There is nothing quite like autumn in New York’s picturesque Hudson Valley, and a getaway to Dutchess County at this time of year is sure to make your heart sing and your spirit soar.
Only 90 minutes north of New York City, Dutchess County is a vibrant, sophisticated vacation destination where diversity is celebrated and all are welcome. There is so much for everyone to do, see and taste here, and autumn is a particularly wondrous time to visit.
Witness the fall foliage in all its colorful splendor as the Hudson Highlands blaze forth in unparalleled magnificence. The views are particularly stunning from 212 feet above the Hudson River on the Walkway Over the Hudson; stretching 1.26 miles across, the refurbished 19th-century railroad bridge in Poughkeepsie is the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge.
Feel the crisp, refreshing breeze and hear the soft rustling of fallen leaves as you hike or bike along one of our many scenic trails. If you’re looking for a steep hike with a big payoff, then Stissing Mountain in Pine Plains is it! After you’ve made it to the top of the mountain, climb the Fire Tower for prime leaf-peeping opportunities. (Fun fact: most of the region’s towers top off around 60 feet, but the Stissing Mountain Fire Tower reaches 90 feet. The extra height makes for some amazing views.).
Taste the goodness and purity of our farmland in our world-renowned farm-to-table cuisine. Dutchess is proud to be the home of The Culinary Institute of America, the nation’s foremost culinary college where famous chefs like Anthony Bourdain, Charlie Palmer and Anne Burrell sharpened their skills. Visitors are invited to take tours of the CIA, enroll in their cooking workshops and bootcamps, and dine at their student-led restaurants right on campus in Hyde Park. Fine-dining options abound in Dutchess County, as quite a few CIA graduates have stayed locally and opened a diverse array of restaurants — so bring your appetite and prepare to embark on a mouthwatering gastronomical adventure!
Smell the unmistakable aroma of fresh-baked pies and apple cider donuts as you venture into one of our orchards to pick your own apples. Harvest festivals, complete with hayrides, corn mazes and pumpkin patches, are huge hits every October at places like Barton Orchards in Poughquag, Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction, and Soukup Farms in Dover Plains.
Halloween is always one of the highlights of autumn in Dutchess, and events this year range from the devilishly delightful to the hauntingly hair-raising. Barton Orchards will be hosting performances of "Time Warp: The Rocky Horror Live Experience" on Oct. 18 and 19 starring Loosey LaDuca of RuPaul's "Drag Race." Get ready to sing along, dress up, and do the Time Warp again!
Perhaps chamber music is more your speed. If so, then don’t miss the Fall Concert at Edgewater featuring the Hudson River Consort, who will perform a selection of French Baroque music for strings. The concert, titled "Music of Kings: The French Baroque," is set for Oct. 20 in Edgewater’s intimate parlor. A riverfront estate built in Barrytown in 1824, Edgewater holds a special place in queer history dating back to the 1950s, when writer Gore Vidal owned the home.
If you like show tunes — and who doesn’t? — then you’ll absolutely love the monthly “Broadway in Beacon” open-mic nights hosted by Will Reynolds and Jen Malenke featuring Broadway performers and incredible local talent. This wildly popular event is held at different locations in the walkable City of Beacon, which also offers a plenitude of trendy boutiques, restaurants and art galleries.
These are just a few of the many unforgettable experiences waiting for you here in Dutchess County.
Sometimes called “New York City’s Backyard,” Dutchess is easy to get to by car, train or plane — but oh-so-hard to leave!
Photo courtesy of Dutchess Tourism
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