The Dia:Beacon during renovation.
Photo: Michael Govan

Wendy Perrin recently received this question from one of her Perrin Post readers, and we have some answers on the DT:

"My husband and I are landing at [Newark International Airport] early evening and will be eventually headed to Stockbridge, Massachusetts.  I would like suggestions of where to stay upon arrival that would offer easy driving should the weather be bad (don't want to go into Manhattan).  We don't want to spend a lot of money for a one-night stay, but it is our anniversary and would like to have a good dinner and a nice hotel before heading out the next day on a road adventure. Suggestions?"

There's plenty to do in Beacon, New York, and one of our favorite affordable spots to cuddle in for a toasty night is the Mt. Beacon Bed & Breakfast. (The drive from Newark International is about an hour and a half.) The proprietors live at the inn, so they're on hand to help 'round the clock (we had some trouble lighting a fire in our room, and they were kindling-ready at a moment's notice), not to mention they make a mean breakfast. There are only a few rooms, though, so give a call ASAP. If you have time, check out the Dia:Beacon before you head north. A former factory, the building now houses great works of contemporary art (Louise Bourgeois, Sol LeWitt, Andy Warhol) and its cafeteria serves comforting soups made daily from locally sourced ingredients. Here's some more on "Quick Trips" to Beacon from Condé Nast Traveler's May 2008 issue.

Another great stop if you have time: Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Dinner will cost you at Dan Barber's restaurant (it's been called "the most important restaurant in America") but it's perfect for an anniversary celebration. For a marked-down taste of Barber's magic, you could stop for lunch at Blue Hill's café and then walk around the farm (pigs and chickens and cows--oh my!). Finally, Town & Country Travel recently did a Hudson Valley round-up; read their suggestions for where to sleep and nibble here.

Anyone else have suggestions? Please let us know your thoughts in comments.