I love this time of year in my “back yard.” The trees in the Hudson Valley are not yet at peak but each day brings more color. Farm markets have an abundance of local produce and you can pick your own apples and pumpkins at orchards and farms along the Hudson River. Enjoy the many valley wineries that are open to visitors, including the country’s oldest vineyard. The first commercial winery in the Hudson Valley, Jacques Brothers Winery, was established in 1837 for the production of altar wines. Renamed Brotherhood in 1885, the Washingtonville winery is the nation’s oldest continuously operated winery.
There is much to do in the valley but this coming weekend is the official opening of the Walkway Over the Hudson. A former railroad bridge built 121 years ago has been renovated into a pedestrian and bike bridge that spans 6,700 feet across the Hudson. The view is spectacular.
Festivities begin on Friday evening with a fireworks and light show and the official opening celebration is set for 3 p.m. on Saturday. Activities will start at 9:00 a.m. with the Marist College Crew team recreating the Poughkeepsie Regatta with viewing from the shoreline. Continuing during the day there will be music, dance and circus performances at Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie; a fly over of vintage planes from the Rhinebeck Aerodrome and a street fair in the hamlet of Highland on the west side of the river.
Shuttle service to the bridge will be available from seven free parking areas in the City of Poughkeepsie. See Map.
While visiting the valley be sure to take advantage of the fine area restaurants as well as the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. Reservations are suggested for most CIA restaurants but the Apple Pie Café is a walk in.
As for lodging in the area, there is a wonderful and varied selection of bed and breakfasts.
For information on these and other Hudson Valley bed and breakfasts, click here