Look & Buy Local

There are several hamlets or communities in Bethlehem. These areas have some charming shops and restaurants away from the hustle and bustle of the area cities. It is easy to spend a day finding unique gifts or special home décor, and enjoy a snack or afternoon meal at one of the many small restaurants, pubs or cafes in the town.

Elsemere and Delmar -- Delaware Avenue connects the City of Albany to the hamlets of Elsmere and Delmar in the Town of Bethlehem. Along this corridor there are several small shops, cafes and eateries. Starting at the north end, or Albany end for Delaware Ave, one will find the Delaware Plaza. It features a Hannaford grocery anchor, and other franchises, however, there are some ethic restaurants tucked in as well including Los Panchos Mexican Cantina and Grill, and Sudy Thai.

Past the several area banks tucked just off the Albany Country Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail, look for Bliss, juice and smoothie shop. This quaint shop not only can whip up a healthy and sweet treat, they offer drinks to warm up customers in the cold weather as well – try the hot chocolate or the variety of chai tea lattes that are offered. And if it is a hearty breakfast or other meal you seek, with divine homemade desserts, look no further than Tool’s Family Restaurant, at 283 Delaware.

Proceeding south, Phillips Hardware store (across from Dunkin Donuts) is one of the oldest stores in town, and is still family-owned by the third generation of Phillips.

And, of course, there is a Stewart’s Shop on Delaware – selling its award-winning milk, and ice cream, and of course flavored coffees and baked items. And just across the avenue is the unique Wildbird Junction Backyard Nature Shoppe. They carry just about anything a birdwatcher would love – books, games, puzzles, binoculars, seed, suet, feeders of all kinds, as well as birdhouses and décor for anyone’s home.

Main Square, 316-318 Delaware Ave, is a quite little shopping and service area with Gregory’s Barber Shop, Helping Hands at Home, Balance Massage, Sinkoff Realty, Homestead Mortgage, Vendor’s Square market, Joyelle’s Jewelers, O’Slattery’s Irish Pub, Shogun Sushi and Sake Bar, and the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce Office.

Vendor’s Square is a marketplace of more than 30 vendors offering artisan and handmade items, art and jewelry, with vendors updating stock throughout the months.

Joyelle’s Jewelry offers a collection of fine jewelry from rings to necklaces with fine gems and affordable items for every age.

The Chamber’s office is over Shogun Restaurant on the 2^nd floor and showcases artwork monthly from the Bethlehem Art Association, with pieces offered for sale.

Passing to the other side of the street at 333 Delaware, sports enthusiasts Savile Road—The Tailored Bicycle shop. They offer custom fit bicycles for sale, accessories, as well as bicycle repairs, and have access to the Rail Trail.

All this and the Four Corners are in sight.

But first there is Bombshell Uptown Salon, offering everything a gal pal day needs – hair cut and color, facials, tanning, Botox, product and more.

If you are fixing for a pic-nic and forgot to get the wine at the Delmar Plaza at Upstate Wine & Liquor, there’s another stop across from the spot just across from Bombshell – Delmar Wine and Spirit, and the quaint Floral Garden for some fresh flowers.

The Spotlight Newspaper headquarters are just next door, and then the newly opened Kelly’s Pharmacy. And back across the street is fine dining at Coray Kitchen if you are in town for dinner.

But want if you aren’t feeling well? MedRite Urgent Care is also located in the Four Corners area with office hours all year long, 365 days, 7 days a week.

As you approach the traffic light, you are in the Four Corners area of Delmar. Shopping and dining to the left and right. 5^th Corner Goods and Gift, offering plants, handmade jewelry, home décor, cards, and gifts. I Love Books, a locally-owned, independent book store hall all the small-town charm – and an overwhelming selection of books of all kinds, children’s toys and games, cards and more. The Delmar Marketplace is the place to pick up a few provisions for home, or if you are in town early grab a cup of coffee and an award-wining breakfast sandwich. If you are looking for an espresso, pop into The Perfect Blend Café and Bakery for a special brew and perfectly baked to perfection pastry or yogurt or sandwich, sit and chat or take it to go.

Behind Perfect Blend don’t miss Merriman & Pfister’s Marketplace, featuring local artisan works from woodturning to blown glass, jewelry, paintings, cards, and gifts galore.

And if you are still hungry or craving something with a little more spice, there is the choice of Mexican at FoCo Taco, or Italian at Andriano’s Pizza, or Pastina’s, or Irish-American at Swifty’s Pub.

And just up the road a little bit further is Mad Dog Bikes – another independently owned bicycle shop with family-friendly options, accessories and repairs.

All that in just about a mile-long stretch in one hamlet, easy to spend the day in Delmar, and on Tuesday, there is the farmers market at the United Methodist Church at 428 Kenwood, and on Saturdays (May-Dec) the Farmers Market at the middle school at 332 Kenwood Ave.

And if you want more fresh farm items, flowers, pumpkins, canned veggies and jams, holiday items and more, Kleinke’s Farm is further out at 96 Kenwood, going toward Glenmont.

Glenmont is jumping with some of the larger retailers and commercial chains, but is nonetheless a great place for shopping and dining. In the Glenmont Centre Square, 365 Feura Bush Road, the award-winning pizza of Anthony Berghela can be found at Romo’s Pizzaria. And just next door is Shroomy’s Game Shop, with vintage games, and a game room to challenge the kids at the classics.

In the larger plaza across the street, find the chain stores, as well as a friendly and hospitable T-Mobile with staff willing to assist with any type of tech difficulty with a phone.