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The Mid-Hudson Valley, located about 90 minutes north of New York City, is rich in culture and history. Comprised of Dutchess, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan counties, the mid-Hudson Valley has many activities, ones that are especially great for the fall, if you are looking to escape the city for a couple of days. Filled with scenic views of the Hudson River and the mountains, one will not be disappointed when making the journey north to this part of New York.
1.) The Culinary Institute of America (CIA)
Besides being one of the top culinary schools in the country, the Culinary boasts incredible views of the Hudson River. In addition, it is also home to four incredible restaurants — The American Bounty, Bocuse, Ristorante Caterina de’ Medici and The Apple Pie Bakery — which are run by its students and encourage residents of the Hudson Valley and visitors to stop in and try the different range of cuisine. The Culinary is definitely a must-visit if you are looking to experience some of the top dining experiences the Hudson Valley has to offer.
In addition to being the home of the home of an institution such as the Culinary, the Mid-Hudson Valley has plenty to offer for both food and wine connoisseurs. At a recent event held at the Culinary, called the Hudson Valley Beer, Wine, Spirits and Cider Summit, many local breweries, distilleries, vineyards and cider establishments were able to showcase their craft, with the help of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC) and the Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance (run by the HVEDC).
As part of the summit, I was able to tour some of these establishments that the Hudson Valley has to offer. If you are looking for something to do out of the city, a reasonable trip to the countryside for quality craft beverages and spirits should be on your to-do list.
Photo Jackie Hart/Downtown Magazine
Located in Gardiner, New York, this family-operated business surely won’t disappoint. Most of their wines are crafted from grapes that benefit from New York’s terroir, like Chardonnay and Gamay Noir, or hybrids like Seval Blanc and Traminette. Their signature wines include: Awosting White, Gamay Noir, Traminette and Red Trail varieties. The vineyard is open daily from 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. through the end of October, and will then switch to Saturday hours only during January, and will only be open Thursday-Monday, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. February-May. Next weekend, they will also be participating in the Hudson Valley Wine Cocktail Weekend, so be sure to check them out!
Photo Jackie Hart/Downtown Magazine
Just down the street from Whitecliff in Gardiner, New York, Tuthilltown has been in business for about 10 years, however, the distillery is the first whiskey distillery in New York since prohibition. Tuthilltown produces various varieties of whiskey, vodka, gin and other liquers. Their vodka line uses apples from orchards five miles away from the distillery, and the whiskey line uses grain harvested by farmers less than 10 miles away. In addition, Tuthilltown houses their own restaurant and store, where one can purchase the variety of spirits. Some highlights include their Hudson Baby Bourbon whiskey, Indigenous Apple Vodka, Tuthilltown Cassis Liquer and the Tuthilltown Cacao Liquer. Tours are held every Saturday and Sunday, and it is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Photo Jackie Hart/Downtown Magazine
Started in 2011 by childhood friends Albert and Devin, their cider is made with apples grown just down the road from their establishment. Their cider is very dry, and doesn’t boast the overwhelming sweetness that most hard ciders do. Some of their signature ciders include their original Dry Hard Cider, India Pale Cider and the Apple Pie Dry cider. In addition, there is a tap room on site that one can enjoy a variety of the ciders after taking a tour of the establishment. Tours run September through October, and the tap room is open Saturdays from 12-7 p.m., and Sundays 12-6 p.m.
-by Jackie Hart