Make it Memorable―Dutchess County
Located in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, Dutchess County blends scenic beauty, rich history, and a vibrant cultural scene. Spanning 800 square miles of rolling countryside and historic landmarks, it invites discovery at every turn—from the riverside charm of Poughkeepsie, known as the Hudson’s Queen City, to its picturesque towns and villages. Home to the Culinary Institute of America and President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, Dutchess County is where heritage, flavour, and landscape come together in unforgettable ways.
Culinary Institute of America
The Culinary Institute of America anchors the Hudson Valley’s celebrated food culture. Founded in 1946, the CIA is widely regarded as the world’s premier culinary college, setting the global standard for professional training while shaping generations of distinguished alumni from around the world.
Set along the Hudson River in Hyde Park, its campus—named one of America’s most beautiful by Condé Nast Traveler—is as inspiring as the cuisine it produces. It has also taken center stage recently as host of Netflix’s acclaimed Next Gen Chef.
Visitors are invited to taste this excellence firsthand. Dine in one of four on-campus student-staffed restaurants, join the immersive CIA Experience Tour for a behind-the-scenes tasting, or roll up your sleeves in a hands-on cooking class led by a master chef.
Expanding its craft, the CIA partnered with Brooklyn Brewery to launch The Brewery at the CIA, where bachelor’s-level students create award-winning beers. Named New York State Brewery of the Year in 2019, its signature brews—including Cleaver IPA and Mise en Place Wit—are featured on campus restaurant menus.
CIA graduates lead top kitchens worldwide, and many have shaped the local dining scene. The CIA Chef Finder makes it easy to discover these culinary talents across Dutchess County; the digital pass connects visitors to exceptional dining experiences rooted in world-class expertise.
Farm Fresh Picking
Agriculture shapes the spirit and landscape of Dutchess County, where generations of family farms grow exceptional fruits and vegetables, and produce artisan goods. Explore it all with the Farm Finder digital pass, guiding you to working farms offering tours, tastings, pick-your-own, and hands-on experiences.
In summer, wander through Hudson Valley Cold-Pressed Oils’ sweeping blanket of sunflowers, go cherry-picking and sip fruit wines at Rose Hill, or gather berries with hillside views at Greig Farms. Come fall, savor heritage apples and house-made cider at Fishkill Farms, then stop by Montgomery Place Orchards Farmstand―featuring over 70 varieties of apples―for fresh produce, small-batch goods, and irresistible apple cider donuts.
Raise a Glass
Dutchess County pours it on with some of New York’s best craft beer and spirits. Start your trip with the digital Craft Beverage Trail Map, then make your first stop at Zeus Brewing in Poughkeepsie, where award-winning brews meet a full-service restaurant and rooftop dining. Head to The Factory at Sloop Brewing Company in Hopewell Junction to explore 20 rotating taps—everything from crisp lagers to bold IPAs and rich stouts—paired with a seasonally inspired menu that blends international street fare and American classics using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Tenmile Distillery crafts exceptional single malt whisky, gin, and vodka with care and intention—seven-day fermentations, slow distillation, and locally grown New York grains. Led by former Wolfburn (Scotland) Master Distiller Shane Fraser, the team produces spirits of true distinction. Visitors are invited to sip and explore with complimentary tastings and tours inside a beautifully restored 100-year-old barn, where a warm walnut Great Room, elegant bar, and scenic outdoor setting complete the experience.
Denning’s Point Distillery brings classic spirits to life with distinctive character, sourcing grains and fruit from within 50 miles of its facility. Step into their tasting room and urban production space in the heart of historic Beacon to sample expertly crafted bourbon, gin, vodka, and apple brandy.
Orchard & Vine
The downloadable Taste Finder will be your guide to explore the cider and wine producers across Dutchess County. Present your digital pass to enjoy special offers such as complimentary tastings, pints, and exclusive glassware.
Treasury Ciders at Fishkill Farms is truly orchard-to-bottle, crafted from apples grown on-site—some from trees over 50 years old. Using organic practices and over 100 varieties, each batch is pressed, slowly fermented, and aged for depth and character. The result: dry, nuanced hard ciders shaped by Hudson Valley soils, perfect for pairing and far from ordinary.
Milea Estate Vineyards has quickly risen as a standout Hudson Valley destination, driven by a commitment to sustainable viticulture and cool-climate winemaking. Set across 102 hillside acres, their planting varieties—from Cabernet Franc and Grüner Veltliner to heirloom Traminette and Regent—thrive in this distinctive landscape. Guests can savor guided tastings, enjoy wines by the glass or bottle, and indulge in seasonal, locally inspired dishes at the inviting Farmhouse Tasting House.
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery marks 40 years of exceptional winemaking, earning praise as the “Hudson Valley’s flagship winery” by The New York Times and a “must-visit destination” by The Wall Street Journal. Set across 130 scenic acres, the estate produces crisp whites and expressive reds that capture the region’s distinctive terroir, inviting visitors to savor the true character and charm of the Hudson Valley.
Hyde Park: A Living Legacy
Step into the story of Dutchess County with the Story Finder, a digital pass that brings centuries of history to life—from early Indigenous, Dutch and Quaker roots to the Revolutionary War, Gilded Age, and Roosevelt era. Explore iconic mansions, gardens, and museums, and discover Hyde Park’s treasures. Experience Eleanor Roosevelt’s legacy at Val-Kill, the only National Historic Site dedicated to a First Lady, then immerse yourself in the world’s shared history at the FDR Presidential Library and Museum, the first in America and the only one used by a sitting president. Guided ranger tours, scenic trails, and the tranquil Rose Garden—final resting place of Franklin and Eleanor—make for a unforgettable journey.
Outdoor Adventure
In Dutchess County, the outdoors isn’t just an activity—it’s a way of life. With 75+ trail systems and nearly 200 parks, adventure is always close by. Ride scenic rail trails like the Walkway Over the Hudson, hike the Appalachian Trail, and take in the views at Ferncliff Forest Fire Tower or wander the caves at Dover Stone Church.
A highlight is a trip to Bannerman Castle by boat cruise or kayak, to explore the island ruins, gardens and butterfly sanctuary. At the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, seasonal airshows highlight vintage aviation from the Golden Age to the Lindbergh Era—complete with the chance to take an open-air biplane ride for sweeping Hudson Valley views. Outdoor pursuits range from hiking, biking and kayaking to archery and skeet shooting, while golfers can choose from over a dozen scenic courses throughout the county. Connect to Dutchess County outdoors activities with the Zen Finder digital pass.
Estates and Gardens
Dutchess County’s grand estates and gardens invite you to step into history and landscape alike. Tour Clermont’s 18th century Livingston family mansion and formal gardens, then experience Gilded Age elegance at Staatsburgh, a 79-room Beaux Arts showpiece designed by Stanford White. Nearby, Vanderbilt Mansion pairs guided tours with an Italianate garden and a “Millionaire’s View”. In Rhinebeck, Wilderstein’s Queen Anne style mansion overlooks the Hudson River with grounds designed by Calvert Vaux (Central Park) while Wethersfield Estate & Graden blends formal design with wild woodland. At Innisfree Garden, 185 acres of artfully placed rock, water, and plantings create a serene, ever-unfolding landscape of breathtaking views.
Recharge and Unwind
Set against the peaceful beauty of the Hudson Valley, Dutchess County offers a natural setting to relax, recharge, and reconnect. Unwind at wellness destinations like Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Beacon and Rhinebeck, Troutbeck in Amenia, and Beacon’s The Dutchess. Deepen the experience with yoga, Pilates, or massage—or spend time nurturing mind, body, and spirit at the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors or through retreats and classes at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies.
