Local Guide
It’s easy to see why artists have been drawn to Saugerties for generations. This formermill town’s enviable geographic position, nestled in the Catskill Mountains and perched on theHudson River, is inspirational. The eclectic mix of shops and restaurants combine quaint with asoupçon of chic. Stroll the bluestone slab sidewalks and you’ll quickly understand why Budget Travel named it one of America’s coolest small towns. Urban dwellers in need of an infusion offresh air have come to the right place. Cycle, hike or enjoy the river on a kayak or sailboat.
The area’s deep-rooted agricultural heritage has meshed with kitchen savvy to make Saugertiesa stomping ground for culinary geeks. If that’s not enough to entice you, Jimmy Fallon was raised here and locals couldn’t be prouder or more pleased to chat about their hometown boy.It’s all just two hours from NYC, close enough for a day trip, but with so much to do and fabulous hotel options, you’ll want to stay the night.
The In-Town Experience
Getting a feel for Saugerties means exploring Main and Partition streets. Its mix of highbrow/lowbrow shops and eateries are the big draw. Marky Marks Tattoo is respected for its innovative ink and precise piercings. The Modern Dream sells crafts and fiber arts, all handmade by local artisans. Green presents an array of recycled or sustainable furniture and housewares, a design and eco-conscious apartment dweller’s dream. Inquiring Minds Bookstore has a varied collection, including many Hudson Valley art and history books. Antique shops,thrift stores and art studios further cram the shopping palette. Time your visit right and you’llbe treated to Saugerties’ First Fridays. Stores, galleries and eateries stay open late, with special bargains and yummy refreshments.
CATERING AVAILABLE HEAT & EAT OR IN HOUSE CHEF
IN HOUSE MASSAGE THERAPY ALSO AVAILABLE
CALL DAN TO ARRANGE -845-247-3563
Things to do in Woodstock
This is a GOOD HIKE. You will definitely be sore for 2 days after. You get to see some cool ruins and the fire tower at the top has incredible views. Wear good shoes and watch the weather. Have fun!
“Its basically straight up!” • “Spectacular view at the top”
Great prepared foods and one of only 2 places to buy quality fresh fish – limited choices but superior quality. Great smoothies and lunch choices, try the Huevos Rancheros with a side of avocado.
“The "Gunks" are beautiful and challenging and great for climbers and those who love to watch the climbers- very very scenic.
Like falafels? Abba’s run by Israelis makes a great one!! Some produce, bric-a-brac, Art etc.
Leon Russel was just here – Dave Mason –Great locals – The “SCENE” in Woodstock for live Music. Check their web page to see what’s going on!
River Rocks Spa
This is a nice, quiet spa in Woodstock... The therapists are outstanding here. They take the time to talk you through what the process is which was very much appreciated. A great experience overall.
Ask for Trey Daniels or Lynn DuvallTell them “Danny” sent you
Things to do in Saugerties
Museum closed? Call me – Nathan “Buffalo”Koenig is a friend and is usually happy to give a private tour if he isn’t in Mexico!!!
Right down the street from the house!
Saugerties Lighthouse
On The Hudson river. You can sit on the deck. My wife’s favorite walk! Easy walk to to beautiful lighthouse and the and enjoy the views! MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE TIDE TABLES!
“Lovely walk to the Hudson river...” • “Beautiful land mark”
This is one of the most spectacular works of monumental art in the US!!! Opus 40 is a large environmental sculpture in Saugerties, New York, created by sculptor and quarryman Harvey Fite. It comprises a sprawling series of dry- stone ramps, pedestals and platforms covering 6.5 acres of a bluestone quarry.
Captain Jerome and crew are SO much fun to sail with! Great Prosecco and crab cakes, relaxing music, and fun conversation with the crew!! Everyone couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating! I would HIGHLY recommend this cruise!
This stunning landscape once played a vital role in the region's economy. Today its woods and streams offer outstanding opportunities to connect with nature. This is a bucolic preserve that offers easy walks through woodland and then offers great views of the majestic Hudson River. Family and pet friendly.
“Serene hidden gem” • “Hiking along the Hudson River for...”
Visit in the spring for the Azalea Festival and in the Fall for the Mums.
No trip to the Hudson Valley is complete without visiting Catskill Animal Sanctuary.
SLOAN GORGE
Adjoining the property is Sloan Gorge, a nature preserve off Stoll Road is owned by the Woodstock Land Conservancy.
This intriguing and lovely slice (literally) of the Catskills eastern escarpment is the gift of the family of Woodstock artist Allan Edward Sloan (1900-1999). Perhaps most notable for its highly visible and tangible geology, Sloan Gorge also boasts scenic, botanical and zoological wonders.
At the kiosk in the small parking lot on the north side of Stoll Road you can pick up a brochure, and a guide to a geological walking tour written by Bob Titus, sage of mountain rocks.
Zen Mountain Monastery
Since 1980, they’ve offered people traditionaland innovative ways to engage the Buddhadharma through their programs. The Monastery is an environment uniquely conducive to spiritual practice that can help you discover how to bring your spiritual path to life in your everyday activities. You’ll have achance to experience the Monastery’scloister—a dynamic spiritual community and a place to encounter your own inner silence and stillness, wisdom and compassion.
Tubing The Town Tinker
For over 30 years the Town Tinker Tube Rental in Phoenecia has provided whitewater equipment for adrenaline seekers to come and experience the intensity of the rapids on the Esopus Creek.
Places to eat in Woodstock
The Bear café
295 Tinker St, Woodstock, NY 12498
(845) 679-5555
Get a table overlooking the stream and plan to spend a few hours savoring what the attentive staff bring to the table. Or sit at the bar and order the bargain steak sandwich with awesome fries!! It's really hard to pick a favorite entrée. If they have the soft shell crab served on gazpacho ORDER IT!! It is also located right next door to the Bearsville Theater and commune saloon which has outdoor service next to a bonfire.”
1 Tinker St, Woodstock, NY 12498
(845) 684-7091
Shindig is new-ish to Woodstock, but already giving longtime local staple/breakfast favorite Oriole 9 a run for its money. With its light wood covered interior and vintage details, Shindig definitely falls into the category of “would be more at home in Brooklyn,” but it still maintains enough of a local feel that you won’t hate yourself for enjoying yourself here. There’s lunch and dinner too, but we like the place best for its classic breakfast foods: granola, veggie scrambles, egg wraps, pancakes, and the like.
17 Tinker Street Woodstock, NY 12498
845-OR9 -5763
The other, older breakfast/brunch/lunch go-to in town. Oriole 9 feels a little more true to what you might expect to find in Woodstock: an “artsy” vibe, inspirational quotes written on chalkboards, and plenty of vegan options.
The Juice Bar At Sunfrost
217 Tinker St Woodstock, NY 12498
(845) 679-6690
My favorite is the Huevos Rancheros with a side of avocado!! Try the French Toast with fresh fruit. The breakfast potatoes are perfect. Not too greasy and seasoned just right. The whole grain bread is super fresh and has a great texture. Scrambled eggs just right. Need I go on?! :) Perfect all-American breakfast options for vegans, vegetarians and everyone in between. Hearty, fresh, healthy, delicious, nutritious. Great pre-hike stop and super friendly staff. Small cafe inside (next to the farm market) and outdoor seating for the warmer days. I would eat at this place almost daily if I could. Oh-- and the freshly squeezed OJ was super yummy.
GARDEN CAFÉ – ON THE VILLAGE GREEN
The owner Lia is a friend of mine. I am NOT a vegan but I love the portabella panini. Start with the Indian Chickpea Blinis (mini pancakes) with Cashew Chutney, they are incredible I crave the sweet potato and black bean burger that will give you a food-gasm.” We've been a half-dozen times and have never had less than a stellar meal.”
NANA’S CREATIVE CAFÉ
98 Mill Hill Rd, Woodstock, NY 12498
(845) 679-8400
Good For: Breakfast, the egg sandwiches are to die for but don't miss out on the daily specials and delicious treats! Personally as a customer I love the special attention they provide to make sure my breakfast is just right. Another recommendation: the chicken salad is wonderful if you have it on a baguette with bacon, lettuce, and tomato. The turkey dinners are a pleasant surprise. It is real, honest to goodness roasted turkey, not the usual salty processed stuff. It was really good. The salad bar is very nice and the soups are excellent. Great Lox and bagels!
JOSHUAS CAFÉ
51 Tinker St, Woodstock, NY 12498
(845) 679-5533
Middle Eastern Restaurant
Venerable restaurant serving farm-to-table, global cuisine in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Nothing like Joshua's for the Woodstock experience. Sit in the window and gaze at the town folk, when you're not enjoying their very interesting and tasty food. Savor the middle eastern spices in lots of the dishes and know that what you're eating is well sourced. Perfect matzo ball soup with veggies and yummy chicken soup spiked with cilantro, loved it on a chilly fall day. Love the salads , sandwiches and zucchini cakes. Very much enjoyed our breakfasts there too. And spotting stars sitting there eating is always a plus!! Highly recommend!
Bread Alone
22 Mill Hill Rd, Woodstock, NY 12498
(845) 679-2108
You might buy this brand of bread at the Union Square Farmer’s Market, but you might not know they have brick and mortar cafes sprinkled around upstate. The location in Woodstock is small, but a good stop for coffee and a pastry, or a low-key sit down meal if Oriole 9 and Shindig are swamped.
109 Mill Hill Rd, Woodstock, NY 12498
(845) 679-9800
cucinawoodstock.com
It’s not like we thought Woodstock was still all tie-dye and Birkenstocks, but we were nonetheless still pretty surprised to find Cucina. It’s a big, beautiful Italian restaurant inside a converted farmhouse - and if the idea of the L’Artusi of upstate New York is at all exciting to you, then you should make it a point to get to here. From the seasonal, modern Italian food, to the upscale yet cozy interior, to the wraparound porch, this place is easily one of our favorite dinner experiences in all of upstate.
Places to eat in Saugerties
Annarella Ristorante
276 Malden Turnpike. Saugerties NY 12477
(845) 247-7289
Annarella features delicious Italian food with the flavor of a home made meal. The history of our recipes goes back over 40 years in Manhattan. There are many styles that we have tried throughout time and we find that we can share these fantastic flavors with you while mantaining our original regional food. We always add a Tuscan flair to our dishes.
RED ONION
1654 New York 212 Saugerties, New York 12477
845-679-1223
www.redonionrestaurant.com
My personal favorite of the local restaurants “A nice country feel” pervades this “comfortable” Saugerties “mainstay” where some of the “freshest local ingredients” go into “tasty, rustic” dishes from a “diverse” New American menu distinguished by “worth-the-trip” mussels and “interesting” cocktails” Excellent service the “lovely” “old house” is still an “all around winner”, especially if you “eat on the porch.” The 1 lb. rack of lamb is a favorite and the seafood risotto is amazing.
Miss Lucy’s Kitchen
90 Partition St, Saugerties, NY 12477-1513
845-246-9240
Committed to serving fresh, house made food using the finest produce from our local farmers. We have a seasonal market menu that changes daily. All of our eggs, dairy and poultry are local. We serve local, all natural and antibiotic free meats whenever possible. We serve sustainable seafood caught in an ecologically sound manner. Our pork products are smoked in house using local hardwoods. Fresh herbs, flowers and many vegetables are from our own garden. We make our own bread in house and bake it fresh daily. We do this because there is nothing better! All of our desserts, ice creams and sorbets are made from scratch. We are lucky to be here in the Hudson Valley and are inspired by the bounty that each season has to offer.
New World Home Cooking
1411 New York 212 Saugerties, New York 12477
845-246-0900
newworldhomecooking.com
I don’t like New World. But judging from their parking lot many people disagree. This review is from YELP The “local, fresh” “flavors are off the charts” and the “innovative” menu so “diverse” that “even fusspots” and vegetarians can find something “delightful” to enjoy at chef-owner Ric Orlando's “lively” Saugerties New American–Eclectic; add in a “friendly”, “attentive” staff, a “lively” setting enhanced with local artwork and live music on Fridays and it's no wonder diners say it's a “happening place to eat.”
Places to eat in Hudson
SWOON KITCHENBAR
340 Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 822-8938
FROM THE NEW YOURK TIMES -The experience at Swoon Kitchenbar in Hudson begins before you even enter the restaurant. Pots of flowers and herbs — sage, lemon thyme — line the ramp up to the entrance, enveloping you in a kind of tunnel filled with the sights and smells of nature.
It’s the perfect preparation for the food to come, which is startlingly fresh and beautifully presented and, despite its sophistication, tastes close to the earth. Swoon Kitchenbar marries the best of city-based training with the advantages of Hudson Valley ingredients acquired within miles of this Columbia County restaurant. The result is worth a detour during a weekend drive, or even as a destination in itself.
The restaurant is the three-year-old effort of Jeff Gimmel and his wife, Nina Bachinsky-Gimmel. Mr. Gimmel, the chef, was the executive chef at Michael’s in Manhattan, and Ms. Bachinsky-Gimmel, the pastry chef, toiled at Union Square Cafe. They are passionate advocates of the idea that using locally produced food improves taste, and they proudly list their area suppliers on the menu, which changes daily depending on what’s available. Items that can’t be bought locally are delivered as quickly as possible. Most of the seafood, which dominates in summer especially, is Fed Exed daily from Portland, Me.
Thus, the winter point oysters on the half shell had all the musky sweetness of mollusks plucked directly from the sea. The accompanying ginger-lime mignonnette was tasty but almost beside the point. Peekytoe crab salad combined local grapes, kirbys and grapefruit juice in a wonderful, spicy broth, and the freshness of the crab, sprinkled with just-picked nasturtiums, made us feel as if we were eating on the beach.
Much of the summer and early fall menu is light, but that doesn’t mean it’s simple. Pan-seared scallops featured a flavorful, complex crustiness. Monkfish was prepared in an anise-flavored broth that included mushrooms whose texture ran from cloudlike softness to a pleasing woodiness. Blue snapper was roasted in a swiss chard and chanterelle sauce.Other tastes hint at the heartier fare that takes over in cooler weather. House-made pappardelle, tossed with local butternut squash, made deft use of sage-flavored bacon and Parmesan. An appetizer of duck confit and potato croquettes had a rich, smoky taste. And a pan-seared skirt steak in red wine jus was succulent — and beautiful as well. The steak and a grilled Vidalia onion were both sliced and layered on mashed potatoes like a dark/light flower.
The beginning and end of a meal are also dominated by freshness. A recent “health margarita” special was made with just-squeezed pink grapefruit juice, and the desserts — all outstanding — used seasonal fruits in inventive ways. A creamy milk-chocolate panna cotta was served with warm, sweet pears. Homemade ricotta fitelle was accompanied by a contrasting apple ice. And don’t miss the Mexican dark-chocolate crème brûlée, which gave a new taste twist to the ubiquitous dessert.
Bonfiglio & Bread
748 Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 822-0277
Our pick for best breakfast in Hudson is easy - Bonfiglio & Bread. This tiny bakery (expect to have to hover/wait for seating, or just take it outside and pop a squat on the curb) serves impressive baked goods and equally serious, yet un-fussy breakfast and lunch foods. We love the poached eggs & avocado (also involving yogurt, bacon, and edible flowers), but as long as you’re unafraid of carbs you really can’t go wrong here.
610 Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 828-3459
If you’re looking for a great dinner in Hudson, but don’t necessarily feel like shelling out more than the cost of a night at your (extremely hip) Airbnb, consider Hudson Food Studio. It’s a casual, cozy spot serving modern Vietnamese, and we loved our dinner here. The vibe is super relaxed yet lively, and the noodles and pho are exactly what you want to eat on a chilly fall night after a long day outside.
323 Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534
518-828-3558
If you’re heading out into nature for the day, you can’t pack a better picnic than with what you’ll find at Talbott & Arding, a specialty grocery store and market in the middle of town. Everything about this place is well thought out, and after loading up on sandwiches, salads, sides, and cookies, you’ll probably have to resist the urge to grab some of their merch too. We own a tote bag from here and feel great about it.
Fish & Game
13 S 3rd St, Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 822-1500
The locals stay away in droves!!! Fish & Game is easily the most-hyped restaurant in Hudson. But in this case, hype doesn’t quite translate to quality - the space is absolutely beautiful (you feel like you’re in an extremely fancy country club lodge), but the food is pretty underwhelming - and for the high price, there are much better ways to spend your dollar in this town. But we do like Fish & Game for one situation: get here on the early side, snag a seat at the bar or in the lounge, and order a cocktail here before you move on to your main event meal elsewhere (ideally Farmer & Sons or Food Studio).
Wm. Farmer & Sons
20 S Front St, Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 828-1635
A step down from Fish & Game in terms of fanciness, but a step up in terms of food is Farmer & Sons. This restaurant is connected to a hotel, but it’s about as far from a hotel restaurant as you could imagine. The vibe in the room is awesome, it’s typically packed with people, the service is great, and the food is all familiar stuff executed very well. The crowd here is everyone from big families to couples on weekend trips.
35 South 3rd Street Hudson, NY 12534
518 828 0798
This place does not fit in with the rest of its quaint, homey, Hudson-y surroundings one bit. Nor does it fit in into one specific category. Or Gallery & Tavern is somewhere between a bar, a restaurant, a store, and a gallery - and the look of the place is about as edgy as you’ll find in Hudson. It’s a big, cement-covered converted garage, with a nice patio for the warmer months and plenty of seating inside for when it’s cold. If you’re looking to kill some time between lunch and dinner, come here to sit at the big circular bar, have a beer on tap and a charcuterie plate, and talk up some locals (or more realistically, some other NYC people who are visiting for the weekend).
The Spotty Dog Books & Ale
440 Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 671-6006
If you get excited about craft beer, stop into Spotty Dog, a bookstore/craft beer bar. Get a local brew, pick up a book, park yourself in a comfy chair, and you’ll wonder why people don’t mix literature and alcohol more often.
Places to eat in Rhinebeck
PETIT BISTRO
8 E Market St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
(845) 876-7400
Francophiles squash into Joseph Dalu's “absolutely charming” Rhinebeck French bistro, knowing that “anything from a snack at the bar to a romantic dinner” will be “impeccably prepared” ; “brilliant specials” and “superior” , “not fawning service” help cancel out the “only negative: the proximity of adjoining tables” , because “petit is the word” for the super-“cozy” room; even so, “it feels great to be” at this “winner.”
-Zagat 2007/08
MARKET STREET
19 West Market St. Rhinebeck NY 12572
845-872-4500.
A favorite of Adrian and Yvette the homeowners, it is located in the heart of Rhinebeck, NY. It is the second restaurant from the team of Chef Gianni Scappin (CUCINA) and Lois Freedman to offer Chef Scappin’s lauded, contemporary Italian menu, featuring seasonal, local ingredients combined with the highest quality Italian products. Market St.’s wood burning brick oven, from which Chef Scappin’s signature Neapolitan-style pizzas are made, glows behind a long white marble counter. The elegant and rustic style dining rooms are dotted with antique finds and filament light fixtures. Driftwood pickled floors and cozy booths with Belgium linen banquettes create a convivial atmosphere.
An instant hit with locals and tourists, Market ST is always bustling with a breezy vibe. Sip specialty cocktails at the bar or dine on the patio and watch historic Rhinebeck go by.
Terrapin
6426 Montgomery St Rhinebeck, NY 12572
(845) 876-3330
The owner, Josh takes great pride in selecting the best organic vegetarian foods & farm raised organic meats - local from the Hudson Valley. “Tapas plates were particularly nice with Brie and Mango Crostini and Goat Cheese Wontons.” The macadamia nut calamari may have been one of the freshest and best textured calamari I've ever had.”
Places to eat in Red Hook
7488 S Broadway Red Hook, NY 12571
(845) 758-8260
Good food great service. Hanger Steak was perfectly medium. Roasted Root vegetables were nicely seasoned and perfectly cooked. Wife's Shrimp and Grits had tasty Swiss Chard and thick bacon slabs. Dining room got pretty busy but the atmosphere was pleasant throughout our meal. I recommend the burger with the spring greens salad & light vinaigrette, this was in the top 5 burgers of a lifetime.
Places to eat in Shandaken/Phoenecia
TAVERN 214
76 State Route 214 Phoenicia, NY 12464
(845) 688-7383
I have a love hate relationship with Tavern 214. We had the lobster mac and cheese and the strip steak, both very well prepared and tasty. The Tuna Poky (like a ceviche) is amazing though pricey. Loved the spinach salad (dressing was amazing!), salmon flat bread, figs, duck quesadilla, and truffle fries. We love this place but come away feeling they would do well to lower their prices and hence visit only occasionally and generally do apps.
SWEET SUES
(845) 688-7852
49 Main St; Phoenicia, New York 12464
SIMPLY THE BEST PANCAKES ON THE PLANET –OPEN TILL 3:OO P.M. call ahead as hours have been spotty lately. All the breads are baked on premises. The food is amazing, you can tell it's made from scratch. My tip: there was a 40 minute wait for a table so we sat at the bar. Also, CASH ONLY!
5681 NY-28, Phoenicia, NY 12464
(845) 688-9957
Phoenicia Diner may as well be called The Instagram Diner. Even if you think you’ve never heard of this place, you’ve probably seen its waffles, or its chilaquiles, or its Bloody Mary - all under excellent natural light inside the perfectly-updated classic diner space. As insufferable as that prospect might sound, and as much as you’ll feel like you’re walking into Portlandia Goes To Woodstock, it’s pretty impossible not to love this place: the vibes are great, the menu is full of stuff you want to eat, and the food is actually good (get the buckwheat pancakes or huevos rancheros). Yes, you’re almost sure you’ve seen at least three of the people eating around you on your coop shift, but it’s okay - you can all share in the joy of being in not-Brooklyn. Word to the wise: this place isn’t actually in Phoenicia proper (but a quick five-minute drive from it), and it’s the only spot around with wifi (and therefore cell service).
Brio's Pizzeria & Restaurant
68 Main St, Phoenicia, NY 12464
(845) 688-5370
Good food Breakfast to dinner mainstay. Wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas plus Italian & American eats & a bar “You would never expect to get pizza this good in the Catskills, but it is outstanding, and quite a few choices too. “Yummy wood fired oven baked pizza great guacamole delicious breakfasts tasty sandwiches on bread baked on site...” “Again, try the garlic curly fries; some people say it's better than an orgasm.”
8373 NY-28, Big Indian, NY 12410
(845) 254-6500
Peekamoose is an even better restaurant than it is a word, and that’s saying a lot. We’d put it alongside Red Onion as a must-visit for dinner if you’re spending the weekend around Phoenicia or Woodstock. The atmosphere feels like a giant ski lodge, with two options for seating depending on your vibe (the dining room’s more formal, and the tap room’s more laid-back), and a lovely deck if you’re here when it’s warm. As for the food: the menu seems to have been created so you want to order everything - think short ribs, rigatoni and meatballs, and wood-grilled octopus.