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Each nominee for the Newcomer Award of Distinction must be a tourism-related business or attraction that opened between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 of 2024 and located in Dutchess County. While newly opened, these nominees are already making quite an impression on our visitors and community.
Join Destination Dutchess in celebrating all the honorees at the 12th annual Destination Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at The Henry A. Wallace Center at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park.
Read on to learn more about each Newcomer Award of Distinction finalist.
• Laura Bell and Ian Burns, Owners, Curio Cabinet of the Hudson Valley, Poughkeepsie
• Anne Hancock, Director of Sales and Marketing, The Heartwood at Vassar, Poughkeepsie
• La Sorella, Fishkill
Laura Bell and Ian Burns, Curio Cabinet of the Hudson Valley: Curio Cabinet is the Hudson Valley’s premier oddities collective, bringing together more than 16 unconventional vendors under one roof. The 2,000-square-foot showroom is filled with antique curiosities, handcrafted oddities, bones, jewelry, vinyl, books and more, making it one of the most unique shopping destinations in the region. Beyond the retail space, Curio Cabinet hosts hands-on workshops (such as taxidermy and butterfly pinning), led by industry experts. We feature a rotating gallery of local and visiting artists, and the shop is also home to a custom jewelry designer who specializes in memorial pieces. Serving as both a destination and an experience, Curio Cabinet has quickly become the cornerstone of the area’s oddities community.
Anne Hancock, The Heartwood at Vassar: The Heartwood is not just a place to stay — it’s a place to connect, recharge, and feel inspired. By combining sustainability, intentional design, and heartfelt hospitality, we offer something truly distinctive in the Hudson Valley.
La Sorella Mercato: “The Sister” of Il Figlio Enoteca provides an elevated cafe experience in the heart of Fishkill. Their menu features a variety of coffee beverages, juices, quiches, and pastries to start your morning right. Lunch fare includes freshly made salads, pressed paninis, and other Italian specialties. Their tiramisu latte is a must-try, alongside other seasonal coffee flavors like pistachio and pumpkin. Enjoy an aperol spritz or bellini at lunch off their crafty cocktail menu. From a Culinary Institute of America alumnus, La Sorella satisfies sophisticated palates.
Laura Bell and Ian Burns, Curio Cabinet of the Hudson Valley: The shop has been decades in the making. Born from a love of mineralogy, unique trinkets and the desire to preserve history, our humble start can be traced back to music venue parking lots. It was there we began selling crystals and random trinkets at concerts, often adding a scientific or historical explanation at no extra charge. Over time, a true business began to take shape. After years of selling online and vending at markets, we eventually began renting cases at antique centers. We soon decided to embrace our collaborative spirit, open a shop and become a home base for other unique sellers as well. Furthermore, we wanted to share educational experiences with those in our community, so we found a location that could support hosting classes and lectures.
Anne Hancock, The Heartwood at Vassar: The Heartwood is part of a larger initiative at Vassar, the Institute for Liberal Arts, to create a space to convene scholars and thought leaders from Vassar, our local area, and around the globe for fostering dialogue about contemporary challenges. The Heartwood plays an important role in implementing the Institute vision.
Laura Bell and Ian Burns, Curio Cabinet of the Hudson Valley: Connecting with customers has always been the best part about this business. The people we encounter are even more interesting than the items we sell. The opportunity to meet and collaborate with kindred spirits, and help build something special in our community, is a dream come true. We love bringing people together and bonding over shared passions.
Anne Hancock, The Heartwood at Vassar: Since opening, the most fulfilling part of our journey has been witnessing the way The Heartwood and The Salt Line at Vassar have become a true gathering place for the community. We’ve seen guests not only enjoy their stay, but also connect with each other in our common spaces and restaurant, share stories, and build meaningful relationships that extend beyond their time here.
