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Whether it's time to move your college student into their new Hudson Valley home, celebrate commencement, or you're back for a homecoming, reunion or alumni weekend, there's so much to do in Dutchess County. In fact, it's the perfect time to visit in every season. For our guide to seasonal activities, click here.
Our county is home to five prestigious institutions of higher learning: The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, and Marist College, Vassar College and Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie. To read more about these schools as well as attractions and activities on their stunning campuses, click here.
Upcoming: Homecoming and Reunion Weekend at Marist College is scheduled for Nov. 3–5.
There is so much to see and experience here in Dutchess, with our vibrant arts and culture scene, our fascinating historic sites and our world-class cuisine — along with all the outdoor adventures the Hudson River has to offer. And when the fall foliage blazes forth in all its colorful splendor, the scenic views of the river and the surrounding highlands are simply breathtaking.
Read on for tips on can't-miss excursions during your college visit, including hidden-gem hikes, apple and pumpkin picking, craft beverage destinations, top free things to do and activities for every generation of the family.
Have questions about planning your trip to Dutchess County? Call us at 845-463-4000
• Events near Marist College for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Nov. 3–5
Beacon Bonfire Music and Arts Festival (Nov. 4 and 5 in Beacon): This event features dozens of artists performing at multiple venues in Beacon. Feel free to snuggle up by one of the crackling bonfires burning all along Main Street.
Hudson Valley Beer, Whiskey and Wine Festival (Nov. 4, 12 p.m. at Barton Orchards, Poughquag): Celebrate all things beer, whiskey and wine while enjoying a fun day at the farm.
"Britishmania" Beatles Tribute (Nov. 4, 12 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the MJN Convention Center, Poughkeepsie): Take a trip back in time and relive the magic of The Beatles at this one-of-a-kind concert! The 12 p.m. performance includes a buffet lunch.
Grand Fall Wine Tasting (Nov. 4, 1 p.m. at Boutique Wines, Spirits and Ciders, Fishkill): This tasting event features a curated selection of red, bubbly and white wines with traditional holiday foods in mind.
Innisfree Garden Curator's Tour (Nov. 5, 1:30 p.m. at Innisfree Garden, Millbrook): Join Innisfree's landscape curator, Kate Kerin, for a walking tour exploring this powerful work of art, which is recognized as one of the world's 10 best gardens and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For more Dutchess County events, click here.
Few destinations in the world are more iconic for autumn than the Hudson Valley. Luckily for parents during Family Weekend, Dutchess County has several farms and orchards open for apple and pumpkin picking. Enjoy fruit fresh off the trees, dig into the region's famous cider donuts and get the cutest fall photos with the family. For pick-your-own apple orchards, click here.
Dutchess County has many completely FREE activities that are excellent experiences for families. Hike Peach Hill Park in Poughkeepsie, discover classic art at Francis Lehman Loeb Art Center and contemporary works at the Wassaic Project, stroll through our Great Estates and more! For the full top 10 list of free things to do in Dutchess, click here.
Any craft beverage fans in the family? Select a 1-day or 3-day pass for all 21+ members of the family to score free tastings, merch and more at your choice of 13 Dutchess County hotspots. Spend time at breweries, cideries, wineries, distilleries and meaderies, several of which are located on breathtaking farms! In fact, Poughkeepsie itself is home to several producers on the list, including Slate Point Meadery, Plan Bee Farm Brewery and Zeus Brewing Company. For the full list of destinations on the Taste Finder craft beverage passport, click here.
Related: The Dutchess Tourism Trail Finder is a mobile passport program featuring attractions, experiences, and can’t-miss sights throughout the region. For your convenience, they’re presented in four carefully crafted trails, each catering to a distinct set of interests. To find the perfect trail for you, click here.
Searching for restaurants that have vegan and/or vegetarian options? Luckily, Dutchess County hosts dozens of vegan-friendly eateries. For those with dietary restrictions, every meal of the day is covered by our top 10 list. From farm-to-table cafe fare and smoothie bowls to authentic Indian and Thai, there's something for everyone's palate. For vegetarian and vegan dining, click here.
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Visiting with a multi-generational family? We have plenty of experiences for groups of all ages. Fascinating historic sites, bucolic farms and breathtaking brunch spots overlooking the Hudson River are on the table. Plunge into the lives of the Roosevelts at the FDR Presidential Library & Museum, stroll across a Chinese and Japanese-inspired landscape at Innisfree Garden, and more! For our top 10 activities for every generation to do together, click here.
Plus, download our FREE Connection Finder family fun trail for deals and discounts. Visit alpaca farms, bring the little ones to climbing gyms and trampoline centers, enjoy ice cream made with local dairy, and catch late-season flicks at a retro drive-in theater. To download your passport, click here.
Wondering where you can go and bring along your pup in Dutchess County? Here are a few of our dog-friendly hiking trails, historic sites, craft beverage hotspots and more in the Hudson Valley!
Late September is one of the best times of the entire year to go hiking in the Hudson Valley. Get ready to traverse tranquil trails! Choose from our list of under-the-radar destinations for peaceful jaunts into nature. Conquer these upward paths for stunning views of the Catskill Mountains, Berkshires and Hudson Highlands. For 10 stellar outdoor experiences, click here.
Plan your trip to Dutchess County with the trip planner tool!
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