Only 90 minutes from the Big Apple of Manhattan, Dutchess County in the Hudson Valley is the scenic backdrop to Dutch Colonial settlers, leaders of the Revolutionary War, aristocracy of the Gilded Age and the extraordinary era of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Valley’s star attraction is the natural scenic beauty of the majestic Hudson River and the breathtaking views of the nearby Catskill and Berkshire Mountains. Explore the county’s distinct history, world-class cultural attractions, unique scenic vistas and a vibrant culinary scene of farm-fresh dining and craft beverages.

Make sure you have time to visit Dutch’s Distillery at Homestead Farm, Pine Plains, this was home to one of the largest bootlegging operations ever found in Dutchess County which was raided by the FBI in 1932, although this actual distillery was not discovered until 2010. Enjoy tasting Sugar Wash Mountain Moonshine which is once again being distilled (legally) at this historical site. 

For garden enthusiasts visit Innisfree Gardens near Milbrook just a 30 minute drive from Rhinebeck – it is a mix of Japanese and Chinese designs with modernist and romantic ideas and a lovely place to explore.

Stay for 3 nights in Rhinebeck.

Visit the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, where master chefs train future master chefs from around the world. Guided tours offer behind-the-scenes access to life as a student chef. Savour a meal at any one of four public restaurants and relish the treasures of their culinary gift shop. Nearby farms offer the chance to pick-your-own apples, and Sprout Creek Farm invites you to sample their award-winning cheese.

Take to the skies in a biplane ride at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Take in the stunning views on the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge at Walkway Over the Hudson. For garden enthusiasts visit Innisfree Gardens near Milbrook just a 30 minute drive from Rhinebeck – it is a mix of Japanese and Chinese designs with modernist and romantic ideas and a lovely place to explore. Take a walk on the wild side at Trevor Zoo, America’s only accredited zoo on a high school campus. Explore the grounds where students care for more than 180 exotic and indigenous animals,

including eight endangered species. Take the plunge on the thrilling water-slides at Splashdown Beach against a backdrop of mountain views!

Travel back in time inside America’s first presidential library and museum, take a guided tour of the Springwood estate of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Val-Kill, the only National Historic Site dedicated to a first lady. Visit the rose garden grave sites of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and tour Vanderbilt Mansion for an encounter with Gilded Age aristocracy.

Between the world-famous waterfalls and the world-class city, travellers find themselves at the centre of it all in Central New York state. From its designation as “America’s Craft Brew Destination” to its miles of countryside and the meandering Erie Canal, Central New York lays claim to the ultimate American experience. Here you’ll find the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, countless Main Street USAs and historic villages that reflect classic small-town life in the U.S.

Make your way to Utica where you will stay for the next 3 nights. 

Central New York’s legendary hop yards produced 90 percent of the nation’s hops in the late 1800s and the state is a top five beer producer in the U.S. today. Known as Brew Central, this region brings together the stories, traditions and tastes behind a growing constellation of breweries, craft-centric pubs, cideries, distilleries and wineries in Central New York.

Visitors to Brew Central can get a taste of history at F.X. Matt Brewing Company, a four-generation legacy brewery, or explore the more contemporary stylings of Brewery Ommegang, producer of the Game of Thrones beer for the popular television series.

In addition to farm-to-table meals steeped in our rich agricultural heritage, you can also pick a bounty of apples or pumpkins at any one of Central New York’s numerous family farmsteads like Critz Farms during harvest season. Binghamton’s signature dish, spiedies (marinated skewered meat), are supreme Central New York fare. Other regional specialities include chicken riggies (pasta), tomato pie, half-moon cookies and Utica Greens (escarole), which have been featured on national television.

From the southern tip of New York’s famous Adirondack Park to the peaks of the Catskill Mountains, Central New York unfolds in rolling hills, stunning lakes and state forests. Hike or backpack 560 kilometres of trails to explore the varied landscape, discovering waterfalls and tucked-away watersheds as you go. Climb aboard the Adirondack Scenic Railroad for amazing views of stunning vistas and pristine forestlands.

The Herkimer Diamond Mines feature phenomenal gemstones believed to be close to 500 million years old and exclusive to the area. You can unearth them as unique souvenirs. Visitors can explore a “newer” piece of history at Fort Stanwix National Monument, a reconstructed 18th-century post known for its critical role in the American Revolution. Add a modern touch to your trip with Turning Stone Resort Casino, which offers a gorgeous getaway featuring luxurious accommodations, fine dining, celebrity entertainment and Las Vegas-style gaming.

Drive to Livingston Manor which will be your base for the next 3 days. 

Take a scenic road trip through sweeping and colourful vistas of the Sullivan Catskills to its award-winning breweries, distilleries and wineries on the Sullivan Catskills Artisanal Beverage Trail. One-of-a-kind crafters use pure Catskill Mountain water with the freshest local ingredients to create some of the most celebrated artisan brews in the U.S.  You’ll find speciality prized brews for every palate, such as Callicoon Brown Cow Porter at the Callicoon Brewery; Devil’s Path IPA found at the Catskill Brewery; or the Bourbon Barrel Aged Porter from the Shrewd Fox Brewery. Then head to New York’s voted No. 1 brewery, Roscoe Beer Company. Try the organic lavender wine at the Bashakill Vineyards or a crisp, fresh craft cider made by Aaron Burr Cidery or Seminary Hill. Prefer spirits? The Catskill Distilling Company in Bethel features award-winning Curious Gin, Peace Vodka and Bosco Monte Vecchio Grappa. At Prohibition Distillery in Roscoe, you’ll find the esteemed Bootlegger 21 New York Gin, Vodka and Whiskey.

The Sullivan Catskills culinary scene is exploding! Local chefs are creating new and pioneering cuisine that utilises farm-to-table philosophy which draws visitors from New York City and beyond. Many of the chefs forage their own food or personally hand-select only the finest organic locally sourced products. Michelin-quality restaurants such as Yo1, Cellaio, the Heron and The DeBruce create unique culinary experiences that have been written about in the Wall Street Journal and New York Times as well as featured on travel channels throughout the globe.

The destination is also home to American fly fishing and legendary fishing rivers such as the Beaverkill and Willowemoc as well as the National Park Scenic Wild Delaware River and its aligning boutique-style villages known for great beauty,

wildlife and water adventure opportunities like kayaking, fishing, whitewater rafting and zip-lining.

The Sullivan Catskills is known for the 1969 Woodstock Festival, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019. You can still feel this event’s magical impact today at the Bethel Woods Museum, where you are taken back in time to experience the energy of 1969 and the Woodstock Festival. Bethel Woods Museum is housed on the campus of the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, which has one of the finest amphitheatres in the United States.

Drop your car hire off at JFK airport and fly back to the UK. 

Alternatively you can extend your stay with a few days in New York City.