-
Things to Do
-
Plan
-
About
As the holidays approach, each member of our staff is taking some time to reflect on what they're grateful for. Despite experiencing quite an unprecedented year, we can find joy all around us in Dutchess. Whether that means quieting our minds with some fresh air outdoors, stocking up on favorite local products to enjoy at home, or just being tourists in our own backyard, we can all find some positivity during this challenging year.
Most of all, we are grateful for everything our partners and local businesses do to contribute to the vibrancy of our Dutchess County communities, even under the most difficult of circumstances.
Reflecting on this past year, I am incredibly thankful for ALL the people who work behind the scenes at 
our historic sites to help tell the story of Dutchess County and the people who lived here. This is especially true of the folks at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum. Not being open to the public during the pandemic has not stopped them from constantly churning out engaging, enlightening, and interesting content online. I have enjoyed their Facebook Live presentations, the virtual content on their website and their “At Home with the Roosevelts” e-newsletters. They have often been a comfort as they shared meaningful stories of another time when our country faced extreme adversity and have reminded us that we are always strongest when we work together.
Doug and Talea’s hard-working team at Janet Livingston Montgomery’s vintage orchard, Montgomery Place Orchards, give our community and visitors the absolute best “wayside stand” experience. The variety of apples is unparalleled in the region and the gorgeous look of fruit and veggies, pumpkins and gourds are a thrill to behold.
As a life long resident of Dutchess County and busy working mom of two kids I love to break away from our hectic schedules and take in a bit of fresh air and scenery. While we enjoy all county and state parks in Dutchess, our family favorite is the Dutchess Rail Trail. We typically walk and occasionally ride our bikes. The kids love to point out all of the cool nature finds along the way. It is so easy and fun to do together. The outdoors has been something for many people to turn to while everything else was closed during the COVID-19 shutdowns; I am thankful we have so many beautiful options here in Dutchess.
During quarantine my husband and I adopted dog, and she’s brought so much joy into our lives! We went from a not-so-active/outdoorsy family to one that explores trails and parks every weekend. Dutchess is so beautiful, and something that I think a lot of folks don’t realize is that the grounds of the historic sites (in addition to the houses themselves) are really wonderful! Trails and river views are waiting for all to enjoy. Tilly (that’s our Puerto Rican pup) pretends she’s one of New York’s elite (let’s face it, she’s the queen of our household) on the grounds of Clermont State Historic Site, Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Locust Grove Estate and more.
While I enjoy all of our Dutchess breweries, Sloop Brewing Co. has to be my favorite. My family loves 
getting together for pizzas and burgers at their taproom in East Fishkill and their menu is perfect for sharing. I’m not usually an IPA drinker but Sloop’s Juice Bomb and all of their IPAs are the exception to that rule, and if you’re a fan of sours, you have to try their award-winning sour ale, Confliction. But my favorite thing about Sloop Brewing Co. has to be their support of other local craft breweries, especially during the COVID-19 shutdowns. Sloop lent Zeus Brewing Co., which had recently opened in Poughkeepsie, a canning line so that they could still sell their beer when indoor dining was closed.
I grew up in Hopewell Junction and frequently visited Fishkill Farms, and still do to this day! It's been 
really cool to see the farm's transformation over the years. I remember as kids riding bikes through the orchard (no longer allowed!), picking apples and buying candy at the market. I even had them provide fresh cider donuts as my wedding favors in 2017! Although the weekend crowds now make the wait a little longer for my favorite donut, it's still crucial to me to support a local farm that's been such an important part of my community, and a place I continue to make memories with my family.
My favorite thing to do in Dutchess County is eat! There are so many great eateries throughout the 
county, that one truly will never grow tired of eating out. One restaurant in particular that I am thankful for is Cafe Con Leche! They’ve created a beautiful outdoor dining space with uplifting messages hung throughout their tent, a lot of greenery, and kind service. I can’t forget to mention their flavorful dishes plated in an Instagram-worthy presentation! Whenever I come here, it’s easy to forget why I am dining outdoors instead of inside. During this difficult time, I have really admired the innovative practices all restaurants have implemented to be open while keeping customers safe. It’s important for us to support our local chefs and businesses; they are one of the many reasons Dutchess County is a worthwhile destination.
I spend a lot of my weekends checking off spots that I want to see on my Dutchess County bucket list, but one place that keeps me coming back is Millbrook Vineyards and Winery. There’s no better way to celebrate the weekend then with friends, food trucks, beautiful views, and of course, a glass of wine. It’s always been a meeting spot for my friends, family members, and myself to catch up, all while taking in the breathtaking views of the Vineyards and Catskill Mountains. Even though the way we go about our daily lives has changed, I’m grateful that I am still able to visit and support one of my favorite places in Dutchess.
Covid-19 Information 
Our top priority is the safety, health, and wellbeing of our community, its residents and visitors.
Information for visitors & residents Information & Resources
