Route 17 slices through the center of Sloatsburg, making it difficult to generate that leisurely village vibe. Sometimes the main street is empty and the central village all quiet. But most times the frenetic traffic speeds through, racing from light to light.

Stephen Hoefer and Darrell Frasier live off the road in a rambling house filled with antiques and collectibles. Many weekends over the past few years, they would scatter items about the yard and porch, post a sign and people would converge for an afternoon of browsing and buying.

But Hoefer said the traffic just got to be too much. The blind hairpin turn into their drive was a bit risky at best. So, Hoefer and Frasier made a decision and went big. They took over space in Tuxedo that for many years housed the late Noel Jablonski’s Angelheart Antiques. They then redefined the two-story space and opened BackHome Antiques, with Saturday, September 29 celebrated as the store’s first real weekend open for business.

Frasier’s elated with the space and eclectic inventory he’s gathered together, priced for customers to walk through and buy. “We have mid-century modern, antiques, artwork, lighting, costume jewelry,” Frasier rattled off while looking around the store. “We’re selling items at a reasonable price. I want it all to go.” And it should at that. Hoefer’s pleased that the house in Sloatsburg has been emptied of much of its inventory, though it appears to be filling up fast again.

Located at the entrance to Tuxedo’s downtown area, BackHome was envisioned as a destination store, where people could come and leisurely spend time looking around. Then just when they think they’ve seen it all, there’s the downstairs area, which houses clothes and kitchenware, and will contain a couple of theme rooms. Customers can find items in the store priced from $10 up to $1500.

Both Hoefer and Frasier have other jobs, but BackHome is a new direction and commitment to the Sloatsburg and Tuxedo communities. Hoefer is manager of operations and finance for the Nyack Library, as well as trustee and treasurer for the Board of Trustees at the Sloatsburg Public Library. Frasier is a customer service manager at Nordstrom.

Frasier called the new store “a great venture.” And Hoefer was surprised and very appreciative of the warm welcome the store has received in the Tuxedo business community.

“We want people to feel at home,” Frasier said about the BackHome experience. “We want them to come in, browse around, relax, and have fun.”

BackHome Antiquesis located at 215 Rt. 17, Tuxedo, NY in the heart of Tuxedo’s downtown area. Store hours currently run Thursday & Friday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. For more information, call BackHome Antiques at 845.915.3505.

Some photos courtesy of the Tuxedo Chamber of Commerce.