Drafts and Craft Spirits: Dutchess County Road Trip

Date Published: January 14, 2020

Road trips are generally taken during the summer, but we invite you to hop in the car with a designated driver and come to Dutchess County this winter for a long weekend visiting breweries and distilleries. Even in the colder months, there’s nothing better than a getaway spent sipping, tasting and toasting with friends.

Begin with a Friday afternoon in the City of Beacon, starting at Hudson Valley Brewery, whose tasting room is a unique warehouse space with a line around the building for every can release. With 15 of their own brews on tap and drafts starting at $3, this place is a must-visit.

Less than a 10-minute walk will bring you to Denning’s Point Distillery where passion drives the production of handcrafted spirits made using locally sourced grains and fruit. Try one of their delicious cocktails, like Grannie’s Strudel or The Maple Leaf.

Just down the street, have dinner at Kitchen Sink Food & Drink, which features “feel-good food” in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Then cap off the evening at 2 Way Brewing Company, named for the Hudson River – the “river that flows both ways.” With local chalkboard art illustrating each crafted brew, you’re sure to find a favorite.

The next morning, head to Poughkeepsie’s The Crafted Kup for locally made baked goods and bagels, and locally roasted organic coffees and teas. Then head to Plan Bee Farm Brewery for ground-to-glass beer that’s made using only New York State ingredients, many of which are grown on site.

For nearly a quarter-century, Hyde Park Brewing Company’s motto has been “anytime is a good time for a beer.” Grab lunch and a flight of fine beers, each with their own unique flavor profile, at the Hudson Valley’s original brew pub.

Set out to the northeastern part of the county for some simple sipping. Taconic Distillery’s Stanfordville tap room pours their award-winning bourbon and rye whiskies, made using New York grains and spring water from the founders’ farm. Spend the evening back in Poughkeepsie to enjoy dinner at Mill House Brewing Company. Try their “Mill House Classics” like the Bacon Deviled Eggs or the Buffalo Fried Brussels Sprouts, alongside a $15 flight of five of their “killer” brews. Before the night ends, visit King’s Court Brewing Company or Blue Collar Brewery and choose your favorite Queen City draft.

Back in Beacon on Sunday morning, don’t miss an opportunity for breakfast at The Beacon Daily. Their egg sandwiches on homemade English muffins are exactly what you need to start the day. Then pop over to More Good on Main Street, for the most natural and delicious flavored seltzer beverage you’ve ever tasted.

Time for lunch at Sloop Brewing Co. @ the Factory in Hopewell Junction, where you can savor wood-fired pizza and a pint of Juice Bomb – their popular “juicy, hazy, flagship IPA.” Then head to Dutchess County’s newest brewery, Industrial Arts Brewing Company on Fishkill Avenue in Beacon. Try their recently launched Winter Landscape ’19, a foeder-aged dark lager brewed exclusively with New York State grown ingredients.

For a full list of craft beverage producers that are open to visitors – there are more! can you believe it? – visit dutchesstourism.com/go/craft.

This article originally posted on Valley Table.