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Highland Baskets at The County Goose celebrates its 30th year of business this September and Owner Leonora Burton has plenty of stories of all that's transpired along Main Street in Cold Spring since then.
What once was a hobby for her -- the Garrison resident bought The Country Goose in 1986 -- has turned into a seven-day-a-week occupation where she happily chats with visitors, old and new, and is long known for her individually-prepared gift baskets and hard to find European items.
Burton said she started off as more of a kitchen accessories destination but when Walmart opened in Fishkill, she changed her focus.
"I'm always evolving with what I'm offering," said Burton, the author of eight romance novels. (Her story of her journey to America, titled Lament of An Expat, is sold by the counter; the romance stories are not.)
In other words, customers can expect a little bit of everything: high-quality cookware and houseware items alongside gourmet food items and treats from her native U.K. including Marmite, Branston Pickle, HP Sauce and pickled onions, as well as gifts for young children.
Among her biggest sellers: Al Dente pasta that cooks in three minutes, Sticky Finger scone mixes, lobster and crab spreads and items from Bittersweet Herb Farm.
Also popular: the Groovy Girls from Manhattan Toy, Gund Plush, Alex Brand Toys and Schylling lines for kids.
Burton is also all about the fun and quirky including a travel mug for dogs that she put on Facebook and sold out in 12 hours, as well as new and unique items she finds in catalogs and at gift shows.
Stocking local items has always been part of her repertoire meaning customers will find area-made sauces and wares; among them Katie's Cold Spring Honey.
Those, in fact, always seem to make it into Burton's baskets, which she delivers anywhere in the U.S., and creatively fills with thoughtfulness and what she calls "the best products."
It's the baskets, in fact, which she packages for a long list of corporate clients, that have been key to her store's longevity.
Said Burton: "It's all about attention to detail and giving good value."
Highland Baskets at the Country Goose is at 115 Main Street, (845) 265-2122, www.highlandbaskets.com./
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