Gotta Have the Funk

New Hope, Pennsylvania is a popular East Coast tourist area known for its style and eclecticism and the shop that epitomizes all things eclectic is Funky Stuff at 87 South Main Street.

Inside you’ll find homemade jewelry, handmade candles, essential oils, herbs, incense and body mists as well as an exclusive product line in Nature’s Soothing Essentials. In addition, there are a variety of concert poster reproductions, sepia prints, stickers, patches, art and world instruments! Unlike many stores these days, you’ll actually hear some good music playing inside. How refreshing is that?

Owner and operator, Jessica Hammer has resided in the region for 21 years, initially working with Spinsters Records until its closing, after which she started Funky Stuff.

During Covid, Jessica remained closed for more than a year but her business has reopened and enjoys support of both locals as well as out-of-towners as she looks forward to a new season.

“Since I’ve reopened, the customers have been great.” Another popular attraction of the shop is Lovey, a rescued dachshund. One of Jessica’s mantras is ‘Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose’ and she often refurbishes old furniture and other items that can be seen in the shop.

So when you’re feeling funky, stop by and meet Jessica (and Lovey) and check out their enchanting creations. That’s the stuff!

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Christopher Robinson

Peace, Love, Lodging

Passing through Route 28 in upstate New York? A visit to the delightful Hotel Dylan might be a highlight of your road trip, particularly for a lover of music and art. Situated at the base of Overlook Mountain in Woodstock, Hotel Dylan is a nod to the culture, music, lifestyle and artistry of a generation including a music legend who once lived in the prominent town and artists colony.

Incidentally, it’s a stone’s throw from the site of the legendary 1969 rock festival whose musical heroes are given their own eleven thematic rooms in the hotel (now expanded to 22). Named primarily for subjects of acclaimed festival photographs hanging in each room, they include; The Baez, The Jimi, The Sebastian, The Havens, The Joplin, The Slick and The Levon (Parents will have to explain it all to their kids).

Though having undergone considerable renovations and reconstruction since being built in 1966, the building was once a landmark inn, attracting a variety of famous musicians. At one point, it even saw existence as a brothel.

Opened in 2013, Hotel Dylan was the joint venture of four individuals, each focusing on different angles of the business. Among the four is Darryl Jack, a pro golfer whose extensive experience in the hospitality industry led him to also act as the hotel’s resident manager.

Hungry? The hotel’s own Santa Fe Woodstock restaurant and bar features fine Mexican cuisine and along the outside lawn guests can enjoy fire pits and a heated saltwater pool. Hiking and skiing in the Catskills are just two of the activities that guests have convenient access to.

Not to be confused with NYC’s Dylan Hotel, Hotel Dylan in Woodstock, NY should greatly satisfy the ‘Bohemian’ curiosity and provide a unique and rewarding boutique hotel experience for all visitors. Why not walk right in and sit right down?

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Christopher Robinson