If you are doing a “Bucket List” trip to New York, why not stay a while longer and extend your trip into New York’s “Backyard”? Dutchess County, in the heart of the Hudson Valley, will offer you spectacular scenery, historical mansions, cultural treasures and unique attractions. This hidden gem is easily accessible from the “Big Apple” by car or train and was named in the National Geographic Traveller as one of the World’s best top 20 destinations.
From great restaurants to glorious gardens and performing arts, creativity thrives amid inspiring landscapes. Celebrated chefs create farm-to-table cuisine at country inns and the world-famous Culinary Institute of America. With abundant farm markets, award-winning wineries, craft-breweries and food festivals, Hudson Valley dining is legendary.
Interesting fact – New York State is the 3rd largest wine producing state in the USA.
Poughkeepsie is the largest town in Dutchess County. Once a bustling centre for industry along the Hudson River, the City of Poughkeepsie is going through a twenty-first century revival repurposing factory buildings as housing, eateries and art galleries. Here you will enjoy a vibrant dining scene with choices like Essie's Restaurant, Brasserie 292 and Mill House Brewing Company. Check out the Shadows on the Hudson offering a breath-taking waterfront dining experience and mouth-watering cocktails.
Next visit Rhinebeck and take a stroll along the Walkway over the Hudson, for some unmatched views of the Hudson River and beyond. Once a vital railway crossing, now the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. Rhinebeck is one of ‘Country Living Magazine’s’ Ten Most Charming Small Towns in America. For aviation fans, the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome’s weekend air shows feature vintage aircraft, an extensive museum collection of planes dating back to 1903 and offer daily bi plane rides for the ultimate valley and mountains views. Enjoy lunch at "Tavern at the Beekman Arms", America’s oldest continuously operated inn, serving guests since 1766.
Moving south visit Staatsburg State Historic Site a stunning estate that’s one of the last few surviving monuments to English country life. Down the road, experience the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, the FDR Presidential Library and Museum, and the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site to get a glimpse into the life of America’s only 4-term President and his First Lady. Don’t miss a visit to The Culinary Institute of America – the world’s premier culinary college. Enjoy an interactive Philosophy of Taste tour. Make a reservation at any of the college’s three award-winning, student-run restaurants. Our favourite; the American Bounty Restaurant.
The delightful village of Millbrook offers antique shopping and a popular literary festival each spring. Considered one of New York State’s top wineries, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery has been producing award-winning wines on its 130 acres for more than 30 years. After a guided tour, enjoy tastings of the current varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Tocai Friulano and Riesling.
The village of Amenia, derived from the Latin word “amoena,” meaning “pleasant to the eye”, boasts bucolic, scenic views, and access to the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Visit the Wassaic Project, in the hamlet of Wassaic, which presents contemporary art inside the renovated, seven-story Maxon Mills grain elevator.
Once host to Alexander Hamilton, the Town and Village of Fishkill is steeped in Revolutionary War history. The Van Wyck Homestead Museum offers local history exhibits and is the last surviving element of the 100-acre Revolutionary War Fishkill Supply Depot. Check out SplashDown Beach Water Park, home to one of the biggest family raft rides in the Northeast and the state’s only zero-gravity water ride.
Finally, the City of Beacon features a picturesque, walkable main street corridor with no shortage of delicious culinary options or immersive artistic experiences. Don’t miss Dia Beacon, a collection of large-scale contemporary art housed in a former Nabisco box printing factory on the banks of the Hudson River and only a five-minute walk to Long Dock Park where you can rent a kayak, book a boat cruise to Bannerman Castle Island, or just take in the expansive waterfront views. Enjoy the city’s growing craft beverage scene and sip local brews, spirits and more. Hike to the top of Mount Beacon for spectacular Hudson Valley views.
