Beacon: A gem of the Hudson Valley

“Beacon is like Disney World for people who are into bookshops and bike stores and cafés,” says Beacon-born entrepreneur Mike Burdge. He should know. As founder of Story Screen Beacon Theater — an independent cinema with an adjoining cocktail lounge — Mike is part of a movement that has helped transform this Hudson River town into what some people call “Brooklyn North.”

But scratch the surface and locals like Mike will tell you that there’s so much more to Beacon than cool cocktails and art galleries. “There’s a real sense of community,” says Mike. “When you walk into a place, people will act like they’ve known you for years, even if it’s your first time there.”

It was exactly this welcoming spirit that attracted Kamel Jamal, a chef who was literally born into his job — his mother gave birth to him in the kitchen of a Palestinian refugee camp. Kamel’s River Valley Restaurant Group runs four spots in town, from the Middle Eastern Ziatun to Tito Santana, a taqueria. “What drove me to Beacon was the diversity and the understanding and respect people have for one another,” he says. “There are Spanish people. There’s a Black community. There’s a little bit of everything. People are culturally open to anything and embrace what I want to do.”

This was the same experience for Katie Hellmuth Martin, founder of A Little Beacon Blog, a site that tracks all the goings-on around town. She originally moved from Manhattan for a simple reason — she wanted a backyard — but soon realized the depths of Beacon’s appeal. “It’s the entrepreneurial vibe, the sense of social justice,” she says. “There are so many different people here, digging in and loving life and supporting the local businesses and just being together.”

So it’s no surprise that our next WeekEnder getaway is to this little gem of a town in Dutchess County. We’re going to eat some farm-to-table meals, check out the excellent art scene, hang out with the locals, and breathe in the fresh Hudson Valley air.

-Laura Begley Bloom, New York's Senior WeekEnder Writer

Beacon is not the land of chain hotels, nor is it a place where you’ll find many Airbnbs (the town has been cracking down on short-term rentals). This is our hotel hit list.

A former textile factory has been transformed into one of the chicest hotels in the Hudson Valley, with huge picture windows overlooking a waterfall on Fishkill Creek. Look for repurposed materials from the original site (old bricks, reclaimed wood) mixed with art and light fixtures by local artists and artisans.

Right on Main Street, this 12-room boutique property pampers its guests with amenities like a rooftop lounge, complete with a firepit and 360-degree valley views. The in-house spa spans the gamut from yoga and facials to more serious procedures like acupuncture, Botox, and CoolSculpting.

A mile outside the center of town is this Federal-style mansion from the 1700s with four luxe rooms for rent. There are several patios and a big covered porch for lounging, plus four acres of gardens to explore. The breakfast spread is catered by Homespun Foods, a nearby café.

You won’t find big bargains in Beacon, but the rates at this bright-blue six-room Victorian just off Main Street won’t make your eyes water. The rooms are simple but sweet; two of them share a bathroom, if you’re ok with that.

This hike-in, hike-out spot is not quite glamping, but it’s a step up from camping. Your sleeping platform can be equipped with all the amenities you need, including a camp stove, groceries, and a firepit. Or book a primitive site and bring your own gear — and a sense of adventure.

Beacon is home to a sprawling restaurant and cocktail scene, with chefs and mixologists tapping into the local bounty. Consider this your weekend eating and drinking cheat sheet.

Kamel Jamal transformed a basic breakfast spot into a place to write home about, with house-cured salmon and bacon and fresh-baked breads. At night it transforms into a new concept called W.T.F., which is basically whatever he wants, like pop-up dinners by local star chefs.

“My favorite breakfast spot in Beacon will always be this old-school diner,” says Mike Burdge of Story Screen Beacon Theater. The family-owned silver diner car has been perfecting its omelettes and pancakes since 1946.

A former theater now showcases Hudson Valley chefs and vendors. Don’t miss Miz Hattie’s for soul food (mac and cheese, pulled pork, sweet tea) and the Himalayan spiced dumplings at Momo Valley

This burger joint with creative cocktails and a grown-up slushy machine is from Brian Arnoff, a well-known area restaurateur. Best bite: The dirty fries topped with chili, pimento cheese, and coleslaw.

The Hudson Valley’s oldest craft beer bar is equipped with a high-tech Flux Capacitor machine to ensure that every pint comes out just right. There’s also an impressive menu of bourbons and Mexican dishes (carne asada tacos, nachos topped with pickled jalapeños).

Craft beer enthusiasts will love the selection of 23 taps, while cocktail connoisseurs will appreciate blends like a blackberry sake margarita. It all goes well with dishes like crispy pork belly and watermelon. Book a table on the lovely back patio.

Expect American and globally inspired food paired with seasonal craft beers at this hangout with live music.

Kamel Jamal created this Middle Eastern restaurant influenced by what his mother fed the family. Kamel recommends the hummus (“made from the same recipe that has been passed on for generations”) and the falafel, which incorporates spices that he brings back from his travels.

This Baja-style taqueria was inspired by a California road trip that Kamel Jamal took with his wife. “The menu is constantly changing,” he says, but his current favorite dish is the vegan burrito. “I'm not a vegan, but the flavors that come out of it are so impressive — you won’t miss meat,” says Kamel.

Authentic homestyle Japanese food like kara age (fried boneless chicken with spicy mayo) or crispy tofu tossed in savory kuro sauce. “It’s the kind of food your mom would cook for you if you lived in Japan,” says Mike Burdge.

This well-loved spot was sold right before Covid. New owner Joe Robitaille is a respected sommelier from NYC’s Il Buco. Book an outside table in the perennial garden and be sure to end your meal with the funfetti cake, a local cult favorite.

Stylish New American restaurant in a historic bank building that incorporates Hudson Valley produce, meats, and cheeses into its tapas-style dishes.

Story Screen Beacon Theater’s craft cocktail lounge has drinks named after movies and a restaurant with small plates. Also has a great brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Hand-crafted spirit maker (vodka, whiskey) located in one of Beacon’s 19th-century buildings downtown.

▶️ Get a fresh take on Cocktail (the movie) and some of the cocktails of Beacon with Story Screen Beacon Theater’s Mike Burdge. Podcast: Overdrinkers - Cocktail

This used to be a manufacturing enclave, but the 2003 opening of Dia Beacon launched an artistic and commercial rebirth. And the art in this riverside town comes in every form, from paintings to movies to books.

Set in a former Nabisco box factory is one of the world’s largest contemporary art museums. Some spots not to miss: the giant crouching spider sculpture by Louise Bourgeois that takes up an entire room, Andy Warhol’s Shadows exhibit, and the onsite café, run by Homespun Foods.

An art house cinema serving local snacks (More Good syrups, Hudson Valley Marshmallow Company marshmallows). During the pandemic, owner Mike Burdge started a small summer drive-in theater that has become a fixture, showing flicks like Dirty Dancing on the hottest days of the year.

A group of friends started this art gallery and glass-blowing studio in a restored firehouse.

The oldest contemporary fine art gallery in town.

Independent bookstore that started prior to the pandemic and has withstood, thanks to its strong following and curated book recommendations. Carries Beacon authors, including Matt and Emily Clifton, who wrote The Ultimate Dutch Oven Cookbook.

“There's so much to do because of all of the innovative businesses that start here,” says Katie Hellmuth Martin, founder of A Little Beacon Blog. “Beacon is a place where you can dig in with your hands and make something.” Here are some spots to experience that DIY spirit.

A florist-slash-gift shop that also hosts floral design workshops.

Handmade fashion, an onsite apothecary, and thoughtful gifts.

This husband-and-wife owned jewelry business has been a key part of the Beacon revival.

A pioneer in the eco-fashion movement that also has a location in Brooklyn (of course).

Soaps and lotions and potions made onsite, plus a growing selection of bubbly delights from other makers.

There are plenty of spots around Beacon where you can take in the great outdoors. Here’s where the locals go:

This riverside park has an easy walking and biking trail. “It's right on the water and a great place to stretch, take a nap under a tree, or go for a peaceful walk and listen to your music or just listen to nature,” says chef Kamel Jamal.

Katie Hellmuth Martin is a fan of this floating pool on the Hudson River. “It’s one of those experiences that brings you to the water in a way that I never would have imagined in New York City,” says Katie.

“When I’m looking to get a breath of fresh air, this is my place,” says Mike Burdge of Story Screen Beacon Theater. His favorite secluded spot: the waterfall near the Roundhouse hotel.

At the summit of South Beacon Mountain is this historic fire tower with views overlooking the Hudson River. On a clear day, you can even see the NYC skyline. Great at sunrise and sunset.

With eight acres of trails, this park is an easy way to explore the surrounding wilderness.

An abandoned summer camp with a quirky disc golf course. “Hiking is great, but every now and then, it’s fun to throw a Frisbee at a basket,” says Mike Burdge.

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