This Hudson Valley Town Lets You Wander A Giant Stone Labyrinth, Sleep In A Lighthouse, And Eat Garlic Ice Cream

The Hudson Valley is full of charming small towns—but Saugerties, NY plays by its own rules. Sitting right where the Esopus Creek spills into the Hudson River, this former mill town blends river drama, Catskills foothills, and a downtown that feels quietly creative rather than overly curated . It’s the kind of place where you can browse antique shops in the morning , **wander a massive stone maze by afternoon, and end the day watching the sun dip behind a lighthouse you *can actually sleep in*. While nearby [Woodstock](https://secretnyc.co/best-small-town-to-see-fall-foliage-in-us-2025-woodstock-ny/) gets most of the attention for its artsy mystique, Saugerties has carved out a reputation as its more grounded, slightly eccentric sibling—one that New Yorkers are increasingly discovering for weekend escapes that feel memorable. Oh and did we mention it’s quirks? It’s even home to one of the largest garlic festivals in the country. Here’s how to experience Saugerties at its weird, wonderful best. Wander a stone labyrinth that took 37 years to build ---------------------------------------------------- Just outside town, Opus 40 feels like something you’re not supposed to stumble upon. Built almost entirely by hand by sculptor Harvey Fite over nearly four decades, this six-and-a-half-acre bluestone earthwork rises from an old quarry like an ancient ruin dropped into the Catskills. Visitors can climb ramps, duck through tunnels, wander stone terraces, and take in views that feel part Mayan temple, part land-art masterpiece. It’s one of the most surreal places in upstate New York—and somehow still flies under the radar. While right now it’s closed for the winter season, it will re-open soon enough when the weather gets warmer...and by summer time it becomes truly alive outdoor concerts and events! Walk to a [lighthouse](https://secretnyc.co/lighthouses-near-nyc/) at the edge of the Hudson -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We’ll go ahead and say it, the Saugerties Lighthouse might be one of the Hudson Valley’s most storybook landmarks—but getting there is half the magic. A flat, half-mile trail winds through marshland and driftwood-strewn shoreline before revealing the 1869 brick lighthouse perched on a tiny peninsula. At sunrise or sunset, the whole place feels suspended between river and sky. The twist of the century though? The lighthouse doubles as a tiny B&B. With just two rooms available, you can actually spend the night inside the tower, falling asleep to the sound of the river and waking up to fog rolling off the Hudson**. It books far in advance, but it’s one of the best stays you can have in Upstate NY in our humble opinion. The Hudson Valley town that worships...garlic?! --------------------------------------------- Yes, that’s right...Saugerties doesn’t just *like* garlic—it celebrates it. Every fall, the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival takes over town, drawing tens of thousands of visitors for what’s been billed as one of the largest garlic-focused festivals in the U.S . Any given year you can expect braids of heirloom garlic, seed varieties treated like fine wine, live music, chef demos, and foods that range from garlic knots and fries to full-on garlic ice cream . It’s campy, joyful, and unapologetically niche—which is exactly why you need to see it to believe it. Nature, animals, and unexpected side quests ------------------------------------------- Saugerties packs a surprising amount into a small footprint, and from a nature perspective it’s a great all-year-round visit! Esopus Bend Nature Preserve offers quiet trails along sweeping bends of the creek, perfect for birdwatching or golden-hour walks, while Falling Waters Preserve delivers wooded paths and small cascades just minutes from downtown. Outside the village, Catskill Animal Sanctuary invites visitors to meet rescued farm animals and hear their stories—an unexpectedly moving stop that’s especially popular with families. There’s even a full-size ice rink at Kiwanis Ice Arena , open year-round, and summer baseball games at Cantine Field , adding to the town’s low-key, community-driven vibe. Where to eat, drink, and browse between adventures -------------------------------------------------- Downtown Saugerties has quietly become a great place to wander, drawing New Yorkers from all corners of the state. Antique shops, vintage stores, and indie boutiques line the streets, while spots like Miss Lucy’s Kitchen deliver cozy, farm-to-table comfort that feels earned, not trendy. The Dutch Ale House , open since 1933, remains a go-to for local brews and classic pub fare, while Alleyway Ice Cream hides in a literal alley serving playful, flight-style scoops in flavors like ube and Thai tea. For a more design-forward stay, Diamond Mills sits right on the water overlooking a dam and waterfall—proof that Saugerties can do polished without losing its soul. Saugerties isn’t trying to reinvent itself—and that’s what makes it such a compelling escape. At just two hours from NYC , it’s the rare small town that manages to be memorable, slightly strange, and deeply relaxing all at once! Source: https://secretnyc.co/saugerties-ny-small-town-escape/