The charming town of Rhinebeck is nestled near the northwest corner of Dutchess County and consists of 35 miles of meadowland, mountain views and lots of historic sites. It’s a perfect place to view the fall foliage, and was recently voted one of the top 10 fall foliage spots in the nation. Amongst the colorful vistas you will find victorian mansions, antique shops and estates once owned by many of history’s prominent families – and some of today’s as well. One of the treasurers of Rhinebeck is The Beekman Arms.
Established in 1766, The Beekman Arms is the oldest operating Inn in the country. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a frequent guest and it was Roosevelt that was responsible for the WPA work done in the Rhinebeck Post Office, next door to The Beekman – with murals that recreate the towns beginnings. Rhinebeck is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is in the center of the National Historic Landmark District.
While you’re enjoying the foliage, be sure to take in some of the other Rhinebeck treasurers like Wilderstein and the Tiffany glass at the Church of the Messiah. But the real charm is in the existing farms and mansions still owned by residents who have been there for generations, who continue to tap trees to make maple syrup and grow the food and flowers we see in our green markets here in the City.
Back onto Route 9 heading South on your way home, you will pass the Vanderbilt Mansion and Franklin D. Roosevelt‘s Home. If you plan ahead, you can treat yourself to lunch at the Culinary Institute of America in Poughkeepsie and walk it off on the Walkway Over The Hudson, the world’s longest pedestrian bridge.
Hope you had fun and can’t wait to see your pictures!
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