A recent travel itinerary highlights the Hudson Valley as a destination for those seeking both luxury and cultural experiences, with a focus on Black-owned businesses and sites of historical significance. The trip, shared by influencer Dev Walker (@walkwithdevwalker) and her friend Abi, features stops in Beacon, Rhinebeck, Poughkeepsie, Gardiner, and New Paltz.
The journey begins in Beacon at Matcha Thomas, a Black-owned café offering plant-based matcha drinks. Visitors can then explore Dia Beacon’s art collection, which includes works by Black artists such as Senga Nengudi and Melvin Edwards. Main Street in Beacon offers galleries like the Beacon Artists Union (BAU), boutiques, and artisan shops.
Lunch is recommended at BJ’s Restaurant, a Black-owned establishment known for its soul food. Historical exploration continues at Mount Gulian Historic Site, where stories of enslaved African Americans are featured alongside that of James F. Brown, who became the estate’s master gardener after gaining his freedom.
At sunset, travelers can visit the Walkway Over the Hudson pedestrian bridge to view scenic vistas and a statue honoring Sojourner Truth. Dinner options include Restaurant Six at Curry Estate, run by six local sisters.
Evening entertainment is available at The Vinyl Room in Beacon. On the second day, brunch is suggested at Wildflower Farms’ Clay restaurant in Gardiner before wine tasting at Robibero Family Vineyards. Dinner follows at The Roundhouse in Beacon with views of Beacon Falls.
Day three starts with breakfast at Willow at Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Rhinebeck. Relaxation continues at Haven Spa, described as “a luxurious Haven Spa in Rhinebeck! This Black woman-owned spa combines ancient eastern and western practices with modern physician-proven techniques,” according to the release.
Lunch can be found at Twisted Soul Food Concepts in Poughkeepsie before visiting Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz to learn about Black culture and heritage dating back 300 years. Shopping concludes the trip at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets.
Other suggested stops include Sylvia’s for West Indian cuisine and Smith Metropolitan AME Zion Church for historical context on African American life in the region.
Travelers can reach the Hudson Valley via Stewart International Airport or other nearby airports including Westchester County Airport, JFK International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, or Newark International Airport. Train options include Metro-North from Grand Central Terminal or Amtrak to Poughkeepsie Station with transfer to Metro-North. By car, travel times from major cities range from 1 hour 30 minutes from New York City or Albany to over three hours from Boston.
“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,” states the release.
