Shopping, pampering, noshing, and yoga now offered at this re-energized Cross River shopping destination
Tucked away off Route 35 in Cross River is a little enclave of shops set in 18th- century houses with red-brick paths and whiskey-barrel planters—all in all, a charming scene but one that was eerily absent of shoppers, until now. Over the past 30 years, the oddly named Yellow Monkey Village (the original owner purportedly had an unusual collection of yellow ceramic monkeys) has seen a whole lot of businesses come and go, but this latest reinvention finally may be the right combination of retail and services.
The village offers some things old (antique furniture and accessories), some things new (a contemporary art gallery and fun retail stores), some things borrowed (some merchandise is on consignment), and some things blue (I’d sell my soul for the gorgeous tanzanite seven-strand necklace at Sorab and Roshi’s). There’s also a café and the AER yoga studio and holistic center. AER stands for “awaken, energize, restore,” an apt metaphor for the complex as a whole.
Yellow Monkey Antiques
(914) 763-5848
IT’S SAFE TO SAY YOU won’t find a more eclectic collection anywhere in the region than in this flagship store, a rambling 7,000-square-foot emporium jam-packed with all sorts of antiques and furniture. On a recent visit, I spied a fabulous English pond sailboat, circa 1900, for $3,200; a shocking number of carved deer heads (this is Northern Westchester, after all) at $900 each; a gorgeous selection of coordinating placemats, napkins, and pillows; and lots of fun gift items, many of them wrapped and ready to go for the holidays. I couldn’t resist the silly soap monkey trio, each silently urging me to see, speak, and hear no evil.
Gallery Yellow
(914) 763-0101
THIS GALLERY MAY HAVE its original 18th-century exposed beams and wide-plank flooring, but the artwork is 21st century all the way. It includes a mix of paintings, photography, glasswork, ceramics, and sculpture, mostly from local artists, although it often showcases the work of well-known national artists. A new show opens December 2 featuring international painter and muralist Tova Snyder, who divides her time between New York and her home in Italy. “We put on between six and eight shows a year,” says gallery manager Sheila Herzog. A recent opening saw an overflow crowd spill out onto the green.
Sorab & Roshi Design
Sorab & Roshi Etc.
(914) 763-2140
Sorab Bouzarjomehri and his wife, Roshi Ameri, make a dashing couple and their custom-made one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, pins, and more are to-die-for gorgeous—and expensive. Prices start at around $900 (for a pair of cuff links) and go up ($32,000 for a drop-dead- beautiful amethyst-spinel twist necklace). But don’t despair if these are out of your price range—the duo opened a store upstairs selling home and personal accessories without the sticker shock, prices range from $50 to $5,000.
AER Living
(914) 763-6320
YOU CAN AWAKEN, energize, restore at AER Living—and shop, too, in this inviting warren of yoga studios, spa, and retail space. AER Wear and Gifts has an assortment of creams and lotions from the Dr. Hauschka line, furry nomad slippers, pillows, and other gift items. Next door is a lovely little spa where you can soak your feet in celadon sinks before your massage in a clever Tiki hut that can accommodate couples. Upstairs are two yoga studios with a full schedule of classes in beginning, hot, vinyasa, and astanga yoga. Greenwich Orchids
(914) 763-3600
THIS ADJUNCT STORE TO the Greenwich original sells gorgeous orchids along with furniture and home accessories, including the popular Frederick Cooper and Maitland Smith lamps. A giant (at least 10 feet tall!) stuffed bear towers over the collections of smaller bears and dogs perched on benches and chairs throughout the store. A collection of urns, planters, and garden benches are displayed outside.
AER Café
(914) 763-6320
THE CAFÉ, WHICH OPENED in November, offers a selection of organic salads and wraps, coffee, teas, smoothies, and juice—perfect for pre or après yoga or shopping.
And, oh yes, on Saturday, December 9, enjoy caroling, free hot cocolate and cider all day at the Yellow Monkey Village Stroll.
