With Thanksgiving around the corner, we decided to round up a list of top 10 things we are thankful for this year. There is so much to be grateful for in Dutchess County, so we had each one of our employees pick their favorites!
1. Mary Kay, President & CEO
I am so thankful for the outdoors and the great food and restaurants that we have in Dutchess County. You can go on a wonderful walk and then sit down to enjoy a glass of wine with delicious charcuterie board. If I’ve really worked up an appetite, I go for one of my personal favorites – Vinny’s Margarita specialty sandwich in Pawling – it’s a must try!
2. Melaine, Vice President
I am so thankful for Dutchess County’s long and rich history and the people who passionately preserve it. I love touring all the beautifully decorated great estates during the holidays. I always learn new things at the winter Tea & Talk series held in the magnificent dining room of the Staatsburgh State Historic Site. I could spend days exploring the interactive and special exhibits at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum. My taste buds get in on the act at Locust Grove Estate’s Sunset Sensations events which combine tastings from top area chefs with wine pairings and tours of the estate’s vegetable gardens. But the biggest thrill for me is marveling at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome’s barnstorming era and WWI air shows and getting a chance to fly in their 1929 New Standard D-25 bi-plane over the Hudson River!
3. Dawn, Director of Tour & Travel
One of the things I am most grateful for in Dutchess County is living in the midst of a world class arts scene. Taking in a performance by Bard students or The Orchestra Now at the incredible Fisher Center is so deeply fulfilling as a former musician. And the natural setting of the performance center makes it even more special.
4. Whitney, Director of Communications
Shopping is my favorite pastime and therefore I’m thankful for all the unique shops in Dutchess County! We have so many great places to bring a friend for an afternoon of sidewalk strolling and spending. My favorites are Raven Rose (florist and gift shop) and Beetle and Fred (sewing supply and fabric store) in Beacon, or Paper Trail (stationary and gift shop) and Oblong Books & Music (I dare you to leave without buying at least three books) in Rhinebeck.
5. Kacie, Communications Specialist
I am so thankful for the gorgeous scenery in Dutchess County. As someone who loves the outdoors, I am grateful for the miles and miles of hiking and running trails in the area. One of my personal favorites is Mount Beacon. The incline kicks my butt every time, but the views are totally worth it!
6. Janine, Director of Finance & Human Resources
I am so thankful for all the wonderful family fun activities we can do with our children in Dutchess County! When my kids were younger, on hot days we’d take them over to the splashpad at Bowdoin Park. Now that they’re a bit older we’ll go to SplashDown Beach for hours of fun! The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum is the perfect indoor activity for a rainy day. On a beautiful day in Dutchess we thoroughly enjoy a family walk on the Walkway Over the Hudson, or my kids favorite, an Airshow at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. For some late night fun we all love a good drive-in movie!
7. Susanne, Consumer Services & Special Events Manager
I am thankful for the beautiful Hudson River and the extraordinary sunsets that are viewed near it. My family and I frequently visit the waterfront in the hopes of capturing earth’s magnificent night show. Hudson River sunsets never disappoint!
8. Colleen, Office Administrator
I’m thankful for the abundance of craft beverage makers in Dutchess! The beverage styles and locations are all unique; I can enjoy a hazy IPA with pizza at Sloop Brewing Co. in Fishkill or sip a funky wild ale while petting the goats at Plan Bee Farm Brewery. Or, I can spend the day at Millbrook Vineyards & Winery with a group of friends and drink a glass of wine while taking in the view.
9. Maryann, Data Administrator
I am in awe of the beauty and power of Hudson River in Dutchess. It can be calm one minute and the winds will turn up whitecaps the next. We’ve been boating on the river for years and my daughters row out of the community boathouse by Marist College. The mornings may be early or the afternoons late – but the view is breathtaking from any spot.
10. Team Dutchess Tourism
As a team we want to say a huge thank you to ALL our partners throughout the county for making Dutchess a great place to visit! Offering everything from wonderful accommodations, art and culture, rich history, family fun, culinary experiences, outdoor recreation, agritourism and craft beverages, we are proud to represent such a diverse and unique region. Our partners make our job easy with the amazing work they do every day to make the Dutchess experience a memorable one!
