Wikimedia Commons | Photo by Khürt Williams
With charming shops, gourmet eateries, and serene views, the Ulster County town is a dream day trip destination in the Hudson Valley.
Saugerties is quiet. In comparison with other bustling towns along the Hudson – think Beacon, Poughkeepsie, and Rhinebeck – the region maintains a wonderfully sleepy air to it, as if it’s just about to wake up but hasn’t quite gotten there yet. That sleepiness, that small town charm, is precisely what makes the historic community so endearing. Word is spreading about the area, to be sure. It happens every year, when sports fans visit for the HITS-on-the-Hudson horse shows and foodies flock to the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival. As the spot slowly but surely becomes the next hot Hudson Valley destination, it’s a dream location for a weekend day trip.
Check out our full-day itinerary for inspiration on what to do in town. If you visit, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram!
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9 a.m. – Eat local for breakfast at Love Bites Café
As any experienced day-tripper knows, the secret to a full day of success starts with breakfast. To power up for the day, make a beeline for Love Bites Café on Partition Street. The quaint eatery utilizes the best of local produce throughout its menu. Look for mushrooms from Wiltbank Farm in the savory corned beef hash bowl or sample smoked salmon in the classic eggs Benedict. Offerings lean on the savory side, although there is a sweet section with coconut-carrot French toast and hearty vegan pancakes for health nuts who have a sugar streak.
69 Partition St, Saugerties
845.246.1795
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10:30 a.m. – Take a stroll to the Saugerties Lighthouse
A short drive away from the center of town, the Saugerties Lighthouse rests on the shore of the Hudson River. The local landmark, which dates back to 1869, sits at the mouth of the Esopus Creek and is reachable via a half-mile trail at the end of Lighthouse Drive. Inside, a small museum room highlights the building’s history. Day visitors can walk to the lighthouse, stroll along the waterside, and explore the 17 acres of scenic grounds that surround the property.
168 Lighthouse Dr, Saugerties
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12:15 p.m. – Find farm-to-table comfort food at Miss Lucy’s Kitchen
Before farm-to-table was a thing, Miss Lucy’s was doing it. The longstanding Hudson Valley eatery leads the way with its commitment to locally sourced meat and produce. Its menu is a welcoming medley of Americana comfort bites with farm-fresh flavor. Savor the Kilcoyne Farm beef burger with local cheese or switch things up with the hearty BLT with Applewood smoked bacon. You can’t go wrong with the classics here.
90 Partition St, Saugerties
845.246.9240
1:30 p.m. – Treat yourself to a spa day at Savor Beauty + Spa
Temporarily closed
Located just down the road from Miss Lucy’s, Savor Spa is a slice of New York City relaxation along the Hudson River. The all-natural skincare, which is made in the Hudson Valley location, draws inspiration from Korean beauty rituals. Choose from organic facials and massages at the spa, or simply shop the luxurious skincare products inside the store. If you want to go all out, book the Champagne Couture facial, which utilizes Champagne super-antioxidants to boost radiance and diminish fine lines.
114 Partition St, Saugerties
888.443.4885
3:30 p.m. – Meander your way along Partition Street
Yes, Saugerties has a Main Street. No, it’s not the “main” street. That honor would go to Partition Street, which lies just around the corner. The lengthy road is packed to the rafters with picturesque storefronts and restaurants. Window-shop your way along the avenue and pop into whichever locales catch your eye. Don’t pass by the quirkier stops, either. Only in Saugerties can you score zingy pickles at Brine Barrel, broaden your horizons at Inquiring Minds Bookstore, and sample ice cream flights at Alleyway Ice Cream. Once you get walking, you’ll realize there’s more than enough to do in this small town.
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5:30 p.m. – Dine and drink at The Dutch Ale House
If you think you know this Saugerties mainstay, prepare yourself for a major surprise. The welcoming space delights with its unusual fusion of Dutch history and Southern flavor. Sit by the mahogany bar or under the charming wooden clog display as you sip a refreshing cocktail or one of the 15 brews on tap. As for what to eat, experience the best of what the eatery has to offer with The Dutch’s in-house smoked pastrami Reuben or smoked baby back ribs. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the brioche donuts or the house-made cheesecake.
253 Main St, Saugerties
845.247.2337
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7 p.m. – Sip a nightcap or have a dessert at The Tavern at Diamond Mills
With a cozy location on South Partition Street, The Tavern at Diamond Mills is a top spot for dinner and weekend brunch in Saugerties. Stop by after your meal for a glass of wine and, if you’re feeling something sweet, a slice of the maple fried cheesecake. Of course, you could also combine your drink and dessert into one order with a dessert cocktail. The boozy hot chocolate with Baileys and Kahlua sounds particularly delicious.
25 South Partition St, Saugerties
845.247.0700
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9 p.m. – Rest your head at the Diamond Mills Hotel
If the jam-packed day gets the best of you, call it a night in town at Diamond Mills Hotel. The luxury boutique hotel boasts 30 guest rooms, many of which overlook the Esopus Creek. Lounge in the oversized bed and treat yourself to a long, relaxing bath before you tuck in for the evening. If you happen to extend your stay to a second day, head to the hotel’s Tavern restaurant for brunch. Served on Saturdays and Sundays, the weekend menu features treats like strawberry banana bruschetta with whipped honey ricotta and breakfast pizza topped with smoked bacon and sunny-side-up eggs. It’s hard to imagine a better way to begin the morning.
25 South Partition St, Saugerties
845.247.0700
