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About
The Dutchess County Executive’s Award for Overall Distinction recognizes businesses and organizations that have continued to grow, innovate, or make other significant investments that make our county a destination that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. Join Dutchess Tourism in celebrating all the honorees at the 10th annual Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at The Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park. Read more about the event and purchase tickets here.
Read on to learn more about each Dutchess County Executive’s Award for Overall Distinction finalist.
Robert Chiulli, Brinckerhoff Inn: The Brinckerhoff House is the essence of history in Duchess County, if not the country. The Brinkerhoff family purchased the land in 1718 and started building this house. They occupied it for 297 years. We purchased it realizing the historical value and knowing it should be shared with everyone. At the Brinkerhoff Inn each room has its own distinctive beauty and personality. Every bedroom has an individual on suite and differentiates in its decor. One can actually sleep in the same rooms as your Four Fathers once did.
John Stefanopoulos, Four Brothers Drive-In Theatre: We are a local family restaurant and hospitality outfit with multiple locations in Dutchess County for more than 50 years. We pride ourselves on taking care of our community, employing the best of what our wonderful county offers, and bringing exceptional service, quality, and experience to our area. Being creative in using local resources, farms, and consistency in our unique recipes are what people have grown to love. Our drive-in cinema is one of the newest in America and offers the latest in accommodations, EV charging, and has become a venue for cinema, events, outings and celebrations. At Four Brothers, we have taken pride in being able to stay true to our foundation of who we are and what we stand for but also adjusting to the times and needs of our communities.
William Harris, FDR Presidential Library and Museum: The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum is America's first presidential library—and the only one used by a sitting president. FDR's Library was the model for the nation's presidential library system, which is administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. The Library's mission is to foster research and education on the life and times of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and their continuing impact on contemporary life. Our work is carried out by four major areas: Archives, Museum, Education and Public Programs. We are also shifting our perspective in aspects of the Roosevelt story, sharing not only how the Roosevelts impacted America, but how Americans impacted the Roosevelts. This allows the Library to explore all aspects of the American experience, many of which traditionally aren't addressed in Presidential libraries.
Robert Chiulli, Brinckerhoff Inn: My plans are to make it a destination. It is already a bed and breakfast with five-star reviews. We plan to add a dinner restaurant, wine bar, and a barn wedding venue. For 24 years, I have driven by this house in awe of its beauty and history as many others have as well.
John Stefanopoulos, Four Brothers Drive-In Theatre: We hope that people keep discovering all of the wonders of Dutchess County and appreciate the dynamic personality it boasts. Our business will continue to grow and highlight what makes Dutchess so wonderful. We are planning on adding more stores and introducing a fresh, new look. With our drive-in theater—bringing more amazing events with actors, talented musicians and exciting programming in 2024. Not to mention a few menu updates including lobster rolls, a new date shake and pizzas! We are also excited to be growing our online business with our Greek salad dressing and frozen pizzas.
William Harris, FDR Presidential Library and Museum: Through state-of-the-art galleries, unique educational offerings and a robust public programs schedule, the Library strives to offer the Dutchess County community—and the visiting public—a place to learn about American history and reflect on why the lessons of Roosevelt-era are still important today. Our hope is to build and grow new audiences from near and far and to visitors from all walks of life to see their stories alongside the Roosevelts and to appreciate the value of American democracy.
Robert Chiulli, Brinckerhoff Inn: George Washington is known to have slept at the Brinkerhoff Inn on multiple occasions. Other notable guests include General Alexander McDougall, who used the home as his headquarters for a time during the American Revolutionary War, as well as Governor George Clinton, and Generals Putnam, Knox, Arnold, Greene, and Gates. General Marquis de Lafayette also stayed at the Inn for four months recovering from an illness.
John Stefanopoulos, Four Brothers Drive-In Theatre: Everyone visiting any of our stores needs to try our Greek salad and goat cheese pizza. Pro tip: Dip your pizza crust in our dressing. Our scampi is with our homemade garlic butter recipe and is secretly one of the best menu items! If you're coming to our drive in, you need to get here early and try our car hop service, enjoy the fire pit and mini golf and have a Nutella shake with your lobster roll—you’ll be in heaven.
William Harris, FDR Presidential Library and Museum: Be sure to check out the current special exhibitions at the Roosevelt Library. Visitors and tour operators often check in ahead of time to see what's new and our temporary exhibition space allows us to delve into new topics and themes from the lives and times of the Roosevelts. Also, the Roosevelt Library doesn't shy away from challenging and complex topics or discussions in its exhibits as seen in its groundbreaking exhibition on Japanese American Incarceration, IMAGES OF INTERNMENT (2017) and its current special exhibit, BLACK AMERICANS, CIVIL RIGHTS, AND THE ROOSEVELTS, 1932-1962 (2023-2024). The Library also sits on 16 acres of land personally selected by FDR and transferred to the American people in 1939. The land and environment are ready evidence of why FDR loved his home and the Hudson Valley.
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