POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Some may say ‘there’s no place like home’ when it comes to the holidays, but exploring some of Dutchess County’s charming small towns during the festive season may convince you otherwise. Nestled in the heart of New York’s beloved Hudson Valley region, Dutchess County is known for its unique villages and bustling main streets, boutique shops perfect for holiday gifting, standout restaurants and unique hotel accommodations to fit travelers’ diverse wants and needs. And for visitors looking for the ultimate holiday experience, Dutchess offers over 15 Christmas tree farms, such as Battenfeld’s or Abel’s where guests can cut down their own tree or pick out a festive holiday wreath. To follow are five of the area’s most charming towns to visit this holiday season:

Rhinebeck, NY

Just east of the Hudson River, with the Catskill Mountains in the distance, Rhinebeck boasts tree-lined village streets complete with a variety of specialty shops and restaurants. With the holidays just around the corner, visitors can get a head start on holiday shopping with boutique stores like Land of Oz Toys, Paper Trail and Rhinebeck Antique Emporium. Whether visitors are looking to satisfy a sweet tooth at celebrity-owned Samuel’s Sweet Shop, take home a holiday dessert from Bread Alone, or indulge in fine cuisine at Terrapin, Rhinebeck has something for every palate. Wintertime visitors also have the unique opportunity to experience Dutchess’ decorated estates and historic homes such as Wilderstein State Historic Site as well as the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt in nearby Hyde Park. And no holiday visit to Rhinebeck is complete without participating in the village’s Sinterklaas festival, an annual tradition celebrating Dutch heritage featuring over 250 musicians, actors, magicians and other magical performers. Cozy up at the oldest inn in America, Beekman Arms & Delmater Inn, or stay at the world-class boutique hotel, Mirbeau Inn & Spa, which just opened this fall.

Millerton, NY

Historic Millerton first became a center for commerce and culture when the hamlet was established as a railroad hub in the mid-19^th century. Much of the historic architecture has been preserved from that time, and today its Main Street has a thriving boutique and antique shopping scene including Oblong Books and Music and The Millerton Antiques Center. Visitors can delight in the town’s iconic coffee and tea shops, Irving Farm New York or Harney & Son’s Tea Room – both located along Millerton’s Main Street. Before heading back to The Millerton Inn, the hamlet’s beautifully-appointed 11-room boutique hotel, visitors can catch at screening at The Moviehouse, an independent cinema that screens Hollywood films and documentaries.

Millbrook, NY

Visitors to the Village of Millbrook will enjoy the restaurants and eateries along Franklin Avenue, including Canoe Hill, Babette’s Kitchen and the village’s newest addition, Barbaro. High-end shops like Alicia Adams Alpaca Inc., Millbrook House or Cordially Corinne for any last-minute holiday shopping needs also dot the village streets. And Merritt Bookstore on Front Street is not to be missed. Outside the village, pick up a few bottles for hostess gifts at one of the Hudson Valley’s leading wine purveyors, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, and take in scenic views, a tour and tasting. Up on the hill overlooking the vineyard is Wing’s Castle, a unique bed and breakfast created by two artists that has been featured on HGTV’s Extreme Homes and The History Channel. For those looking to venture out, Troutbeck, a once private estate visited by Mark Twain, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Teddy Roosevelt, is nestled in the nearby town of Amenia, just 20 minutes from Millbrook’s village.

Pawling, NY

Nestled in the foothills of the Taconic Mountains and easily accessible via Metro North Railroad, Pawling boasts a quiet and quaint village with much to do around the holidays. Stop into McKinney & Doyle’s Fine Foods for holiday baked goods or classic American cuisine. Find the perfect holiday gift while shopping along Charles Coleman Boulevard at Good Tidings Gift Shop or The Blue Olive, the village’s specialty olive oils and vinegar shop. Just a short drive from the village, Daryl’s House Restaurant & Music Club is gearing up for the holidays with shows including Gary Hoey’s Ho Ho Hoey Rockin’ Holiday Tour and Rock This Town Orchestra’s Christmas Spectacular. Guests will feel right at home at The Pawling House, a 5-bedroom bed and breakfast, a short walk from the village.

Beacon, NY

Beacon’s long and winding Main Street is the perfect place to do some holiday shopping, with boutiques and specialty shops like Vintage:Beacon, Blackbird Attic, Mountain Top Outfitters and More Good. Known as an artist’s mecca, travelers can create their own glass-blown holiday ornament at Hudson Beach Glass, or visit Dia:Beacon where some of the world’s most distinguished collections of contemporary art reside. With options for every palate, visitors can nosh at standout restaurants like Melzingah Tap House, Meyer’s Olde Dutch Food & Such and Tito Santana Taqueria. Before retreating for the night, guests are encouraged to warm up by the fire at The Roundhouse.

For more information on Dutchess County hotels, restaurants and things to do, or to plan your visit to Dutchess today, visit www.dutchesstourism.com.

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About Dutchess Tourism:

Dutchess Tourism, Inc. is the officially designated destination marketing organization for Dutchess County and is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International. It is an independent 501c6 non-profit organization that works to bring tourism dollars to area businesses by marketing and promoting the assets of Dutchess County to the nation and the world. The office is located at 3 Neptune Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie with 17 Tourist Information Centers located around Dutchess County. Dutchess Tourism is partially funded by monies received from the County of Dutchess.