Opus 40 sits at the base of Overlook Mountain, where visitors can walk across the sprawling earthwork sculpture set atop an abandoned bluestone quarry. Photo: Lisa Ven Vertloh
EB’s Top 5 in Saugerties:
• Breakfast at Josie’s Coffee Shoppe: A local favorite, Josie’s pairs classic comfort with stylish charm. Go for the blueberry pancakes – vegan and gluten-free but somehow still indulgent – and a latte, then browse the tightly curated vintage homewares near the register.
• Shopping at Chambers Vintage: Located on Main Street in a sleek, mid-century storefront, Chambers Vintage offers a tightly curated mix of vintage clothing and accessories. The selection leans timeless over trendy, with well-worn denim, tailored jackets, and classic pieces organized by palette and texture.
• Movies at Orpheum Theater: Housed in a century-old building, Orpheum Theater is one of Upstate Films’ two venues, showing a thoughtful mix of arthouse releases, classics, and indie films. Its location in the heart of town makes it an easy stop after dinner, or before late-night cocktails.
• Wandering Opus 40: Set on six and a half acres of former bluestone quarry, Opus 40 is a monumental earthwork created by sculptor Harvey Fite over nearly four decades. Visitors can roam the sweeping ramps, terraces, and tunnels of the sculpture itself, then follow wooded trails that circle the site
• Evenings at Olsen & Company: By day, it’s a cozy spot for coffee and sandwiches — but on Thursdays and Fridays, Olsen & Company stays open late with a rotating menu of seasonal small plates, craft cocktails, and natural wines. Our favorite standout: the Hotline Fling, a spicy shandy made with local beer, lemon, lime, and spicy ginger soju.
Saugerties sits where Esopus Creek meets the Hudson River, offering a quiet village atmosphere framed by water and woods. Known for its blend of historic charm and creative energy, the town’s walkable center is filled with vintage shops, boutiques, and cozy cafes set into old brick buildings. Just beyond the village, forested trails and tidal marshes open into riverside views and sculpture parks, creating a balance between small-town ease and outdoor adventure.
Today, Saugerties quietly draws artists, makers, and independent businesses – a community that honors its past while shaping a thoughtful, design-minded identity.
Read on for our guide to Saugerties, with recommendations on where to hike, eat, shop, and stay.
What to Do in Saugerties, NY: Scenic Trails, Sculpture Gardens & Vintage Finds
Just beyond the village, the Saugerties Lighthouse sits in the Hudson River, reachable only by a winding trail through tidal wetlands. Photo: Escape Brooklyn
Begin the day with a walk to the restored 1869 Saugerties Lighthouse, perched on a rocky peninsula where tidal marsh meets the Hudson River. The lighthouse now serves as both a museum and an inn, offering a quiet glimpse into the village’s riverside history. Just outside the village center, Opus 40 stands as a monumental work of art: Harvey Fite’s bluestone quarry sculpture sprawls across 6.5 acres of terraces and ramps, inviting slow exploration through its subterranean passages and silent, stone-carved spaces.
Within the village, vintage shops and boutiques offer a window into Saugerties’ character. Chambers Vintage houses carefully curated 20th-century clothing and design, while Bosco’s Mercantile pairs home goods with ethically sourced finds. Around the corner, Saugerties Antiques Center and Pop Vintage Antiques both feature a range of collectibles and vintage finds.
For a quiet pause, Inquiring Minds Bookstore invites visitors into its independent space, where a carefully curated selection of books across genres creates a welcoming atmosphere for browsing. Next door, Orpheum Theater provides a nostalgic retreat, its plush red seats and vintage signage framing a curated lineup of blockbuster, independent, and arthouse films.
For those looking to venture beyond the village, Saugerties sits between two distinct, design-forward communities. Head west to Woodstock, where mountain trailheads meet galleries and vintage shops, or head south to Kingston, a riverside city blending historic architecture with contemporary art and culture.
Where to Eat + Drink: The Best Bars and Restaurants in Saugerties, NY
Start the morning at Josie’s Coffee Shoppe, a village staple known for hearty breakfasts and a relaxed atmosphere, where a small collection of antiques adds quiet charm to the space. For classic NYC-style bagels, Village Bagels serves them fresh daily, alongside breakfast sandwiches and a range of spreads – including tofu cream cheese for a plant-based option.
For lunch or to pick up provisions, Olsen & Company serves artisan sandwiches, fresh salads, and a selection of local products, ideal for a casual meal or packing a picnic. Bluestone Roasting Company offers expertly brewed coffee and house-made pastries in a calm, inviting space. Nearby, BINA’s Cafe is a casual halal spot serving gyros, falafel, and a mix of Middle Eastern and Pakistani dishes.
In the evening, Slices draws a steady crowd with its balanced thin-crust pizzas – perfect for enjoying in their open-air indoor seating, where people-watching is part of the appeal. For those seeking a quieter, more elevated meal, BLACKBARN offers seasonal, farm-driven dishes alongside craft cocktails. Just beyond the village, The Red Onion serves creative plates in a rustic-chic atmosphere that is well worth the drive.
The Best Place to Stay in Saugerties, NY: Our Go-To Mountain Farmhouse
Located just twenty minutes from Saugerties, Glasco Woodstock offers an elevated and spacious retreat with room for up to sixteen guests. Photo: Thomas John Agoglia
Tucked along the banks of the Hudson and the mouth of Esopus Creek, Saugerties blends small-town charm with a quietly creative spirit. The village center hums with vintage shops, cafés, and galleries, while nearby marshes, forest trails, and waterfront paths offer space to wander. For stays that reflect the area’s blend of history and modern creativity, thoughtfully designed retreats offer calm and connection to the surrounding landscape.
One standout is Glasco Woodstock: a renovated farmhouse set on 16 private acres, less than 20 minutes from the center of Saugerties. Originally built in the 1800s and reimagined in 2021, the main house sleeps up to 12 guests across five bedrooms and a loft, while a separate guest studio accommodates an additional four. Soaring ceilings and expansive windows fill the space with light and frame sweeping views of Overlook Mountain, while original fireplaces and warm wood walls add a sense of warmth. Outside, ponds, hammocks, fire pits, and forest trails offer quiet moments surrounded by local wildlife. Guests can enhance their stay with yoga sessions, massage treatments, or chef-prepared meals, adding a personalized touch to this peaceful retreat.
