The holidays are right around the corner once the calendar flips to November, and New York’s Hudson Valley has its own, distinctive charm at this time of year.
There are many exciting experiences waiting for you here in Dutchess County this month! Here is a sampling of what November has to in store for you, 10 can’t-miss events that showcase the best of what Dutchess has to offer (plus one bonus event, of course!).
Keep that camera handy! Share your photos here and tag @DestinationDutchess on social media.
And, don't forget, Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is set for Oct. 27–Nov. 9, so bring your appetites!
By appointment, October through January at Hudson Beach Glass, Beacon
It only takes 15 minutes to create a beautifully festive glass holiday ornament of your very own, one which will bring holiday cheer to your home year after year and can be handed down from one generation to the next. It’s a terrific activity to do as a family (ages 6 and older can participate). Choose from more than two dozen styles. You can either pick up your ornament the following day after it cools or arrange to have your ornament shipped to you. Click here to book your appointment. Located in a re-purposed historic firehouse on Main Street, the Hudson Beach Glass studio is within walking distance of the Beacon Metro-North train station, so getting there is a breeze! Plus, Beacon’s walkable Main Street corridor features a variety of great restaurants and attractions, so make a day of it!
Related: Top 10 Places to View Fall Foliage
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1 and 2, at The Stissing Center for Arts & Culture, Pine Plains
Housed in what was previously Pine Plains' beloved movie house, The Stissing Center honors its cinematic roots with a two-day celebration of short films created by Hudson Valley filmmakers. Each evening features a completely different program of short films, with a brief Q&A after every screening, giving audiences a chance to meet the filmmakers and hear their stories. Click here to purchase tickets.
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Nov. 5–9, throughout Beacon
The Beacon Bonfire Music + Art Festival will feature more than 400 performances and exhibitions at more than 20 venues and galleries throughout the city. It's a celebration of the vibrant arts and culture scene for which Beacon has become famous. Take advantage of discounts on food and beverages, as well as services and retail items. The fire is rising! Click here to purchase festival tickets.
Sunday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m., at the MJN Convention Center, Poughkeepsie
All aboard! The Hudson Valley Railroad Society hosts its annual train show at the MJN Convention Center (formerly the Mid-Hudson Civic Center), featuring an enjoyable day of model trains and vendors, fully operating model train layouts, character photo-ops, food and more. Click here to purchase tickets. Proceeds from the hobby show will benefit the 1914 Hyde Park Station Museum. That historic station was slated for demolition in 1975 when the HVRRS stepped in and saved it. In the 50 years since, the HVRRS has been restoring the station and preserving the history of the railroads in the Hudson Valley.
Sunday, Nov. 9, 2–4 p.m., at Millbrook Vineyards and Winery, Millbrook
Arts Mid-Hudson and Millbrook Vineyards and Winery team up to present this annual project in which artwork is transformed into original labels for wine bottles. At this closing reception, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and desserts by Simply Gourmet, wine from Millbrook Vineyards (of course!) and live jazz by Laura Evans and Chris Macchia as you mingle with the participating artists, one of whom will be crowned the winner of this year’s competition. Click here to reserve tickets.
Related: The Dutchess Tourism Taste Finder Craft Beverage Trail
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Monday, Nov. 10, or Tuesday, Nov. 11, 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., at the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park
Nothing hits the spot on a cold day better than a hot, brimming bowl of delicious soup. In this one-day, hands-on class at the world-famous Culinary Institute of America, you'll learn to prepare some of your favorite soups to share at your holiday table or any occasion. A CIA chef/instructor will guide you through the steps, from flavor development to beautiful knife cuts and spot-on seasoning. Click here to register.
Saturday, Nov. 15, 1 p.m. at Mount Gulian Historic Site, Beacon
Harv Hilowitz, Contributing Scholar for the Maritime Museum in Kingston, presents this discussion about the history of the Lenape indigenous people, the first inhabitants of this region. This event, hosted by the Mount Gulian Historic Site, will focus on the Lenape culture before the Contact Period in the early 1600s and examine the Lenape diaspora, as well as the current renaissance and return to the area. The property now known as Mount Gulian was part of the Rombout Royal Patent, an 85,000-acre parcel of land that was sold in 1685 by the Native Americans to Gulian Verplanck and Francis Rombout in exchange for about $1,200 worth of goods. For thousands of years prior to the sale, the Lenape had used the property at Mount Gulian as a seasonal encampment along the Hudson River. Verplanck’s grandson built his family’s homestead on the property in 1730 and named it Mount Gulian. In the centuries that followed, Mount Gulian and its residents played important roles in pivotal historic events, including the American Revolution, the Civil War and the Abolitionist Movement. To make a reservation, call (845) 831-8172.
Saturday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m., or Sunday, Nov. 16, 2 p.m., at the Fisher Center at Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson
Experience the epic film "Jurassic Park" as never before: projected in HD with The Orchestra Now — Bard College's graduate program featuring future music professionals in training — performing John Williams’ iconic score! Click here to purchase tickets. The Sosnoff Theater is equipped with Assistive Listening Devices which use a radio frequency to increase the volume of performances for guests who are hard of hearing. These devices are available at the box office.
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Thursday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m., at the MJN Convention Center, Poughkeepsie
Famous for his self-deprecating style of comedy and observational humor, Jim Gaffigan has received critical acclaim for his ability to entertain without relying on profanity. You've seen him in TV shows, commercials, movies and comedy specials, and he's bringing his trademark wit and impeccable delivery to Poughkeepsie for one night of hilarity and fun. Tickets are sure to sell quickly; click here to purchase yours.
Sunday, Nov. 23, 3 p.m., at Troutbeck, Amenia
Whether you're an experienced meditator or if you've never meditated but are curious about it, this event is for you. Join acclaimed journalist, bestselling author, former news anchor and meditation expert Dan Harris in the Manor House Ballroom at Troutbeck for a discussion on his methods along with a guided meditation and a Q&A session. Click here to purchase tickets. Of course, Troutbeck’s luxurious accommodations and tranquil setting in the Dutchess countryside make it perfect for a weekend of relaxation and deep thought. Click here to book a room. Harris’ story and perspective on the benefits of meditation are told in “10% Happier,” a number one New York Times bestseller. He also hosts the “Ten Percent Happier” podcast and is the co-founder of the “Ten Percent Happier” meditation app.
Related: Top 10 Hidden Gem Hikes
Ongoing at multiple locations
It’s time to start planning those holiday cards, and if you’re looking for a warm and fuzzy photo opportunity, Dutchess County has you covered.
• Clover Brooke Farm (Hyde Park): Clover Brooke hosts a variety of animal experiences, including llama and alpaca hikes. Shop in their store for a variety of yarn products, as well as handcrafted soaps — perfect to give as gifts, or to keep for yourself!
• Lilymoore Farm (Pleasant Valley): Schedule a trek or a tour and meet and greet alpacas, llamas and an assortment of other farm animals. If you’re looking for gift ideas, look no further than Lilymoore’s shop, which is open Thursdays–Mondays from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. and offers a variety of sustainable, eco-friendly alpaca products!
