See for yourself how food from our local fields and farms is transformed into masterful culinary creations.  First stop is Sprout Creek Farm (www.sproutcreekfarm.org) at 34 Lauer Road in Poughkeepsie.  The farm makes its own artisanal cheeses from the rich, creamy milk of their grass-fed Jersey, Guernsey, Milking Shorthorn and Brown Swiss cows.  Allow enough time to browse their farm market, as well as visit the cows, sheep and other farmyard animals.      

Next make the short trek to Millbrook Vineyards & Winery (www.millbrookwine.com), one of the stops along the Dutchess Wine Trail (www.dutchesswinetrail.com).  Located at 26 Wing Road in Millbrook, they produce nationally recognized wines, as well as spotlight local art upstairs from their tasting room in the “Art in the Loft” exhibit.  Sample their wines, as well as their Villa Pillo olive oil, which comes from their olive grove in Italy. 

After a day outdoors, enjoy a relaxing dinner inspired by local Hudson Valley ingredients at The Culinary Institute of America’s American Bounty restaurant (www.ciachef.edu) on Route 9 in Hyde Park. The menu features Sprout Creek Farm cheese and Millbrook wine along with other seasonal, regional specialties.  Stop by the Craig Claiborne Bookstore to pick up one of their many cookbooks.   

Looking for a place to spend the night?  Inn the Woods (www.innthewoods.com) and The Willows (www.willowsbnb.com), both located in Hyde Park, serve homemade foods using local, farm-fresh ingredients.  Ask about their special, food-themed packages.   

Before heading home, visit Adams Fairacre Farms (www.adamsfarms.com) at 765 Dutchess Turnpike in Poughkeepsie.  Once just a farm stand, this family-operated business – open since 1919 – has more than 50 acres of food and garden products, as well as sells a unique mix of locally made fare including honey, salsa, bread, cheese, cookies, tomato sauce, tea, pancake mix, maple syrup and more.