Exploring the Historic Hudson Valley in Dutchess County, NY
The section of the Hudson Valley in Dutchess County is filled with history and beauty. Here’s how to make the most of your time in this lovely section of New York State.
I’m not the blogger to come to if you want to read about the most instagrammable places in an over-touristed city or country. Rather, I’ve always made a conscious effort to draw people’s attention to that which isn’t already top of mind, yet no less worthy of their consideration.
When I had the chance to explore New York State’s Historic Hudson Valley, and more specifically Dutchess County, I jumped at the opportunity.
If you’ve read my work for a while, either on my website or from my extended portfolio, you’ll know that I’m nearly obsessed with the notion of filling in blanks on the map. What I mean by that is that I love the idea that you could say the name of a destination and, if I’ve been there (and “filled in the blank”), I’ll have a visceral reaction and activate the part of my brain which has a connection to that destination.
I also firmly believe that if more people took the time to fill more blanks on their map, we might have a little more empathy floating around than we seem to these days.
Now, before I get off track on some sort of esoteric diatribe, let me bring it back to what I’m writing about today. In the spring, I had the chance to explore Dutchess County, and I ended up writing an article about charming Rhinebeck, New York, but I realized there was more to this story that I wanted to share.
In this article, I want to talk about how you can visit Dutchess County, New York, and dive in to the history of the Hudson Valley, while having a little fun as well, of course. I mean, I don’t think I’ve ever written an itinerary without at least one brewery and distillery.
Dutchess County and the Mid-Hudson Region
Dutchess County is a county in New York State that has a population of roughly 300,000. The county was established all the way back in 1683, and thus is one of New York’s twelve first counties.
Dutchess County is part of what’s known as the Mid-Hudson Region of New York along with the counties of Ulster, Sullivan, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester. The region is close in proximity to New York City, but also the epicenter of the Boston-Washington Corridor.
In general, the Mid-Hudson Valley Region is known for it’s variety of both urban centres and beautiful rural villages, its abundance of colleges and universities, emergence of craft breweries and distilleries, and plethora of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy nature in the Hudson Valley.
Fun Ways to Enjoy the Historic Hudson Valley While You’re in Dutchess County
In the list that follows, I’ve tried to highlight a nice variance of activity that should offer you a well-rounded view of the area. They’ll be a touch of the outdoors, some art, a dash of history, some places to relax and, of course, a recommendation or two for folks looking to have a beer or cocktail.
Take in the Views from the Walkway Over the Hudson
Let’s start with a fact - the Walkway over the Hudson is the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. It’s a steel cantilever bridge that connects Poughkeepsie and Highland, New York, and it was completed in the late 19th century.
It was damaged by a fire in the mid-1970s, and taken out of commission. However, in 2009, it reopened as a pedestrian walkway as part of the new Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park.
It’s been an enormous success, with nearly 600,000 visitors coming in 2017, and attendance only rising each year. I'm not surprised at all, either, as it’s a place where you can bask in the incredible views of the Hudson River, get some exercise with the whole family (either on a bike, by foot etc.), and it also struck me as an important beacon of community.
I spoke with two gentlemen there who worked as maintenance for the state park, and I got the sense that they were blown away by what a draw this now was for both Dutchess County and the Mid-Hudson Region at large.
Before you go, you can check the hours on the Walkway over the Hudson website. Today, for example, I can see that they’re open 7am to sunset for all to enjoy.
Show Some Love for the Barrett Art Center
The Barrett Art Center is an important headquarters for the visual arts in the Mid-Hudson Valley. From the moment I arrived, I could tell that this place was all about supporting community, especially as it’s always free and open to the public.
This is my kind of place. They have an after school program for kids, an upstairs room filled with light where they host workshops for artists, a resident painter who is supported by the Barrett Art Center, and regular events and programs which highlight the work of folks in the Mid-Hudson region.
I was lucky to get a tour with Joanna Frang, the Executive Director of the Barrett Art Center, and I was struck by the importance of having a place like this in the city in Poughkeepsie, New York, and Dutchess County at large. To put it lightly, the ripple effects this place is having are enormous, and will have a tangible impact on the prevalence of visual art in the region.
They’ve got events and programs running constantly, but somewhat varied business hours, so the best thing to do is to check out the Barrett Art Center website for details.
If you’re enjoying this post, you might also like to read about visiting Rhinebeck, New York, or perhaps one of New York State’s larger cities, Rochester, NY
Relax at the Hudson Valley Healing Center
If I lived near this place, I would be a regular, and for that, I’m quite sure I’d be happier and healthier.
The Hudson Valley Healing Center is a draw in Dutchess County because of its holistic approach towards health. You can attend yoga classes to get moving, speak to a wellness practitioner, or spend some time in the salt cave.
I was an enormous fan of the salt cave experience. For an hour, I laid back in a zero gravity chair and relished the chance to be in the restorative and healing glow of the cave. They have certified Himalayan salt from Pakistan lining the walls and floors, which, I’m told, has a plethora of healing benefits. I felt great after my session, but that’s also because the salt cave is a place to disconnect from it all.
There aren’t that many places that we can go now to fully take a moment to gather our thoughts, reflect, and heal, and I feel like the salt room at the Hudson Valley Healing Center does just that.
It’s one of those Hudson Valley activities that may not be the first thing to come to mind, but it’s something a little different in the Mid-Hudson, and that’s worth celebrating.
Have a Meal (and a Beer!) at Mill House Brewing Company
You should go out of your way to stop by here and see all the wild creativity that’s afoot. I’m lucky I brought my appetite here because I ended up ordering a ton of stuff off the menu simply because I had to at least give it a try.
The first place you’ve got to look is their hand crafted sausages. They’ve got six sausages that they make - are you ready to here what kinds?
They’ve got Sage and Garlic (pork), Chicken and Waffles (chicken & pork), Kielbasa and Pierogies (pork & beef), Thai “Bahn Mi” Sausage (pork), Pulled Pork Hot Dog (pork & beef), and Beer and Jalapeño Cheddar Brats. And yes, I tried a bunch of them.
For an appetizer, I went for the Fried Pickle Chips, but the Crispy Ranch Chickpeas and Bang Bang Cauliflower also caught my eye.
I also heard incredible things about their burgers, particularly the 50/50 Burger which is half bacon and half sirloin. This is a place to come and eat, so I would honestly recommend having a light breakfast, then just waiting until you arrive here to get down to business. There’s just so many fun things to eat!
Naturally, it’s also a brewery, so you’ve got to try a few beers, many of which I very much enjoyed. If you’re looking to try something unique, the Cucumber Blessings is fascinating (but my guess is it’s only on tap for summer months). I’m not a big sour guy, but I did like the Cross Reference Blackberry, and for a beer to have along with your meal, I’d go with the Rip Hops, a relatively easy drinking pilsner. If you’re not a pilsner fan, then go with the PK Pale Ale.
Whatever combination of drinks and food you have, it’ll be the right choice. I would try to fit this into your Dutchess County itinerary, largely because they’ve got some interesting food, good beers, and a friendly staff that makes this an experience unto itself.
Visit the FDR Presidential Library and Museum
If there is one site in Dutchess County and the historic Hudson Valley that I would say you absolutely cannot miss, it would have to be the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Even as a Canadian, it wasn’t hard for me to be incredibly moved and engaged by the story of FDR, and to sincerely appreciate my time in the first presidential library in the United States.
As far as I can gather, he was really the first president to make his papers available to the public, and in light of that, you can get a deeply intimate look into his life through his private collection of papers, books and memorabilia on display.
The permanent exhibit there did a remarkable job of tracing the life of one of America’s greatest presidents, and quite possibly greatest men. Learning about his paralytic illness, and how he overcame that both personally and professionally, was nothing short of inspiring.
I’m also fascinated by WWII history since my grandfather served for the Canadian Forces and I’m working my way through his letters. It’s clear that FDR’s wartime efforts as Commander-in-Chief played a vital role in the winning of the war.
Finally, and perhaps most poignantly, I was struck by how this man, a Democrat politically, is universally celebrated by Republicans and Democrats alike. We live in a time now of polarization (and that’s especially true in America), and FDR is a reminder that a person can represent a party, but also represent all people.
Honestly, visiting the FDR Library ranks as one of my top experiences that I’ve had thus far in the US, let alone just Dutchess County. Sure, I’m a lover of history and politics (and libraries), but this is a place that all people can engage with, which is fitting considering FDR’s legacy.
Sip on the Good Stuff at Denning’s Point Distillery
This little gem of Beacon, NY has won the award for Best Hudson Valley Distillery quite a few times, and, from my perspective, the accolades are well deserved.
They’re situated in one of Beacon’s 19th century buildings, and they’ve tastefully turned it into a fresh and funky spot that’s become something of a community headquarters. They source all their grains locally, and they’re not scared to be a touch inventive when it comes to their booze. Take, for example, their Beacon Apple Brandy. Also, their Maid of the Meadow (a wheat based spirit with wild herbs and honey) is both original and delicious.
Lastly, as it turns out, all distilleries need to be run by people, and I’ve got to mention how grateful I was to meet one person in particular - Susan Johnson. She’s one of the owners of Denning’s Point Distillery, and was extraordinarily gracious and hospitable.
Before getting into distilling, Susan was involved with marketing and design, and that shows in their current product. Their blue wax seal has become something of a calling card and separates them a bit from everything else on the shelf, and the quality of the glass that they use for bottling is also highly intentional.
I actually have a bottle of their gin sitting on top of the alcohol and wine cabinet we have in our apartment. It just goes to show you, some bottles stay in the cabinet and collect dust, while others sit on top and get all the glory.
If this article has been to your liking, you’re also going to love reading about visiting the best wineries in New York’s Finger Lakes region.
Dine at the Culinary Institute of America
The Culinary Institute of America describe themselves as one of the top culinary institutions on the planet and they seem to have the chops to back that up.
I visited their New York Campus, which I must admit was quite befitting of a prestigious institution. Of course, you know how much I love to eat, so I wasn’t just going there for a leisurely stroll - I was going there to eat.
On the campus, they have three restaurants, a bakery, and a brewery. These institutions are staffed and run by the students, with the aid of the teachers of course. There’s a French and Italian restaurant, but I went to American Bounty, which has a focus on produce and products from the Hudson Valley with a impressive American wine-list to boot.
Due to the fact that it’s an experimental sort of place, the menu is ever-changing, but I’ll offer my recommendations anyhow in case some of what dined on is still on the menu when you get a chance to visit.
Firstly, get your hands on the Charcuterie Board. The duck fat biscuits are next level when you put a little county ham and cheese on them. It’s also a well rounded plate to share, generally speaking. My guess is that’s a permanent fixture on the menu.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the Baby Kale Salad, and that’s because instead of the same overdone combination of vegetables, this included pears, beats, radish and a ginger-brown butter vinaigrette.
Finally, I had the Roasted Duck Breast with smoked eggplant, rosemary, kale, and preserved pears, and asparagus with hollandaise and grapefruit on the side. I’m all for experimental when it tastes that good.
Oh, and the fresh baked buns that they bring out at the beginning? They’re something else.
When you go, be kind and chat with your server about how their schooling is going. Realize that everyone there is dedicated to the craft, and you can show your appreciation with your kindness throughout the meal, and maybe even some generosity by writing a little note on the bill about your server for their teachers to see.
What Makes Dutchess County (and the Mid-Hudson Region) Worth Exploring?
For me, it’s all about just how eclectic the range of experiences are in Dutchess County and the Mid-Hudson. One minute you’re in the first presidential library, and the next you’re deep in your own head in a dimly lit salt cave (that’s a positive thing, I promise). The point is, there’s a little something for everyone.
In terms of building out a Dutchess County Itinerary, you’d be wise to take another peek at my article on Rhinebeck, NY, and then plan a trip that draws on both articles. That really is what it’s all about for me - helping you plan your next trip.
When I played with the idea of heading down to Dutchess County, I think I mistakenly thought that I’d be trying to come up with things to do to fill the time. In fact, the opposite occured, and I left Dutchess County realizing that there was so much more than I had to come back and see.
I want to encourage everyone to think outside the box a bit when it comes to travel. New York City might have the skyscrapers, but places like Dutchess County provide intimate travel experiences that you can enjoy on your own, with a partner, or the whole family.
It’s a little something different, and with sites like the FDR Library and the Walkway over the Hudson, I can only imagine you’re going to be very pleasantly surprised when you get here.
I want to humbly thank Dutchess County for hosting me as media. All opinions are completely my own. Below, I’d love to know in the comments if you’ve visited Dutchess County or the Mid-Hudson Region before and your thoughts! I respond to each and every comment.
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