A Relaxing Getaway From the Big City — Just 90 Minutes from NYC

Beacon, New York

A travel expert’s socially distanced guide to Beacon, New York

Summer travel looks a bit — or rather, completely — different this year. While some of us may typically hop on airplanes, or even hit up local beaches, we’ve instead been staying home for the safety of ourselves and others.

The CDC recommends staying home “because travel increases your chances of getting infected and spreading” Covid-19. And as cities reopen, the CDC recommends monitoring the virus’ spread. If transmission’s spiking in your community or the place you want to go, it’s probably best to keep staying home. Air travel right now is a mixed bag: Some flights are empty, but on crowded flights, it’s hard to socially distance. (Additionally, the CDC answers helpful questions about travel risk here.)

So if you’re feeling stir-crazy, have access to a car, and are able to take the necessary safety precautions, luxury travel expert Carla Thorson of Protravel has created road trip guides for towns and sites within a few hours of major cities. Very important: Be sure to keep a six-foot distance from others and wear a face mask in public, among other travel guidelines. Plus, check out the latest local guidance, and read on.

Up next: A trip to Beacon, NY

About The Town

Beacon, New York is 90 minutes from New York City (direct from Penn Station to Beacon), but you will feel like you are on a “small-town” movie set. It has a hip art culture, local farm-to-table restaurants, and stunning parks and wetlands.

Art To See

Beacon is a hidden gem for art lovers.

  • Storm King Art Center: Visitors can experience large-scale sculpture and site-specific commissions under the open sky. Since 1960, Storm King has been dedicated to stewarding its surrounding landscape. 1 Museum Road, New Windsor, NY. 845–534–3115. Outdoor areas open only. All visitors must reserve tickets online.
  • Beacon’s Main Street: Listed as one of most beautiful main streets in America, art galleries, shops, and restaurants fill this iconic Main Street.
  • Dia Beacon Contemporary Art Museum: Located in a former Nabisco box-printing factory, Dia Beacon presents Dia’s collection of art from the 1960s to the present, as well as special exhibitions and public programs. 3 Beekman Street. 845–440–0100. Reopens Aug 7. You can purchase timed-entry tickets here.
  • Hudson Beach Glass: A gallery and glass-blowing demonstration studio located inside a restored firehouse with stunning glass sculptures. 162 Main St. 845–440–0068. Open Mon-Sat.,12–6 pm. Sundays from 12–5 pm.

Nature To Explore

Now, for some adventure…

  • Hudson Long Dock Park: A place to launch kayaks, picnic, stroll through rehabilitated wetlands and meadows, drop a fishing line, explore an intriguing sculpture by renowned artist George Trakas, or just sit and admire the river. 23 Long Dock Rd. 845–473–4440.
  • A Self-Guided Bike Tour: Explore Beacon by bike. Cold Spring Bike Rental. 23 Long Dock Rd. 845–390–1932.
  • Madam Brett Park, Tioranda Waterfalls: Tranquil park on Fishkill Creek offering walking trails to a wetland observation area and a waterfall. South Ave. 845–473–4440.

For the advanced hiker…

  • Overlook Trail Mt Beacon: The Overlook Trail is steep and, in some sections, very rocky, but it is easy to follow and can be done as an out-and-back. Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, 3011 Route 9D, Cold Spring. 845–265–3175. All trails are open from Sunrise to Sunset with the exception of Little Stoney Point and Indian Brook Falls.

Food To Grab

Make sure to pick up meals along the way. (Keep an eye on the CDC’s latest restaurant guidance.)

First, coffee…

  • Big Mouth Roasters: Family-operated specialty coffee house with a diverse roster of house roasts and single-origin coffees that highlight their respective growing regions, conditions, and processing methods. Open Mon-Fri., 7 am-6 pm. Saturday, 8 am-7 pm. Sunday, 8am-4 p.m. 387 Main St.

Hungry yet? Well, you’re in luck. There are plenty of delicious options in Beacon.

  • Meyers Old Dutch Food and Such: The NYT recommends the crispy chicken sandwich and the double patty burger. Takeout and Patio dining. 184 Main St. 845–440–6900.
  • Beacon Falls Café: Storefront diner with a creative take on comfort food with beer and wine flights. Takeout only. 472 Main St. 845–765–0172.
  • Industrial Arts Brewery: “Brewing fresh, hoppy beers in a state-of-the-art brew house in the lower Hudson Valley.” Takeout only. 511 Fishkill Rd. 845–765–1355.

Carla Thorson is a luxury travel agent with Protravel.

This originally appeared on Medium.