8 Ways to Enjoy Labor Day Weekend In Beacon
A quiet moment before Labor Day at the Southern Dutchess Country Club, Beacon.
There’s still plenty of warm, summer sunny days ahead of us. But with the cool, crisp, mornings we’ve been experiencing, the crunch in the leaves, the earlier sunsets, and Labor Day and school on the horizon, there’s no doubt that fall is in the air.
That said, there’s still plenty of time to tick off all the things on your summer to-do list you haven’t gotten to yet. So, don’t let the last days of the season pass you by without enjoying some of the best of what Beacon has to offer.
1. A last swim in the Outdoor Pool
This one’s time sensitive. Beacon’s sparkling 140 feet x 50 feet public outdoor pool (5 Camp Loop Road) closes on Labor Day, Monday, September 1st. So does the pool for members at the Southern Dutchess Country Club (1209 North Avenue). Swimmers know there’s nothing more refreshing on a hot, sticky day than floating on your back and looking up at the azure sky and fluffy clouds. While serious swimmers know there’s nothing more rewarding than upping your laps quota day by day. Either way, swimming outdoors is a life-affirming experience, the memories of which will keep you going through the cold winter months. The River Pool at Pete and Toshi Seeger Park also closes in early September (date TBD as of writing but it’s usually early September), so if river dipping is your thing, go before it’s deconstructed, packed up, and stashed away until next summer.
2. Visit Bannerman Island
One of the many spectacular views from Bannerman Island.
If every year you say, “We must go to Bannerman Island,” but never make it there, this weekend is the time to take a gorgeous Hudson River ride on the Estuary Steward to the see the castle, the family house, and the stunning gardens on the island. In fact, the Bannerman Island gardens are so enticing to Monarch butterflies during their migration south this time of year, that it is now designated a Monarch Butterfly Way Station. Book tickets here.
3. Celebrate Another Door’s Fourth Birthday
Another Door, 468-470 Main Street, Beacon.
Another Door (468-470 Main Street), the double-fronted consignment store, is celebrating its fourth Birthday on Saturday, August 30th. The Beacon Beacon celebrates every small business on Main Street because we know running a small business takes guts, stamina, and a high tolerance for risk. Kudos to owner, Andrea, whose endless creativity and dedication to high touch customer care has made Another Door one of the most popular shops on Main Street. Be sure to stop by, play some bingo, check out the secret sale, enjoy an exclusive and very exciting popup, and grab a refreshment.
4. Indulge in a Last Summer Ice Cream
Ice cream never tastes the same once the temperatures turn cooler. That’s why most ice cream parlors are seasonal. The Labor Day Weekend is the perfect time to indulge in all those flavors you haven’t had a chance to try yet. Or maybe go all out with a sundae or a banana split. There’s parlor close by wherever you happen to be in Beacon. Choose from Ron’s Ice Cream (298 Fishkill Avenue), Beacon Creamery (134 Main Street), Five Pennies Creamery at Hudson Valley Food Hall (288 Main Street), The Chocolate Studio (498 Main Street), or Beacon Bath & Bubbles (458 Main Street) if an indulgent, vintage-style ice cream float is on your wish list.
5. Outdoor dining
Depending on how fall unfolds, we may have two to three more months to eat al fresco. But after that, you’re looking at six months before being able to enjoy a meal outside while watching the sun go down. That’s tough for any Hudson Valley sunset lover. So, it’s time to make the most of eating and drinking al fresco now that the humidity has disappeared (for the time being!). Catch up on the best spots to dine outside here.
6. Rent a Kayak
Rent a kayak down at Long Dock Park’s waterfront, Beacon.
There’s no better way to experience the Hudson River than to feel the push and pull of the current as you take in the epic Highlands views from a kayak. Mosey along the river at your own pace and absorb all the nature and history the vista has to offer. Hudson River Expeditions can be found at the waterfront in Long Dock Park. Online reservations are recommended; so is checking the calendar ahead of time to make sure the weather and tide conditions are cooperative. Looking for a fun and original date? Rent a tandem kayak. It’ll be a great way to find out if your companion’s a good team player!
7. BBQ, Of Course
If you’re not planning to host a BBQ at home, but you absolutely love brisket, short ribs, smoked chicken, burgers, hotdogs, and all the trimmings, then head to Dave the Butcher (232 Main Street) where owners, Dave and Melissa, are promising a Labor Day feast to remember in their garden. Follow them on Instagram for more details and times. Booking may be necessary.
8. Go Out Sunday Evening
Finally, thanks to the long Holiday weekend, most of us won’t be working this Monday. That means an extra night out past bedtime is in order before summertime is unofficially over. See our Eat & Drink Directory and choose from an abundance of cuisines on and off Main Street to raise a glass to another stunning Hudson Valley summer.
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Until next time…
The Beacon Beacon🧡