When I heard about a new shop in Piermont, I had a hard time placing it.

I’d been on the “main drag” quite a few times in the last month or two —  between stories and my own Christmas shopping — but didn’t remember seeing The Outside in Piermont.

And I wouldn’t have, since it’s carving out a niche outside the main business district, just a short hop from Piermont Avenue over on Ferdon.

When I first spoke to Joe Serra, who owns the shop with Bill Walsh, I asked him what they carried.

I wasn’t prepared for just how much was part of this “locally focused” store — a garden center, fine arts and crafts, furniture, pottery, stained glass, birdhouses, tables, sculptures, paintings, a greenhouse, organic garden supplies…”

I was definitely intrigued, so stopped by late yesterday.

I have to say, I was charmed from the outset, with those twinkling lights setting a festive mood as I pulled up:

And I got a sense of the style inside from this Arts and Crafts-inspired sign:

Inside, I was… impressed.

Some shops are just like that. There’s an immediate feeling that comes across, though it’s hard to strictly categorize it. Here, it’s somewhat rustic, vaguely vintage, slightly whimsical… all at the same time.

Your eye will dart from nature-inspired wind chimes to photographs of local scenes, to birdhouses and animals fashioned out of driftwood to ceramic bowls and plates in varied hues.

There’s an emphasis on showcasing the art and crafts of local artists and artisans. The owners have a strong representation of some of the area’s best, culled from those who work in their own studios, at places like the Rockland Center for the Arts or the Garnerville Arts and Industrial Center.

Take a look around:

There is also a “second” room, where there’s more of an art-gallery feel. Here, Serra and Walsh display bigger pieces, from furniture to sculpture (including works by Eric Laxman).

Overall, it simply works.

“The whole idea was to bring in art that goes with the outside… Mother Nature, sanctuary, beauty,” Walsh told me.

The shop is in the midst of its “soft” opening, having been slowly growing the past few months. A more formal opening celebration is set for February, though the shop is certainly ready to go — as you’ll see when you stop by yourself.

The Outside in Piermont is at 249 Ferdon Ave. Its hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, extended for special events (A wine tasting is being planned for later this month; I’ll post an update when I hear).

Call 845-398-0706.