Get ready for Father’s Day, Beacon
The Last Outpost, at the corner of Main Street and North Chestnut Street.
What do you get the dad who has everything? Or for the dad who you think has everything.
It’s often difficult to know where to begin when trying to find the perfect Father’s Day gift. That’s why we’ve curated some ideas you’ll find right here in Beacon. Show dad just how special he is by opting for something that’s one-of-a-kind from Beacon’s mile long stretch of independent shops and beyond. The ideal gift for your dad can be found locally, whether he’s a coffee aficionado, an adventurer, a history buff, a foodie, or a bookworm.
With just over two weeks to go—Sunday, June 15th—it’s time to start planning.
For outdoors dad
The Last Outpost (314 Main Street) has a great assortment of curated handcrafted goods and clothing from local artisans, as well as refurbished antiques. We’re especially partial to the Bearsville Soap Company soaps in fragrances including Tobacco Blossom, Pine Tar and Lemongrass, and Bourbon and Oak.
Shaken or stirred?
Dennings Point Distillery’s award-winning Beacon Bourbon.
Dennings Point Distillery (10 North Chestnut Street) is the place for dads who enjoy a handcrafted, high-quality bourbon, vodka or gin. These locally distilled libations perfectly represent the spirit of Beacon (pun intended!). Plus, Dennings Point Distillery is currently participating in The Beacon Beacon Rewards Club, which means you’ll get 20% off a second bottle if you share the promo code at checkout. One for dad, one for you!
Also explore Coopers Beacon, (47 East Main Street), which recently introduced its own bespoke line of spirits that includes Bannerman’s Rum, a nod to the Hudson Highlands’ icon Bannerman’s Castle.
Stella’s Fine Market, a destination for non-alcoholic libations.
If your old man prefers his tipple sans alcohol, then go to Stella’s Fine Market (155 Main Street). Owner, Nicki Hayes has built a well-deserved reputation for curating an impressive selection of non-alcoholic beers, wine, mixers, spritzes, and more. Choose from n/a sour ales, IPAs, lagers, and even Guinness 0.0 Draught. Stella’s even carries an assortment of non-alcoholic negronis and wines.
The foodie dad
For the giftee who likes his coffee distinct and flavorful, look no further than Beacon Coffee Co & Mercantile (344 Main Street) which roasts and sells its own beans in small batches under the brand Whistle Punk Coffee Roasters. There’s something for every taste, from decaf (if that’s your thing) to robust dark roasts. Perfect for home brewers who enjoy flavor experimentation.
An excellent accompaniment to a fine coffee is a fine chocolate. Visit Alps Chocolate (269 Main Street) and Hakan Chocolatier (462 Main Street), two perfect destinations for those who find happiness in layers of rich, high quality cocoa bonbons.
Carters Restaurant & Lounge (424 Main Street) has a treat for those with big appetites. For Father’s Day, Carter’s is offering an epic “BBQ All You Can Eat for $40” menu featuring steak, burgers, hot dogs, sausage and peppers, mac and cheese, raw clams, steamed clams, clams casino, corn on the cob, and pulled pork. Phew! Book this one early as it’ll likely be a hot ticket.
A Cheese Board from Beacon Cheese Shop (378 Main Street)
For those who prefer home entertaining, make life easy and delicious by picking up a beautifully curated cheese or charcuterie board—or a combination of both—from Beacon Cheese Shop (378 Main Street). Board sizes range from small (for three to five people) to large (for eight to 10 people). Just let them know your tastes and preferences and they’ll do the rest. Order in advance to avoid disappointment.
An experience to remember
The Bannerman Island Tours boat leaves from Beacon’s waterfront.
Speaking of Bannerman Castle, why not consider an experiential gift? The history buff dad will love a daytrip to Bannerman Island, the storied home to Bannerman Castle. A ferry from Beacon’s waterfront takes you directly there, and the spectacular Hudson Highlands views you’ll see on the way there are a real bonus. For a splurge that includes a night of culinary indulgence and an optional whisky tasting, treat dad to a seat at the first Rabbie Burns Supper to celebrate the Bard of Scotland. The supper takes place Friday, July 25th on Bannerman Island.
Or, if dad’s always wanted to explore the waterways of the Hudson River more intimately, book him a Hudson River Expeditions tour by kayak or canoe from the waterfront at Long Dock Park. Tours include the Twilight Tour, Beacon to Cold Spring, or Bannerman Island.
And if pop‘s a wine connoisseur, an afternoon at Paul Brady Wine Tasting Room (344 Main Street) will allow him to sample the best of New York State’s wines from the North Fork, the Finger Lakes, the Hudson Valley, and Niagara.
A forever gift
Distortion Society (155 Main Street) might be an appropriate destination for the dad looking to express himself. The studio offers custom tattoos tailored to individual tastes. Owner, Bradley Silver, specializes in abstract, avant-garde, and ornamental blackwork tattooing.
At Beacon Tintype (149 Main Street), book a beautifully timeless, one-of-a-kind portrait of you and your father. Choose a portrait on tin (tintype) or glass (ambrotype). Both use a 19th century technique that will have your own future generations looking back fondly on their ancestors.
The literary dad
If your dad’s nose is often buried in a book, head to Stanza Books (508 Main Street) where you’ll find the latest book releases along with fiction and non-fiction classics. Stanza Books is also co-presenting the upcoming Beacon LitFest 2025 which takes place from Thursday, June 12th to Saturday, June 14th and will bring major literary voices to multiple venues across Beacon. Beacon Litworks—a writing workshop day—is on Sunday, June 15th. Dads who aspire to be an author or a poet will likely enjoy this marquee Hudson Valley event. Explore more here. Also consider Binnacle Books (321 Main Street), which sells secondhand and new books.
And finally, stop by Lewis & Pine (133 Main Street), Hudson Beach Glass (162 Main Street), Play (167 Main Street), Zakka Joy (177 Main Street), Sybil (504 Main Street), and Solstad House (488 Main Street), or Stanza Books (508 Main Street) for Father’s Day greetings card that won’t make you cringe.
If we didn’t spark an idea with this feature, dig into our Shop Directory for more inspiration and explore every shop in Beacon for every type of dad. Check out our Eat & Drink Directory if a brunch, lunch, or dinner is on the agenda.
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Until next time…
The Beacon Beacon🧡