| by Jeremy Thornton This quiet, wonderfully scenic little town is a perfect escape from busy city life. Less than 2 hours from Manhattan and accessible via car, bus and train, Rhinebeck is great for relaxing and taking in the beauty of upstate New York.  Rhinebeck has a rich history, and a warm sense of community permeates the entire town, from the shopkeeper's friendly greeting to the groups of locals who gather every morning in the coffee shops to discuss the previous day's events.
Especially fascinating are the homes and estates that have been preserved since the 1800's, many of which have been converted into inns and B&Bs. In fact, the oldest operating inn in America, Beekman Arms, is here and has been hosting guests since 1766.
Shopping and outdoor activities are popular pasttimes here. Find yourself at the corner of Market and Mill streets and you'll be at the hub of the city. There's a very helpful information booth run by the Chamber of Commerce about half a block from the corner on Mill Street. Stop in and pick up a map of the town, complete with shop, restaurant and lodging info.
THINGS TO DO |  | See more info on activities and businesses Did you know that Rhinebeck has 437 sites listed on the National Historic Register? The town's past has been well-preserved, not only in its buildings, but in the little details like hitching posts and decorative cornices scattered throughout the village. If you want to immediately immerse yourself in local lore, take a walking tour of Rhinebeck. Maps detailed with points of interest are available at the tourist information booth.  There are four or five blocks of shopping, conveniently located in the center of town. And appropriately enough, most merchants line Market Street. Check out antiques at Luisa Cavanaugh and at the Beekman Arms Antique Market, which features 30 antique dealers directly behind the Beekman Inn. If that's not enough, try Rhinebeck Stone Chapel Antiques, three miles south of town.
Cooks will want to visit Kitchen & Home. The whole family can shop at Rhinebeck Department Store, which carries brands like Columbia and Levi's. Modern and antique jewelry can be found at Hummingbird Jewelers. There are many opportunities to experience the beautiful countryside in and around Rhinebeck. The adventurous can kayak courtesy of Hudson River Tours--no experience necessary! The easily accessible launch site is right next to the Rhinecliff train station. Pick yout own fruit or tour a winery. Did you know New York is the second largest producer of maple syrup in the United States? From the last week in February until the 1st week in April, Larry Longo of the Chimney Hill Farm in Rhinebeck collects the sugary stuff and can tell you all about it! Call 845-266-5543 for an appointment. As is often the case, scenic spots are on the outskirts of town. Take a stroll in Burger Hill Park (on Route 9G about a mile and a half from city center) and check out the great view from atop Burger Hill. Or head a couple miles north on Route 103 and hike through the Ferncliff Forest, which has signs along its nature trail describing trees and landmarks.  The Southlands Foundation, an equestrian farm that offers riding lessons, cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, and concerts, is a couple miles south on Route 9.
May through October the Omega Institute offers programs in personal and professional development, workshops in arts, health and wellness, psychological development, and spiritual understanding. Although they they are located on the outskirts of town, they offer shuttle service to and from NYC as well as connecting shuttles at the Beekman Arms in town as well as the Rhinecliff train station. Aviation aficionados shouldn't miss the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, which showcases early 20th-century aircraft (and automobiles too). You can even watch the aircraft in action during their famous air shows. You'll find this attraction a few miles north of the city off of Route 9. 
| | | LODGING | | Rhinebeck offers numerous lodging choices because many of the old homes and estates have been converted into B&Bs. Again, the Beekman Arms Inn is the most notable place to stay, as it is the oldest inn in America. Rates start at $85/night. Also in the heart of Rhinebeck, you'll find the cozy Sleeping Beauty Bed & Breakfast (rates begin at $100/night). For a countryside feel, try the historic Belvedere Mansion, three miles south of central Rhinebeck (rates start at $95/night), or the luxurious Hideaway Suites (rates begin at $159/night), six miles west of town. Outdoorsy folks can camp at the Interlake RV Park, which rents trailers and features a 20-acre lake, swimming pool, game room, and anything else you may need (including laundromat, showers, electric and phone hookups). The park is situated between the Taconic Parkway and Route 9G, about five miles southwest of central Rhinebeck. For a new-age experience, retreat to the Omega Institute.
See more info on lodging |
DINING | | For a snack break, stop into Samuel's on Market Street and grab some coffee and chocolate. Or for something different, try Bread Alone's organic Kosher bread.
There
are several remarkable restaurants in Rhinebeck. For a
great taste of history, try the Beekman Arms Tavern.
Osaka
Japanese Restaurant serves sushi and traditional Japanese
food. Other favorite's include Le Petit Bistro
and Terrapin Restaraunt.
See more info on dining |
NIGHTLIFE | | If you're in the mood for a movie, go to Upstate Films, one block from the village traffic light. This local theater shows great independent and foreign films, and is home to the annual Hudson Valley Film Festival. Rhinebeck hosts a variety of cultural events. The Rhinebeck Chamber Music Society performs Saturday nights monthly at the Church of the Messiah, right on Montgomery Street, downtown. The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck puts on productions Thursday through Sunday evenings, with shows such as Fiddler on the Roof and Night of the Iguana. They're located a few miles northeast on Route 308. See more info on nightlife |
TRANSPORTATION | | BUS: Take the Shortline Bus from Port Authority to Rhinebeck. The bus will drop you at the Beekman Arms Hotel in town. Bikes are accepted, first come, first served. Call 800-631-8405 for the most up to date information. Travel time: 2 hours. TRAIN: Amtrak: Ride the Empire Service Line from Penn Station to the Rhinecliff-Kingston stop. Bicycles must be boxed. Nominal fee. If taking Amtrak, you'll be let off at the Rhinecliff-Kingston stop. Monday through Friday, the DUCK trolley transports visitors into Rhinebeck (as well as Hyde Park and Poughkeepsie). Though on weekends, a cab is your best bet, and Rhinebeck Taxi is conveniently located at the train station. Call 1-800-USA-RAIL for the most up to date information. Travel time: 1 hour, 35 minutes. CAR: Take the New York State Thruway (I-87) north to exit 19. Then first exit (Route 28 W), then first exit (Route 209 N) over the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. Take Route 9G south, then Route 9 south, two miles into town. Travel time: 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
TROLLEY:
The
DUCK (Dutchess-Ulster Connection at Kingston) trolley
services Rhinebeck and surrounding towns, including Poughkeepsie
and Hyde Park. It stops at the Rhinecliff train station
and Beekman Arms in central Rhinebeck. Unfortunately,
the trolley only runs Monday through Friday.
TAXI:
Rhinebeck
Taxi
is located at the train station. The five-minute ride
into Rhinebeck will set you back $7. 845-876-2010.
Chariot
Taxi - 845-876-3000.
See more info on transportation |
TRAVEL TIPS | | Packing extras: A bike would make trekking around town a breeze. (While Amtrak's Empire Service line isn't equipped with bike racks, bikes can be accepted as luggage.) |
WEATHER | | |
