Dutchess County destinations
Chance to ride in a biplaine among the highlights in and around Rhinebeck.
The mid-Hudson Valley is full of quaint, charming places filled with boutique shops, unique things to do and delicious eateries. The Rhinebeck/Red Hook area stands out for a number of reasons, including playing host to one of the country’s largest collections of vintage aircraft. The region has also inspired celebrities to set down roots there, as evidenced by an old-fashioned sweets shop that counts actors Paul Rudd, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Hilarie Burton among its owners (Samuel’s Sweet Shop, 42 E. Market St., Rhinebeck). There’s no shortage of things to do and see in this cozy corner of Dutchess County, which is just a short drive (or train ride) away from the Capital Region.
Lodging
Hotel Tivoli, 53 Broadway, Tivoli; hoteltivoli.org
Just a short drive from Rhinebeck, Hotel Tivoli is a little off the beaten path. The boutique hotel offers different room styles; some overlook the main strip of the village, and all feature bright vibrant pops of color. All of the hotel’s breakfast dishes are homemade, including the amazing, caramelized-crust corn muffins and multiple flavors of bread and granola. A glass of fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and a slice of homemade frittata is a great way to start the morning. You can have dinner on-site at The Corner, and sample the briny oysters, homemade dumplings, soft-shell crabs and other seasonal goodies.
Activities
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, 9 Norton Road, Red Hook; oldrhinebeck.org The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is truly a one-of-a-kind museum. Browse vintage aircraft from the pioneer era, World War I and beyond, to gain an appreciation of the evolution of flight. Some of the planes are still flown on the weekends at the famous air show — and afterward, take a ride in a biplane. Rides last about 15 minutes, offering views of the Hudson Valley from high in the sky.
Wilderstein Historic Site, 330 Morton Road, Rhinebeck; wilderstein.org
This Queen Anne-style home along the Hudson River dates to the 19th century. Before it was transformed into a museum, it belonged to Margaret Suckley, a relative and friend of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Now, guests can admire its architecture up close and enjoy the walking trails that fill its grounds. If you want more, head to nearby Poets’ Walk Park (776 River Road, Red Hook), a designed series of “outdoor rooms” created to honor the deep link between landscape and poetry.
Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck, 46 W. Market St., Rhinebeck; rhinebeck.mirbeau.com Enjoy a day of relaxation at this resort, known for elegance and luxury. You can take advantage of treatments and free exercise or yoga classes before indulging in a deep-tissue massage. Be sure to check out the Aqua Terrace, an outdoor oasis with a hot spa pool, fireplace and service bar.
Trevor Zoo at Millbrook School, 282 Millbrook School Road, Millbrook; millbrook.org/trevor-zoo-home
Venture out to Millbrook to see the only zoo in the country located at a high school. Established in the 1930s by biology teacher Frank Trevor, the sanctuary involves students in the day-to-day operations and caretaking of more than 180 exotic and indigenous animals, representing 80 different species.
Food and drink
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, 26 Wing Road, Millbrook; millbrookwine.com
Extend your time in Millbrook with a stop at its eponymous vineyards. Evening events often involve live music and rotating food trucks, but the real attraction is the opportunity to taste some incredible wines — not too sweet, very crisp and smooth.
Dutch’s Spirits, 98 Ryan Road, Pine Plains; dutchsspirits.com
Head east to Pine Plains, where you’ll find a distillery with a rich history. In 1932, federal agents discovered a massive underground operation there — two 2,000-gallon stills, 10,000 pounds of sugar and 1,000 gallons of sugar wash moonshine inside a concrete bunker below the property. Legend attributes the operation to New York City bootlegger Dutch Schultz, and its tunnels and secret passageways can still be seen today. The distillery hosts a party every Oct. 10 to pay tribute to the day the Prohibition-era raid shut them down.
Bread Alone Bakery, 45 E. Market St., Rhinebeck; breadalone.com
Samuel’s Sweet Shop is essential but it shouldn’t be your only stop in Rhinebeck — be sure to include something more substantial to eat at this great breakfast spot, which features delicious croissants, pastries, breads and coffee selections.
Thank you to the Hotel Tivoli and Visit Rhinebeck for hosting me.