TOP TEN: Free Things to do in Dutchess County
- Explore the CCS & Hessel Museum at Bard College: Features contemporary art exhibitions, curated by graduate students at this recently expanded and renovated museum. Wednesday-Sunday from 1-5pm. Annandale-on-Hudson. 845/758-7598. www.Bard.edu/ccs
- Picnic on Mount Beacon: With spectacular views of the Hudson River Valley, Mt. Beacon is a challenging but rewarding hike. Follow one of the steep, dirt trails up the mountain and spot the ruins of the incline railroad along the way. Hiking boots are recommended; bring water and snacks. Open 9am to dusk; not for the inexperienced hiker. Trail entrance at the intersection of Howland and Wolcott Avenues in Beacon. 845/473-4440 www.ScenicHudson.org
- Sail on the Hudson: Reserve a seat on the “Woody Guthrie” Sloop, and sail in a wooden sailboat replica of a Hudson River ferry sloop while given a brief history of the river and the boat. Available weekday evenings, reservations required. Dock at the Beacon Railroad Plaza. 845/297-7697 www.BeaconSloopClub.org
- Find out about local sports figures: Travel through Dutchess County's history of sports at the Sports Museum of Dutchess County. Saturday 11am-4pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm and by appointment. Wappingers Falls off Wheeler Hill Road. 845/473-0903, 297-9308. www.DutchessNY.gov
- Enjoy local art: The G.A.S. Visual Art and Performance Space features 10 Hudson Valley artists ’ contemporary works with all types of media. GAS is known for its bold, experimental exhibits. Friday-Sunday, noon-6pm. 196 Main Street, Poughkeepsie. 845/486-4592. www.GalleryandStudio.org
- Step back more than 200 years at Van Wyck Homestead: The 1732 structure once served as an officer ’s headquarters for the Continental Army. The museum is open weekends 1pm-4pm. Route 9, Fishkill. 845/896-9560.
- Tour Wethersfield's Estate and Gardens: A 1,400-acres country gentleman's estate with more than 10 acres devoted to formal gardens. Sweeping view of the Clove Valley - and peacocks. Wednesday, Fridays and Saturday noon-5pm. Off Route 86 in Amenia. 845/373-8037.
- Delve into the history of art at Vassar College: Enjoy the spacious campus while investigating art from Egyptian times to the present at the Francis Lehman Loeb Art Museum, designed by Cesar Pelli. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sundays 1pm-5pm. 124 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie. 845/437-5632. http:// fllac.Vassar.edu
- Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center has more than 1,000-acres. The working farm teaches natural history, ecology and farming programs. Free nature programs Saturdays and seasonal festivals. Trails and grounds sunrise to sunset for hiking, fishing, birding and snowshoeing. Rt. 9D, Wappingers Falls. Weekdays, 8:45am-4:30pm; Saturday, 9:30am-4:30pm; Sunday, 1-4pm. 845/831-8780. www.dec.state.ny.us
- Stroll along the Poet ’s Walk Romantic Landscape Park: 120 acres of gardens, trails, gazebos, and breathtaking views of the Hudson River. Has encouraged inspiration for poets and artists alike for years, from Washington Irving to Pete Seeger, so don’t forget your notebook! Off River Road in Red Hook. 9am to dusk. 845/473-4440 www.ScenicHudson.org
