One of the more convenient and fulfilling ways to take in the splendors that Beacon has to offer is Beacon Arts’ Second Saturday, a citywide celebration of the arts held the second Saturday of each month. The festivities, which feature gallery exhibitions, music, food tasting, and more, continue all day and well into the night, making it one of the Lower Hudson Valley’s most talked about street fairs. Of particular note is the fact that most of Beacon’s countless galleries schedule their exhibition openings to coincide with Second Saturday.
Second Saturday, Main St, Beacon, NY, USA
Gabe Brown Opening at Matteawan Gallery during Beacon Arts’ Monthly Second Saturday Event | Image Courtesy of Matteawan Gallery
Bannerman Island, also known as Pollepel Island, is located on the Hudson River just south of Beacon. Its most famous feature is the towering ruins of a castle compound that once housed David Bannerman’s arsenal of surplus military supplies and ordnance. Now a part of the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, walking tours are regularly offered by the Bannerman Castle Trust, which is dedicated to the upkeep and preservation of the fragile site. The island is accessible by water only, with a couple of convenient transportation options casting off from Beacon’s Long Dock Park each weekend. Make reservations ahead of time to travel by boat, aboard the Estuary Steward, or to join a kayak tour sponsored by Beacon’s Mountain Tops Outfitters. Also consider attending one of the island’s numerous special events, such as the Constellation tour and light show on weekend evenings, or one of the regular outdoor theater productions.
Estuary Steward, Long Dock Park, Long Dock Rd, Beacon, NY, USA +1 855 256 4007