An Autumn Getaway in the Heart of New York’s Hudson Valley

There is nothing quite like autumn in New York’s picturesque Hudson Valley, and a getaway to Dutchess County at this time of year is guaranteed to make your heart smile and your spirit soar.

Only 90 minutes north of New York City and less than a four-hour drive from Boston and Philadelphia, Dutchess County is a vibrant, sophisticated vacation destination where everyone is welcome. There is so much to do, see and taste here — and autumn is a wonderful time to visit!

Gaze at the fall foliage in all its colorful beauty as the Hudson Highlands blaze forth in unparalleled magnificence. The views are particularly stunning from 212 feet above the Hudson River on the Walkway Over the Hudson; reaching 1.26 miles across, the refurbished 19th-century railroad crossing in Poughkeepsie is the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. 

Dutchess is proud to be the home of The Culinary Institute of America, the nation’s foremost culinary college where famous chefs like Anthony Bourdain, Charlie Palmer and Anne Burrell sharpened their skills. Visitors can tour the CIA, enroll in their cooking workshops and bootcamps, and dine at their student-led restaurants right on campus in Hyde Park. Fine-dining options abound in Dutchess County, as quite a few CIA graduates have stayed locally and opened a diverse array of restaurants — so bring your appetite and prepare to embark on a mouthwatering gastronomical adventure! 

Smell the unmistakable aroma of fresh-baked pies and apple cider donuts as you venture into one of our orchards to pick your own apples. Harvest festivals, complete with hayrides, corn mazes and pumpkin patches, are huge hits every October at places like Barton Orchards in Poughquag, Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction, Kesicke Farm in Rhinebeck, and Soukup Farms in Dover Plains. 

Immerse yourself in luxury as you rejuvenate your body, mind and soul at Mirbeau Inn and Spa, which recently opened an elegant establishment in Beacon to go along with its lavish layout in Rhinebeck. Book the "Autumn Restore Escape" package and enjoy luxurious overnight accommodations for one evening; 15 percent off the Autumn Restore Massage per person (50- or 100-minute massage service options are available, and this service includes a nourishing Mirbeau Monet's Favorite Fragrance Restore Body Oil); and a $50 dining credit toward your total stay.

These are just a few of the many unforgettable experiences waiting for you here in Dutchess County, the heart of the Hudson Valley.