It's Happening!
Places to Eat & Things To Do
Heritage Food and Drink
A 10-15 minute drive from the hotel, make sure to arrive with an empty stomach! This is one of our favorite places to eat and there are options for all. Below are some of our favorite dishes: Avocado Toast & Market Egg Quiche for brunch, and $15 bottomless mimosas if you're really going for it! For lunch and dinner, don't skip out on General Tso's Cauliflower & the Heritage Grain Bowl! If you are a meat eater, you will thoroughly enjoy their endless options. Check out the menu and you are bound to find something for you!
Schatzi's Pub
A Kleinganz family favorite, Schatzi's is a 10 minute drive from the hotel. This German-inspired pub has all sorts of delicious eats, from healthy to treat yo'self selections. Don't forget to check out their impressive on-tap selection if that's your thing and be sure to ask if you can sit on the back patio! Some must try's off the menu: - The Veggie Reuben - The Schnitzel with Jaeger Sauce (personally approved by Hans himself) - THE PRETZELS WITH CHEESE SAUCE; need we say more?
The Tomato Cafe
A 10 minute drive from the hotel, the Tomato Cafe is a delicious option with lots of healthy choices! It is also directly across from the Vassar College Campus which has beautiful grounds with gardens, ponds, and stunning stonework buildings to check out. Some favorites include: - The Quinoa Bowl - The Insalata Greca - The Cafe Mozzarella Sandwich
Mill House Brewing Company
Mill House is a 10 minute drive from the hotel; the ambiance is modern and warm and the food is outstanding. There are abundant brunch, lunch, and dinner choices for meat eaters and non-meat eaters! Some of our favorite dishes include: - Beer and Cheese Soup - Strawberry and Burrata Salad - 6 different kinds of sausages (i.e. Banh mi, chicken and waffles, beer and jalapeno cheddar brat, etc.) - Charcuterie boards abound - Buffalo Fried Brussel Sprouts (please treat yourself to these, even if you're not a usual Brussel sprout fan)
Shadows on the Hudson
Located less than 10 minutes from the hotel, Shadows has something for everyone. It is located right on the Hudson River and provides endless views of the water. Ask to sit outside if the weather allows for it!
Poughkeepsie Ice House on the Hudson
Also located less than 10 minutes from the hotel, the Ice House provides views of the river with menu options for all!
Walkway Over the Hudson
It's called Walkway over the Hudson, and that's exactly what it is; they completely rebuilt an old train track into a bridge/pathway that spans across the Hudson River! There are no cars allowed on this path and you can make it either a 30 minute mini excursion or a 3 hour trip. Once across the walkway, you can continue on the paved path for miles and miles or turn around to head back to the car. If you are looking for a nice outdoor walk, run or bike ride while taking in one of the best views of the Hudson River Valley, this is your spot!
Bardavon
The Bardavon is an opera house built in 1869. It hosts a variety of artists and events such as the local Hudson Valley Philharmonic, popular comedians such as Dmitri Martin, folk artists, and screenings of classic movies.
Minnewaska Trail
This trail can be found on google under the name "Lake Minnewaska Loop" and is about 35 minutes from the hotel and is completely worth your time. This trail really shows off what New York has to offer, has a difficulty rating of "easy," with incredible views of the lake and the surrounding Shawangunk Mountains (locally known as "The Gunks"). It is $10 to enter the preserve and you will need to pay a small toll fee to cross the Hudson River. The drive to the park will bring you through New Paltz, a fun, creative, environmentally-focused college town with lots of locally owned shops. Make sure to allow for time to check out the town and stop for lunch or dinner at Lola's!
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
The Vanderbilt Mansion and Estate is located 20 minutes from the hotel. It has sprawling hills to picnic on, gardens to walk through, and a tour of the mansion is available for $10 per person (they require prior reservation depending on the day). The link to reserve a tour is: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234638
Benmarl Winery
Benmarl is only 20 minutes away from the hotel and one of the country's oldest wineries. This is your spot if you'd like an affordable ($10) winery tour with included wine tasting while taking in the gorgeous views of the Hudson Valley!
Vassar College
If you'd like to go on a walk without venturing to the woods, Vassar College is your place! Follow any pathway and you will be led to various ponds and gardens; the architecture alone is reason enough to make Vassar a stop during your trip. The Tomato Cafe is right across the street if you are looking for a bite to eat before or after your walk.
Mohonk Mountain House
If you will be in the area for the weekend, the Mohonk Mountain House is worth checking out! This is an incredible hotel and tourist attraction located on a rocky ledge with a view of Lake Mohonk. They have incredible gardens, hiking and walking trails, canoe rentals, and you can also grab a bite to eat. Rumor has it that this hotel inspired Stephen King to write "The Shining."
Hudson Beach Glass Inc
If you are looking for a little piece of the Hudson Valley to take home with you, this is a great place to stop by. There is plenty of incredible hand-blown glass to keep you occupied and inspired for hours. You are also able to watch their artists hand-blow their pieces, and you can even join in yourself if you should feel so inspired.
Terrapin Restaurant
This reclaimed church is one of Sam and Kyra's favorite places to eat. The ambiance is warm and cozy, the food is incredible, and it's in the heart of Rhinebeck, which is a historic place to bounce around for the day.
The Tavern at Beekman Arms
This is the restaurant Kyra's family has been to for many happy occasions; birthdays, anniversaries, engagement celebrations, you name it! If you are looking to get your history-fill, this 254 year-old restaurant and hotel is the place for you. You may even be seated at the table that FDR frequently sat at!
Upstate Films Rhinebeck
If you are visiting for the weekend and you're not sure what to do at night, definitely check out this movie theatre. It is an independent, non-profit theatre that has maintained it's old-school move theatre vibe. Whether you are looking to watch a current or vintage film, this place will have what you're looking for while making you feel like you're back in the 70s. Before you go, grab some candy from Samuel's Sweet Shop down the road!
Samuel's Sweet Shop
Yes, that's a picture of Paul Rudd! Samuel's Sweet Shop is the passion project of Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan; this place sells incredible vintage candy and unique sweets and pastries made in-house. Stop by if you're in the area and don't deny yourself and delicious treat!
Cafe 40 and Co.
This is a great place to stop by if you're looking for a deliciously crafted latte; they also have some small breakfast and lunch dishes!