Saugerties, New York is a town within Ulster County, only around two hours outside of the hustle and bustle of New York City. It’s also the hometown of the popular television host Jimmy Fallon.
Located between the Hudson River and the stunning Catskill Mountains, Saugerties is home to numerous cultural and vacation experiences, such as farms, an animal sanctuary, a nature preserve, art, lighthouses, museums, parks, restaurants, and more. Along with the many things to do, Saugerties also boasts a relaxing small town charm that makes it an ideal escape from the city.
1. The Saugerties Lighthouse
The Saugerties Lighthouse is a restored historic lighthouse and Hudson River landmark that was built back in 1869 to help ships navigate the area near Esopus Creek. The lighthouse grounds include the keeper’s quarters, a kitchen, a parlor, a gift shop, a small museum, and even overnight bed-and-breakfast accommodations in the two-guests bedroom. Still in operation, the Saugerties Lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River Valley. Visitors can reach the light tower from a nature trail found where Lighthouse Drive ends. There is also a picnic area along the banks of the river.
168 Lighthouse Dr, Saugerties, NY 12477, Phone: 845-247-0656
2. Opus 40, Saugerties, New York
Opus 40 in the town of Saugerties, New York is both a museum and sculpture park built by the famed sculptor Harvey Fite in 1938. Formerly an abandoned quarry, Fite bought the original land to create a world-acclaimed, monumental bluestone sculpture called OPUS 40. Over the years, he bought more land and constructed several structures on the property, including a blacksmith shop, garage, studio, and a large stone and wood home, as well as the Quarryman’s Museum featuring a unique collection of indigenous tools. Visitors of all ages today can explore Opus 40, walking through it, around it, and even over it.
50 Fite Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477, Phone: 845-246-3400
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3. Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Saugerties, New York
The Catskill Animal Sanctuary of Saugerties is a non-profit organization established to rescue animals, provide rescued animals a safe place, and to help fight against animal cruelty. Encompassing around 150 acres in the Hudson Valley, the sanctuary offers tours, overnight stays, camps for childrens, and special events, as well as a variety of programs designed to educate visitors. Volunteers are also very welcome at the Catskill Animal Sanctuary. Guided family-friendly tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays from April through October. Guests can also stay the night in The Homestead, a pre-Civil War farmhouse. More weekend getaways from NYC.
316 Old Stage Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477, Phone: 845-336-8447
4. Esopus Bend Nature Preserve
The Esopus Bend Nature Preserve spans across more than 160 acres of land in Saugerties, set along a bend of the Esopus Creek. Open to visitors from dawn until dusk, the nature preserve offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation activities to the public, including trails for hiking, canoe tours of the shoreline, kayaking, birding field trips, guided nature walks, animal tracking adventures, butterfly walks, and more. A wide variety of wildlife also frequent the Esopus Bend Nature Preserve or call it home, such as red fox, several species of birds, eagles, baby fawn, and turkeys among many other animals.
4 Shady Ln, Saugerties, NY 12477, Phone: 845-247-0664
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5. HITS-on-the-Hudson, Saugerties, New York
HITS-on-the-Hudson in the town of Saugerties, New York hosts numerous Olympic-level, international equestrian horse shows throughout part of the year. Guests can sit and watch as some of the top riders in the world jump six-foot fences and more. These horse shows take place between the month of May and the month of September, typically Wednesday to Sunday. Great for both tourists and locals alike, visitors can find free family fun in one of the most impressive horse parks in the northeastern United States. The grand Catskill Mountains also give a sweeping backdrop to the events at the park.
454 Washington Ave, Saugerties, NY 12477, Phone: 845-246-8833
6. Saugerties Farmers Market
The Saugerties Farmers Market is a seasonal market open on Saturdays between the middle of May to the end of October. Set in the Village of Saugerties along Main Street, the farmers market features more than twenty farmers and vendors selling a broad array of items. Within the Saugerties Farmers Market, visitors can find seasonal vegetables and fruits, baked goods, breads, cheese, eggs, herbs, seafood, meats, cut flowers, plants, jams, maple syrup, hone, and much more, including non-plant or food products like crafts, lotions, and soaps. There’s also an on-site cafe and often live entertainment.
115 Main St, Saugerties, NY 12477, Phone: 845-681-1160
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7. The Red Onion, Saugerties, New York
The Red Onion has been serving handcrafted cuisine to the locals and visitors of the Saugerties, New York community for more than ten years and has become one of the highest rated destinations for dining in the Hudson River Valley. Located within a mid-nineteenth century restored farmhouse, the bistro-style restaurant offers a welcoming and warm atmosphere. The casual, yet fine dining, full-service restaurant is open for dinner Sunday through Saturday, serving hand-made, fresh food, including soups, daily seafood specials, and house-made desserts and pastas. The Red Onion also offers a carefully selected wine list and “properly made cocktails.”
1654 NY-212, Saugerties, NY 12477, Phone: 845-679-1223
8. Dutch Ale House, Saugerties, New York
The Dutch Ale House in Saugerties, New York is a family-friendly restaurant and bar that provides a perfect place for people all ages to grab a bite to eat or for adults over the age of twenty-one to enjoy a refreshing beer, glass of wine, or craft cocktail. With a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, the casual restaurant offers the “Hudsons Valley’s Best Beer,” as well as meals for all-day dining. The Dutch Ale House originally first opened on the same day that Prohibition was repealed and has long been a popular local watering hole for the community.
253 Main St, Saugerties, NY 12477, Phone: 845-247-2337
9. LOX of Bagels, Saugerties, New York
LOX of Bagels was opened in the small town of Saugerties by a couple from New Jersey who had moved to the area after their first child was born to be closer to family. Upon arriving in town, they soon discovered there wasn’t anywhere to get a bagel like they could back in New Jersey, so one day they decided they would open up their own “mom-and-pop” bagel place. Now open for over twenty years, LOX of Bagels offers delicious bagels to visitors.
3103 Rte 9W, Saugerties, NY 12477, Phone: 845-246-0594
10. Black-Eyed Suzie's Upstate, Saugerties, NY
Opened by Cheryl Paff in Saugerties, New York in 2015, Black-Eyed Suzie's Upstate serves both healthy options and modern comfort food made with seasonal and local ingredients. The seasonal menu of this casual cafe is designed to highlight the ingredients found within the region of the Hudson River Valley. Natural poultry and meats are used in the variety of dishes, as well as local, fresh produce and dairy sourced from several neighboring farms. Along with its friendly and warm environment indoors, Black-Eyed Suzie's Upstate also offers patio dining when the weather is nice, along with catering and take-away dining.
14 Hurley Ave, Kingston, NY 12401, Phone: 845-247-3069
11. Things to Do in Saugerties, New York: Main Street Restaurant
Allow your tastebuds to take you from New York to the Southwest at the Main Street Restaurant. Conveniently located at the heart of Saugerties, the restaurant wins patrons over with a great vibe, an inviting atmosphere, and even more spectacular food. There is no shortage of dishes to try, but for first-timers, some items that are sure to please include Argentinian Steak with Chimichurri sauce, the Baja Fish Tacos, and the Carne Asada. Main Street Restaurant also has a fantastic selection of desserts to finish your meal on a high note. Regulars adore the Tres Leches Cake and the Café con Churros. If you’re coming after a day at work or for a night out with some buddies, stop by to maximize specials like their Happy Hour and make sure to try their margaritas which come in flavors like coconut, strawberries, guava, or lime.
244 Main Street, Saugerties, New York 12477, Phone: 845-246-6222
12. Miss Lucy’s Kitchen
Farm-to-table restaurants have grown in popularity over the past few years, but Miss Lucy’s Kitchen was dedicated to the farm-to-table model before it ever became popular. This rustic café was opened in 2003 by its chefs and owners, Marc Propper and Michelle Silver. Both bring tons of experience with them, especially Michelle, who ran a popular restaurant in Manhattan’s snazzy West Village called the Grove. Miss Lucy’s Kitchen’s menu is entirely farm-driven and is determined to be budget and family-friendly. The restaurant features is a lovely interior that is characterized by charming French farmhouse dressers, various kitchen antiques, well-used chopping boards, and more. But what brings people back over and over again is its menu. Try out classics like the Bella Bella Roasted Duck Breast or the Kilcoyne Farm Select Cut Grass Fed Steak on for size at your first visit.
90 Partition Street, Saugerties, New York 12477, Phone: 845-246-9240
13. Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
Garlic lovers are in for a treat at the yearly Hudson Valley Garlic Festival. First held in 1989, this unique festival has been celebrating what they lovingly call the “stinking rose” for over 30 years, drawing in garlic aficionados from all over the region. The event is home to a large garlic marketplace alongside a variety of garlic-themed food and drinks and even garlic-related merchandise for attendees to browse through. The festival also hosts a number of activities such as workshops, cooking demonstrations, musical performances, and even garlic lectures. Don't be shy to bring your kids along for the fun too, as they’ll have loads of entertaining activities waiting for them including face painting, pumpkin decorating, and puppet shows.
Washington Avenue Extension, Saugerties, New York 12477, Phone: 845-246-3090
14. Things to Do in Saugerties: Ohana Cafe
Say “aloha” to the best brunch that Saugerties has to offer at the fantastic and much-loved Ohana Café. This café has been serving hungry diners since 2008 and was inspired by owner Aimee Marone’s 10-year stint in Hawaii. While there, Aimee fell in love with island culture and came back to New York to open a space that would bring the “Ohana” mindset to her community. It’s safe to say she’s done just that as the café is surrounded by a family-like community that keeps coming back for Ohana’s mouthwatering menu. The café’s menu is built around a Hawaiian and French-inspired culinary style that shines in its specialty: crepes. Brunches are made a fantastic experience with their tantalizing sweet and savory crepes like the Aloha Berry Crepe and the Huli Huli Pork Crepe. Other insanely delicious menu options include the Loco Moco, a Hawaiian-style breakfast bowl, and the Seasonal Poke bowl, which heroes the market’s freshest catch.
117 Partition Street, Saugerties, New York 12477, Phone: 845-217-5750
15. Kiwanis Ice Arena
A beloved and popular spot amongst the local community, Kiwanis Ice Arena offers a world-class ice rink for everyone from athletes to families wanting to make some fun memories. The arena features a regulation-size ice rink, which is meticulously maintained for public skating sessions, ice skating lessons, and even hockey tournaments. Their skating lessons cater to every age and level from toddlers who are stepping onto the ice for the first time to advanced skaters looking to perfect their form. In addition to the ice rink, Kiwanis Ice Arena also offers a pro shop and repair services for all your skating needs.
6 Small World Drive, Saugerties, New York 12477, Phone: 845-247-2590
16. Puttin Plus
Looking for a great place to play some mini golf in Saugerties? Puttin Plus is a great option! It’s great for beginners, but challenging enough for long-time put-put players, so that all levels of players can enjoy a round together. Additionally, Puttin Plus offers other great activities for the family like Go Karting, laser tag, great arcade games, water tag, and their laser tag arena. When guests need refreshments or refueling to keep enjoying Puttin Plus’ enjoyable and family-friendly features, they can drop by the snack bar which has a great selection of ice cream, drinks, and easy-to-eat snacks.
455 Washington Avenue Extension, Saugerties, New York 12477, Phone: 845-246-4501
The top attractions to visit in Saugerties, New York near me today according to local experts are:
- 1. The Saugerties Lighthouse
- 2. Opus 40, Saugerties, New York
- 3. Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Saugerties, New York
- 4. Esopus Bend Nature Preserve
- 5. HITS-on-the-Hudson, Saugerties, New York
- 6. Saugerties Farmers Market
- 7. The Red Onion, Saugerties, New York
- 8. Dutch Ale House, Saugerties, New York
- 9. LOX of Bagels, Saugerties, New York
- 10. Black-Eyed Suzie's Upstate, Saugerties, NY
- 11. Things to Do in Saugerties, New York: Main Street Restaurant
- 12. Miss Lucy’s Kitchen
- 13. Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
- 14. Things to Do in Saugerties: Ohana Cafe
- 15. Kiwanis Ice Arena
- 16. Puttin Plus
Attraction Spotlight: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Located in Saugerties, NY two hours north of New York City, Catskill Animal Sanctuary is a home for rescued farmed animals. The sanctuary advocates veganism fights against animal cruelty and provides a haven for rescued animals to rehabilitate from various traumas and live happy and carefree lives.
The Sanctuary is set on 110 acres of beautiful farmlands and rolling landscapes in New York's Hudson Valley and is home to more than 10 species of farm animals that have been rescued from abandonment, cruelty, and neglect. More than 4,000 animals have already been rescued since the sanctuary’s inception, including cows, pigs, goats, horses, and ducks and the farm is home to up to 350 residents at a time.
The Catskill Animal Sanctuary offers a range of tours, events, children’s camps, and overnight stays for all ages with a focus on animal conservation, rehabilitation, and care. In addition to aid and care for rescued animals, the Sanctuary offers a wide variety of programs and events designed to educate people about the exploitation of farm animals, the institutionalized suffering of food animals, and conservation of animals in general. The Sanctuary champions veganism and also offers a unique vegan culinary program in light of this.
Located at the top of the Sanctuary's 110-acre property, The Homestead was built in 1813 and offers charming accommodations where guests can stay and explore the sanctuary at their leisure. The Homestead features exposed brick walls, original wide-plank floors, ornate fireplaces, and tasteful décor and furnishings. Three beautifully appointed guest rooms are named after beloved animal residents (Rambo, Paulie, and Dino) and feature comfortable beds with deluxe linens, and a shared bathroom with shower, while the Samson Suite has a kitchenette with stove and fridge, and spacious living room. Guests staying at The Homestead enjoy a complimentary vegan breakfast, a complimentary weekend tour of the Sanctuary, and an exclusive VIP pass to spend time with over 300 rescued animals in the Sanctuary. There is complimentary wireless Internet throughout the Sanctuary property and dogs are welcome.
Catskill Animal Sanctuary offers a variety of programs and activities that align with their mission and vision, as well as champion veganism. Events include the annual festival of vegan living known as Shindig, which is held every September, Sanctuary Tours with amazing farm animal rescue stories, culinary vegan courses, and Summer Day Camps for children.
Camp Kindness is Catskill Animal Sanctuary's summer day program for children aged 8-14 that provides education about fostering compassion for all living beings with a focus on farm animals and the planet we live on. Activities on the camp include grooming horses, feeding goats, playing with pigs, making arts and crafts, and learning to cook vegan cuisine in the kitchen. The week-long program runs from Monday to Friday and includes a delicious vegan lunch and snack for all participants.
Animal lovers and caring visitors can volunteer at the Sanctuary, which operates with a small, full-time staff and welcomes any additional help. Volunteers can partake in a range of activities on the farm, including animal grooming, shelter/pasture cleaning, unloading supplies, database updating, computer-based research projects, landscaping, plumbing, painting, electrical, and carpentry. They can also assist with cooking classes, prepare or serve food for special events, and greet visitors on tour days. Other responsibilities include taking part in video, photography and graphic design projects, helping with guesthouse operations, literature drop-off, and distribution, tabling at festivals/conferences, and assisting tour guides.
The Catskill Animal Sanctuary is located at 316 Old Stage Road in Saugerties and is open to the public from the beginning of April through the end of October. The Catskill Animal Sanctuary offers exclusive Homestead tour every day of the week except Tuesday and Thursday between April and October. Tours can be scheduled by prior arrangement. Tours include meeting the rescued animals and learning how the sanctuary saved their lives, finding out more about rescue animals and the importance of conservation and preservation of both animals and their habitats. Seasonal Weekend Tours are available to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from April through October. The Catskill Animal Sanctuary also offers a variety of merchandise for sale, free vegan tastings, educational videos, and free literature.
316 Old Stage Road, Saugerties, NY 12477, Phone: 845-336-8447
