Farm Fresh One-day Getaways on Metro-North
Hungry for farm-fresh experiences and culinary adventures? Make the connection through the “Dutchess County Farm Fresh Link,” a series of five, one-day getaway packages available
through Metro-North Railroad. Get a taste of what Dutchess County farms, markets, wineries and charming villages have to offer.
These new discount packages run Saturdays and Sundays from June 16 through October 28. You’ll taste award winning wines and find out how they’re made, meet friendly farm animals, and bring home the country with a variety of fresh produce and gourmet foods. Find out about these day trip packages, with all transportation included, at
farmfresh.dutchesstourism.com
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Hudson Cruises, Inc.
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Hudson with Hudson Cruises. Established in 2003, this company has made a name for itself by offering fun, relaxing cruises up and down the Hudson River, with docking in Hudson,  Highland, and now in Poughkeepsie. Hudson Cruises boasts two United States Coast Guard inspected vessels, the 150-passenger paddlewheel “Hudson Spirit” and 24-passenger “Lil Spirit”, both available for private charter.
Join the crew as they set sail on one of their many already planned adventures, some of which include “Smoooth Jaaazz”, wine tasting, and a cigar cruise (cigars included), each under $50 per person. Groups can also create their own cruise with custom itineraries.
They will also provide a water taxi service from June 23 through October 8 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (excluding the second Saturday of each month) between Newburgh and Beacon. This service runs from noon to 8 pm and costs $8 one-way and $10 round-trip.
Whether you’re in the mood for sightseeing or want to dine and dance with friends and family, Hudson Cruises has a trip for you. For more information or for a more complete list of events, visit
www.hudsoncruises.com
or call for reservations: 914/388-2949 (Poughkeepsie), 518/822-1014 (Hudson). Bon voyage!
July Waterfront Festivals
July’s the month for riverside entertainment here in Dutchess County. Enjoy a fun filled day in the sun next to the scenic Hudson River during any of these much celebrated waterfront festivities.
Sunday, July 8 is the 12th annual Latin American Festival in Riverfront Park, Beacon. The party lasts from 8am-3pm, and includes food, craft vendors and children’s activities. Log on to
www.rmpromotions.net
or call 845/463-0409 for more information. On Saturday, July 14, come see the delightful Caribbean Day Parade and Festival in Waryas Park on Main Street in Poughkeepsie. This cultural festival celebrates the islands of the Caribbean with live entertainment, food, crafts, and dancing. Visit
www.eegflexx.com
or call 845/220-2227. Waryas Park is also hosting the Mid-Hudson Balloon Festival from July 20 –22. After watching the hot air balloons launch in the morning, you can have fun at the carnival during the day and enjoy the fireworks presentation at night. See
www.pokchamb.org
for event schedule or call 845/454-1700.
Bard SummerScape Festival
Escape to the world of the arts through Bard College’s SummerScape Festival from July 5 –August 19, located in Annandale-on-Hudson. SummerScape is an annual, world-class performing arts series of opera, theater, music, dance, and film events distinguished by rich and imaginative programming.
Highlights this year include the 18th annual Bard Music Festival, “Edward Elgar and his World,” two operas by rediscovered musical g enius Alexander von Zemlinsky, George Bernard Shaw’s “Saint Joan,” and two dance works commissioned for the Fisher Center, among many other engaging performances.
Visit
www.fishercenter.bard.edu/summerscape/
for a full list of events, ticket information, and special discounts, or call 845/758-7900.
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Cross Country International Vacations
Cross Country International offers wonderful horseback riding and walking vacations in many locations around the world, including one right here in Dutchess County. Millbrook’s equestrian training and trail ride covers nearly 400 acres of land protected by the Dutchess County Land Conservancy.
The farm, which is equipped with an indoor arena, outdoor fields with fences, and a stable area, hosts day trips and weekend packages. There is a three-night vacation package with bed and breakfast accommodations and three days of expert training. Riders also have a chance to indulge in other fun activities such as golfing, fishing, and shopping.
When you take a walking vacation with Cross Country International, chose from any of the different terrain styles the Hudson Valley has to offer. Hike a long wooded ridge, climb to a 2,311-foot summit, or take a stroll through picturesque gardens, wineries, and historic estates.
Don’t feel like driving? Cross Country International provides pick-up services from a nearby train station. For prices and availability, call 800/828-9768, or 845/635-2200. For additional information you can visit the Cross Country International websites,
www.equestrianvacations.com
and
www.walkingvacations.com
2007 Dutchess County Fair
It’s that time again for family fun activities and lively entertainment. The Dutchess County Fair opens Tuesday, August 21 and runs through Sunday, August 26 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds on Route 9 in Rhinebeck. There’s a lot in store for the more than 500,000 visitors expected to attend. For one week the fairgrounds are home to thousands of farm animals, agricultural exhibits and horticultural displays. Kids will have fun at one of the greatest carnival - midway settings around, or at the pig races and dairy birthing center. With more than 150 food vendors in the food court, everyone splurges! Shop the commercial exhibits, fine arts & crafts, and take home locally made food products. The Fair hosts non-stop entertainment, from the talent tent to the canine tent. Grandstand performers this year include Tracy Lawrence, The Wreckers, 38-Special, Rodney Atkins, Ricky Skaggs, and a professional bull riding show – all included.
Tickets are $12 at the gate, while children under 11 are free; free parking. Go online to
www.mta.info
for package with shuttle from train stations. Visit
www.DutchessFair.com
for additional information and discounted ticket sales, or call 845/876-4001.
Summer Workshops, Classes and Retreats
At the peaceful Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, you can embark on a journey of self-discovery. This year Omega celebrates 30 years of awakening the best in the human spirit. Choose from a wide array of courses, listed online and in their free catalog.
Some of the highlights include: 6/23: Female Spirit in Action workshop series with Sierra Bender. Session 1: Invigorating the Soul of the Goddess—Remember, Embody, and Celebrate the Value of Being a Woman. 6/29-7/1: The Joys of Bicycle Touring in the Hudson Valley. Gerry Brooks guides a tour with a light-hearted, fun-loving approach. 7/6-8: Tango With the Buddha. Learn how tango and meditation can be a road to inner peace in this exciting class taught by Chan and Eugenia Park and Helena Bacellar. 7/15-20: Arts Week. Explore leading the creative life through music, dance, painting, theater and writing. 7/29-8/3: Total Living. Iyanla Vanzant’s extraordinary path to success took her through a multitude of life-changing experiences that has shaped the insights she now shares with others. 8/3-5: The Psychic Pathway—Reawaken the Voice of Your Soul. Experience firsthand the adventure of living life from your intuitive voice—your highest sense of wisdom—in this workshop with internationally acclaimed intuitive Sonia Choquette. 8/24-26: Weekend with Arlo Guthrie & Robert Bly. Explore written, sung, and spoken language through their lenses.
From retreats and conferences to a special Teen Camp, you can find what you’ve been seeking. Their packages include lodging and meals. Call 845/266-4444 or visit
www.eOmega.org
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