A Cultural Pilgrimage to Beacon

A thriving artistic haven located in New York’s pastoral Hudson Valley is the perfect minibreak for culture vultures.

Do

This rustic upstate town, a stone’s throw from the scenic Hudson River, landed on the cultural map thanks to Dia: Beacon, a sprawling temple of modern and contemporary art housed in a vast former printing factory. Within the spectacular light-filled space you’ll discover works by giants such as Richard Serra, Andy Warhol and Sol LeWitt. But art isn’t the only reason to visit Beacon. The surrounding Hudson Valley offers myriad hiking routes and the town itself, filled with antique shops, cosy cafés and live music venues, has earned its moniker of Brooklyn on the Hudson.

Eat and drink

A low-key locals hangout, Bank Square pours great coffee (from nearby Coffee Labs in Tarrytown). Homespun Foods, with its hidden backyard garden, is a sure bet for Mediterranean-influenced fare that would hold its own in Manhattan (they also do boxed lunches for picnics or hikes). Beacon Pantry offers a fantastic selection of cheeses.

Stay

The Roundhouse is a sprawling redbrick compound, housing a hotel, superb restaurant, Swift, and convivial bar, 2EM. Renovated by the acclaimed Rockwell Design Group, the hotel exudes contemporary cool whilst still preserving the original architectural elements of the building, including exposed wooden beams and a gracious cupola. The perfect blend of comfort and elegance and the ultimate bolthole whether your day is devoted to art or hiking.