DUTCHESS COUNTY FARM FRESH LINK

FOOD & WINE WEEKENDS*
Saturdays: July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11
Sundays: July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12

Board the Dutchess County Farm Fresh Shuttle at the Poughkeepsie Train Station for your first stop at Alison Wines & Vineyards (www.alisonwines.com).  Set in a converted, 19th century dairy barn amid scenic farmland, the winery crafts sophisticated table wines from French varietals and hybrids as well as dessert-style wines from locally grown fruits. (Tasting fee is $5 per person and is in addition to the package price.) 

After, walk next door to Gigi Market (www.gigitrattoria.com) for a mouth-watering feast of baked goods, prepared foods, and farm fruit gelato.  Enjoy the country air at this year-round farmers’ market and gourmet store which celebrates the bounty of the Hudson Valley and its local food artisans. 

Round out the afternoon by picking fresh blueberries or other seasonal goods at nearby Greig Farm (www.greigfarm.com), followed by a stopover in Rhinebeck (www.rhinebeckchamber.com).  With 437 sites listed on the National Historic Register, Rhinebeck comprises one of the largest historic districts in the United States and offers visitors an array of interesting shops, restaurants and attractions to choose from. 
   
This special discount package is available beginning June 1, 2007 by calling Metro-North Railroad at 1-800-METRO-INFO (in NYC call 212-532-4900) or by visiting the Metro-North website .

The Dutchess County Farm Fresh Shuttle will stay with you all day, transporting you to the various locations and bringing you back to the train station for the return trip home.  Reservations for the Dutchess County Farm Fresh Link Shuttle are required in advance by calling 1-800-445-3131 and selecting "0" for an operator.  Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance. 

Once you've made your reservation, purchase your rail and shuttle ticket at Metro-North’s ticket office in Grand Central Terminal or any Metro-North station with a ticket office, at all full-service ticket machines (except Wassaic Station), or online through WebTicket.

Some activities may require an additional fee. 

* Dutchess County Tourism has the right to substitute a farm or related itinerary stop to ensure the quality of the overall program and the individual getaway experience.