Day Tripper: Volume One: Beacon, NY

[Image via thefishingline.com]

Today is July 1st, which means that the countdown until the ever-anticipated July 4th weekend is winding down. Not all of us can escape the heat of summer in the city, whether it be because of monetary or time constraints.

So over the next couple of days, I'll be posting some short, little day trips (though you could spread them out for longer if you so choose), which you can take for a little breather this Independence Day weekend, instead of spending it inside your cramped air-conditioned (if you are so lucky) apartment. First Stop: Beacon, New York

Transportation: MetroNorth Cost: Round-trip, off-peak $24

What to see: This little gem is the artistic capital of the Hudson River. Declared by many to be the Brooklyn of the Hudson Valley, since 2003, Beacon has been the home of the Riggio Galleries at the Dia: Beacon. This renovated old Nabisco factory is the home of 1960-the present American art, including a plethora of Andy Warhols and Richard Serras. Beacon's Main Street is also lined with countless art galleries. Main Street is also home to a plethora of quaint antique and tchotchkes. Be sure to check out Hudson Beach Glass. Stop in to have a quick bite in any one of the restaurants or coffee shops in between shopping and browsing art.

If art or antiques don't tickle your fancy you might want to check out the Madam Brett Homestead (50 Van Nydeck Avenue), where revolutionary leaders such as George Washington, the Marquis de La Fayette, and Baron von Steuben are said to have been guests in the house. Or maybe you want to try something more physical, perhaps a hike up Mount Beacon, there are a number of trails you can try in the area, which vary in difficulty from Sugarloaf to Breakneck Ridge to name a couple. Or you might want to try kayaking on the Hudson River.

Good old-fashioned fireworks are scheduled for July 4th.

There is a slew of other activities and events you can attend in Beacon, for more information check out: cityofbeacon.org