a day in beacon

best if taken at least once a year

To Beacon is to appreciate the art of the Hudson Valley. Beacon carries the appeal of small town charm while also exuding a refined air of culture and art. It’s most known for being home to Dia:Beacon, an expansive footprint of the global art foundation. And situated only a 1.5 hour train ride up from the city, it makes for an easy day trip that requires virtually no pre-planning.

how to beacon

It’s a simple format. A repeatable template, a routine that you can fall back into whenever the urge to leave the city hits. The main event should always be Dia. Their exhibitions generally don’t change more than once a year, and it’s a perfect size for a 1-2 hour visit depending on how recently you’ve been. The rest of the day should be spent mostly on Main Street. A classic small town Main Street filled with unique shops, cute cafes and neighborhood restaurants, which makes for an easy half day itinerary.

the itinerary

Start in Grand Central, grab a coffee and catch a mid morning train up to Beacon.

From there, you can either first go to Dia if you’re not hungry, or head into town. Grab lunch at one of the many restaurants, and then make your way down the street, taking your time popping into the many shops. If it’s a Sunday, stop by the farmers market for some local goods. Pick up a drink or sweet treat and then if you haven’t yet, walk over to Dia.

Either way, finish the day by the river at Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park. Gorgeous during sunset and just minutes from the train station to take you back home in time for dinner in the city.

coffee and snacks

Bank Square Coffeehouse – a classic coffeehouse with plenty of outdoor seating for a nice day
Beacon Creamery – a perfect afternoon pick me up before you head out
Matcha Thomas – obligatory tea house for a matcha or boba fix
Zora Dora’s Micro Batch Ice Cream and Paletas – iced sweet treats in fun flavors
Lores Cafe – a tiny cafe with plenty of pastries
Long Cha Thai Cafe – an unexpected thai style cafe with a cute corner footprint
Glazed Over Donuts – a neighborhood favorite for glazed to order donuts
Beacon Coffee Co. & Mercantile – a cozy local coffee shop with a small town feel
Big Mouth Coffee Roasters – a chic minimalist cafe and local coffee roaster
Hudson Valley Marshmallow Company – artisanal marshmallows for artisanal s’mores
Trax Espresso – simple coffee house with industrial minimalist vibes

food

Nilufer’s Home Kitchen – a tiny shop serving homey Turkish dishes
Beacon Quality Eats – sandwiches and other meat-forward dishes with a sunny patio
The Pandorica – a Dr. Who themed British eatery
Beacon Bread Company – this long time establishment has the comforts of a neighborhood bakery and cafe, with sandwiches and salads and a cafe counter for takeaway
Moreish – fish and chips and british fare
BJ’s – no frills, comfort driven soul food
Ziatun – a petit restaurant serving Middle Eastern dishes from Palestine. Pick up a wrap for an easy lunch, or order a table full of mezze and settle in.
Cafe Amarcord – a homey restaurant serving American comfort food
Yankee Clipper Diner – a retro choice, family owned since the 40s serving Greek American food
The Vinyl Room – bar bites and drinks, and open late
Kitchen & Coffee – a friendly cafe with a selection of gluten free pastries, breakfast and lunch fare and a cozy patio
Momo Valley – Nepalese comfort food
Beacon Falls Cafe – classic comfort food, with diner breakfast classics
The Roundhouse – a hotel restaurant with views of the falls

MAIN STREET

Hudson Beach Glass – fun glassware and glassblowing classes
Mountain Tops Outfitters – outdoorsy clothes and gears
Lewis & Pine – a little gift and homeware shop
Utensil Kitchenware – a specialty shop for all sorts of kitchen tools
Stella’s Fine Market – a little shoppy shop with artisanal foods and snacks
Clutter Magazine Designer Toy Gallery – a perfectly niche collection of toys and figurines
Play Toys & Gifts – a nostalgic little toy shop
Zakka Joy – gifts and stationery
Flora Good Times – a cutie flower shop
Little King – a well curated lifestyle store with design forward home goods and gifts
Alps Sweet Shop – old school local coffee shop
Finders Keepers – antique shop for unique finds
Beacon Bath & Bubble – handcrafted soap and old fashioned soda shop
Håkan Chocolatier – artisanal chocolate
King + Curated – local jewelry store

And then you give it a few months and do it again. Beacon never disappoints.