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About
While it is important to appreciate our veterans every day of the year, the Veterans Day holiday offers a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by so many brave men and women in defense of our country and our way of life.
Veterans Day is celebrated each year specifically at the top of the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month — Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. — to mark the exact moment in 1918 when the Armistice with Germany took effect and World War I ended.
Dutchess County has a proud history of honoring its veterans. In fact, the Society of the Cincinnati — the first veterans’ fraternal organization in the U.S. — was organized in 1783 at Mount Gulian in Beacon by Continental officers who fought in the American Revolution, including Patriot General Friedrich Von Steuben, whose headquarters were located at Mount Gulian in 1782–83.
Listed below are some veteran-owned businesses in Dutchess County, along with some events and programs that honor and support veterans and thank them for their service.
If you’re thinking of a fun, educational day trip for the whole family, be sure to check out this “Honoring Veterans” one-day Dutchess travel itinerary.
To access the Dutchess County Office of Veterans Services, click here.
• 1915 Wine Cellar, Poughkeepsie: Opened by Air Force veteran Russell Beck, his wife, Elke, and son Kai, 1915 Wine Cellar is an upscale wine bar where guests can explore an expertly curated selection of wines from around the world, including many that are not ordinarily available by the glass. Located in a beautiful space on the lower level of the recently restored historic building at 40 Cannon Street, 1915 Wine Cellar combines fine wine with exceptional food, featuring a menu inspired by seasonal ingredients and global flavors to create an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Mercat by 1915, Poughkeepsie: In addition to 1915 Wine Cellar, Russell and his family also own Mercat Cafe featuring ethically and sustainably sourced coffees and teas, as well as delicious homemade cakes and treats. Start your day with one of their savory MercMuffins or enjoy a slice of their lemon cake, made with a 100-year-old secret family recipe. The cafe is conveniently located just above 1915 Wine Cellar making 40 Cannon Street a morning-to-evening destination.
• Brasserie 292, Poughkeepsie: After serving in the U.S. Army, Chef Charles Fells began his career in the hospitality in 1997 and acquired Brasserie 292 in 2015. Located in the heart of Downtown Poughkeepsie and within walking distance of attractions such as the MJN Convention Center (formerly the Mid-Hudson Civic Center) and the Bardavon 1869 Opera House, Brasserie 292 offers a broad range of crowd-pleasing menu items in the tradition of a classic French brasserie. The Shrimp Provencal — sauteed with olive oil, toasted garlic, oven-roasted tomatoes, Espelette pepper, white beans, fresh herbs, house-made cavatelli and baby spinach — sounds particularly scrumptious. Brasserie 292 follows a simple philosophy: "Use fine, local ingredients coupled with traditional cookery to create an incomparable and exceptional dining experience." Bon appetit!
• Hudson & Packard, Poughkeepsie: Located in the middle of Downtown Poughkeepsie, this pizza place — whose name is derived from two prominent Detroit-based car companies in the early days of the auto industry — was founded by Culinary Institute of America graduate Charlie Webb, whose eight years in the U.S. Army included two deployments in the Middle East. Opened in 2020, Hudson & Packard rose quickly to international fame, as its thicker-crusted, square-panned masterpieces placed second in the Pan Division at the 2022 International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas and third in the same competition in 2023. With a host of innovative toppings — the sweet and spicy Hudson Hornet features Mike’s Hot Honey, house-pickled jalapenos and pepperoni — there is a specialty pizza to satisfy every appetite. Staff Sergeant Webb’s story was featured in Episode 2 of the Discovery Network show “Veteran’s Playbook,” which highlights the accomplishments of veteran entrepreneurs. If you haven’t tried Hudson & Packard’s delicious Detroit-style pizza, you need to make it a priority the next time you’re in the Hudson Valley. Seriously, it’s that good.
• Matcha Thomas, Beacon: This family-owned and veteran-owned wellness teahouse proudly uses only premium, ceremonial-grade matcha — green tea leaves that have been roasted and ground into a powder — grown in the Uji Region in Japan. All ingredients are vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. The menu includes matcha lattes, specialty drinks, and a rotating selection of seasonally inspired bubble teas. The Matcha Thomas — their signature latte — is a creamy and soothing combination of a plant milk of your choice blended with Chowa Matcha and a coconut and vanilla cream base and lightly sweetened with maple. Yummy!
• Norma’s Bakery & Cafe, Wappingers Falls: Owners Denise Plowman — who is a former U.S. Marine — and Crystal River Williams both have pastry arts degrees and pour their passion for natural and local food into their work. Norma’s — which was named in honor of Crystal’s beloved grandmother – offers pastries baked fresh daily and custom-made cakes, along with a mouthwatering assortment of hot and cold sandwiches and egg platters. The oven-baked New Yorker sandwich features melted cheddar cheese, baked scrambled eggs and your choice of thick-cut bacon, spicy bacon, smoked ham, vegan sausage or avocado served on your choice of bread. Wash it all down with a selection from Norma’s expansive coffee and espresso menu served with their own line of homemade syrups. They offer organic soy milk, almond milk and Hudson Valley Fresh dairy products.
• Soukup Farms, Dover Plains: Soukup Farms has been producing and selling pure New York Maple Syrup for three generations. Nowadays, the husband-and-wife tandem of Mark and Jennifer Soukup — Jennifer is a veteran — are running the operation. Their products include an assortment of maple-infused items, including mustard, barbecue sauce and, of course, maple candy. Soukup Farms has hosted its annual Harvest Festival every October for the last 10 years, featuring hayrides, pick-your-own pumpkins and a corn maze. Keep an eye out for updates on the New York State Maple Producers Association's 28th annual Maple Weekends, which are scheduled for March 22–23 and 29–30, 2025. It's a celebration of all things maple and the folks who produce them. Sweet!
Related: To see a list of more veteran-owned businesses in Dutchess, click here.
• Veterans Appreciation Pasta Dinners: Oct. 27, 4 p.m. at American Legion Post 429, Rhinebeck; Nov. 3, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. at Knights of Columbus, Fishkill. Call (845) 486-2000 or email CountyExec@DutchessNY.gov to RSVP.
• Free Screening of the Silent Film “The Big Parade” (Friday, Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m. at The Bardavon 1869 Opera House, Poughkeepsie): The Bardavon and the New York Theatre Organ Society will honor veterans with a free screening of the 1925 silent film “The Big Parade” accompanied by John Baratta on the theater’s famous Wurlitzer pipe organ, which was specially designed for The Bardavon when it was installed in 1928. (It is one of only several theater organs in the country still playing in its original location). “The Big Parade” is a war drama written by World War I veteran Laurence Stallings. The movie will be preceded by 15 minutes of patriotic music and the National Anthem.
• "The Accidental Hero" (Sunday, Nov. 10, 3 p.m. at The Stissing Center for Arts & Culture, Pine Plains): "The Accidental Hero" is a one-man, multi-media show about Lieutenant Colonel Matt Konop, an American officer in World War II who miraculously liberates the Czech villages of his grandparents. It's a remarkable true story written and performed by his grandson, Patrick Dewane. Patrick's grandfather never spoke about his service in the war, but when he died, his basement yielded a treasure trove of typewritten accounts, photos, and rare film footage. Patrick plays a dozen different roles as he powerfully recounts his grandfather's journey from Omaha Beach to the Battle of the Bulge and the end of the war. Click here to purchase tickets (free for veterans).
• Complimentary Meal at The Culinary Institute of America (Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the CIA, Hyde Park): The CIA, the nation’s foremost culinary college, was founded in 1946 to serve and educate veterans returning home following World War II. The private, not‐for-profit college continues this tradition today with its dedication to enrolling veteran students. To celebrate Veterans Day, all veterans will receive a complimentary lunch or dinner on Nov. 12 in these CIA restaurants (alcohol not included): American Bounty Restaurant (reservations required); The Bocuse Restaurant (reservations required); Apple Pie Bakery Cafe (up to $20); and The Egg (up to $15).
• Black Friday Mount Beacon Fire Tower Hike (Friday, Nov. 29, 10:30 a.m. at the Mount Beacon Trailhead, Beacon): This event is hosted by Guardian Revival, a Beacon-based non-profit organization that strives to preserve the mental well-being of veterans and first responders — the guardians — at no cost. Join fellow guardians on Friday, Nov. 29, for a free four-mile, out-and-back hike to the Mount Beacon Fire Tower. Hot apple cider will be served, and a prize will be given for the best-looking Thanksgiving leftover sandwich! Guardian Revival is led by co-founder and chief executive officer Alex Othmer, a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy who served eight years as a Navy SEAL and was combat disabled before beginning a difficult transition back to civilian life. His experiences prompted him to start Guardian Revival, which provides free, non-traditional therapy programs for veterans and first responders. These programs include Boots & Paws (therapeutic companion dogs), Another Summit (therapy through outdoor adventure), Encore (therapy through music creation), and G-Connect (peer support). The organization is featured in Episode 5 of “Veteran’s Playbook.”
• Red, White, and You! Veterans Appreciation Picnic (Every autumn, date and location to be announced): Stay tuned for details on the 2025 iteration of this free annual event, which is presented by the Dutchess County Division of Veterans Services and is open to all veterans and one guest each. Enjoy an afternoon of comradery, food and music. The third-annual event in 2024 attracted several hundred veterans!
• Veterans Yoga Retreats (Every summer at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, Rhinebeck): Stay tuned for dates and details on these fantastic retreats in the summer of 2025 at Omega’s scenic and serene campus. The Omega Institute is a unique educational retreat center that offers workshops, professional training, and wellness and rejuvenation retreats. Omega hosts several programs which are of particular benefit to veterans and their families, and scholarships are available specifically for veterans. Situated on more than 250 acres and open from May through October, Omega's all-inclusive stays include a choice of accommodations; farm-to-table meals each day; classes in meditation, yoga, and tai chi; opportunities for all sorts of outdoor activities at the lakeside waterfront, gardens, and nature trails; and access to the Ram Dass Library, the Sanctuary, and the Omega Center for Sustainable Living. The Wellness Center offers massage, reflexology, energy balancing, reiki, and more.
• Free Golf for Veterans at McCann Memorial and College Hill golf courses, Poughkeepsie: On the first Thursday of each month, veterans can play a free round at the McCann Memorial and College Hill golf courses. McCann Memorial is an 18-hole public course offering a practice range, club rentals, a pro shop and lessons. College Hill is a nine-hole public course with a more relaxed vibe.
• Discounted Wine for Veterans at Milea Estate Vineyards, Staatsburg: Milea Estate Vineyards will be hosting its Thanksgiving Uncorked Walking Wine Tasting on Nov. 16, where visitors can sample a variety of Milea wines and learn about food and wine pairings from Milea's knowledgeable staff. Veterans will receive a 25 percent discount on any wine purchased at this event.
• National Parks Service America the Beautiful Military Passes: Dutchess County is home to three national historic sites, all in Hyde Park: The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site; the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site; and the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site (Val-Kill). Tours of Val-Kill are free for all visitors, but the Home of FDR and Vanderbilt Mansion sites charge admission. With the America the Beautiful Military Annual Pass, current U.S. military personnel and their dependents are entitled to free access to National Park Service sites. With the America the Beautiful Military Lifetime Pass, Gold Star Family members and veterans are entitled to free access to those sites. Both passes are free (plus $10 in fees) to obtain.
Saturday, Nov. 9
• Pine Plains: Ceremony hosted by American Legion Post 426 and VFW Post 5519 at 9 North Main Street, 11 a.m.
Monday, Nov. 11
• Amenia/Dover Plains: Ceremony hosted by the Harlem Valley VFW Post 5444 at Fountain Square (intersection of routes 343, 44 and 22 in Amenia), 11 a.m.
• Beacon: Ceremony hosted by VFW Pvt. William B. Wilson Post 666, at the Veterans Memorial Hall (413 Main Street); refreshments to follow, 11 a.m.
• Fishkill (Town): Ceremony hosted by the Town of Fishkill Veterans Committee at the Town of Fishkill War Memorial (801 Route 52), 11 a.m.
• Fishkill (Village): Ceremony hosted by the Village of Fishkill at the War Memorial (Main Street), 11 a.m.
• Hyde Park: Ceremony hosted by American Legion Post 1303 at Hyde Park Town Hall and the Hyde Park War Memorial (4383 Albany Post Road), 11 a.m.
• Milan: Ceremony hosted by the Milan Veterans’ Committee at Wilcox Memorial Town Hall (20 Wilcox Circle), 11 a.m.
• Millbrook: Ceremony hosted by VFW Post 9008 at the Veterans Green (across the street from the Millbrook Village Firehouse at 20 Front Street), 11 a.m.
• Millerton: Ceremony hosted by American Legion Post 178 at Veterans Park (intersection of Main Street and Dutchess Avenue), 11 a.m.
• Poughkeepsie: Ceremony and laying of a wreath hosted by Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs at the Dutchess County War Memorial (Raymond Avenue and Main Street), 11 a.m.
• Red Hook: Ceremony hosted by VFW Post 7765 at Red Hook Veterans Memorial Park (North Broadway), 11 a.m.
• Rhinebeck: Ceremony hosted by the Women’s Auxiliary and Montgomery American Legion Post 429 at Rhinebeck Cemetery (corner of Route 9 South and Mill Road), 11 a.m. ; Ceremony hosted by Baptist Home (46 Brookmeade Drive), 2 p.m.
• Tivoli: Ceremony hosted by the Harris Smith American Legion Post 524 (88 Broadway), 11 a.m.
• Wappinger: Ceremony hosted by the Town of Wappinger Recreation Department at Town of Wappinger Town Hall (20 Middlebush Road, Wappingers Falls), 1 p.m.
• Wappingers Falls: Ceremony hosted by American Legion Post 427 and the Victor L. Bracone VFW Post 5913 at Major Joseph McDonald MIA/POW Park (East Main Street), 11 a.m.
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