Get the girls together… A luxurious Hudson Valley getaway awaits! Not only is this scenic region home to sprawling vineyards and unbeatable farm-to-table dining, it’s also an area steeped in Black culture. In New York State, luxury doesn’t always have to mean expensive. Here, luxurious experiences can be as simple as spending quality time catching up with old friends over brunch at Wildflower Farms, exploring rich Black culture at sites like the Sojourner Truth Statue, or devoting time to self care and wellness at a Black-owned spa in Rhinebeck. Photo credit: @walkwithdevwalker on Instagram.
Follow along with influencer Dev Walker (@walkwithdevwalker) and friend Abi as they embark on the ultimate luxe girls getaway in the Hudson Valley and get inspired to plan your own New York State adventure.
DAY 1:
10AM: Explore trendy Beacon
Start With Tea at Matcha Thomas
Credit: @walkwithdevwalker on Instagram
Ease into a serene morning at Matcha Thomas, a cozy, Black-owned, sister-led café serving artisanal, ceremonial-grade matcha lattes and seasonally-inspired bubble teas. Everything on the menu is plant-based, gluten-free, and refined-sugar free. The spa-like ambiance combined with mindfully-sourced ingredients from tea farmers in Japan will have you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated with each sip.
Appreciate Art at Dia Beacon
CREDIT: @ALLLLLBERTO ON INSTAGRAM
Roam the halls of a 300,000-square-foot former factory, now home to the Dia Art Foundation’s renowned collection of works from the 1960s to modern day. You’ll discover large-scale sculptures and installations, and pieces from Black artists like Senga Nengudi (pictured) and Melvin Edwards, and other artists like Andy Warhol, Dan Flavin, and Louise Bourgeois. Outside, more than 30 acres of thoughtfully designed landscape offer a peaceful environment for more art and exploration.
Meander Main Street
Credit: @beacon_transplant on Instagram
If you haven’t gotten your fill of art, browse the art galleries, boutiques, and eclectic shops that decorate Main Street. See for yourself why the Beacon Artists Union (BAU) was voted “Best Art Gallery” in the region, or pop into stylish boutiques like Reservoir & Wood and Vintage Beacon. For fun finds and whimsical wonders, zip over to Zakka Joy, or satisfy your sweet tooth with artisan chocolates at Hakan Chocolatier.
12:30PM: Lunch at BJ’s Restaurant
Credit: @walkwithdevwalker on Instagram
Savor soul food at BJ’s Restaurant, a Black-owned Beacon staple that’s been feeding the community for nearly 50 years. Known for its warm hospitality and comfort cuisine, you can enjoy a menu of favorites like crispy fried chicken, short ribs, oxtail, mac and cheese, collard greens, cornbread, and much more.
2PM: Tour Mount Gulian Historic Site
Step into a Revolutionary War-era homestead deeply rooted in Black history and resilience. Once the headquarters of General von Steuben, Mount Gulian Historic Site also tells the powerful stories of the enslaved African Americans who lived and worked there, including James F. Brown, who gained his freedom and went on to become the estate’s master gardener. His decades of detailed diaries offer a glimpse into the life of a free Black man in the North during the 19th century. From April to October, take a guided tour of the heritage garden Brown once tended, the historic home, and 18th-century Dutch barn. Note: Mount Gulian also hosts private events, so be sure to call ahead to make sure the site is open and available.
5PM: Catch Golden Hour at The Walkway Over the Hudson
Credit: @walkwithdevwalker on Instagram
Take a sunset stroll on the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. The Walkway Over The Hudson stands 212 above the Hudson River and spans 1.28 miles, offering panoramic, sweeping vistas of the river, Catskill Mountains, and lush landscape. The paved path is perfect for walking, running, bicycling, or blading, and don’t miss viewing the seven-foot bronze statue of Sojourner Truth (pictured), honoring the Hudson Valley-born abolitionist and suffragist (at the walkway’s Highland entrance).
7:30PM: Dine in Elegance at The Curry Estate
A divine girls’ dinner awaits at Restaurant Six, the 4-star culinary gem nestled within the elegant Curry Estate. This beautifully restored country inn was brought to life by six Hudson Valley-born sisters, and when you step inside you’ll feel just like family. Reserve a table and savor refined American and European-inspired dishes like lollipop lamb chops, a locally sourced charcuterie board, blackened shrimp & grits, stuffed pumpkin risotto, and filet mignon. Sip on handcrafted cocktails, mocktails, or curated wines from the Hudson Valley and beyond. There’s always room for dessert, and the crème brûlée or New York-style cheesecake is perfect for sharing.
9:30PM: Get a taste of Beacon’s nightlife
Cap off the night at The Vinyl Room in Beacon, a cocktail lounge, speakeasy, arcade, and record shop hybrid where craft drinks, tapas, and good vibes keep the party going all night long. You and your girls can sing and dance to your favorite classics with DJs spinning throwbacks from the 80s and 90s every Friday and Saturday. Note: on weekends the Vinyl Room can get busy, so you may want to arrive earlier to beat the line.
DAY 2:
11AM: Splurge on Brunch at Wildflower Farms
Credit: @wildflowerauberge on Instagram
For brunch goals, venture no further than Clay at Wildflower Farms. Recently voted the #1 Resort in New York by Travel + Leisure, this boujee 140-acre retreat in Gardiner is as Insta-worthy as it gets. Ease into your morning surrounded by rolling meadows, orchard views, and the spectacular Shawangunk Ridge as you dine on delicacies from the farm-to-table restaurant. The menu includes shakshuka, buttermilk fried chicken, olive oil pancakes, and eggs benedict. Pair it with feel-good sips like the “calm bucha,” green vitality, or a berry & beet smoothie.
2PM: Sip Back and Relax
Two miles down the road you’ll find Robibero Family Vineyards, where handcrafted wines, live music, and stunning views await. Enjoy scenic tastings overlooking the famous Shawangunk Mountain ridge on a serene 42-acre property.
7PM: Back to Beacon for Dinner at The Roundhouse
Credit: @roundhousebeacon on Instagram
Dine with a view at The Roundhouse. The restaurant is framed by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Beacon Falls, and the menu showcases modern American cuisine inspired by the agricultural richness of the Hudson Valley. Order the crispy brussels sprouts and whipped ricotta for the table and then dive into the steak frites, Calamarata Adoro imported pasta, or pan seared Faroe Island salmon.
9PM: End the Night at Roosevelt Bar
Close out the day with a craft cocktail at Roosevelt Bar. Found in the Hudson Valley Food Hall, this stylish bar offers a relaxed late-night vibe and drink list that rotates seasonally. Plus, they also have live music on Wednesdays and drag shows every Friday!
DAY 3:
8:30PM: Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast in Rhinebeck
The best mornings are filled with Parisian dining vibes and farm-to-table cuisine at Willow at the Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Rhinebeck. Take a peek at the menu, where dishes draw inspiration from cuisine found throughout French bistros and are infused with the agricultural heritage of the Hudson Valley. Revel in elegance indoors in the dining room or on the outdoor patio, which is heated in the winter, while you enjoy menu items like a French breakfast plate, buttermilk pancakes, or an Acai grain bowl.
10:00AM: Spend the morning unwinding at Haven Spa
Credit: @walkwithdevwalker on Instagram
After breakfast, it’s time to unwind with a girls day at the luxurious Haven Spa in Rhinebeck! This Black woman-owned spa combines ancient eastern and western practices with modern physician-proven techniques, providing peaceful retreat for true rest and relaxation. On the spa menu, you’ll find a variety of spa services from rejuvenating deep tissue massages and reiki to hydrating facials and body scrubs.
12:30PM: Grab lunch at a community staple in Poughkeepsie
Credit: @morgany.eats on Instagram
No matter what you’re craving, Twisted Soul Food Concepts is sure to satisfy any palate! This Black-owned restaurant is celebrated for its street food-inspired menu, featuring house-prepared dumplings, Colombian-style Arepas, noodle bowls with Malaysian curry coconut sauce, Bubble tea, and so much more. Did we mention that they also make their own gourmet cupcakes?
2PM: Explore Black history in the Hudson Valley
Credit: @its_jb0 on Instagram
Step back in time along New Paltz’s Historic Huguenot Street, where you can learn about Black culture and heritage in the Hudson Valley. Experience 300 years of history on a tour of this National Historic Landmark District, showcasing the history of the settlement as it evolved, including the stories of the enslaved African Americans who built the community in 1674. You’ll get to see the early 18th-century Jacob (Jean) Hasbrouck House which offers a glimpse into the colonial life of both free and enslaved African Americans in the area, as well as a replica Esopus Munsee wigwam, representing the strength and sacrifices of this region’s indigenous peoples from pre-colonial America
3:30PM: Shop luxury brands at the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
What better way to end your trip than with a shopping spree? One of the largest luxury outlet centers in the country, the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is home to more than 250 luxury designer and name brand shops like Gucci, Lululemon, Coach, Nike, and Fendi with discounts of up to 65% off!
Other places you may want to check out:
-
Sylvia’s (Poughkeepsie): Visit this Black-owned landmark serves up fresh West Indian cuisine.
-
Indulge (Poughkeepsie): Stop by Indulge for riverside dining and a relaxed atmosphere.
-
Smith Metropolitan AME Zion Church (Poughkeepsie): Check out this historic Black church and community landmark central to African American history in the region.
GETTING THERE:
By plane:
-
Stewart International Airport (SWF)
-
Westchester County Airport (HPN)
-
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
-
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
-
Newark International Airport (EWR)
By train:
-
Metro-North from Grand Central Terminal to Beacon or Poughkeepsie.
-
Amtrak to Poughkeepsie Station, then transfer to Metro-North to Beacon Station.
By car:
-
From NYC: 1 hour, 30 minutes
-
From Albany: 1 hour, 30 minutes
-
From Philadelphia: 2 hours, 40 minutes
-
From Boston: 3 hours, 10 minutes
