These Hudson Valley cheese shops stock specialty treats

Brie, Muenster, mozzarella, oh my! These specialty cheese shops in the Hudson Valley have it all.

Cheese makes everything better. Think about it. A simple slice of Muenster turns humble toast into a buttery, gooey grilled cheese sandwich. An oven-warmed round of Brie elevates a boring box of crackers into the ultimate dinner party centerpiece. Then there's Parmesan. The multipurpose ingredient adds a finishing touch to warm bowls of soup and makes plates of al dente spaghetti even more perfect.

Yet not all cheese is created equal. On the contrary, a chunk of cheddar is only as good as its origins. If the dairy isn't up to par or if too many additives enter the mix, then even fan-favorite mozzarellas can turn into rubbery, tasteless rounds. To avoid a case of lackluster dairy, head to one of the Hudson Valley's cheese shops instead. With expert cheese mongers and local products galore, they have only the best fromage at their fingertips.

The Big Cheese

You know a shop has the right idea when it declares itself as the place to explore "the divinity of cheese." The Rosendale space, which also operates as a deli and café, stocks a commendable collection of flavored cheeses like bruschetta Monterey jack, spicy Peppadew pepper, and creamy maple. Many products are locally sourced as well.

Bimi's Cheese Shop

Hudson Valley

Whether you're a cheese connoisseur or are ready for an upgrade from supermarket Parmesan, you'll fall in love with the dairy department at Bimi's. The charming storefront stocks community favorites like aged gruyere, Manchego, and Pecorino Romano, in addition to eye-catching temptations like Shropshire Blue, a bright orange blue from England that resembles a Stilton. If you're not sure how to best consume your new treats, don't hesitate to ask the knowledgeable staff for recommendations.

Chaseholm Farm Creamery

All cheeses sold at this Dutchess County creamery are produced onsite. Chaseholm Farm makes small-batch artisanal cheeses on its multi-generational, 350-acre dairy farm in Pine Plains, with options like fresh "Boursin" style cow's milk cheeses, soft aged cheeses like camembert and Red Beard, and firm aged cheeses like Stella Vallis Tomme and Alpage. Find the cheeses onsite or at farmers' markets around the region.

Since 2010, Cheese Louise has been one of the Valley's most trusted destinations for dairy products. Now, the Kingston spot is about more than just cheese with a sandwich shop and espresso bar, although the cheese options are still unbeatable. To try the dairy of your choice on a handheld, order the caprese, classic jambon beurre, or prosciutto brie for lunch.

The Cheese Shops

Beacon and Cold Spring

Manchego and Pecorino Romano

In Cold Spring and right up the river in Beacon, The Cheese Shops are the place "for gouda times only." Located on Main Street in both river towns, the shops feature products that are locally sourced and globally inspired. Along with featured offerings like Parmigiano Reggiano, Old Chatham Creamy Camembert, Manchego, and Cabot clothbound cheddar, the shops serve lunches to go, with sandwiches and cheese boxes galore.

The Cheese Traveler

Located in the DelSo district in Albany, The Cheese Traveler is the place for much more than cheese. Yes, it is stocked to the brim with one-of-a-kind treats, yet the true reason to visit is to source the staff for their expert knowledge and recommendations. Browse the menu for gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches featuring ingredients like gruyere, garlic dill pickle relish, bacon, fontina, Red Leicester, fruit chutney, smoky Havarti, and cider jam. The Cheese Traveler also offers classes and tastings to brush up on your knowledge.

A gourmet market, plant shop, and sandwich spot all in one -- that's what you get at Grazery in New Paltz. With outstanding views of the 'Gunks, this unique spot offers beer, cider, and cheese subscriptions for whichever culinary club floats your boat. It also curates stunning cheeseboards that are perfect for your next dinner party.

Last Chance Tavern Antique & Cheese Café

Beacon the Cheese Shops

Last Chance was made for cheese lovers. The eatery side features menu items -- think goat cheese salads, French onion soups, and Swiss fondue -- that ooze the good stuff from every nook and cranny. After a meal here, hit up the gourmet shop to take home a hunk of cheddar (or anything else). The store also sells chocolate and honey, both of which will bring you that much closer to the over-the-top cheese platter of your dreams.

For more than 20 years, Olde Hudson has charmed locals and visitors alike with its well-stocked storefront and artisanal treats. A glimpse through the inventory leads you through pasteurized and raw cheeses made from cow, sheep, goat, and even buffalo milk. Scoop up a ball of burrata, mozzarella's softer, more luscious cousin, for pizza at home, or treat yourself to a delightfully marbled hunk of Stilton. Good luck limiting yourself here.

Scott & Joe

Olde Hudson

The only Rockland County spot on our list, Scott & Joe prides itself on being "the gayest cheese shop in America." Owned by husbands Scott Young and Joe Garreffa, the shop curates a dreamy cheese case, pours exceptional wines, assembles gift-worthy boards and boxes, and stocks all kinds of rare groceries. Scott & Joe also hosts tasting classes that let cheese lead the way to discovery.

Talbott & Arding

When it comes to cheese, Talbott & Arding stocks only the gouda stuff (sorry, not sorry). The Columbia County storefront features a curated inventory of farmstead and artisan products from cheesemakers both in the United States and across the globe. Because the store works as closely with the producers as possible, you can expect only the best here. Cheese is cut to order, which means customers receive the perfect amount every time.

the gayest cheese shop in America.

Putting it in context

Dining rooms change slowly and then all at once: a new chef, a refurbishment, a shift in the neighbourhood, and suddenly the place has a different identity.

At a glance

• Whether you're a cheese connoisseur or are ready for an upgrade from supermarket Parmesan, you'll fall in love with the dairy department at Bimi's
• All cheeses sold at this Dutchess County creamery are produced onsite
• Since 2010, Cheese Louise has been one of the Valley's most trusted destinations for dairy products
• In Cold Spring and right up the river in Beacon, The Cheese Shops are the place "for gouda times only." Located on Main Street in both river towns, the shops feature products that are locally sourced and globally inspired
• Located in the DelSo district in Albany, The Cheese Traveler is the place for much more than cheese

Common questions

Why does it matter?

Because the store works as closely with the producers as possible, you can expect only the best here.

What happens next?

The store also sells chocolate and honey, both of which will bring you that much closer to the over-the-top cheese platter of your dreams.

The bottom line

Whether this marks the start of something larger or simply reflects the moment, it is a fair indication of the direction things are heading.