The town of Saugerties is about a 2 hour drive from New York City, which is the perfect mix of "let's go for a beautiful drive" and "let's really escape for the weekend." The town itself is home to plenty of restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. During your stay, you can also visit the Saugerties Lighthouse, which is an 1869 landmark on the Hudson River that houses a living museum and a renowned bed and breakfast.
From the parking lot, it’s about a 15 minute walk through a wooded a nature trail, which makes for a fun little adventure on its own before reaching the lighthouse itself. It’s best to make the trek during low tide, but if you mis-time your visit, there are rain boots available to borrow.
Pack a lunch and enjoy the view on the patio once you reach the lighthouse, and if you plan far enough ahead, you can even stay there! Another top attraction in the area is Opus 40, an earthwork sculpture park and arts center. This unique location was founded in 1978, and features over six acres of winding walkways, some 16 feet below ground, as you make your way through the quarry with Overlook Mountain as a majestic backdrop. The site often hosts concerts, art exhibits and lectures, so be sure to check their schedule before you visit.
For the ultimate country escape, consider hunkering down at Barn on the Pond, which is actually just a short walk from Opus 40. That said, once you step foot inside, you may never want to leave.
Barn on the Pond is a stunning converted barn, and if you visit during the cooler months, you will be greeted with a warm hug emanating from the fireplace, and the smell of a delicious home cooked meal awakening your senses if you decide to utilize their catering package.
High ceilings, exposed beams, a state-of-the-art kitchen and beautiful art pieces and furnishings turn this rustic barn into a true luxury accommodation, with room for 12 of your closest friends. No expense has been spared in preserving the history of the gorgeous building, while also adding the necessary modern conveniences you would expect and need for a relaxing country escape.
As the name suggests, it's set above a serene pond, complete with a stone firepit (perfect for those late-night s'mores cravings!) Patios and decks wrap around most of the property, allowing for outdoor entertaining on warmer evenings and days. A cozy Airstream sits nearby to accommodate overflow guests. There’s a reason this property is the second-most rented converted barn on Homeaway.
If you want the ultimate pampering experience, Barn on the Pond offers a service where they will personally arrange a chef or caterer to prepare a meal (or meals) during your stay so you don't have to lift a finger. On this particular night, Olsen & Company provided a family-style dinner complete with a beautiful table-scape decorated for the holiday season.
Each dish was as delicious as it was beautiful and everything was fresh and locally sourced. Olsen & Company also has a small grocery store and cafe in town, so even if you don't elect the catering option, be sure to stop by and pick up a few things for your weekend away!
If you are in the mood to enjoy a dinner out, be sure to check out Black Eyed Suzie's. It's a cozy little spot, but don't let the size fool you... this restaurant is pumping out some big-time flavors and dishes! Fridays are fried chicken nights, and for just $20, you get 2 pieces of buttermilk fried chicken, mashed potatoes, slaw and a piece of cornbread (and you can add a third piece of chicken for just $4.50.)
Also do not miss the parker house loaf! Pillowy soft bread topped with crunchy sea salt is what carb dreams are made of. The macaroni was a perfect accompaniment to the chicken, and washed it all down with a cider flight and session cocktails.
Guest Writer
IG Jaymeesire
