Not too long ago a reader from Smallwood (you know who you are) wrote me and in his letter suggested that I might just be living in the “Paris of the Catskills.” Perhaps he was referring to what appear to be more upscale shops that have recently opened in Callicoon, NY? Take the newest one, Black Walnut, at 39 Main Street for example. 

I must admit I was a bit nervous, at first, to visit Black Walnut for fear that whatever the shop had to offer would be way out of my price range. But as it turned out, everything (IMHO) and I mean everything is priced just right, very affordable, and in consideration of local people. 

You can’t miss Black Walnut with its picture window emblazoned in a gold, black and green logo; a window flanked by seasonal plants potted in large romantic urns. The space, formerly Mike Pries Insurance and before that the Hotel Delaware, took months to overhaul. It’s worth a visit just to see the restoration.

Walls were knocked down, dusty carpets yanked up, drop ceilings torn out only to expose the rich history of the building with its original plank floors and pressed-metal ceiling. Each tin tile now painted in luscious dark chocolate looks good enough to eat. 

Custom cabinets have been built and at the far end of the room, in front of a papered-wall done-up in an age-old tapestry motif, a bar has been installed elegantly lit by a large vintage crystal chandelier. It all smacks of old Europe to me, be it France, England, Italy, whatever. 

Behind the bar and also from Hortonville is Shawn #2 (no relation to the owner, Shawn #1). Shawn #2 is the mixologist. While I was there he was experimenting between trading tequila for vodka or maybe it was the other way around in some type of drink I know nothing about, but it looked and smelled wonderful. Since both Shawn’s picked up on the fact that I’m not a drinker, they pointed out that Black Walnut’s non-alcoholic concoctions go far beyond club soda and cranberry juice. Shawn #2 creates specialty cocktails using herbs and spices for those of us who don’t imbibe. Now I can look forward to having a non-alcoholic drink other than orange juice with my drinking friends. 

How is this Paris? It’s the look, the smell, the grace, the style! According to Parisian Apartment, Part Cinq (Cinq means five) “the high gloss finish on a dark brown to a very dramatic nearly black” is all the rage right now. And that’s what you’ll be traversing as you peruse the various wares at Black Walnut; cloches, carpet bags, bath and body products, linens, glassware, dinnerware, kitchenware, hand-forged gardening tools and much more all designed by Shawn #1, who btw grew up in Asbury Park, NJ.

On the horizon at Black Walnut is an adjacent eatery that will feature visiting chefs as well as some exotic cuisines; perhaps Indian, Mexican, Turkish…and maybe even French? Mais bien sur! Qui, qui. Bring it on! After all, Kirs and Shawn a/k/a The Farmhouse Project have been hosting farm-to-table or as they say ‘terrain to table’ dinners that have popped up in fields here and yonder on good weather days (knock on wood) for some time now. They also host the Maker’s Market which extends opportunities to many local artisans.

If, like me, you were thinking of Christmas shopping in Paris this year, (LOL and winky face), consider this: Even on Cheap Air round-trip to Paris is about $1,700 never mind hotel, car rental and all that jazz. Instead, at Black Walnut you could have a cordial, absorb some old world atmosphere, and then if you wish leave with loads of goodies for yourself and all of your friends, and get home all in time to watch Hallmark special. Voila! The Paris of the Catskills has arrived.

RAMONA JAN is the Founder and Director of Yarnslingers, a storytelling group that tells tales both fantastic and true. She is also the roving historian for Callicoon, NY and is often seen giving tours around town. You can email her at callicoonwalkingtours@gmail.com.