Saugerties Is a One-Stop Shop for Dining and History in the Hudson Valley

Photo courtesy Adobe Stock/ Moelyn Photos

Looking for a home sweet home in Ulster County? Consider Saugerties, which charms with creativity and small-town shops galore.

Countless towns across the Valley have seen an uptick in new businesses and residents, but what makes Saugerties so special is its ability to balance a rich history with modern life, and integrate longtime locals with city transplants. Nestled between I-87 and the Hudson (and only 20 minutes away from the art hub that is Woodstock), the once sleepy mill town is now bustling with creatives, environmentalists, restaurateurs, and more.

living in Saugerties
Photo by Bentley Potter

A walk down Main and Partition streets—which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places thanks to the carefully-preserved 19th-century façades—will lead you to a variety of culinary gems. Grab a breakfast sandwich with locally-sourced eggs and microgreens at Olsen & Company; go for lunch at Hawaiian-inspired Ohana Café crêperie; stop for a heavenly latte and purchase in-house roasted beans at Bluestone Roasting Co.; have dinner at the lovingly-restored tavern, The Dutch; and end your day with a nightcap (and maybe a set of music) at The Partition Bar or dessert at Alleyway Ice Cream (we recommend the Thai tea cookies and cream).

Living in Saugerties
Photo courtesy of Steve Aaron/ Ulster County Tourism

Among the many inviting village storefronts are Inquiring Minds Bookstore & Café, a local favorite so packed with books you might mistake it for a library; Krause’s Chocolates, a divine confectionery (the scent will lure you through the door); Perfect Blend Yarn & Tea Shop—great for those who like to enjoy a hot cuppa wrapped in a blanket they crocheted themselves; and Bosco’s Mercantile, with its chic selection of womenswear, fragrances, bedding, and more. Thinking of catching a flick? Head for the art deco Orpheum Theatre of Upstate Films.

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While there’s so much to do and see downtown, a short drive from Saugerties will lead you to several spots worth visiting. The Saugerties Lighthouse is a beautiful place to watch the sun set and educate yourself on the Hudson’s history (you may also be able to stay overnight at the adjacent B&B if they have availability); Catskill Animal Sanctuary will teach the whole family about the animals they’ve rescued, like Benjamin the cow and Edith the goat; the Falling Waters Preserve is a peaceful and scenic trek for hikers of all abilities; and Opus 40 sculpture park, appropriately titled “North America’s Stonehenge,” is a massive outdoor structure whose components echo the area’s past as a bluestone production center.

“Friendly historic Saugerties welcomes you,” is the sign visitors see when driving into the village, and according to its residents, the sentiment is true; but we encourage you to find out for yourself, whether you’re looking for a new weekend destination to explore, or a place to call home.

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