Curator’s statement
The Hudson Valley is home to some of the most fertile soil in the world — the Black Dirt Region. The mineral-rich soil left behind by an ancient glacial lake makes for high-quality, locally-grown crops and clean water. Enter: beer. Brewers have been taking advantage of these natural resources for many years, spawning an abundance of top-notch Hudson Valley breweries. Combine hundreds of unique beers with a taste of nature and cute, historical towns and voila: a perfect weekend upstate. There are 18 breweries on this itinerary. You won’t be able to hit them all — pick and choose! Remember: always check opening hours.
The Fora Difference
Book with Maggie to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Unlock perks by contacting Maggie to book your trip.
Day 1: NYC to Beacon
Afternoon
Head north! Grab lunch and your first beer at one (or two) of the spots below. Listed from South to North.
Westchester County Breweries
Captain Lawrence Brewing Co. — Elmsford, NY. Big outdoor space with a large menu (really good wings). Lots of variety.
Sing Sing Kill Brewery — Ossining, NY. Sustainability-focused, local ingredients. Get a pretzel-bun hot dog.
The Peekskill Brewery — Peekskill, NY. Full food menu, yummy cocktails. Down the street from the train station.
Optional stop
Cold Spring is an adorable river village straight out of a Hallmark movie. Think: Main Street lined with local shops and cafes. Accessible via Metro North.
Evening: Arrive in Beacon
Drop your bags and run!
Beacon Breweries
Two Way Brewing Co.: Cozy, laidback space by the river/train station. Free popcorn!
Industrial Arts: Local fave known for their IPAs (esp. the Wrench series). Big deck with pretty views. Great for sunset.
Hudson Valley Brewing Co.: Personal favorite. They do everything well, but the Sour IPAs are just … ugh. The best. Amazing wood-fired pizza truck on-site.
Beacon Dinner Recs
Hudson Valley Food Hall, for something quick and casual.
Kitchen Sink, for farm-to-table in a warm atmosphere.
Day 2: Beacon to Kingston
Morning: Breakfast & Exploring
Grab a bite at The Beacon Daily (tater tot bowl, please) or make a DIY donut at Glazed Over. Enjoy the lovely town of Beacon in daylight. Shop, sit by the river, maybe even stop at DIA — A+ modern art museum.
Afternoon: Head North, Dutchess County Breweries
Obercreek Brewing Co. — Wappingers Falls. Low key farm vibes, feels like you’re in someone’s backyard. Really sweet. Beer always hits.
Mill House Brewing Co. — Poughkeepsie. Yummy food. Good place to grab some lunch. Solid tap variation.
King’s Court Brewing — Poughkeepsie. More great variety. Great outdoor space. Weekend food truck.
Blue Collar Brewery — Poughkeepsie. “True to style” beers AKA nothing too crazy. Industrial-casual.
Evening: Arrive in Kingston
Kingston has grown quite a bit in popularity these past few years. Big riverfront arts community. It’s a cool place. Be sure to walk around a bit.
Keegan Ales — Welcoming, homey vibe. Live music. Award winning stout! Tours available.
Kingston Standard Brewing Co. — Small batch beers in homage to the city. Good for dinner.
Kingston Dinner Rec
Pupuseria Mi Ranchito for no-frills Salvadoran/Mexican food — cheap and so tasty.
Day 3: Kingston to NYC
Morning
Grab a coffee and pastry and enjoy a chill morning at Rough Draft Bar & Books. This cafe/bookstore/bar is an all-around vibe.
Afternoon: Head South to New Paltz
New Paltz is a small college town, perfect for exploring for an hour or two. Further south, stop at either:
Kettleborough Cider House — New Paltz, NY. Views, ciders, nature!
Gardiner Brewing Co. — Gardiner, NY. Awesome space & staff. Lots of live music. Try the everything pretzel.
Evening: Enter the heart of Black Dirt Region.
The end of your boozy weekend lands you smack center in the Black Dirt Region at some of the most renowned breweries in the area. Choose wisely — but you’ll be happy any way you go.
Long Lot Farm Brewery — Chester. Beautiful farm. They grow their own hops. So cool.
Rushing Duck Brewing — Chester. Local vibes and brews in the town center. Thai food truck some days.
Tin Barn Brewing — Chester. For strong IPAs and heavily fruited sours. Thin-crust bar pies and other snacks. Outdoor terrace in summer, fireplace in the winter.
Drowned Lands — Warwick, NY. Another all-time fave. Unique saisons (and more) in a beautiful taproom.
Are you alive? Okay. Good.
Time to go home and drink water. Warwick is about a 90-minute drive from NYC. If you opt for public transport, believe it or not, there is a bus that brings you from town directly to Port Authority in the same amount of time. Nap time!
Need to know
This route can easily be done in reverse, or even partially as a day trip from NYC via the Metro North. For a full experience, I’d recommend driving/renting a car (and designating a DD each day!). It is also possible through a combination of public transport and Uber.
Let's talk about customizing this itinerary for you. Or, about other destinations.
Travel Advisor
Maggie Pecorino
Get in touch with Maggie
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Maggie within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
Looking for more beer-inspired travel? Check out my guide, Beer Tour: Amsterdam.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to New York.