Beacon is a quaint little upstate town that resembles those found in Hallmark movies. Conveniently located only about an hour and a half from Grand Central on the MetroNorth, it’s the perfect escape if you need a break from city life, even if it’s just for the day. Read on to see what to do and where to eat and drink on your day trip to Beacon, NY.
Main St., which runs right through town, is only a 5 minute walk from Beacon Station and has pretty much every restaurant, bar and shop that you’ll ever need, but to narrow things down I’ve rounded up my recommendations on the best places to eat and drink and what to see and do below.
What to Do:
- Main St. – While the town seems small when you first start exploring, it took us all day to make our way through this one street. Lined with some of the best and most unique shops, restaurants and bars, simply walking down this street is a great way to explore Beacon and all that it has to offer.
- Vintage Shopping – Beacon is full of one-of-a-kind vintage shops, both high end and affordable. Some are packed to the brim with old finds and some are a bit more curated but either way you’re sure to find something. One of my favorite shops was Dickinson’s Antiques and After the Barn where I snagged a mirrored vintage tray.
- The Round House – This is the main hotel in the area and not only is it gorgeous, but the outdoor patio restaurant offers some of the best views. While we haven’t spent much time here on our trips, we had a great time exploring the nearby area and taking a peek at the back patio which looks like the perfect spot for afternoon drinks.
- Go on a Hike – Beacon is known for having some great hiking trails like our favorite, the Beacon Fire Tower Trail. This roughly 7-mile hike is great for beginner hikers, which is exactly what I was when we first tried it. The best part? There are some breathtaking viewpoints on the way up and you can even climb the Mount Beacon Fire Tower when you make it to the top, although proceed with caution as it’s a bit wobbly once the wind starts to pick up. Getting there from the train is a bit complicated so be sure to ask someone in town the best way to go – everyone around is super helpful!
Where to Eat:
- Beacon Bread Company – The breakfast food here is super tasty but be the service is a bit slow so if you’re in a rush I’d opt for a different spot.
- Royal Crepes – The perfect spot to stop in for a quick bite before heading out on a hike. The food is good, the staff is helpful and it’s conveniently located right on the way out to the trails.
- Beacon Creamery – Situated right on your walk back to the train station, this is the perfect place to stop for a sweet treat before your ride back. I recommend the cookies and cream waffle cone!
- Melzingah Tap House – Located in what used to be The Hop, we knew that we had to check this place out to see if its offerings rivaled that of its former tenant. So, we ordered beers from their tap menu and the mussels and sausage dish. We were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed everything; the food, the drinks and the ambiance. Now, it’s no Hop (the former restaurant) but it’s definitely worth a visit.
Where to Drink:
- Hudson Valley Brewery – A new hipster brewery in the area, this spot serves mostly sour beers and has a great outdoor space for the warmer months. On top of that, the cans are unique, the prices are extremely reasonable and their cozy apparel is totally worth a buy. Reminiscent of the many cool breweries popping up in Brooklyn, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy a unique craft beer.
- Dogwood – Dogwood is the ultimate local dive bar – low key, old school vibes and a large selection of craft beers on tap! Definitely the spot to go if you’re looking for something off the beaten path.
- Denning’s Point Distillery – Known as the Best Hudson Valley Distillery for the past few years, this place is definitely a must-see spot in Beacon. I recommend starting out at the tasting room to try a little bit of everything (my favorite is the Maid of the Meadow spirit) and then heading back to the main room to enjoy one of their specialty cocktails. The setting is rustic and casual, so it’s the perfect post-hike stop.
Beacon has become an annual trip for us – we love visiting the vintage shops for unique finds, trying out the restaurants and bars in the area and enjoying some much-needed fresh air on a hike. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!
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I visited Royal Crepes last summer during my USA roadtrip. Great place!