Beacon

For those looking to get out of the City for a weekend trip or even just a quick getaway, Beacon is a must-see. This quaint town of less than 20,000 was first settled on the banks of the Hudson in 1709. Since then, it has had many distinctions, from a war fort during the Revolutionary War to “the Hat Capital of the US.” Even though the 50 hat factories that gave it this nickname are no longer in operation, there is still plenty to do and see in Beacon.

A Quick Trip North

Anyone who enjoys art or small towns full of history will adore Beacon’s picturesque scenery and slow pace. Being only 60 miles north of the City makes travel to Beacon easy and ideal for folks who prefer to spend their time exploring, not driving.

Something For Everyone

Beacon may be small, but it hosts various activities that will keep you occupied throughout your stay.

The Ruins of Bannerman Castle

There aren’t many places you can go to find a castle in New York, and certainly none closer than this. Built in 1901 by the Bannerman family, the castle resembled a traditional Scottish castle until a fire destroyed much of it in the 1960s. This once magnificent structure is open to the public for both guided or private tours.

If you would like to combine this historic experience with outdoor activity, you can paddle to the island with your own kayak or canoe. Just remember to purchase tickets in advance.

Sunday Markets

If you visit Beacon for a weekend getaway, you have to make a stop at the flea and farmer’s markets. Running every Sunday from April to November, these markets typically host over 50 vendors and have something for everyone. So whether you are in the market to sample fresh produce and baked goods or buy some local art or even antique furniture, you won’t want to miss this.

Art Galleries

In addition to all of its history, Beacon has become a hot spot for incredible artists. In fact, the largest gallery in town is one of the largest in the country, the Dia: Beacon is housed in a 1920s box-printing factory and boasts an enormous collection of art spanning over five decades.

Smaller local galleries include Hudson Beach Glass, where you can admire the beautiful glass sculptures and watch live demonstrations. The Clutter Gallery takes great pride in its funky style and showcases up-and-coming artists.

So Much Greenery

If you are looking for outdoor activities around Beacon, you won’t be disappointed. Beacon is home to many green spaces as well as Mt. Beacon. The path up Mt. Beacon is rather steep. However, it is only one mile in each direction, and the trail is littered with observation decks that give hikers spectacular views of the town, the Hudson River, and surrounding mountains.

Another way to enjoy the nature in an active way, is to rent a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle board. Hudson River Expeditions offers rentals and tours to join.

If a more relaxed outdoor experience is what you are looking for, you can take a stroll along Long Dock Park and enjoy the fresh air and the sculptures that line the river.

When to Plan Your Visit

While Beacon welcomes visitors to its galleries and shops year-round to fully experience the town, it is best to plan your travel between late spring and November. These are the months that the markets run and when you will be able to take advantage of the outdoor activities such as kayaking and fishing.

Beacon Eateries

Now that you have an idea of what to do, the question is what to eat. Visiting all the galleries and walking the docks will probably leave you quite hungry; luckily, Beacon has a great selection of places to grab a bite.

Towne Crier Cafe

The Towne Crier is a staple in Beacon, and anyone looking for good music and great food won’t want to miss it. The cafe hosts live music shows on many nights of the week and has the most popular brunch in town.

Pandorica

Sitting quietly on Main Street amid the shops and coffee houses is the unique treasure that is Pandorica. This Dr. Who-themed eatery is home to a menu that contains items such as Slitheen Vegan Chili, Timey-Wimey Beef Cottage Pie, and of course, Fish Fingers with Custard.

To sum up

All of these items are only a tiny sampling of the adventures and memories waiting to be made in Beacon. So next time you find yourself with spare time and wondering what to do, plan a trip up to the Hudson Highlands and enjoy all of the food, art, and history waiting for you in Beacon.