The adjacent towns of Red Hook and Rhinebeck are located 100 miles up the Hudson River from New York City, in Dutchess County. Rhinebeck is fortunate to have Amtrak train service along the eastern bank of the Hudson River to its Rhinecliff station. Settled by the Dutch in 1688, Rhinebeck’s long history is apparent in its architecture and scenic rural character, from early primitive Dutch stone buildings to the whimsical carpenter gothic residences along the tree-lined streets of this picturesque town.
Chosen as one of the 5 “foodiest towns in America” by “Bon Appetit” magazine, Rhinebeck offers a wide variety of high quality dining options. Thanks to smart development, the historic village center has long been held up as a model for a pedestrian village. Referred to as “the Un-Hamptons” Rhineb eck’s many unique shops equal paradise for the chic-boutique lover. Indie and art films can be enjoyed at the much-loved Upstate Films theater, and be sure to partake in the weekly bounty at the local farmer’s market. Just north of Rhinebeck, on the way to Red Hook, the Dutchess County Fairgrounds hosts a myriad of festivals including; Antique, Craft and Car shows, Country Living Fair, Sheep and Wool Festival and The Dutchess County Agricultural Fair. Tour Wilderstein, the 19th c. Queen-Anne style country home of FDR’s close confident Daisy Suckley, and take a bi-plane ride or see the nostalgic air show at The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Explore your potential at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies. Return to visit in December to celebrate with the Rhinebeck community for the fanciful Sinterklaas extravaganza.
The town of Red Hook (which prior to 1812, was part of Rhinebeck) has two villages, Red Hook and Tivoli, and two hamlets, Annandale-on-Hudson, and Barrytown. Bard College and its Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, designed by famous architect Frank Gehry, are perhaps the best known town institutions. The wonderful acoustics in the Fisher Center make a visit there for the opera, the symphony, theater and dance productions a special treat. The Hessel Museum of Art is also on the Bard campus.Red Hook also offers everything one would want in a weekend getaway: a foodie experience, a visit to a distillery or a winery, a visit to a historic home like Montgomery Place with its beautiful grounds overlooking the Hudson River, antique shops, an auction house, specialty shops, and hikes along the River.
