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Hudson Valley Escapes: Beacon

January 23, 2008 at 2:39 PM | by | Comments (2)

Just a few decades ago, Beacon was little more than a small town left depressed by the loss of Industrial Age-factories. But, thanks to an influx of artists escaping sky-high rent in New York City, the town has had a resurgence in both culture and tourism. At the center of the transformation is DIA:Beacon, an expansive contemporary art museum that houses enormous sculptures and installations.

What makes it special is its size. DIA:Beacon can do what no museum in New York can: house works of art that take up multiple rooms. Though permanent exhibitions take up most of the center's space, a limited number of special exhibitions and ongoing projects keep things interesting. Currently, artist George Trakas is constructing an angled dock spanning 25 acres overlooking the Hudson Valley riverfront.

Our Guide to Beacon

Where to Stay: Because Beacon's tourist surge is relatively new, a limited number of lodgings are available in the town. One bed and breakfast, Botsford Briar is open for business but lacks a (useful) website and now has a decent website. The 19th-century Victorian home has just four bedrooms, so booking in advance is smart. In nearby Bear Mountain, the Bear Mountain Inn is a hotel that looks like it was constructed by park rangers. (It was.) Get your lumberjack on at the wood/stone/hearth construction at the Inn's Overlook Lodge.

Where to Eat: We've eaten at several Beacon restaurants, and none live up to The Piggy Bank. The building, a former town bank, now serves up BBQ and modest prices. We recommend the mustard-flavored Carolina-style pork sandwich, with a side of sweet potato fries.

Getting There: A round-trip ticket from the MTA's Metro-North line costs less than $40 per person, with all trains departing from Grand Central Terminal.

Related Stories:
· DIA:Beacon [Official Site]
· Botsford Briar [Official Site]
· Bear Mountain Inn - Overlook Lodge [Official Site]
· Piggy Bank Restaurant [Official Site]

[Photo: yusunkwon]

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Botsford Briar B&B has NEW Website

Hi From Botsford Briar!
Please visit our new website.  It includes photos of the inn, rooms, rates, and other useful information.
www.botsfordbriar.com
botsfordbriar on June 19, 2008 at 12:57 PM #Permalink

other things to do while in Beacon

Sukkothai, a great Thai restaurant just minutes away from the museum will finish a great outing. You can also extend your art expedition by visiting the Hudson Beach Glass Museum. Myriam Bouchard www.VisitTheHudsonValley.com
myrbou on October 19, 2009 at 9:32 PM #Permalink

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