FIELD TO FORK

FIVE DAYS IN DUTCHESS

Dutchess County has a long, proud agricultural tradition. If farm-to-table eating is your passion, come spend five days enjoying the bounty of our fields, vines, and trees! These sites—farms, restaurants, wineries, markets, and more— welcome visitors to take tours, participate in seasonal activities, and stock up on goodies to bring home. Enjoy a farm fresh Hudson Valley Getaway!

S = Seasonal attraction or activity
SE = Open during scheduled events
 

Day 1: Southern Dutchess

Zoe’s Ice Cream Barn, Poughkeepsie

Visit Zoe’s where handcrafted ice cream is made with only Hudson Valley Fresh products. Zoe’s is all about LOCAL - local milk from local cows and local fruit from local farms. And FRESH - they boast that their ice cream goes from cow to cone in just 3 days! Enjoy a treat in a barn-like setting while learning about Hudson Valley dairy farms. www.zoesicecreambarn.com
 

Barton Orchards, Poughquag
It’s more than just about picking your own produce here, because there are always adorable farm animals to pet, a playground to explore, and an expansive market of specialty foods to shop. Autumn weekends are the best times to visit with families, once the Barton family opens the corn maze, runs hayrides, costume parades and other games, and brings in live music. www.bartonorchards.com

Dinner at Farm to Table Bistro, Fishkill
Enjoy sophisticated New American dishes among the rustic-chic décor in this centrally-located restaurant that sources most of its ingredients from local farmers and creameries. Changing seasonally, the menu often features steaks from the New York Beef Company in Lagrange, lamb from Meiller Farms in Pine Plains, apples from Meadowbrook Farm and vegetables from Obercreek Farm in Wappingers Falls and more. www.ftbistro.com

Day 2: Southwest Dutchess

Fishkill Farms, Hopewell Junction
Grab a bag or basket, and head to the orchards to pick whatever’s in season— apples, berries, peaches, nectarines, black currants, cherries, or pumpkins—all grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Inside the farm market, you’ll find fresh veggies, eggs, baked goods, and their new hard Treasury Cider, produced on-site with Fishkill Farms apples. Time your trip during the Strawberry Festival, Peachtopia, or Fall Harvest Weekends! www.fishkillfarms.com

City of Beacon
This renaissance riverfront city, once a regional manufacturing hub, is now a hip hotbed of art, culture, and cuisine. Along Main Street, stock up on provisions, including local produce, at Beacon Natural Market; enjoy lunch in the outdoor café at Homespun Foods; and make a sweet selection from the small-batch confections made on premise at Alps Sweet Shop, a local chocolatier since 1922.

If you’re in town on a Sunday, stop by the Beacon Farmers Market, at the DMV parking lot. May-Nov., or at its Winter Market location at the Veterans Building on Main Street. Beacon also has no shortage of craft beverage producers. Check out Hudson Valley Brewery, 2 Way Brewing Company, and handcrafted spirits at Denning’s Point Distillery.

Day 3: Central Dutchess

Adams Fairacre Farms, Poughkeepsie
On the site of the original Adams family farm on Route 44, now stands the flagship Adams store, with a focus on locallysourced produce, fresh baked goods, and gourmet grocery items. You’ll find cheese, fish and deli counters, a coffee bar, a gift department and extensive nursery. Create your own meal from the selection of hot and cold prepared foods for a quick and affordable lunch, or sit down in their café. www.adamsfarms.com/locations/poughkeepsie

Pleasant Valley Farms (S)
Plan to stop at seasonal farm stands in Pleasant Valley and Salt Point. Since 1942, Quattro's Poultry Farm and Market has served fresh and smoked game meats and free-range fowl, along with imported cheeses, craft beers and other provisions. Stop by the Hahn Farm stand for fruit, honey, syrup, jams, pickles, dairy products, cider, condiments and soaps. In November and December, you can choose from five varieties of fir, and cut your own Christmas tree at Bilmar Nurseries.

Clinton Vineyards, Clinton Corners
The European tradition of exclusively growing and bottling an “estate” wine was introduced in this rural pocket of Dutchess County in 1976. Specializing in award-winning Seyval Blanc and sparkling Seyval Naturel, Clinton also produces handcrafted fruit and dessert wines. Visit the historic barn where the wine is made, enjoy a sample in the tasting room, and explore the landscape of gardens and vines. www.clintonvineyards.com

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, Millbrook
Considered one of New York State’s top wineries, Millbrook has been producing award-winning wines on its 130 acres for more than 30 years. After a guided tour, enjoy tastings of the current varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Tocai Friulano and Riesling. Or plan your visit during an outdoor jazz concert, wine blending workshop, or “Art in the Loft” exhibit. www.millbrookwine.com

Day 4: Northwest Dutchess

Red Hook Farms (S)
The day starts early on a farm, so you should, too. Depending on the time of year, the farms of Red Hook offer seasonal opportunities to pick-your-own produce, or shop at farm stands. In the summer, get your peaches, pears, plums, cherries, and strawberries at Rose Hill Farm. At Battenfeld's Anemone Farm, a fourth-generation local farm, you can buy greenhouse-grown hybrid anemones from September through May, and Christmas trees in November and December.

Farm Fresh Shopping in Rhinebeck
Head south to the bustling Village of Rhinebeck to shop for both sweet and savory. Named one of the Top 10 Chocolatiers in North America by Dessert Professional Magazine, Oliver Kita and his artisan and fair trade fine chocolate shop on West Market Street is not to be missed! On Sundays from 10-2, visit the Rhinebeck Farmers Market. Consistently voted best Farmers Market in the Hudson Valley by Hudson Valley Magazine readers, you’ll find over 40 vendors during the outdoor season and 25 at their indoor Winter Market. 

For a casual lunch, tuck into a sandwich made with handmade organic bread at Bread Alone Bakery, find out how local ingredients are used in the “Hudson Valley Mediterranean” menu at Gigi Trattoria, or enjoy a special meal accompanied by a New York State craft beer at award winning Terrapin.

Dinner at The Culinary Institute of America
For a very special dinner, continue south along Route 9 to the world’s premier culinary college. Your dinner at American Bounty, or Bocuse, could be created by the next Charlie Palmer or Roy Yamaguchi. Founded in 1946, the CIA has trained culinary icons including Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain, and Cat Cora. www.ciachef.edu/newyork

Day 5: Northeast Dutchess

Village of Millerton

A hybrid of historic and eclectic, Millerton is a walkable district with shops, cafes, and art galleries galore. There’s also the indie Oblong Books & Music, and the venerable Harney and Sons tea room.
 

McEnroe Organic Farm, Millerton
You can’t miss the big red farm market on Route 22 between Amenia and Millerton. Whatever grows on these 1,000 acres is sold, including a full range of produce and nursery stock. You’ll also find meats, specialty groceries, prepared foods, and fresh baked goods. Have an organic garden at home? You can also purchase their good-as-gold compost and top soil! www.mcenroeorganicfarm.com

Soukup Farms, Dover Plains
Visit this third-generation family owned and operated farm. What began as a hobby has turned into a production that now has over 2,700 taps. Take a tour and experience the maple process as it moves from sugarbush to bottle! And before you depart, be sure to take home some of their delicious specialty maple products from their store including pure maple syrup, maple hot sauce, candies and more. Although the business may be expanding, you’re sure to feel like part of the family at Soukup! www.soukupfarms.com