In & Around The Hudson Valley

On the property

Swim in a gorgeous 125 acre lake (no motorized boats allowed!)
Or hop in one of our boats (6 kayaks, one canoe, one paddle boat, SUP)
Fishing
BBQ on our gigantic 37' Weber Kettle grill
Build a campfire and roast marshmallows
Cook in our dreamy fully stocked fabulous restaurant kitchen with 6 burner Jade Range, 24" grill, two ovens, incredible selection of cookware, appliances galore
Bike around Stissing Lake - yeah we've got you covered with an assortment of bikes

Close by

Hiking the Thompson Pond nature conservancy, Stissing Mountain and not to far away the Appalachian Trail
Horseback Riding
Hudson Valley Historic Homes tour
Wineries
Breweries
Irving Coffee Roaster in Millbrook
Coach Farms and many other Hudson Valley artisan cheese makers
Antiquing! Shop after shop in each of the neighboring towns
Upstate Films in Rhinebeck - the place for indie films
Farmers Markets (Millerton, Rhinebeck, Millbrook, Pawling and Amenia
Woodstock!
Golf
Rafting and canoeing down the Housatonic River

And much much more!

Stissing House

Champetre

The Cabin

Farmer's Wife

Our Guide to the Hudson Valley

The Basics In Town

PINE PLAINS PHARMACY - 2965 Church Street Pine Plains, New York 12567 Hours: M-S 8-6pm; Sun 8-1pm.

PECK'S FOOD MARKET - 2991 East Church Street Pine Plains, New York 12567 Hours: Tues & Thr 8am-7pm; Mon & Wed 8am-7pm, Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-6pm; Sun 8am-1pm. Closed on all holidays.

PINE PLAINS FINE WINES - 17 Pilch Dr Pine Plains, NY 12567 (518) 398-7633 On Rte 199 near Poplar Avenue;

SUGAR HILL FARM STAND 3629 NY-199, Pine Plains, NY 12567 - Local eggs, cheese, pasture raised pork with non-GMO feed. The Market is Open Friday 11am-4pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 11-3pm

Eat In Town

BACK BAR BEER GARDEN - 2947 Church St (518) 398-7801 Relaxed menu featuring very basic BBQ, burgers, salads, and pasta. Enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Closes at 11pm. Relax in the fun outdoor beer garden backyard.

CHAMPETRE 2938 Church St (518) 771-3350. Open Wed-Sun, 5pm - 9pm. A local gem offering classic French cuisine with seasonal produce. Don’t miss the mushrooms, escargot, or mussels! Mention you’re a guest of Antoinette to Patricia for a special touch. Catering available.

STISSING HOUSE 7801 South Main St (518) 771-3064. Fabulous dinner only featuring modern American seasonal fare. Chef Clare de Boer, of Manhattan's King fame, now runs this historic 1782-vintage property, cooking with a wood-fired oven. A must-visit during your stay. Book in advance on Resy or dine at the bar. Special events catering.

STORYBOOK CAFE 2987 Church St (518) 771-3102. Bookstore meets Cafe. A comfortable, cozy breakfast and lunch spot. Perfect for sharing local food with neighbors.

TOWER PIZZA 2947 Church St. Basic pizza for non-pizza snobs, along with BBQ, burgers, salads, and pasta. Great place to take the kids.

Activities In Town

STISSING MOUNTAIN FIRE TOWER - Try this 1.8-mile loop trail with a breath-taking view at the top. Walking distance from the house. It is somewhat steep and can be challenging depending on the weather. Takes an average of 1 hour to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking.THOMPSON POND NATURE PRESERVE - Short distance from the house. Great walk/hike for the whole family. Beautiful 2.7-mile loop trail.Mashomack Fish & Game Preserve - World class polo in a beautiful setting. Weekend tailgates and fancy dress up pavilion. Check out the polo schedule here: https://www.mashomackpoloclub.com/schedule.html

CHASEHOLM FARM CREAMERY 100 Chase Rd, Pine Plains (518) 398-0368. Siblings Sara and Rory Chase operate 3rd generation certified organic and grass-fed creamery. Farm store sells raw milk, beef, veal, sauerkrauts, farmstead cheeses. Favs include Nimbus, a triple cream cow's milk cheese.

HAMMERTON BARN 3201 NY-199, Pine Plains (518) 398-7075. One of my favorite home goods shop. Fabulous country decor with just the right amount of sophistication. Great gifts!

RONNYBROOK FARM. 310 Prospect Hill Rd, Pine Plains (518) 398-6455. Considered the “Dom Perignon” of dairy by the NY Times. Ronnybrook welcomes visitors to see how their cows are cared for, tour the barn where "the ladies" spend much of the cold northeast winter months, or watch as they bottle the milk, make butter, or culture their artisan yogurts.

SUGAR HILL FARM 3629 NY 199, Pine Plains (518) 398-0228. Local pork, beef, chicken, eggs and cheese. Open SAT 11am - 3pm.

THE FARMER'S WIFE, 3 County Route 8, Ancramdale, NY 12503-5206. 518-329-5431 Country farm cafe with down home cooking. Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch only. Eat in or prepared food for takeaway. Reasonably priced country catering.

Not too far awayQUATTRO'S FARM STORE - 2251 Rte 44 Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 (845) 635-2018 - Just off the Taconic. Great stop on your way from NYC. Best butcher in the area. Closed Tues.

Restaurants in and around the Hudson Valley

Rhinebeck

THE AMSTERDAM - 6380 Mill St Rhinebeck, NY 12572, (845) 516-5033 Since opening in 2017, “The A” has been one of Rhinebeck’s most sought-after places for farm-to-table cuisine. The team here takes great pride in cooking with local ingredients as well as working with vendors who employ sustainable and ecologically sensitive practices. Since the pandemic began, the restaurant has also opened up a market, where customers can pick up local goods as well as imported items that are hard to find in town. One standout entree is the roasted Hudson Valley duck breast, served with spring cherries, wheat berries, and Swiss chard. (Eater) https://www.lovetheamsterdam.com/restaurant-barGRAND CRU BEER & CHEESE MARKET 1094 NY-308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, (845) 876-6992 Not only does Grand Cru have a good draft beer list that you can check out on their website, but they also have a big outdoor beer garden with live music and rotating food vendors. Check out their Instagram to see when and who will be there to play music and serve food. (Infatuation)MARKET ST. 19 W Market St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, (845) 876-7200 Market Street is a modern Italian spot with sidewalk seating that serves some of the best pizza in the Hudson Valley. The pastas here are also great, and if they’re offering a risotto special, that needs to be part of your order. (Infatuation)

Millerton

IRVING FARM, 44 Main St, Millerton, NY 12546-5166. 518.789.2020 Local artisanal coffee, great sandwiches, and decent pastry. When New York City-based chain Irving Farm moved its roasting facilities up to Millerton, it added even more incentive for locals and visitors to pop into town. While there, a trip to the nearby cafe for a taste of the brews is absolutely worth your time. Visit the lovely Irving Farm Coffee House, offering an inviting sit-down experience in a warm setting just a mile down the road from the roastery. (HVMag)OAKHURST DINER 19 Main St, Millerton, 518.592.1313. Oakhurst serves a healthier, more organic spin on typical diner food, spicing up the old reliables of omelets and pancakes with avocado toast, pinto bean plates, and decent doses of kale. Many ingredients are locally sourced and, while serving sizes are a little smaller than your average diner, unexpected flavors abound, making for a perfectly satisfying start to the day. (HVMag) https://www.oakhurst-diner.com/s/splashTHE WHITE HART, 15 Under Mountain Rd, Salisbury, CT 06068-1826 (860) 435-0030 Just down the way from Millerton. Historic gathering place for locals and travelers alike; Their moto is simple pleasure of eating and drinking well. Focus on local produce and craft cocktails.

Hudson

BREADFOLKS BAKERY - 322 Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534, (518) 660-3093 It’s not unusual to see a line snaking out of this bakery on Hudson’s Warren St., especially since it’s only open Thursday to Monday. But it is worth the wait to grab a loaf of their organic breads; sky-high, buttery croissants; or their decadent “cruffins” (a croissant-muffin, natch) in flavors like baklava or passion fruit. Fun fact: Breadfolks is run by famed photographer Norman Jean Roy, who opened the bakery last summer as a passion project with his wife Joanna. (Eater)FEAST & FLORET - 13 S 3rd St, Hudson, NY 12534, (518) 822-1500 This new spot in Hudson is the rebirth of Fish & Game, one of the first restaurants in the Hudson Valley that piqued the interest of city folk enough to have them jump in the car and drive up. The new menu is modern Italian, with a focus on seasonality and local ingredients. Dishes range from a mezze maniche pasta served with meaty white beans and pecorino, to octopus with chili, potato, and olive. On your way out, pick up a bottle of smoked citrus honey to liven up the next day’s yogurt. (Eater)KITTY'S MARKET - 60 S Front St, Hudson, NY 12534 (518) 267-6369 Located steps from Hudson’s train station, this waterfront spot is ideal to hit on the way in or out of town. Currently, the space is a mix between a market and café (with a more proper restaurant forthcoming); dishes include everything from an upscale take on a yogurt parfait made with labne and citrus, to a whole roasted chicken served with sides like chicken fat-slicked potatoes. It’s also worth swinging by their sister business Grapefruit Wines, who sells natural wines, cider, and Amari. (Eater)SUAREZ FAMILY BREWERY - 2278 U.S. 9, Hudson, NY 12534, (518) 537-6464 While they may call themselves a “mom and pop” brewery, this spot in Hudson serves the most well-regarded beer in the Hudson Valley. Owner Dan Suarez (formerly of cult-favorite Hill Farmstead Brewery in Vermont) specializes in ales of mixed fermentation, unfiltered lagers, and other “crispy little beers.” We recommend picking up a four-pack of Palatine Pils, a hop-accented German-style pils, or a 500-ml bottle of Parlance, a plum country beer. (Eater)
BACK BAR, 347 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Located in the back of one of the 3,000 antiques stores on the main street in Hudson is Backbar, a cocktail bar that also serves Malaysian small plates. It’s a funky, cool spot with a giant string-light-covered backyard, which is where you currently enter the space. After ordering at the counter, find a table in the tented garden, and order some romanesco laab, shrimp dumplings, and natural wine. Backbar is open for outdoor dining and takeout Wednesday through Sunday for dinner and weekend brunch. (Infatuation) https://www.backbar-hudson.com/menus/

Other

WEST TAGHKANIC DINER 1016 NY-82, Ancram, NY 12502, (518) 851-3333 The history of this spot stretches all the way back to 1953, when it opened as a pit stop to serve drivers on the Taconic Parkway. Chef and owner Kristopher Schram has worked everywhere from Napa Valley to Copenhagen and his dishes have a worldly sensibility while still remaining comfort food. The star of the menu is the 12-hour-smoked pastrami reuben — the meat is brined for seven days before a half-day’s smoke in the nine-foot-long Lang smoker in the backyard.
THE ROUNDHOUSE 2 E Main St, Beacon, NY 12508, (845) 765-8369 With one of the prettiest views of any restaurant in the Hudson Valley — it overlooks a waterfall from floor-to-ceiling windows — the menu here is worth a stop all on its own. Standouts include three different types of macaroni and cheese (including one with spicy lobster), gnocchi with grilled corn and heirloom tomato, and a large selection of Pat Frieda steaks. There is also more casual barbecue fare served at Smoke on the Water, The Roundhouse Hotel’s other on-site restaurant. (Eater)
GIOBATTA ALIMENTARI 69 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583, (845) 757-2567When Francesco Buitoni’s beloved Mercato Osteria Enoteca in Red Hook closed, the Hudson Valley mourned the loss of one its best Italian restaurants. But luckily, the James Beard nominee just moved up the road to Tivoli, where he opened the already-popular GioBatta. The pasta is the star of the show here, especially dishes like the hand-cut tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce, or the spaghetti carbonara topped with guanciale and egg. Pro tip: the restaurant also stocks many dishes to go, including their incredible lasagna Emiliana made with spinach pasta. (Eater)

Kingston

BRUNETTE 33 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401, (845) 802-0837. Located in the historic waterfront district of downtown Kingston, this chic natural wine bar has been a magnet for both weekenders and locals. The by-the-glass list here rotates weekly, and features wines from all over the world, including from the Republic of Georgia, Chile, and Armenia, along with local wines from New York State. One of the goals of owners Jessie Harris and Max Botwick is to dispel the misconception that all natural wines are “funky” in flavor. Find some lighter dishes like country pate and chilled ramen as well. (Eater)
KINGSTON BREAD & BAR, 43 N Front Street, Kingston, NY 12401 Kingston Bread & Bar opened its brick and mortar location in February of 2020, shortly before the pandemic caused the new eatery to focus more on its bread than its bar. While this type of shift could be cataclysmic for some businesses, it just so happens that sourdough became a hot commodity, rivaling rolls of toilet paper in popularity, at that time. Co-owners Anthony and Amanda Stromoski are Kingston veterans who own Rough Draft Bar & Books (see below) just around the corner and co-owner Aaron Quint clearly knows how to bake great bread. (2foodtrippers)
LOLA PIZZA 243 Fair St, Kingston, NY 12401, (845) 768-3624. For some of the best wood-fired Neapolitan pizza in the Hudson Valley don't miss @lolapizzakingston in #kingstonny. Lola's has an eclectic wine and local beer list and softserve to top off your night. Some favs: The Fun Guy is a cheesy white pizza: ricotta, fontina, mozzarella, & provolone covered in local shrooms. The asparagus salad is all about local from the arugula, goat cheese, pea shoots!
LUNCH NIGHTLY 636 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401This quirky, casual Kingston restaurant doubles as a deli when it’s not doubling as a dive bar. It was the pastrami. And not just any pastrami…This pastrami had been brined, smoked and steamed over a period of two weeks. Lunch Nightly sources its meat from local farms and butchers whole animals in house. Beyond pastrami, meat options include dry-aged steaks and sausages. At night, elevated comfort food is complemented by an eclectic drink menu that features both natural wine and kombucha cocktails. It’s a lot for any restaurant to tackle, especially one that opened in May of 2020 when the pandemic was raging. Somehow, it all works. (2foodtrippers)
RESTAURANT KINSLEY 301 Wall St, Kingston, NY 12401, (845) 768-3620. With a New American menu developed by Zac Pelaccio (formerly of Fish & Game, Backbar) and run by Taavo Somer and Charles Blaichman, this sunlit spot inside Hotel Kinsley has been a magnet for diners since opening in 2019. The dinner menu changes seasonally, but currently features spring favorites like asparagus with lemon ricotta, and arctic char with cultured cream and horseradish. The chic environs are also ideal for just popping in for a drink, especially for cocktails like the Garden Party, made with gin, rhubarb, salted lemon-lime cordial, and celery bitters. (Eater)
TOP TASTE 446 Hasbrouck Ave, Kingston, NY 12401, (917) 915-1310. Come hungry to this unassuming Jamaican spot located on a quiet corner in Kingston. Every entrée comes with a heaping pile of rice, beans, and fat, fried plantains, along with a generous portion of meat, like a classic jerk chicken or the fall-off-the-bone-tender oxtail. Top Taste also stocks many hard-to-find Jamaican pantry staples, like flavored soup mixes, Easter bun, and hot pepper sauce. (Eater)

YUM YUM NOODLE BAR 275 Fair St, Kingston (845) 338-1400. Trendy Southeast Asian street food spot, funky cocktails and of course Bubble Tea!

More places to check out:

Arts and Entertainment

The Stissing Center, 2950 Church St, Pine Plains, NY 12567, (518) 771-3340. For upcoming events: https://TheStissingCenter.org The Stissing Center offers many types of events, Live Music, Drama, Film and Community Events.The Moviehouse - 48 Main Street Millerton, New York 12546 518.789.0022. This all-digital, independent theater shows a mix of blockbusters, prestige dramas, and scrappy indies across its multiple screens, with reserved seating in theaters 1, 2, and 3. It also displays art and has hosted local authors and filmmakers for special talks. If you need to relax or want to keep quiet for an hour or two, The Moviehouse is worth a stop.Lyceum Cinema. 15 Old Farm Rd, Red Hook, NY 12571. Six screens, bargain matinee pricing with Holy Cow across the street!Four Brothers Drive-in - 4957 NY-22, Amenia, NY 12501, (845) 373-8178. It’s hard not to love this place: not only are there outdoor movies, of course, but the food and drinks are far better than the typical popcorn and soda. For a main meal, there are two (equally stellar) options: the superb, gooey pizza at Four Brothers Pizza Inn, or the classic diner fare at The Grand Shack, like juicy double cheeseburgers or the TJ’s dog with bacon sauce. Save room for dessert: the Nutella milkshakes are famous for good reason.

Apple Picking

Cedar Heights Orchard, Rhinebeck
Greig Farm, Red Hook
Love Apple Farm, Ghent
Mead Orchards, Tivoli
Rose Hill Farm, Red Hook

Click apple for the ultimate guide to Hudson Valley Apple Picking

Antiquing & Vintage Shopping

Whether you need a midcentury modern table in Hudson or an old typewriter in Rhinebeck, you’ll find vintage gems at antique shops throughout the Hudson Valley. Click the lamp for the Hudson Valley antique map.

Some Favs:

Beekman Arms Antique Market 24 West Market St., Rhinebeck
Bowen Barn, Stanfordville
Hoffman’s Barn 19 Old Farm Rd., Red Hook
Millbrook Antiques Mall 3301 Franklin Ave Millbrook
Millerton Antiques Center 25 Main Street Millerton

Golf

Red Hook Golf Club - 650 NY-199 Red Hook, NY 12571

Hiking

I love to hike and these are some of my favorites!APPALACHIAN TRAIL Level of difficulty: Somewhat strenuous Distance: 48.4 Miles in CT; I’ve hiked the AT from CT, NY to MA and suggest choosing a section to attack. This is great resource: https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/adventures/section-hiking-the-appalachian-trail-in-connecticut/www.nynjtc.org/park/appalachian-national-scenic-trailwww.dutchess.org/hiking/pawling_appalachian_trail It looks like a vintage movie set, but the tiny wooden train platform created specifically for Appalachian Trail hikers, about two miles outside of Pawling, is for real and operates on weekends and holidays. Don’t be fooled: The trail from the train station starts out easy and flat along a lovely wooden boardwalk over Great Swamp wetlands brimming with birds and frogs. Fields and forests follow, but then comes the whammy: a steep ascent to Cat Rocks that is rewarded with pretty, panoramic views.ANTHONY'S NOSE NY 10524 Level of difficulty: 6 out of 10 (steep, short climb) Length and time: 2.6 miles; 2.5 hours; 792 ft Feet Cumulative Gain Relatively short hike to an awesome Hudson River overlook. BREAKNECK RIDGE TRAIL - Cold Spring, NY 10516 Level of difficulty: Intense, Length and time: Almost 3 miles long; allow 4+ hours http://nynjtc.org/hike/breakneck-ridge-trail Challenging rock scramble in the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve that offers spectacular views of Storm King Mountain and Bannerman’s Castle from cliff overlooks. Insider tip: Don’t bring small children or your dog (unless you can carry them), as many find it hard to scale the steep spots. CASTLE ROCK - Philipstown, NY 10524 Level of difficulty: Moderate Distance and time: About 7 miles; at least 4 hours www.nynjtc.org/hike/east hudson-highlands-5 Part of Hudson Highlands State Park, this route is easily reached by taking the Metro North Hudson Line to the Garrison station and following the trail to the parking lot. Carriage roads and wooded trails take you on a picturesque hike with highlights that include a gazebo, several stream crossings, rocky outcrops, and lovely views of the Hudson and Bear Mountain Bridges. For part of the hike, you’ll be on the Appalachian Trail. DOVER STONE CHURCH - 3128 NY-22 Dover Plains, NY 12522 Level of difficulty: Easy Distance and time: A little over one mile round-trip, so budget an hour—or more if you want to hike the side trails http://townofdoverny.us/Stone_Church.cfmGERTRUDES NOSE - NY 12525 Level of difficulty: Perfect for new hikers who are up for a challenge, experienced hikers looking for a moderate day Length and time: 6 miles long; allow 4-6 hours Arguably the most picturesque vista in the Shawangunks, Gertrude's Nose is a geologic snapshot of the destructive natural forces that are slowly ripping apart the Shawangunk conglomerate and leaving behind some of its most intriguing features. Traverses six miles of stunning views and fascinating geological formations and is a combination of wide carriage roads and rocky footpaths. HARLEM VALLEY RAIL TRAIL Level of difficulty: Moderate Distance: About 10 miles; One of the earliest in the region, this excellent rail trail heads south out of town along the Webatuck Creek, passing 10.7 miles through roads, woods, and fields before reaching the Wassaic Station. Unpaved and undeveloped sections have been purchased, with the goal of extending it for 46 miles, all the way to Chatham. It’s a pleasant walk and an easy round trip by bike.MOUNT BEACON FIRE TOWER - Beacon, New York 12508 Level of difficulty: 5-10/ 10 (depending on how far you choose to go) Length and time: : 2.4 miles,1.5 hours (overlook), or 4.4 miles, 3 hours (overlook + re tower), or a big fat 7.7-mile, 5.5 hours beast of a loop that hits the overlook, re tower and more Awesome views, rebuilt tower, incline railroad ruins, choose-your-own adventure difficulty STORM KING MOUNTAIN - New York 12520 Level of difficulty: Perfect for novice hikers looking for a challenge and experienced adventurers Length and time: 6.5 miles; 1,500 Feet Cumulative Gain Explore one of the west Hudson's treasures with views spanning far up and down the Hudson River, Breakneck Ridge and West Point, the summit is well worth the effort.

Horseback Riding

Rivendell Riding Academy, 2591 Salt Point Turnpike, Clinton Corners, NY 12514, (845) 266-3334, Great barn for children to learn how to canter, ride, and trot along the local trails atop a friendly steed.
Pine Plains Equestrian Center, 2054 Rt. 83 Pine Plains, NY 12567 (518) 398-1034http://www.pineplainsequestrian.com/ (I am not sure if this has re-opened since covid.

Mansion Tours

If you are a history buff, you'll love visiting some of the finest examples of architecture, landscaping, and interiors, from the early Federal period to the numerous revival styles of the late 19th and early 20th century showcased in the meticulously restored and lovingly maintained Estates of the Hudson Valley.

http://www.hudsonriver.com/hudson-river-estates

Pickleball

Pickleball has come to the Hudson Valley with a fury. In walking distance there is a court painted on the basketball. Find net, 4 paddles and balls on the porch. Want more competition? There is open play pickleball: Red Hook M-W-F @ 9am or Standfordville M-W-F @ 4:30am. CHECK the PlayTimeScheduler.com app for up-to-date schedule and reservations.

Rafting

Clarke Outdoors rents rafts and kayaks to paddle the beautiful Housatonic River in Northwestern Connecticut about 40 minutes away. (860) 672-6365. They can rent canoes and rubber rafts for self-paddling or for guided group runs. Please call them in advance as their rafts and trips get booked up.

Ropes, Skiing & Ziplining

Catamount 78 Catamount Road Hillsdale (413) 528-1262. Ready for the ultimate outdoor adventure? Catamount's aerial adventure park features an extensive network of ropes courses, wooden platforms, zip lines, and other obstacles. They also offer a free Summer Music Series July and August on Friday nights.

Snow tubing, skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Also downhill mountain bike trails. http://www.catamountski.com/

Wineries

Tastings anyone?

Millbrook Vineyards 26 Wing Rd, Millbrook (845) 677-8383
Clinton Vineyards 450 Schultzville Rd, Clinton Corners (845) 266-5372
Cascade Mountain Winery 241 County Rte 6, Germantown (845) 663-6611

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