The Saugerties Lighthouse on the Hudson

It was a cold day for walking the shoreline of the Hudson River but I wasn’t the only one wanting to be near the water.

The restored 1869 Saugerties Lighthouse stays busy with customers throughout the year, even in the dead of winter, as a bed and breakfast. At $225/night, the landmark beacon is booked until November 2012.

Imagine falling asleep to tides lapping against the circular stone jetty while a large shipping vessel rushes by and the whistle of an Amtrak train echos in the distance. It sounds perfectly idyllic for a Valentine’s escape until you notice that the bathroom is an outdoor porta-potty shared between visitors.

There are seven renovated lighthouses on the Hudson River but I think this might be the only one that accommodates overnight guests.

A half-mile trail past downed trees and floating debris reminds visitors of the terrible destruction Hurricane Irene caused last August.

For more information visit: Saugerties Lighthouse.