blossomed into a charming town, making it the epitome of a weekend escape. Stepping into this picturesque town feels like stepping into a scene from a classic film, a sentiment echoed by Lim and Tan.
“I said to him I really like this place; it looks like a set from a movie. Honestly, the aesthetic is shockingly coherent,” said Tan.
The couple commented on the multitude of dessert shops in the area. Amanda’s Macaroon Shoppe, The Doughnut Dolly, Just a Little Pie Shop, and Spoons Ice Cream are all within a stone’s throw of each other. Between sweet shops, Eastdale has Posto Pizzeria, a restaurant that originated in Rhinebeck, Daffodils Gift Shoppe, a woman-owned boutique, Skye Studios, a hair salon that celebrated its one-year anniversary last week, and a few coming soon signs.
The village of Eastdale has also become a local attraction, drawing in people from surrounding towns. Chris Ward and his five-year-old son took the short drive from Lagrangeville to spend the morning in Eastdale.
When asked what brought them to Eastdale, Ward said, “The macaroons, if you didn’t know, there aren’t a lot of places to buy them in Poughkeepsie.”
Eastdale is home to a variety of businesses, many of which appeal to a niche audience.
“As a local, it’s something nice that’s close by, it’s something to do. I appreciate having this little town-esque that’s so great for families,” said Ward.
His son enjoys the green space and said he is a regular at Doughnut Dolly. Ward explained that their summer plans include going to Eastdale for free outdoor movies and concerts.
The seemingly magnetic pull of Eastdale is its ability to transport visitors to a bygone era while offering the modern comforts of today. Its appeal is multifaceted, drawing in visitors and residents with its small-town charm. For many, the allure of Eastdale lies within its movie-like charm. Do tree-lined streets, sparkling sidewalks, themed eateries, and a large urologist office really make for the perfect town?
