10+ Top Day Trip Activities to do in Beacon, NY

This pandemic has me embarking on local travel and June sees me having top day trip activities in Beacon, upstate NY, as a way to satiate my wanderlust with our travel restrictions. Thus, a New York State day trip is the ideal escape for NYC dwellers who’ve ridden out the pandemic in apartments, some without outdoor space for the one commodity we all miss now: lungfuls of fresh air.

If you follow me on IG, you’ll see stories and posts on local New York State day trips I’ve had with more incoming. For New York City dwellers especially, a day trip or weekend in the country is a break from quarantine life, and as I’m discovering, you don’t need to pledge a small child to enjoy a fun day trip in New York State.

 

So…why Beacon?

 

I’m a city girl at heart but I also adore quaint towns with Main Streets full of local shoppes (yes, spelt this way lol), hand made goods, organic fruits, and lots of green space. After much research and Google mapping, I discover the City of Beacon and its interesting Main Street.

After my overnight experience in Hudson, another similar upstate New York city, I am keen on experiencing more towns and cities like Beacon, NY.

There are top day trip activities to do in Beacon which I discover and thoroughly enjoy but bear in mind that some of these activities have modified times and pandemic guidelines so read further in links to get acquainted with them.

 

#Top Day Trip Activities Beacon, NY: Bannerman Castle

Yes. There is a castle, Bannerman Castle, on Pollepel Island in Beacon and this abandoned castle has appeared in many an influencer’s backdrop in pre-pandemic times. Construction of the Scottish-like castle begins in 1901 by David Bannerman, a Scottish immigrant, which he uses as storage for his munitions.

Since this is an island, ferry departs from Beacon Institute Floating Dock and don’t forget to wear comfy shoes as this is a hike – there is a 72 step climb from the dock to the start of tour – so, be warned. Also, bring your own water and snacks to eat on the boat as picnicking is not allowed on Pollepel Island.

Bannerman Island is steeped in Native and Dutch folklore and of course, is said to be haunted. With social distancing guidelines, Bannerman Island has timed slots in a new reservation system to safely experience a tour and hike and is one of the top day trip activities to do in Beacon by visitors.

#Dia Beacon

Located in a former Nabisco factory, Dia is a popular art exhibition space that NYC dwellers make the hike to to escape the rat race of the city, although that race is currently slow right now. Founded in NYC in 1974, Dia helps artists achieve projects with permanent and niche-specific art installations at its various sites.

Tip: Via train, a walk from the station is an easy 20 mins but there is the Beacon Free Loop bus that runs M-Sat from Beacon Metro-North station to Dia: Beacon, Main Street & Mt. Beacon, and is ideal for day trippers without vehicles.

Dia:Beacon is open with advanced reservations and timed tickets, like all activities with social distancing guidelines, and is one of the top things to do in Beacon on a New York State day trip.

#Top Day Trip Activities Beacon, NY: Hudson Beach Glass

This is one of the top things to do and I cannot recommend this enough. It is on Main Street in a former firehouse and is full of uniquely blown glass pieces, jewellery and handmade real soap. I bought one.

Enter and get lost in the trippy glass colours all over and as we’re in pandemic period, gloves are provided for touching. How very considerate and hygienic! Seeing as I’m very tactile, I take advantage and don a pair to feel the glass pieces and smell the soap. In “normal” times, glass blowing classes were offered and I am sad to hear that this has been temporarily suspended until further notice.

Tip: With C19 guidelines present, operating times change so visit site or call ahead with questions before heading out to Hudson Beach Glass.

#Main Street Shoppes

I have my fill of a plethora of local shops on Main Street and there is something for everyone. From Artisan Wine Shop to Vintage:Beacon and everything in between, fill your eyes or flex your wallet all the way down Main Street.

I get a tickle from the really unique Magick Shoppe, Beacon Bath & Bubble, Village Jerk (for all things leather, jerk and hot sauce…oh my!) to Scarborough Fare, for custom oils, vinegars, pasta et al. Scarborough Fare catches my eye immediately as I instantly remember my fave Celtic Woman tune, Scarborough Fair. Any Celtic music lovers here?

You hungry? Fret not, kindred spirit. You are spoilt for choice with Bank Sq Coffehouse with patio for social distancing, Beacon Pantry with artisanal local produce for taking home, Kitchen Sink for farm-to-table fare, and Royal Crepes for French and Balkan flavours. These are just a small offering of the delicious fare on display here.

See why I adore cities with Main Streets?

Soap shop on Main Street

#Top Day Trip Activities Beacon, NY: Howland Cultural Center

Ambling along the end of Main Street brings you to a unique structure that draws your attention – at least, it does mine – and I enter. The architecture is very unique and as an amateur architecture nerd, I am drawn.

This is Howland Cultural Center and they are in the midst of prepping for an online event. Apart from being a gallery, it is also a landmark building erected in 1872 and on the National Register of Historic Places. It has high ceilings and I immediately think of cathedral architecture; there is art lining walls of both the ground and first floors and the open space is for rentals and events.

#Street Art

This is one thing that really surprises me – the art everywhere. Apart from social justice street art and beautiful murals, there is a large Canadian moose made out of wood next to Hudson Beach Glass (see my Beacon IG highlights for more) that is totally unexpected and I am so thrilled!

Second Saturdays: This is a city-wide celebration of Beacon Arts on the 2nd Saturday of every month and you can plan a day trip or weekend escape around this event. Again, covid guidelines are in place so ALWAYS call or read destination sites ahead of time for all New York State day trips or weekend escapes.

#Top Day Trip Activities Beacon, NY: Hudson Valley Brewery

In “normal” times, the Brewery had a public tasting room and an outdoor patio for hop connoisseurs but presently, visitors can support by ordering curbside pickup of beer. One of the “new normal” activities lately.

#Beacon Food Hall

Even with social distancing, the food hall is still open as it has open space at the back. Alternatively, you can take out but after hours exploring the length of Main Street from Beacon Creamery to Fishkill Creek and back again, sustenance was high on the list.

I am initially unsure if the food hall is open but you never know till you try so in we go and it is open. Social distancing guidelines apply here so order food at the front table and either eat out back or take out. We opt for their backyard space and have yak momos and other delicious Himalayan foods.

#Top Day Trip Activities Beacon, NY: Nature Views & Hiking

Nature activities are probably one of the top things to do in Beacon for visitors. The area boasts of Mount Beacon and Fishkill Ridge, both with strenuous hiking trails but apparently worth the lung exhausting hike. There are observation platforms and remnant of the world’s steepest funicular for hikers to marvel and huff at as they ascend the grueling trail.

Don’t forget that the Beacon Free Loop bus runs the Mt. Beacon route from the Metro-North Station so if you’re car-less and open for a train adventure, this is apt as Mt. Beacon is open and free year round.

Furthermore, there is Long Dock Park by the train station with a kayak pavilion, canoeing, biking, art, picnicking and much, much more. This is definitely a top thing to do in Beacon outdoors and as usual, see link to inquire about anything before heading out. Social distancing guidelines are in place all over New York State.

 

#Beacon Historical Society

If you’re like me and love learning the history of anywhere you go, the Historical Society has you covered.

Beacon Bullets

• The City of Beacon formed in 1913 from the merging of two villages: Matteawan and Fishkill Landing.
• Beacon is said to have gotten its name from a beacon that shone from the mountains to warn the Continental Army of enemy advancement.
• The Newburgh-Beacon ferry is said to be the oldest in U.S. with over 200 years of operation. It finally hung its boots at the construction of the Newburgh-Beacon bridge in the 20th century.

#Top Day Trip Activities Beacon, NY: Madam Brett Homestead

Another top thing to do for the history buffs is a tour in the form of a local historic house in Madam Brett Homestead. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest standing structure in Dutchess County. In the 1700s, the Brett’s, their family and slaves migrated from New York to the Beacon area and commissioned this Dutch-style home that has been in the family for generations up till 1954.

As with all activities in New York State, call ahead for group tour information and guidelines.

 

#Fishkill Creek

This gorgeous nature view is at the end of Main Street and a stunning culmination to a long and adventurous day. Imagine walking and hearing the rush of running water ahead; you cross abandoned rail tracks to the other side and are blessed with a mini waterfall and splendid views of Mount Beacon.

Vis Kill is Dutch for “fish creek”, named for the abundance of fish in the stream, and the name is anglicized upon British take over, to Fishkill Creek. Fishkill is a tributary of the Hudson River and flows to a small estuary south of Beacon. It is the perfect spot for your obligatory insta shot, deep lungfuls of clean air, and just a relaxing ambience to end the day.

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Hope you enjoy traveling vicariously through this post and have Beacon on your domestic travel list for whenever you visit New York State. There is more to the state than New York City and I cannot wait to explore more of upstate New York before fall and maybe a third round of lockdowns with flu season. Oh boy!

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