Dutchess County is located midway between Albany and New York City on the east side of the Hudson. The river, rolling countryside, and quaint villages offer a plethora of things
to see and do. It is easily accessible by car and train.
1. Franklin Roosevelt: Learn about the man and the Roosevelt years starting with the twenty-minute film, “Rendezvous with History” in the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center. When FDR took office in 1933 unemployment was at 25 percent. Roosevelt promised the American people a “New Deal” that focused on the “Three Rs” – relief, recovery and reform. He created a plethora of “Alphabet Agencies” such as the CCC, WPA, FHA and many other entities that created jobs and made life easier for the poor. Roosevelt said of Springwood, his beloved home, “All that is within me cries out to go back to my home on the Hudson River.”
2. Eleanor Roosevelt: Visit Val-Kill, Mrs. Roosevelt’s lovely home tucked in the woods overlooking a pond and stream. She said that, “…sometimes I acted as a spur even though the spur was not always wanted.” Watch the video about the lady who had a $25,000 bounty on her head by the Klu Klux Klan. Mrs. Roosevelt said, “…prevent human misery not avenge it.”
3. Walkway: Though the cooperation of public and private groups the Walkway Over the Hudson Historic Park opened in 2009 making it the longest footbridge in the world. A kiosk with storyboards near the parking lots tells the story of the Walkway and explains that the Hudson River flows two ways for 150 miles – from Manhattan to Troy – as the river changes with the tide.
4. Art: Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center is an interesting juxtaposition to Vassar’s Gothic buildings. While not vast in size it has a comprehensive selection of art with one room devoted to the Hudson River School of Art. The Hudson River Schools of Artists Romanized the beauty and grandeur of nature. The museum’s works range from Greek sculptures to pottery from the Han periods to Picasso’s artwork. And, as a special treat there is a lovely sculpture garden.
5. Wineries: Enjoy the rural splendor by traveling the Dutchess Wine Trail. One must-do stop is Millbrook On a tour learn about how the owner designed unique devices that allow more sun and air to reach the growing grapes. The former farm barn now houses the gift shop, tasting room, and wine making facility. Many wineries have become artsy destinations. This is true of Millbrook where they frequently host jazz groups and feature Art in the Loft Exhibitions.
6. Gilded Age: Only a Vanderbilt family member would refer to the Vanderbilt Mansion as “Uncle Freddy’s Cottage on the Hudson.” Frederick Vanderbilt was one of the wealthiest Americans having made his money in the railroad business. Even though the mansion is elegant it was “modest” in comparison to some of the other Gilded Age mansions but then it was mainly a spring and fall getaway home. The American Beaux-Arts mansion is a glimpse into the days of the Gilded Age before taxes.
7. Old Rhinebeck Aerodome: The Aerodrome is a living museum with one of the largest collections for historic airplanes offering airshows with dogfights and plane rides. The museum also features early cars and motorcycles. When conditions are right the 1909 Bleriot, the oldest flying aircraft in the United States, takes wing.
Dutchess County is located midway between Albany and New York City on the east side of the Hudson. The river, rolling countryside, and quaint villages offer a plethora of things
2. Eleanor Roosevelt: Visit Val-Kill, Mrs. Roosevelt’s lovely home tucked in the woods overlooking a pond and stream. She said that, “…sometimes I acted as a spur even though the spur was not always wanted.” Watch the video about the lady who had a $25,000 bounty on her head by the Klu Klux Klan. Mrs. Roosevelt said, “…prevent human misery not avenge it.” 
5. Wineries: Enjoy the rural splendor by traveling the Dutchess Wine Trail. One must-do stop is Millbrook On a tour learn about how the owner designed unique devices that allow more sun and air to reach the growing grapes. The former farm barn now houses the gift shop, tasting room, and wine making facility. Many wineries have become artsy destinations. This is true of Millbrook where they frequently host jazz groups and feature Art in the Loft Exhibitions. 
6. Gilded Age: Only a Vanderbilt family member would refer to the Vanderbilt Mansion as “Uncle Freddy’s Cottage on the Hudson.” Frederick Vanderbilt was one of the wealthiest Americans having made his money in the railroad business. Even though the mansion is elegant it was “modest” in comparison to some of the other Gilded Age mansions but then it was mainly a spring and fall getaway home. The American Beaux-Arts mansion is a glimpse into the days of the Gilded Age before taxes. 
