A great getaway destination with a thriving arts scene, plenty of outdoor activities, an eclectic collection of shops, and a vast selection of restaurants—and less than a two-hour drive from NYC? Where is this place? Why it’s Beacon, New York.
Overlooking the Hudson River in Dutchess County, Beacon is also a stop on MetroNorth, making it easy for any city-dweller to find their way to this post-industrial city with a hip, artsy feel that is growing in popularity every year.
THE HISTORY
The city’s origins date back to colonial times. During the 1800s, Beacon became a factory town known as “The Hat Making Capital of the US.” The city was incorporated in 1913; its new name was a commemorative nod to the signal fires lit atop Mt. Beacon, warning General Washington of the approach of British Red Coats during the Revolutionary War.
WHERE TO STAY
Remain close to the vibrant scene on Main St. with a stay in the quiet elegance of the European-styled hotel The Dutchess Inn & Spa. Rebuilt in 2017 with a re-design in 2020, the Inn offers ten uniquely-designed rooms (two are pet-friendly), providing luxurious accommodations and dedicated personalized service. Comfortable common areas feature numerous places to relax and unwind. The fire-lit living room lobby offers 24-hour coffee and tea. A rooftop gathering area (the only one in Beacon) sports several fire pits with conversational sitting areas offering panoramic views of the Hudson Valley. Snuggle up in the candle-lit solarium providing year-round warmth with palladium glass windows, plush couches, cozy blankets, and a gas fireplace, or step outside to the fire-side lounge overlooking Main Street.
As the only hotel in Beacon with a spa, the Inn’s Relaxation Spa offers a variety of facials and massages provided by some of the most gifted massage therapists and estheticians in the Hudson Valley. To experience a more profound sense of relaxation, consider the Himalayan Salt Stone Massage. The Inn also offers guests a unique Hydrotherapy Spa, including a menu of sixteen massages, each bio-engineered to target specific muscle groups. Book your time here as a warmup before a spa service or after you return from an invigorating hike or fun-filled day exploring Main Street. Info: thedutchessinn.com
WHAT TO SEE & DO
There’s plenty to do in Beacon, New York. Here are just some of the highlights.
In the 1970s, the city experienced a severe economic decline, resulting in many factories and businesses being shut down. In 2003, Beacon experienced an event that would bring about a much-needed resurgence. Dia Beacon, the museum for the Dia Art Foundation’s collection of art from the 1960s to the present, opened. The facility is housed in a former Nabisco box printing facility. With close to 300,000 square feet, it is one of the largest exhibition spaces in the country for modern and contemporary art.
• In the 1970s, the city experienced a severe economic decline, resulting in many factories and businesses being shut down. In 2003, Beacon experienced an event that would bring about a much-needed resurgence. Dia Beacon, the museum for the Dia Art Foundation’s collection of art from the 1960s to the present, opened. The facility is housed in a former Nabisco box printing facility. With close to 300,000 square feet, it is one of the largest exhibition spaces in the country for modern and contemporary art.
• With various antique shops and boutiques like Blackbird Attic and Vintage: Beacon, the city is a haven for vintage shoppers. Also available is the free Beacon Loop Bus, which makes stops along Main Street and many other Beacon attractions.
• Like much of the Hudson Valley, Beacon and its surroundings offer a wealth of outdoor activities. Enthusiasts will enjoy a jaunt across the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge with a fabulous vantage of the Hudson River. Or hike the shore trails of Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park (great for sunsets) and past old factory ruins and waterfalls of Fishkill Creek in Madam Brett Park. Dennings Point Nature Preserve is also great for walking. More serious hikers can step up to the challenge of scaling the 1,650 feet of Mt. Beacon for a breathtaking view of the Hudson from the old fire tower at the top.
• Rent a bike and discover the many examples of Victorian architecture throughout Beacon. Or rent a kayak at Long Dock Park to explore the Hudson shoreline. Discover the ruins of Bannerman Castle, built in the early 1900s to store military surplus items. Guided walking tours and kayak tours of this island oddity are available.
SPECIAL EATS
After exploring Beacon, spend time at one of the oldest bars in town. Max’s on Main is a local favorite serving inventive American comfort food. Max’s is known for their great appetizers like Wings-Main Street Style (a mix of hot and Teriyaki), Phamous Phish Tacos with beer-battered Alaskan white fish, and Chipolte mayo, and Pierogies. For an entrée, try Aunt Susie’s Marinated Flank Steak (marinated for 72 hours in Susie’s sweet soy maple glaze) or the Richie Havens Rice Bowl with Shrimp. Be sure to check out the cool Rock’ n Roll memorabilia adorning the walls.
Another local fav is Melzingah Tap House. Housed in a 200-year-old building renovated for a welcoming pub feel of exposed brick and wood, Melzingah is perfect for craft beer enthusiasts (23 taps) and cocktail connoisseurs. But food fanatics need not fear that the tap house relies solely on its crafted libations and brews. Standard offerings like the Warm Brussel Sprout Salad with bacon, bleu cheese, apples, and lemon vinaigrette along with Mussels and Sausage (Dutch Style) prove that the food is hardly typical pub fare.
You can also spend a complete day tasting craft brews and spirits. Beacon boasts three breweries and a distillery in town, with an additional three breweries close by.
For more information on Dutchess County,
visit dutchesstourism.com
