July 10, 2005

WHERE

Saugerties, N.Y., on the Hudson.

Unpretentious historic charm makes this a great destination for a low-key, relaxing weekend. You'll be reminded of New York State's rich, pre-revolutionary history by the old Dutch stone houses and churches. An especially fine example is 119 Main St., the Kiersted House, circa 1727, home of the Saugerties Historical Society, open Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 2-4 p.m.; 845-246-9529.

The town also is known for its antiques shops. A stroll on Partition Street will take you past most of them. In fact, the entire central business district is an "antique" and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

ATTRACTIONS

Go to one of the town's riverside parks to gaze at the placid waterway, or follow the signs to the landmark 1860s lighthouse, one of the oldest on the Hudson. From the parking lot, it's a quarter-mile hike on a nature trail.

Although it's now a privately owned bed-and-breakfast, you can go into the lighthouse from 2 to 5 p.m. on weekends in summer.

For a more artistic take on the town's heritage, visit a local sculptor's life work, Opus 40, on Fite Road off Route 212, built into an abandoned bluestone quarry.

Quarryman's Museum is on the site; admission is $6, $5 for seniors and students, $3 for children 6-12, and free younger than 5. Opus 40 is sometimes closed for special events, so call ahead for times at 845-246-3400.

A newer attraction in Saugerties is Horseshows in the Sun (HITS-on-the-Hudson), 454 Washington Ave. Ext. In July and August, competitions are scheduled, along with some special kids and family activities. Check www.hitsshows.com for details. In September, Saugerties hosts a garlic festival.

WHERE TO STAY

On Route 32, just off Exit 20, near Saugerties' town center are Comfort Inn, 845-246-1565; and Howard Johnson's, 800-446-4656. Either will cost about $120 a night. Bed-and-breakfasts include Barclay Heights B&B, 845-246-3788, $135-$190; Bed by the Stream, 845-2246-2979, $116-$265; The Montgomery; 845-246-2522; $115-$155; The Emerick House Bed & Breakfast, 845-247-9601; $125; the Saugerties Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast, 845-247-0656, $160; and, upstairs from Cafe Tamayo, the Inn at Cafe Tamayo, 845-246-9371, $90-$130 for a suite, although this last does not serve breakfast.

WHERE TO EAT

Cafe Tamayo, 845-246-9371, is popular for its New American-style food, and Anne Marie's Bistro, 845-246-5542, is recommended for lunch and brunch.

Locals also like Land & Sea Grill, 845-246-0355, Emiliani's, 845-246-6169, for Italian, or, for Mexican fare, El Rancho, 845-246-2797. At Cafe Tamayo, Land & Sea Grill, and Emiliani's, dinner entrees range from $15 to $25. Prices will be lower at Anne Marie's Bistro and El Rancho.

Hudson Valley residents also go to Saugerties for the bakeries: Lachman's, 264 Main St., for the pastries, and the Hudson Valley Dessert Co., 87 Partition St., for its biscotti.

GETTING THERE

Take the New York Thruway to Exit 20. Go through the toll booth, drive to the light, and turn right onto Route212/32, then proceed to Market Street and turn right at the intersection, then make a left onto Main Street at the next intersection. Signs to various Saugerties sites are clearly marked throughout the town.