In honor of Black History Month, Road Trip: Close to Home is taking a ‘trip around the world’ to check out some of the great Black-owned businesses in the Hudson Valley.

Join our adventure across the globe, but before taking off fuel up at Bougie Brews in Yonkers! Get your caffeine kick anywhere from gourmet drip coffees, blended teas, cappuccinos and yes, even a glass of wine. The ambiance and decor pay tribute to Black excellence…it's the perfect pick-me-up before our next stop.

On the corner of Euclid and Hawthorne in Mount Vernon, you'll come across this beautiful house with the bright red door, It will take you straight to Africa with no plane ticket needed! Luangisa African Gallery sells nearly everything you can think of — all handmade with love from artisans across Africa.  "This is Africa in Mount Vernon! We have the beautiful Namji dolls from Cameroon, we have the Bamalike headdress made by women and we have the shields and also we carry all kinds of baskets from all over Africa," says owner Rose Luangisa. Luangisa says she travels to Africa to work directly with artisans. So when you purchase something from the store, like handwoven basket, you're supporting women in Africa and that holds more weight than you'd think. "All baskets are made by women and we support women 100%. We partner with over 300 women in Africa, and once you support the women you support the entire family," says Luangisa.

Before heading home — grab a bite from the Caribbean! Flavas Kitchen and Catering is a Jamaican-style restaurant offering a wide selection of authentic dishes. It's food for the soul on this road trip around the world — but close to home!