Rhinebeck is a small town located in Dutchess County, New York. According to the 2010 census, the population was 7,548. Rhinebeck is part of the larger Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown metropolitan area. Its attractions include Kesicke Farm, Ferncliff Forest Preserve, and Upstate Films.
Olde Rhinebeck Inn
One of the most iconic places in Rhinebeck, New York is the Olde Rhinebeck Inn. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the historic inn has four comfortable guest rooms and a restaurant. Each room is equipped with air conditioning and high-speed wireless internet. You can also enjoy a full country breakfast served on the property’s three-acre grounds. Its location is perfect for exploring the Hudson River Valley.
Rhinebeck is a beautiful town that is filled with outdoor activities. There is a bike trail around the area, as well as a scenic observation tower that offers views of the Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains. You can also take a hike to see the area, or bike to one of the many local shops.
Rhinebeck is an old village, and there are many ways to explore the area. Its quaint village atmosphere and history make it a pleasant place to stay and enjoy a meal. Rhinebeck is a quiet town, so don’t expect a crazy nightlife. The town’s restaurants, shops, and pubs are more hospitable and fun.
The Olde Rhinebeck Inn is a Rhinebeck NY institution. Open for business since 1745, the inn has been serving the town for centuries.
Ferncliff Forest Preserve
A 200-acre forest preserve in Rhinebeck, New York, Ferncliff Forest is a popular spot for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, skiing, fishing, and camping. The preserve is open to the public free of charge. The trails are designed to accommodate a variety of ages.
The area was originally home to many small farms. In the early 19th century, the Astor family acquired several in the area. The Astor family became prominent in politics and business. They also became social icons for America’s upper class. The Astor family started the Ferncliff Farm in the early 1800s, and later expanded it to a 2,800-acre expanse. In the 1940s, they donated the land to a nonprofit organization. The Astors also built a stone observation tower on the highest point of Ferncliff Forest.
Observation Tower: The observation tower on Ferncliff Forest is 80 feet high and has 109 steps. It is an impressive sight to view the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains from the top. The forest also has 11 miles of marked trails with old foundations of farmsteads. The hiking trails are easy to moderate. Overnight camping is also permitted.
Ferncliff Forest is one of the most popular free attractions in Rhinebeck. The area features old-growth forests with a diverse plant life. There are many wildflower species and large deciduous trees. It’s also an excellent place for nature study and bird watching.
Upstate Films
Upstate Films in Rhinebeck, New York, has screened thousands of films and hosted filmmakers, critics, and artists. They’ve hosted everyone from consumer activist Ralph Nader to the United Nations’ weapons inspector Scott Ritter. They’ve also partnered with many community groups to present programs based on current events and local interests. Many of their programs are free and open to the public.
Upstate Films in Rhinebeck offers eclectic arthouse films as well as noteworthy mainstream films. Its location and programming make it easy for guests to explore the area and enjoy the arts and culture. You can buy tickets online or at the box office. The theater has a refurbished lobby and is equipped with touchless ticketing.
Upstate Films is a favorite of the local arts community, where filmmakers, musicians, and politicians gather to screen their films. In addition to screening films, they often host special events that feature actors, filmmakers, and politicians. The Upstate Films Rhinebeck event features the documentary “American Nightmare/American Dream,” a film about three women who were able to achieve their dreams through education.
After nearly 50 years of bringing provocative cinema to the Hudson Valley, Upstate Films has welcomed a new leadership team. Executive directors Paul Sturtz and Jason Silverman will oversee the organization. The board of directors conducted a national search for the right candidates to lead the organization. The current co-directors, Steve and DeDe Leiber, will serve as Directors Emeriti and continue to serve the organization through spring 2022.
Kesicke Farm
Things to do at Kesicke Farm include the corn maze, hayride through the farm, animal petting, apple cider donuts, and other farm-related activities. This family-owned farm also offers seasonal produce, farm-raised meats, and eggs.
The town of Rhinebeck has a rich history dating back to the 17th century, and has experienced a lot of change throughout the years. However, the community is dedicated to preserving its history and preserving its natural assets. While at Kesicke Farm, you can also visit the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, which is a living museum dedicated to preserving the history of aviation. The aerodrome hosts various aviation-related events and contests.
Things to do at Kesicke Farm include pumpkin picking, wagon rides through the corn, apple cider donuts, and farm-raised meat and eggs. The farm is also home to the Omega Institute, a nonprofit organization that promotes health and wellness. Kesicke Farm also features an excellent apple orchard that is rated one of the best in the Hudson Valley by Westchester Magazine. There are several trails and sports facilities for guests to enjoy.
Visitors can also check out the Staatsburgh State Historic Site, an impressive mansion near Rhinebeck. Originally owned by Odgen Mills, this was the summer residence of the former U.S. Secretary of Treasury. This historical property has been restored to its turn-of-the-century appearance.
Brittany Hollow Farm
In Rhinebeck, New York, you can pick your own flowers at Brittany Hollow Farm, a U-Pick flower farm. The farm is open seven days a week from 7am to 7pm. Visitors can pick as many flowers as they want from a bucket. The farm also provides scissors and rubber bands, if you forget to bring your own.
Brittany Hollow Farm grows more than 30 varieties of flowers. You can pick your own bouquet for as little as $15, or purchase a bucket pre-picked with flowers for $20. They also sell beautiful Mason-jar arrangements on the weekends. The farm is also kid-friendly, and there are gazebos, chairs, and activities for kids.
Wilderstein
Wilderstein is a 19th century Queen-Anne-style country house located in Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, New York. It is the former home of Thomas Suckley’s mother, Catherine Rutsen. His mother was a friend of the Methodist preacher Freeborn Garrettson (1752 – 1827), who bought 160 acres of land in Rhinebeck, New York and established Wildercliff estate. After Garrettson’s death, the estate passed to his daughter, Mary Rutherford Garrettson.
The Suckley family lived at Wilderstein for three generations. The original home was built in 1852 by Thomas Suckley in an Italianate style and later remodeled by his son Robert. The interior was adorned with wood, leather, and cloth wall coverings and stained-glass windows. The property sits on 40 acres of land along the Hudson River and is home to a historic mansion. Its exterior was designed by Calvert Vaux and its interiors by J.B. Tiffany.
The Wilderstein is a three-story Queen Anne mansion located on 40 acres of wooded grounds. Margaret Suckley lived at Wilderstein from her childhood until her death in 1991. The estate is home to an extensive collection of decorative arts and is part of the Hudson River Historic District. It is open year-round and offers guided tours. While you are here, don’t forget to take a hike on the grounds of the estate. The walk will take about an hour.
The Suckley family lost much of their wealth in the Great Depression, but they managed to get a job and return to Wilderstein with their family. Their salary enabled them to support their family, but Daisy had more dreams.
