Destinations line Destinations

Antiquing in Hudson, New York


November 18, 1996

HUDSON, New York (CNN) -- It may seem like Hudson, New York has a lot of "old" decor, but a prospering antique business is breathing new life into this small city. This tiny town along the Hudson River has a population of just 8,000 and is located about two-and-a-half hours by car from New York City.

Just over a decade ago, roughly one-third of Hudson's downtown buildings were empty. However, the town's antique business has helped transform it into a mecca for antique lovers and tourists. The main part of town is now lined with shops, most of them filled with antiques.

Tourists and antique lovers alike, like Nancy Novogrod, the editor in chief of Travel & Leisure, go to Hudson to browse and to buy. Antiquing is one of Novogrod's favorite hobbies and she says there are several secrets to successful shopping.

First, she advises narrowing your field by becoming an expert in a few different kinds of pieces. Second, she says, don't think you have to buy right away. Instead, get dealers, many of whom have Polaroids, to take a picture of your object of desire to take home with you. In addition, she recommends, take measurements to see how the item fits in your house. Lastly, her advice for beginners is to start small.

By textbook definition, a true antique is said to be at least 100 years old, though some say a piece that is 50 years old qualifies. But sometimes, even a trained eye has trouble picking out the authentic items, a problem exacerbated by the popularity of reproductions. True reproductions are 100 percent handmade, and are often better built and cheaper than new furniture.

Dealers say shoppers can become experts themselves by reading trade journals and joining organizations offering seminars and lectures on antiques. Another tip is to buy from owners who have been in the business for a long time. They have years of experience from studying curves, molding, paint and design. Hudson shop owners believe there will always be a market for those who want real antiques. It's that yearning for the past that has helped pave the way for the future of their community.


BACK TO TOP

© 1996 Cable News Network, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

Terms under which this service is provided to you.