Weekend Guide to Beacon

Beacon is a special little city, not just because it’s the home of Self Made but because it has so much to offer. From art galleries to farm to table restaurants, there’s no shortage of things to do. Some of you may be familiar with the area but if this is your first time visiting, here are some of our top picks for places to check out during the weekend.

​Transportation/Getting Around
Beacon is a walkable city with many of its primary attractions on Main Street. However, it’s also bike friendly, so if you have one, don’t be shy about bringing it. If you want to rent a car there is an Enterprise Rental in town, located at 451 Fishkill Ave. You can call them at (845) 838-9332. There’s also a pedi-cab. Call Peoples Bicycle for more info at 845-765-2487.

Outdoor Adventures

Kayaking/Paddleboarding
One of Beacon’s best features is that it blends city living with country life so well. Behind the Metro-North station is the Hudson River which is great for fishing, picnicking,  kayaking and paddleboarding. You can easily launch from shore at Long Dock Park (8 Long Dock Road) which is open every day from dawn till sunset. Kayaks and paddleboard rentals are available through Mountain Tops Outfitters who are located at 144 Main Street. They also do kayaking tours. If you’re interested in booking one, give them a call at 845-831-1997.

Running/Biking
Long Dock Park is also home to a scenic running and bike trail. The trail is part of Beacon’s Loop which 4.5 miles long and allows you to visit historic Madam Brett’s Park.  Here’s a link to the map which has lots of fun details about the area and stopping points.

Hiking
One of the most popular attractions is Mount Beacon which also happens to be the backdrop of our show! It’s a steep climb but has gorgeous landing points. Also, you’ll get a chance to see the rebuilt fire tower, railroad ruins from when the mountain was home to a casino. Yep, a casino! You can download a map to the trail here.  Free entry to the trail is at 788 Wolcott Ave, off of Rt 9D.

If you want an easier but still beautiful hiking experience, we suggest Fishkill Ridge which also has some lovely waterfalls along the way.  Enter the trail from Beacon’s Pocket Road instead of Fishkill for a simpler journey. Otherwise, expect a less leisurely climb. For a map of the entire trail, click here.

Food

Coffee/Breakfast
For coffee, visit Bank Square Coffee House (129 Main Street). Their java game is on point!! They make great lattes, have pastries perfect for noshing on the go, and also serve wine and beer. If you’re in the mood for bagels, you have to check out The Beacon Bagel (466 Main Street) that has an extensive list of breakfast sandwiches with gluten free and vegan options, like the A-Team bagel which features vegan cole slaw, Facon bacon, avocado and cucumber. All options are under $10 which also makes them an inexpensive meal.

Lunch
For lunch we recommend Ella’s Bellas bakery (418 Main Street) which not only specializes in amazing gluten free desserts and pastries but also has artisanal pizza, quiche, soups, and salads. It’s one of the larger eateries in the area with plenty of seating inside, as well as on their patio. Max’s on Main (246 Main Street) deserves a shout-out.. It’s a true local favorite that offers huge portions of American classics. Plus they’re open late!

Dinner/Drinks
You can’t leave Beacon without visiting Quinn’s (330 Main Street). Once a diner, the restaurant/bar now offers visitors live music every night, plus really delicious ramen and imported beer. Kitchen Sink (157 Main Street) is another local favorite. You can expect lots of inspired dishes using local ingredients like Butternut Squash Lasagna and Duck Mofongo which includes a sofrito infused broth and crispy mashed plantain balls. If you’re looking to enjoy some cocktails with your dinner, you’ll want to visit The Roundhouse that boasts an outside bar, an inside bar, lounge and a restaurant that features whole farm cuisine. Try their Wild Hive Farm Grain Risotto that features foraged mushrooms and swiss chard. Yum!

Art + Shopping
Beacon is home to the Dia:Beacon, a world renowned museum of modern art. There are also numerous galleries on Main Street, including Beacon Arts Union (BEU), Catalyst Gallery, and the Matteawan Gallery. If you’re interested in seeing glass being blown, make sure to check out Hudson Beach Glass. For a full listing of the galleries in the area and their operating times, download the gallery guide from BeaconArts here.

​There are also a number of boutiques and speciality stores. At Dream in Plastic (177 Main Street) you can find anything from Tokyo Milk perfume to paper products and retro cameras (sometimes with film included). For clothing, visit American Gypsy Vintage (263 Main Street) which has an impressive selection of vintage band t-shirts and denim. Another great boutique is Blackbird Attic (442 Main Street) which specializes in vintage and modern clothing, is excellently curated and reasonably priced. It also has wide selection for men, as well as women, including plus size. If collectibles and unique finds are what you seek, check out After Eden Gallery (453 Main Street). Part store, part gallery, you’ll find anything from vintage prints to jewelry and genuine movie props.