Dutch Discover Dutchess County!
Henry Hudson's voyage had important consequences. In making this historic journey, Hudson claimed the Hudson Valley region for the Dutch and opened the land for the settlers who followed. Hudson's voyage in 1614, nearly ten years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, led to the establishment of the Dutch trading post. Discover the Hudson Valley for yourself and re-establish these important connections.

Day One
Depart New York City for Beacon, New York and visit Mount Gulian, a reconstructed 18th century Dutch homestead with unique 1740's Dutch barn and restored gardens. Next visit Madam Brett Homestead, built in 1709. Madam Brett was a businesswoman and patent settler, and her strategy for developing the area became a county development paradigm. Dutchess County's oldest homestead has 17 rooms of furnishing, porcelain, books and gardens. Stop for lunch in historic Beacon at one of the many fine restaurants and take time to stroll through antique shops and art galleries.

After lunch continue onto First Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in Fishkill which dates to 1716 and was a meeting place for the New York Provincial Congress and served as a prison one night during the American War for Independence.

Last visit of the day will be at the 1732 Van Wyck Homestead Museum. Continue on and check into your accommodations for the evening with dinner at Brass Anchor, Cosimos, Coppolla's or other fine restaurants.

Day Two
After breakfast begin your day with a tour of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Home, Museum and Library, perhaps Dutchess County's most famous descendant of Dutch heritage. Learn more about the Four Freedoms awards, which in 2004 will be hosted in the Netherlands. Lunchtime will provide a unique experience at one of five award-winning, student staffed restaurants of The Culinary Institute of America.(Closed during July) This afternoon break away for the history and enjoy a tour of Millbrook Winery, one of four award-winning wineries in Dutchess County. After the winery travel to Rhinebeck, New York where you will enjoy dining on your own at one of the many fine restaurants in the village which was established in 1688. Rhinebeck was once part of the largest land patent in New York as the Beekman Patent. Many of the older homes have Dutch influence architecture. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Day Three
Check out of your hotel and drive north past Marist College where Rik Smits from Holland attended school and later on became a member of the NBA Indiana Pacers. Continue north into Ulster County and discover more of Dutch influence in the Hudson Valley.