DUTCHESS COUNTY, NEW YORK

Scenic Dutchess County, New York is nestled in the Hudson River Valley, 90 minutes from New York City, and is accessible by car, train, bus and air. With its abundance of historic landmarks, restaurants, festivals and great natural beauty, Dutchess County is the ideal place for day trips or longer getaways. It's 800 square miles of fascinating sites, lively events and breathtaking vistas.

The Hudson Valley’s Great Estates are now museums. Explore “Millionaires’ Row,” six historic mansions including the Franklin Roosevelt Home. Experience the fabulous lifestyle of a Gilded Age tycoon at Vanderbilt Mansion or nearby Mills Mansion. Stroll Montgomery Place, set on 434 riverfront acres. Locust Grove, the Samuel Morse Historic Site, details his life as an artist and telegraph inventor. With stunning views of the Hudson River -- designated one of 14 “America’s Heritage Rivers” – it is not surprising the entire region is a National Heritage Area.

Families are enriched by the many cultural diversions and educational day trips that make memories. The Dia Center for the Arts brings world class contemporary art to Beacon in 2001. Shopping is always a favorite activity, whether browsing in intriguing antique shops and quaint village boutiques or finding the latest fashions at our indoor malls.

A wealth of outdoor activities makes Dutchess County a vacation destination for nature lovers, with eleven parks, six multiple use areas, eighteen gardens, nature sites and trails. Scenic tour itineraries, by car or bike, let you wind through beautiful countryside on your own outdoor adventure. The Dutchess Bike Tour Guide has six easy to follow; routes range from 27-60 miles. The Scenic and Historic Drive Tour Guide maps out six itineraries emphasizing area history and attractions. Both lead you past rural farm landscapes, wineries, Hudson River views and historic sites. The Crafts/Arts Trail Brochure lets your create your own arts adventure. All are available free of charge.

Others prefer hiking, exploring mountain trails for the day or camping overnight. Sportsmen try sporting clays, trap or skeet shooting at game preserves, or hunt at multiple use areas. For anglers, the fishing is bountiful, in a refreshing mountain stream or on the Hudson River.

Spend a day on the links, choosing from sixteen golf courses (including the oldest American public course.) Golf magazine ranked Dutchess 25th nationwide for its competitive and scenic courses, two designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones and one is a unique links-style course.

The bounty of Dutchess County is plentiful, whether visitors unwrap a picnic lunch, or reserve a table at a world-class gourmet restaurant. Savor hearty fare at historic taverns or contemporary cuisine at stylish bistros. Dine in one of The Culinary Institute of America’s five restaurants, or patronize one presided over by Culinary graduates, featuring outstanding traditional and regional cuisine.

Drink it all in, from the scenic landscapes to the award winning wines at our four wineries. Follow the Dutchess Wine Trail and sample wines with international recognition. Tour the wine cellars and chat with the winemakers. Shop at a pick-your-own farm or a farmers market.

Visitors to Dutchess County can enjoy a taste of history, a world-class meal, and a full menu of recreational choices in surroundings of outstanding natural beauty. To receive any of our free publications, call 800/445-3131 or visit DutchessTourism.com.