Explore the extraordinary. Adventure unfolds at every turn in Dutchess County, where bold flavors, breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences are woven into a destination that invites you to explore more. Follow your curiosity wherever it takes you.
Because you wondered why there’s a castle in the middle of the Hudson River. Enjoy a scenic boat ride from Beacon dock to Pollepel Island on the river and explore the ruins of this Scottish-style castle. Built by military surplus dealer Francis Bannerman to store his vast inventory, Bannerman Castle also served as a can't-ignore advertisement of sorts. Visit the island for events like theatrical performances, concerts, movie nights and farm-to-table dinners. Catch dreamy sunsets and golden-hour views of the Hudson Highlands, plus some of the most dazzling stargazing around from the island. Feeling the wind in your hair, the mist of the river and the gentle motion of the ferry builds anticipation before every tour of the castle.
Because you wondered what it feels like to take flight. Soar above the Hudson Valley in an open cockpit biplane. Feel the speed of the flight, the motion of the propellor and the adrenaline of seeing everything from a new perspective. Spend the day at the Aerodrome witnessing World War I planes take to the skies in a thrilling air show sure to wow attendees of all ages. Home to the world’s second-oldest regularly flying airplane and a flying reproduction of Charles Lindbergh’s plane, The Spirit of St. Louis. Air Shows will be held on both Saturdays and Sundays from Father's Day weekend through October 18. Leave plenty of time to explore the museum, and book a flight in an open-cockpit 1929biplane with an experienced pilot and witness the beauty of the Hudson Valley from above. Saturday’s show highlights the Pioneer era pre-WWI and the Golden Age of Aviation in the Roaring 20s. Conversely, Sunday’s show is a WWI dog fight spectacular featuring a lively narrative battle.
Because you wondered what it tastes like when a sake master makes the Hudson Valley their home. Taste the craft of Japanese tradition, state-of-the-art technology and Hudson Valley location. Tour Dassai Blue Sake Brewery in Hyde Park, which produces Junmai Daiginjo, the highest level of premium sake. Observe the sake-making process firsthand and gaze into production rooms, marveling at the process. Dassai Blue polishes the king of sake rice, Yamada Nishiki, over 50% to create a more elegant final product. Events like the spring cherry blossom festival pay homage to the culture of Japan, and bring an authentic experience to Dutchess County's visitors and locals. Tastings of sake can be paired with sushi, snacks from the Culinary Institute of America, or complete Omakase dinner experiences.
Because you wondered what it’s like to live in the Gilded Age. Experience the opulence firsthand. Marvel at the stark-white exterior of Mills Mansion, perched above the Hudson River. Move through each space of the home, understanding their function for hosting society's elites at the turn of the century. This 79- room Beaux-Arts mansion and country home of Ogden and Ruth Livingston Mills served as a social hub for America’s elite in the late 1800s. Popular themed tours rotate throughout the year and include “Gilded Age Scandals!” and “Tales of the Titanic.” (The Mills family had tickets for the Titanic’s return voyage, which, of course, never happened). Traverse trails across the 192-acre property and directly in Mills-Norrie State Park.
