Winter getaways in Dutchess County

Located mid-way between Albany and New York City, visitors can enjoy the many attractions of Dutchess or the attraction of being pampered and doing nothing at all.

For the Outdoor Enthusiast, there are over a dozen scenic locations where you can either go cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling or ice skating. Cross-country skiing is the sport of choice in Dutchess. Visitors can choose from a range of glorious winter settings and skill levels from beginner to advanced.

At the James Baird State Park in Pleasant Valley, free cross-country ski clinics are offered at various times throughout the season. Enjoy marked trails, ski the golf course or strike out on your own through miles of woodland (845) 473-5520.

At the Stony Kill Environmental Education Center in Wappingers Falls, 750 acres of unspoiled countryside awaits the visitor. Bring your own skis or try something different and rent a pair of snow shoes. Stony Kill also offers a winter program of events featuring moonlight nature hikes, ice fishing clinics, maple sugar tapping and more (845) 831-8780.

Another outdoor activity popular in Dutchess County are horse drawn sleigh rides. For a romantic or family excursion, the Southland Foundation in Rhinebeck (845) 876-4862 or A Horse Drawn Affair in Stanfordville (845-868-1957) will take you for a scenic ride in antique sleighs pulled by beautiful horses (weather permitting, by appointment).

For the indoor enthusiast, Dutchess County is known as an outstanding Bed and Breakfast destination with the majority of inns located in the charming village of Rhinebeck. Among the 200 historic houses in Rhinebeck, the Beekman Arms dates back to 1766 and is the oldest continuously operated inn in America. Enjoy a cozy retreat or indulge in exquisite regional fare at the Beekman's 1766 Tavern Restaurant, managed by chef Larry Forgione, known in culinary circles as the "Godfather of American Cuisine" (845-871-1766).

In the neighboring town of Hyde Park, explore the Franklin D. Roosevelt Home and the Vanderbilt Mansion (845-229-9115), while leaving enough time to take a savory journey to the Culinary Institute of America. Many people visit Dutchess just to dine at one of the Culinary Institute's restaurants, meet famous food and wine authors, and chat with chefs, wine makers and beer brewers (845-452-9600).

Numerous events and performances are staged in Dutchess County over the winter months. The Bardavon 1869 Opera House in Poughkeepsie (the oldest theater in New York State), has an exceptional lineup of talent (845-473-2072).