Less than two hours north of New York City up the Hudson River Valley, Beacon benefits from its proximity to the metropolis while maintaining its small town charm, with a population that hovers right around 15,000. Bar industry veteran Lynnette Marrero, co-creator of the philanthropic Speed Rack<\/a> competition and bar director for forthcoming NYC spot Milly\u2019s<\/a>, has witnessed the local drinks scene evolve firsthand, calling Beacon her part-time residence since 2007, and full-time home for the past five years. <\/p>\n \u201cWhen a local beer bar called The Hop opened in 2012, things started to change. It really opened the local scene to craft, even evolving to have a small cocktail menu, which I created for the bar,\u201d Marrero says. \u201cMore and more industry professionals moved here from other urban areas, bringing with them the craft trends from those markets.\u201d Today, visitors can find local wines and spirits, Japanese-inspired dive bars, and still plenty of craft beer\u2014all without leaving Main Street. \u201cThe drinks scene in Beacon has blossomed into a vibrant and diverse experience, mirroring the town\u2019s artsy and eclectic vibe,\u201d says Marrero.<\/p>\n The dual space at Paul Brady Wine puts the spotlight on beverages of the Empire State. The retail shop sells exclusively New York\u2013made wine, cider, beer, spirits, and zero-proof offerings, while the minimalist bar pours local and neighboring wines to highlight the modern viticulture of the Northeast, along with beer, cider, and cocktails. Opened by sommelier and former New York Wines ambassador Paul Brady in 2022 (with partner Kels Nollenberger), the shop also offers Brady\u2019s own line of wines, produced in collaboration with winemakers like Todd Cavallo of Wild Arc Farm and Ben Riccardi of Osmote in the Finger Lakes. With an atmosphere both sophisticated and relaxed, Marrero notes, \u201cthis is sort of the locals\u2019 \u2018living room,\u2019 drawing Beacon\u2019s hospitality community together for food, wine, and plenty of camaraderie.<\/p>\n \u201cHudson Valley Brewery perfectly captures Beacon\u2019s creative and laid-back vibe,\u201d says Marrero of the craft-beer destination. Brewing since 2017, the brewery opened its taproom in a beautifully restored historic mill building in 2023. The rotating lineup of traditionally inspired modern brews includes sour farmhouse ales made solely with New York ingredients\u2014like \u201cNatalie\u201d with wildflower honey and chamomile, or \u201cKinds of Light\u201d with Cabernet Franc grape skins\u2014as well as fruit-forward sour IPAs and creative lagers. \u201cThe brewery is a perfect pit stop after exploring art museum Dia: Beacon<\/a> or strolling Main Street,\u201d says Marrero. \u201cDon\u2019t be surprised if you leave with a few cans to take home\u2014these beers are worth savoring again and again!\u201d<\/p>\nPaul Brady Wine<\/a><\/h4>\n
Hudson Valley Brewery<\/a><\/h4>\n