DUTCHESS COUNTYSmack in the middle of the Hudson Valley and spanning 800 square miles, youll find Dutchess County and myriad experiences for any type of traveler. History buffs swoon over the FDR National Historic Site, adventurers can be found traversing the Appalachian Trail, and oenophiles even have their own route to discover along the Dutchess Wine Trail.

For a vineyard experience that rivals more fa-miliar California destinations, Clinton Vine-yards offers an ideal locale for same-sex couples and groups seeking an afternoon in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Whether you love ar-chitecture, history, wine or scenery, there is something here to savor. Now presided over by Phyllis Feder, Clinton Vineyards is a long-time supporter of LGBT groups in the Hudson Valley.

The 100-acre property, located on winding country back roads in Clinton Corners, has been dubbed the jewel in the crown of the Hudson Valley. Whether you are a day-trip-per or a weeklong vacationer, a visit to Clin-

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this page: Clinton Vineyards

ton Vineyards is a treat for all of your senses. The elegant Tasting Room offers guided tast-ing of Clintons award-winning estate-bottled seyval blanc white wines, mthode champe-noise sparkling wines, and full-fruit dessert wines. Clintons celebrated Cassis is the only domestic black currant wine to win gold med-als at an international judging.

Enjoy a stroll around the landscaped grounds, meticulously laid out by vineyards founder and visual artist Ben Feder to suggest an estate vineyard in the south of France two centuries ago. Everywhere you look, youll see delight-ful details that contribute to the illusion of stepping back in time.

The county is also rich in culture, as exhib-ited by Dia Art Foundations Hudson Valley outpost, Dia:Beacon. What was formally a Nabisco box-printing factory has been con-

verted to a satellite site for the foundations col-lection of artwork from the 1960s to present. Each year Dia:Beacon welcomes more than 75,000 visi-tors for what are typically single-artist, site-specific presentations. Opening this month is Robert Irwins Excursus: Homage to the Square3, a revisiting of the artists landmark installation in New York City in the late 90s, which showcases rooms made of mesh scrims intersected by fluorescent and natural light (on exhibit through May 2017).

For more visual art, be sure to visit Vassars Fran-ces Lehman Loeb Art Center, designed by Cesar Pelli. Opened in 1864 as the Vassar College Art Gal-lery, the collection began with a gift from Matthew Vassar of 3,800 works of art, including an impor-tant group of Hudson River School paintings and English watercolors, and has grown to more than 18,000 works of art spanning antiquity to the pres-ent. Notable holdings include the Warburg Collec-tion of Old Master prints and a wide range of works

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above photos: Dia:Beacon

by major European and American 20th century painters, including Jackson Pol-lock, Joan Mir and Andy Warhol.

Stunning photo opportunities with a splash of history await at Bannerman Castle. Frank Bannerman, a successful Scottish immigrant, bought the small island and started building the cas-tle in 1901 as a place to store surplus military items. He and his wife, Helen, also used the opulent island mansion as a summer home. It was eventually given to the Taconic Park Commission, and several years later a massive fire destroyed much of the property. Tours can be taken of whats left of the mag-nificent estate, along with the restored gardens.

The Hudson Valley dining scene contin-ues to explode, and foodies near and far have added the region to their must eat list. Located in Poughkeepsie, Chu Noodles & Dumplings is the latest venture from Main Street Hospitality Group. The Asian-inspired lunch spot (with extended hours until 7 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays) just opened its doors and offers a flavor-packed menu. Dumpling highlights include duck and

above photo: Bannerman Castle

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foie gras with spicy peanut sauce, mushroom and leek with ponzu, and shrimp and scallion with sweet chili. Ramen variations include CH-UK (chicken and duck broth, bean sprouts, cilantro, Thai basil, crispy garlic, choy and scallion), Temomi (spicy shrimp broth, baby choy, pickled ramps, sprouts, nori, ci-lantro and sesame), and more. Stay tuned for new restaurant announcements coming soon.

Other dining options include elevated pub fare at the recently opened Mill House Brewing Company. Here you can sample nine signature brews includ-ing the award-winning Velvet Panda stout and Mr. Anderson, a Scottish ale in collaboration with the Anderson Center for Autism. One dollar from each pint sold is donated to the center. Crave offers a variety of small plates and heartier dishes from chef-owner Edward Kowalski, while Gusto deliv-ers Mediterranean-style comfort food in an artistic setting that features an antique glass and marble bar and second-floor event space that highlights a chalk-drawn mural by artist Render Stetson.

And for those true outdoor lovers with a penchant for bears (of the social variety), Big Gay Hudson Valley hosts its first-ever Bear Camp from August 28 to August 30. Enjoy a Where the Wild Things Are welcome party, Gendrrr Bender Volleyball, live comedy show with My Big Funny Peter and plenty of other scheduled activities.

above photo: Mill House Brewing Company

above photos: Gusto

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PUTNAM COUNTYTheater buffs will recognize Putnam County as the setting for William Finn and Rachel Sheinkins Tony Awardwinning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, but those in the know recognize the region as a backdrop for rolling hills and mead-ows, year-round sports and charming enclaves to en-joy rest and relaxation.

Built in 1825, the Pig Hill Inn in Cold Spring-on-the-Hudson has perfected the art of indulgence. The nine-room inn features a unique collection of curated items and antiques most of which are for sale. En-joy a homemade full breakfast each morning, best enjoyed on the garden terrace in the warmer months and the glass Victorian Conservatory during the win-ter months to appreciate a serene snowfall. Though you may want to ensconce yourself with a good book and fresh air, once complete venture to the indepen-dently owned Merritt Bookstore for a new title, or plan an evening at the theater at Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, where this seasons reper-tory includes A Midsummer Nights Dream, Arabian Nights and more. The Boscobel House and Gar-dens is equally as dramatic but for different reasons. The historical property was completed in 1823 and is now home to one of the nations leading collections of furniture and decorative arts from the Federal pe-riod.

While theres much to see in Putnam County, theres also much to do. Creative energies thrive at Garri-

above photos: Pig Hill Inn

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son Art Center, which celebrated its 50th an-niversary last year as a creative hub for the com-munity as well as visiting artists and students. Three exhibition spaces showcase a range of works, including this summers Emerging Art-ists Invitational (July 14August 16). Explore the ever-changing calendar for such workshops as Impressionists Landscapes, Flowers & Turkish Marbling and Introduction to Watercolor.

For a taste of Tuscany, a visit to Cathryns Tus-can Grill delivers contemporary Italian food in a relaxed setting. Just follow the winding brick path in the garden and youll discover this gem, which Zagat rated one of the top Italian restaurants in the United States. Menu highlights include sau-ted calamari with smoked tomato broth and arugula, pappardelle pasta with rabbit in grappa sauce with white truffle oil, hangar steak with espressoFrangelico demiglaze, and swordfish with apricots and sliced fennel. The award-win-ning wine list features more than 300 selections with many regional favorites. Warwick Winery has some of the best wines in the Hudson Val-ley, says owner Cathryn Fadde. I especially like their pinot gris, when available. They also make wonderful fruit liqueurs the Sour Cherry is like liquid cherry pie. Robibero Family Vineyards Cab-

ernet Sauvignon is another favorite that I keep on my list.

If traveling by car, be sure to keep an eye out for local farm stands and farmers markets, where you can stock up on locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as farmstead cheeses, local honey and plenty of fruit preserves.

COLUMBIA COUNTYOverflowing with more than 50 public heri-tage sites, Columbia County embodies the American spirit through its rural beauty, a rich cultural scene and active recreational oppor-tunities. And who doesnt love a fair?

This year marks the 175th anniversary of the Columbia County Fair (September 2Sep-tember 7). Academy of Country Music Awards winner Rodney Atkins headlines the main stage on September 6, but theres plenty of attractions to experience throughout the week. Amusements of America will provide classic carnival rides. Founded by Morris and John Vivona in 1939 after purchasing the Fer-ris wheel from the Worlds Fair, the company has amassed more than 100 rides and attrac-tions. Discover your inner farmer at the live-

Olana state historical site

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stock judging, and be sure to indulge in classic fair food like popcorn, cotton candy and the ever-present funnel cake.

The region is also known for its renaissance craft spirit movement, and those looking to stock their home bar with unique distillations will find plenty to discover. New York was once the hotbed for barley and rye production, re-sulting in more than 1,000 farm distilleries. Pro-hibition shut them down, and its taken more than 80 years to rebuild this thriving part of Americas beverage industry. Harvest Spirits converted a cold storage room at Golden Har-vest Farms into a micro-distillery and became the first in New York State to offer tastings and retail sales directly out of the distillery. Their signature product, Core Vodka, is made from apples grown on the orchard, while other libations include John Henry Single Malt Whis-key and Cornelius Cherry Applejack. Hillrock is one of the countrys few field to glass whiskey producers in the world, malt-ing from estate-grown grain, crafting whiskey in traditional copper pot stills and aging small oak barrels.

Beyond the bar, Hudson, New York, is a go-to destination to support small businesses and the local artisans. The walkable town features 300 historic buildings and plenty of specialty shops. Standouts include Rural Residence, where you can discover essentials for the gentleman, kitchenware, books on architec-ture and decorative arts, and more. Hudson Made grooming products can be found here, which include artisan beard and shave oils and soaps. Wander along Warren Street and youll stumble upon plenty of antique stories and galleries with unique offerings.

With a five-star rating from Trip Advisor, the Country Squire Bed & Breakfast offers an idyllic respite for your Hudson Valley adven-ture. Originally built in 1900 as a rectory, cur-rent owner and host Paul Barrett has meticu-lously preserved the Victorian sensibility while incorporating modern touches throughout.

Columbia County Fair

Harvest Spirits

Hudson Made

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STAY AWHILEIts no secret that many who visit the Hudson Valley fall in love with the region and decide to purchase second homes or even permanently relocate to one of their favorite towns. Recent real estate developments along with tried-and-true agents offer a snapshot of what makes the Hudson Valley so special.

For more than three decades, Robert A. McCaffrey Realty has sold some of the finest properties in the Hudson River Valley. From castles and cottages, riverview estates and lakefront retreats, to village homes and vacant land par-cels, McCaffrey Realty has successfully represented a vast variety of the best properties found in the Phillipstown area as well as such contiguous areas as Beacon, Putnam Valley, Kent and beyond. Robert A. McCaffrey Jr. is one of the most prominent real estate brokers in the area and is especially noted in the luxury market. The third-generation Cold Spring native knows the area well, say-ing, Cold Spring is one hour from Manhattan. Its easy to drive or take a train to Grand Central. If you are in the Village, you can walk to your train. It is a great mix for full-time and weekenders. Consider a summer rental to test the waters, but its likely that youll want to stay for many seasons to come.

Nestled in northeastern Westchester County roughly 50 miles from Manhattan and bordering the Connecticut towns of New Canaan and Ridgefield, as well as New Yorks Bedford and Pound Ridge, sits the distinctively designed, intimate new community of Laurel Ridge at South Salem. Here, luxury is affordable, and convenience and lifestyle are paramount.

Phil Lake

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Forty-six well-appointed townhomes range from 1,500 to 2,300 square feet. Each home offers two bedrooms, two-and-a -half baths and an attached two-car garage. The townhomes are designed with an open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, oak hardwood flooring, solid wood cabin-etry, granite countertops and spa-inspired master baths.

Enhancing the relaxed lifestyle found at Laurel Ridge is a wealth of amenities. Enjoy the adjacent pool complex, tennis courts, basketball court and childrens play area. Local parks and preserves of-fer hiking, biking, fishing and boating. If horses are your passion, visit Echo Farm in South Salem, and for golfers there are many public and private courses available within a 10-mile radius.

The adjacent Oakridge Common Shop-ping Center offers conveniences situated within a short stroll from your doorstep a specialty market, eateries, a post office, dry cleaners, a pharmacy, pet grooming, a wine and liquor shop, a specialty beer

and beverage store, and a fitness center as well as such professional services as a dentist and veteri-nary office.

Gabel Real Estate is a second-generation, fami-ly-owned brokerage thats been On The Green in Spencertown for as long as anyone can remember. The agency now sells to the grandchildren of folks who bought their houses from Frieda Gabel way back when.

Whats amazing about Columbia County is its physical diversity and amazingly beautiful land-scape, says associate broker Tim McEachern, rug-ged mountains to rolling fields, the Mighty Hudson (both river and city) and some tremendous Catskill Mountain views. There are big, old working family farms and quiet tree-lined country roads. The feel-ing is a throwback to a much simpler time.

Homes range from 1700s farmhouses, Federal pe-riod estates, modern reproductions and interpreta-tions of classic homes as well as a new wave of clean-lined modern estates. Because the region was settled in the 1600s, virtually every style and period of home that was ever built in America can be found here.

Hudson Valley living

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Chu Noodles & Dumplingstheartistspalate.biz

Pig Hill Innpighillinn.com

Garrison Art Centergarrisoncenter.org

Cathryns Tuscan Grilltuscangrill.com

McCaffrey Realty mccaffreyrealty.com

Laurel Ridge Townhomeslaurelridgetownhomes.com

Gabel Real Estategabelrealestate.com

ResouRce GuideTravel Hudson Valleytravelhudsonvalley.com

Big Gay Hudson Valleybiggayhudsonvalley.com

Dutchess CountyDutchessTourism.com

Putnam Countytourputnam.org

Columbia Countycolumbiafair.com

Clinton Vineyards clintonvineyards.com

Dia Art Foundationdiaart.org

TAP AFoR MoRE

INFoRMATIoN

LINK

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