Rhinebeck Farmers’ Market

Every Sunday 10 am - 2 pm; Mother’s Day to Thanksgiving

If you’re in Hudson Valley anywhere near Rhinebeck, take a nice morning car ride to their market to stock up on fresh food.  Rhinebeck is in Dutchess County on the east side of the Hudson River, about 2 hours north of NYC, between Kingston and Saugerties - all lovely areas to explore. You’ve probably heard of it as where Chelsea Clinton is getting married, and gossip is always fun, but there is a lot more to this town than that.

check out the chamber of commerce - how can you not want to live here?

Beacon Farmer’s Market in Beacon, NY

Open year round, but in nice weather situated right on the Hudson River, Beacon Farmer’s Market is a small but sweet market.  You can pick up some treats and have a picnic in the park up the road before walking around the shops, visiting Beacon:Dia or neighboring towns.  It is really beautiful right along the river.  Click here for more from beelocal on Beacon and the area.  And, the market website.

whoops how’d he get in there! ;)

Map of Dutchess County, NY

I am currently obsessed with the endless possibilities of fun in Dutchess County.  Um, most particularly, those drive in movie theaters, which are, of course, closed for the season and don’t reopen until the spring.  

Oh Dutchess County, why oh why can I not live within your county lines?

More on NY drive-inn theaters

click the pic

TOWN PROFILE: Beacon in Dutchess County, NY

Dutchess County is stunning right now.  The leaves are every shade of red, orange and yellow and all the towns along 9D are in full Halloween and Fall festivity mode.  If you have access to a car select the most local route (from NYC, take the Palisades North to Bear Mountain Bridge to 9D) possible to head to the city of Beacon, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours north of NYC.  Originally two small villages merged into one, Beacon is perfectly situated between the river and mountains.  Either way you walk on Main Street has a beautiful landscape backdrop.

Main Street is full of galleries (check out the American Youth exhibit at fovea exhibitions or the beautiful paintings at van brunt gallery), and shops (check out Hudson Beach Glass and Clay, Wood and Cotton).  Eat lunch or dinner at the delicious Sukhothai and breakfast at the very old favorite Quinn’s Luncheonette.  Play inside at Retro Arcade Museum or outside along the riverfront in the parks.

Plan some stops along your way there or home (Storm King Art Center, or Bear Mountain, or Cold Springs, NY) or stop off at Beacon on your way to the Catskills or Adirondacks.  It is such a great break from anything commercial or corporate.

Don’t say I didn’t tell you:  There is a chunk of nothingness in the middle of main street where the two old towns converge.  To get the most out of your stroll through town start at the bottom of Main Street near the river and walk east.  There is just a small handful of scattered shops and galleries.  Or at the top and walk west for a bit. Beacon is really still inventing itself.

More on Beacon or Dutchess County or Hudson Valley from beelocal.

Walkway Over the Hudson bridging Poughkeepsie, NY and Highland NY

I understand friends and family when they tell me that I can’t be everywhere all the time but I simply don’t like it at all.  This is case in point.  When the Walkway Over the Hudson opened on October 3rd, a sea of people, performers and hudson valley revelers walked across this revamped railroad for the first time.  Sounds amazing.  This new walkway is amazing.  And, I can’t wait to check it out.  You may want to do the same.  Especially this time of year when the landscape is bursting with color.  Projects like this make me smile.

{New New} : Fall Handmade Calvacade in Beacon, NY

on Saturday, 9.12.2009

Spend the day in Beacon.  Shop from local artisans.  Buy handmade.  Explore the art galleries and Dia:Beacon.   It’s just off the Metro North Hudson line in Hudson Valley on the east side of the river.

click the pic