The breathtaking natural beauty of Dutchess County, in the heart of New York State's Hudson Valley region, has inspired boundless creativity for centuries. This year brings the landmark anniversaries of several artistic attractions, including the 1869 Bardavon Opera House and its resident Hudson Valley Philharmonic which is celebrating 60 years of delighting audiences. Vassar and New York Stage & Film's Powerhouse Theater marks 35 years while the 20th year of the Jazz in the Valley festival will bring harmonies from world-class musicians to the banks of the Hudson River. Over the last 10 years, people have been amazed by Bridge Music composed when the Mid-Hudson Bridge was used as an instrument to create a unique sound-art installation. Immerse yourself in the county's continued creative growth. Live music can be found in many of our restaurants. Colorful murals spark joy around the next corner. Shop in art galleries and boutiques that showcase hand-crafted items that make perfect souvenirs. The art of living can be discovered in Dutchess! Visit us at the New York State Booth #1800.

Here's a peek at what you can find inside...

Rural Chic

Northern Dutchess County is known for its rare combination of cultural sophistication, charming village streets, and vistas of the Catskill Mountains to the west and Berkshire Mountains to the east. Those who make the easily accessible visit to this gorgeous corner of the county find themselves taken in by its best-of-both-worlds balance of scenic beauty and chic style.

Core Strength

Central Dutchess County surrounds the vibrant hub of Poughkeepsie— nicknamed the Queen City of the Hudson—and brims with art and culture, superb dining, deep history, and indoor and outdoor family fun.

On the Waterfront

Southern Dutchess County has its own thing going on: a characteristic collision of adventurous and unforgettable art, dining, nightlife, shopping—and a sincere reverence for the outdoors and the many activities that they hold, such as kayaking on the Hudson, and hiking on Mount Beacon.

Fields of Plenty

With its rolling countryside and abundance of produce and horse farms, the eastern edge of Dutchess County embodies the area's ongoing history as a proudly agricultural region. And throughout this lush land lie places to find serenity. Or, explore enticing small towns populated with tempting shops and outstanding restaurants—whose chefs take full advantage of the surrounding bounty.

Accessible Splendor

The majestic Hudson River. Views of the commanding Catskill Mountains. Acre upon acre of lush, leafy forest. It's no wonder that its original indigenous inhabitants worshiped the land that became Dutchess County, nor that the Hudson River School painters of the 19th century were inspired by the region. Come revel in its natural splendor. Enjoy the easily accessible hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and showshoeing trails that traverse the many parks and preserves. In Dutchess, every outing provides a path filled with discovery.

Cradle of America

From its original inhabitants, the Wappinger tribe, to the Dutch and German settlers who arrived in the 1600s and 1700s, the Gilded Age industrialists who built their opulent country estates here in the 1800s and the legacy laid down by Franklin D. Roosevelt at his Hyde Park home, Dutchess County's rich past awaits your discovery at the many historic sites that can be found throughout the county.

Food Fantasia

Cooking and serving food is a vocation in Dutchess County, which makes dining here such a pleasure. The tone is set at our world-class cooking school, The Culinary Institute of America, where the next generation of top chefs are being trained. Luckily, many of them stay and work in our restaurants and eventually open their own establishments. Every day, chefs prepare the best of the region's bounty to produce dazzling farm-to-table fare in restaurants across the county. Some are located in renovated churches, like Murray's in Tivoli; some are housed in historic inns, like the The Tavern at Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck; others offer waterfront dining, like the Poughkeepsie Ice House; and many have seasonal outdoor seating, like Charlotte's in Millbrook. Whether you're eating in a vineyard (Cascade Mountain Winery) a former monastery (American Bounty at the CIA), or overlooking a waterfall (The Roundhouse), your meal is always one of a kind in Dutchess County.

Top of the Glass

If you're a connoisseur of fine craft beverages, Dutchess County is the perfect place to come and raise a glass. Whether wine, whiskey, bourbon, gin, brandy, and hard cider—or a pint of great local beer—there are dozens of unique venues waiting for you. Taste for yourself, then grab a growler, a case, or a bottle, to bring the celebration home.

To view the full digital version of the 2019 Destination Guide, visit Dutchess Tourism's website here.