Historic, eccentric, unique Sugar Loaf, NY!

In a world of big-box and impersonal shopping experiences, you will find Sugar Loaf, NY a welcome change with old-world values, incredible craftsmanship, and something for everyone – and every budget.

If you’re looking for an unusual place to find eclectic and beautiful things,  to spend some time strolling, shopping, and enjoying yourself, come visit Sugar Loaf Arts and Crafts Village.

The hamlet of Sugar Loaf, New York, was founded in the late 1740s as a waypoint along Kings Highway. Businesses supplied food and other goods, and horses to travelers.

According to local historian, Dr. Richard Hull, it is still not certain how Sugar Loaf acquired its name. The most plausible tale is that Elizabeth Dobbin, during her first winter here, circa 1738, gazed up at that huge bald uplifted fault block, shrouded in heavy morning mist, so frosty at the summit yet so greenish-brown at the base, and was reminded of the hard loaves of sugar she and all colonial housewives made in their smokey kitchens.

By the early 19th century, Sugar Loaf was a saloon community. One of the favorite pastimes of the men was harness or flat racing. They were eager to compete their horses. Hambletonian 10, considered the sire of all American standardbred horses, was born in Sugar Loaf in 1848.

Throughout the remainder of the 19th century, and for most of the 20th century, Sugar Loaf remained a quiet, pastoral hamlet, renowned for bawdy, saloons. During the Prohibition era, speakeasies were established for the enjoyment of countless jazz-age revelers.

Today, Sugar Loaf, NY is a hamlet of artists, artisans, and unique shops. Our authentic pre-Revolutionary village is home to 50+ shops and studios, a state-of-the-art performing arts theatre, delicious restaurants, and a brand new craft brewery.

In a world of big-box and impersonal shopping experiences, you will find Sugar Loaf, NY a welcome change with old-world values, incredible craftsmanship, and something for everyone – and every budget.