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short two hour drive from Manhattan brings you to the pastoral Hudson
river valley and its many farming villages and small towns. Founded
over three hundred years ago by European settlers, Rhinebeck has a long
history. Though the great mansions of the Morgans and Astors are long
gone, Rhinebeck remains a vibrant and busy little town, with much to
explore. We offer you a few of our favorite destinations, in the hope
that you, too, will enjoy visiting these favorite spots. No trip to
Rhinebeck is complete without a stop at the historic Beekman
Arms Hotel, the oldest continuously operating hotel in America.
The saying,"George Washington slept here" is actually true
of the Beekman; Aaron Burr and Franklin D. Roosevelt have also been
overnight guests. This grand old building is the cornerstone of Rhinebeck's
commercial center on Route 9. Catch a meal in the Beekman 1776 Tavern
which boasts a fine selection of Hudson River wines. If you travel with
a pet, (well behaved, of course) the Beekman Arms does have some rooms
where they are welcome!
Beekman Arms Hotel, 845-876-7077.
Just across from The Beekman Arms is one of our favorite spots in town.
Calico, a small French patisserie, has an always tempting
selection of delicious pastries, croissants and muffins, as well as
teas, coffee, and rich hot chocolate. Each day there is a specialty
sandwich, soup and salad offering. Calico is a great place for a quick
and tasty lunch!
Calico, 845-876-2749. Closed Mon. and Tues.
Come
in and relax on the Mitchell Gold sectional or peruse the large selection
of decorating books from the Hammertown "Library."
Hammertown Rhinebeck, sister-store of Hammertown Barn in Pine Plains
and Hammertown in Great Barrington, offers a wide selection of home,
furnishing and gift items. Hammertown's unique and much admired collection
of country lifestyle furniture, gifts, home furnishings is a wonderful
place to stop and rest before dining at Gigi's (We're right next door).
Hammertown Barn, 845-876-1450. Open Everyday.
www.hammertown.com
Located on Route 9, just across from the Post Office, is Asher
House, a new shop featuring English and French antique country
furniture. You can expect to find the unexpected there, from antique
cricket balls and unusual China pieces, to French armoires. Asher House
has a nice selection of antique brass and silver, as well as Estate
Jewelry.
Asher House, 6380 Mill Street
845-876-1794 — Fax: 845-876-1796
Closed Wednesdays.
Turn right as you leave Asher House and walk North for a block. Set
back from the street a bit is Montgomery Row, site of the old Chevrolet
dealership. In the fall of 2001, Gigi Trattoria and several other retail
stores opened in this historic space. Our neighbor Oblong Books
and Music is a truly marvelous find — an independent
bookstore with an eclectic selection of books and a comprehensive collection
of familiar as well as hard-to-find CDs. Oblong's Children's section
is warm and inviting, with classic tales and new favorites to please
kids of all ages. Special orders are always welcome, and we love sneaking
over to Oblong at a quiet moment to find the newest book that's been
recommended, or that special CD we heard at a friend's and decided we
had to have.
Oblong Books and Music, 6422 Montgomery Street
845-876-0500
After a delicious dinner at Gigi, you might want to take in a movie.
Our recommendation is Upstate Films, just across the
street from Hammertown. We consider ourselves very lucky to have Upstate
close by, because, in addition to first run movies, it shows many wonderful
independent films that don't often make it to the big multi-plexes.
Upstate has a website, www.upstatefilms.org with the latest schedules,
and they also offer gift memberships and gift certificates.
Upstate Films, 6415 Montgomery Street
866-345-6688
Changes,
another Montgomery Row neighbor, is a fine men's clothing store carrying
the best of style, from sweats to suits. Changes is well stocked with
clothing personally selected from some of today's finest designers.
From traditional to hip, Changes helpful staff can make the perfect
match between the customer and the clothing to complement his life style.
Changes, 845-876-1345. Open every day.
A
short walk up Montgomery Street will bring you to the Haven,
a lovely old building built in 1900. Completely renovated by owners
Lisa Bare and Erin Wootton, the Haven is a quiet and peaceful oasis
on busy Route 9. With their backgrounds in beauty (both are estheticians)
the women have transformed the elegant old home into two floors of tranquil
rooms with soft candlelight and soothing music, sheer curtains and immaculate
white beds (fresh rose petals are scattered on top) for facials, acupuncture,
qigong, or body polishes, masks or wraps. There is a room for private
yoga, a 'wet room' for mud treatments, and nutritional counseling is
also available. The owners believe that change comes from within, and
their full line of services promote change to restore balance to the
body and mind. For a complete list of available services, hours and
fees, call to inquire.
The Haven, 6464 Montgomery Street
845-876-7369
Accomodations in the Area:
You may find so much to keep you busy that you'll want to stay over
and continue exploring the beautiful countryside. The following are
some B and B's that will pamper you.
Closer to Rhinebeck you will find Whistlewood Farm,
and what a find it is! Set back from Route 199 on Pells Road, just three
miles from town, Whistlewood offers its guests large rooms with spacious
baths and private patios, lovely gardens and commanding views of the
distant hills. There are sumptuous breakfasts every morning, and a welcoming
presence when you check in. For those desiring more space, Whistlewood
has a two bedroom guest house with a kitchen and sitting room. Special
events are welcome, with reservations made ahead. Maggie Myer, owner
of Whistlewood Farm, loves having guests, and her friendliness and warmth
draws people back year after year. There is a complete website offering
pictures and information at www.whistlewoodfarm.com.
Whistlewood Farm, 52 Pells Road, Rhinebeck, NY
845-876-6838
Hideaway Suites
http://www.ehideawaysuites.com
Nestled deep in a secluded area of Dutchess County, lies and exclusive and private guest house surrounded by nature showcasing sevven acres of wooded splendor through all four seasons. Hideaway offers both suites and rooms, all with king size beds, double Jacuzzi's, separate showers, refrigerators, cable TV, A/C, gas fireplaces, phone, and wi-fi.
Hideaway Suites, 439 Lake Drive, Rhinebeck
845-266-5673
Madalin Hotel and Madalin's Table in Tivoli
http://www.madalinhotel.com
THis turn-of-the-century building, with its ornatedly carved ninteen foot bar, intimate, softly lit dining room and tastefully decorated guest rooms.
The Madallin has 11 rooms that are equipped with private bathrooms, flat screen TV, phone wired and wireless internet all with air conditioning.
Madalin's Tableoffers a romantic dining room and tavern with a large ornately carved barfrom a bygone era that will delight your taste buds.
Madalin Hotel and Madalin's Table, 53 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583
845-757-2100
Don't despair if you do not have a car. AMTRAK serves
the nearby hamlet of Rhinecliff, and the train ride up along the Hudson
is relaxing and beautiful. There is taxi service available from Rhinecliff
Station to town. We're sure you'll enjoy your stay in Rhinebeck, no
matter how you travel!
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