The Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College offers an architecturally bold and dynamic environment for innovative artistic presentation in the Hudson Valley. The center provides audiences with a world-class complex that inspires risk-taking performances and provocative programs in orchestral, chamber, and jazz music and theater, dance, and opera by American and international artists.

Spend a few days or weekend in beautiful Dutchess County. Enjoy hiking in Dutchess, or visiting the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, a true living museum of antique aviation located in Rhinebeck, New York. If you love antiques, be sure to go antiquing in Rhinebeck, or see historic sites in Hyde Park where you can visit the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Library and home of FDR, one of several National Historic Sites in the beautiful Hudson Valley.

Press blue button for Events Calendar, Summerscape, Bard Music Festival, Theater Program, Dance Program, and more about The Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College

Montgomery Place, a serene reflection of nearly 200 years of continuous family stewardship, is best known as an architectural landmark designed by Alexander Jackson Davis and a landscape influenced by the great Andrew Jackson Downing. But the totality of the estate - house furnishings, gardens, woodlands, orchards, and hamlet make it a unique American treasure.

A National Historic Landmark, Montgomery Place is an extraordinary 434-acre Hudson River estate with magnificent views of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains. It is located on historic River Road in the hamlet of Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, just north of the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge.

Montgomery Place was established by Janet Livingston Montgomery, widow of Revolutionary War hero General Richard Montgomery. She built the Federal-style house in 1804-05 and established a prosperous commercial nursery on the property. During the first half of the 19th century, her descendants created one of the most beautiful estates in the nation. The era's preeminent designers, architect Alexander Jackson Davis and landscape designer Andrew Jackson Downing, assisted them in their endeavor. In 1850, Downing wrote that Montgomery Place is "...nowhere surpassed in America in point of location, natural beauty, or landscape gardening charms." In the 1930s, the generation living there created a 20th-century horticultural showcase, one that continues to flourish today.

We fly from the heart of the Hudson valley and are near New York City, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. We offer gift certificates, private rides, and accommodate group bookings. More than half our flights are gifts or celebrations such as anniversaries, birthdays, or other special occasions such as engagement flights.

A great family outdoor adventure. Try man's oldest form of aviation. Flights are scheduled in the mornings just after sunrise and in the evenings just prior to sunset, We are located only a short drive from NYC and we can meet you at the Metro North train station in Beacon. Scheduling is done on a first come, first served basis, with October being our busiest month.

The park is also home to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center which provides high quality environmental programming. In the winter, you can enjoy the Fahnestock Winter Park that includes 15 kilometers of groomed trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and an area for sledding.

The large beach at Canopus Lake is the jewel of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial Park. Its sandy shore and nearby picnic area are enjoyed by thousands of bathers. In addition to swimming, campers and day trippers can fish in or tour Canopus Lake by row boats which are available for rental by the hour or the day. Fishing by boat is permitted at Stillwater and Canopus Lakes. Fishing at both lakes and four ponds is excellent in all seasons for anglers seeking bass, pickerel, perch or brook and rainbow trout.

The scenic campground, formed along the park’s natural rock ridges, provides alcoves of privacy and tranquility for campers. Each of the 80 campsites has a picnic table and fire ring. Additionally there is an area for RV camping. The campground’s nature center houses environmental displays and a variety of touch boxes. On weekends, park staff organizes hikes and craft activities. Movies are shown on Saturday evenings for the enjoyment of all campers.

Things To Do
Beach
Biking
Boat Launch Sites
Boat Rentals
Bridle Path
Campsites
Fishing
Food
Hiking Trails / Walking
Hunting
Nature Trail
Pavilions
Picnic Tables
Recreation Programs
Showers
Swimming
Tent & Trailer Sites

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing
Ice Fishing
Sledding
Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing

Rides & Slides
Bob the Builder Splash Works
Bullet Bowl
Humunga Half-Pipe
Cowabunga Falls
Pirate’s Plunge
Pirate’s Revenge
Monster Wave Pool
Croc Creek
Coconut Pool
Shipwreck Lagoon
Rock Beach

Fishkill Farms' Certifications Eco-Apple & Farmer's Pledge

Fishkill Farms is Eco-Apple certified for sustainable and clean growing practices by Red Tomato, a third party certifier; for Fishkill Farm apples.

Our vegetables are grown according to organic standards, certified by NOFA-NY's Farmer's Pledge program, and we have recently started the transition of a block of our apple orchard to organic management.

Organic U-Pick
Apple Picking
Pumpkin Picking
Strawberry Picking

FDR's Springwood, the lifelong home of America's only 4-term President
Presidential Library and Museum
Mrs. Roosevelt's Val-Kill Cottage
Summer Programs for children and their families.
Tours:


Guided tour of FDR's home

Self-guided tour of the Museum, grounds, gardens, and trails of this 300-acre site. Start your visit at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center and watch the introductory film. Arrange for self guided tours of the Presidential Library and Museum, and Ranger-led tours of the historic home.

Press blue button for schedule of events, fees & reservations, things to do, things to know before visiting, family events, kids section, and more about this National Historic Site.

The word is At least one day is recommended to experience Franklin D. Roosevelt, National Historic Site. Visit Springwood, Top Cottage retreat, and Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill Cottage along with the grounds, the library, family events and more.

History of the FDR Library and Museum
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum is America's first presidential library and the only one used by a sitting president. It was conceived and built under President Roosevelt's direction and opened to the public in 1941.

Prior to Roosevelt's Presidency, the final disposition of Presidential papers was left to chance. Although a valued part of the nation's heritage, the papers of chief executives were private property which they took with them upon leaving office . . .

In erecting his library, Roosevelt created an institution to preserve intact all his papers . . .

"Fireside Chat" from the Library, December 24, 1943. Roosevelt's actions served as a precedent. When Congress passed the Presidential Libraries Act in 1955, it regularized the procedures initiated by President Roosevelt for privately built and federally maintained libraries to preserve the papers of future Presidents . . .

. . . He visited the library often during the war to sort and classify his records and memorabilia; and from his study in the library he delivered several of his famous radio speeches or "fireside chats".

In early planning for the Library the President expressed the hope that Mrs. Roosevelt's papers would eventually find a place here . . . At the time of her death in 1962 Eleanor Roosevelt's papers totaled a staggering three million pages. In 1972, the wings FDR envisioned were added to the original building. Mrs. Roosevelt's papers were stored in the South Wing, and a gallery devoted to Eleanor and her life and accomplishments was created in the museum portion of the new addition.

The Library reflects the vision that its founder displayed when he spoke at the dedication of the library on June 30, 1941. To maintain archival facilities and records, he stated: ". . . a Nation must believe in three things. It must believe in the past. It must believe in the future. It must, above all, believe in the capacity of its own people so to learn from the past that they can gain in judgment in creating their own future." by Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Press blue button for information for Students, Teachers, Museum Visitors, and much more about the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Deer, foxes, coyotes and wild turkeys roam this rugged and beautiful property in the Marlboro Mountains

In addition to great hiking and mountain biking, educators can use this 570-acre park as an outdoor classroom; this mountain forest featuring a pond, waterfall, hiking trails and views of the Hudson River and Catskills is a great place for children to learn about ecology and environmental ethics.

Perfect for nature study, hiking and mountain biking. Six miles of trails. Great views of eastern Hudson River shore and Catskill Mountains.

Things To Do
Birding
Fishing (Contact local guides for information.)
Hiking Trails
Mountain Biking
Nature Study
Picnicking
Scenic Views

Directions
Crossing Mid-Hudson Bridge from east to west, take Route 9W north for 8.2 miles. Left on Old Post Road. Lower parking lot is 0.2 miles on right. For upper lot, follow Old Post Road to Poppletown Road, which splits off to the right. Parking area is on the left, 2.5 miles from intersection of 9W and Old Post Road.

After a day of hiking, nature study or mountain biking in this scenic wonderland, pack a picnic from the produce at one of the local farms in the Hudson Valley. Or dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in Ulster, New York.

This simple statement expresses her love for the modest house she called Val-Kill. The only National Historic Site dedicated to a first lady, Val-Kill welcomes visitors in the style of Mrs. Roosevelt. Come and be part of the entire Roosevelt Experience at Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill.

Eleanor Roosevelt chose Val-Kill for her retreat, her office, her home, and her "laboratory" for social change during the prominent and influential period of her life from 1924 until her death in 1962. During that time she formulated and carried out her social and political beliefs. This is the place most closely associated with one of the most prominent women of 20th-century America.

Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill (ERVK) works to preserve ER's home as a living memorial, a center for exchange of significant ideas, and a catalyst for change and the betterment of the human condition. They offer programs such as the Girls Leadership Workshop, held every summer.

Enjoy fun things to do with your children this summer. Join a park ranger for free Summer Family Programs. Press blue button for a schedule and description of Family walks and hikes on the grounds of the FDR estate. "Play like Franklin Roosevelt did in the olden days of the 19th century. Learn to use a Jacob’s ladder, a jump rope, or the hoop and stick." Previous scheduled walks for children included:

Springwood Stroll: A Historic Site Grounds Walk
ER’s Woodland Walk: Nature Study at Val-Kill
FDR’s Boyhood Fun

Press blue button for schedule of events, fees & reservations, things to do, things to know before visiting, family events, kids section, and more about this National Historic Site.

The word is At least one day is recommended to experience Franklin D. Roosevelt, National Historic Site. Visit Springwood, Top Cottage retreat, and Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill Cottage along with the grounds, the library, family events and more.

"The Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site was established as a monument to an era rather than a tribute to any one person or family. The estate illustrates a way of life modeled on the English country house and is only unusual today because so few examples survive in the 21st century. More than a place to discuss the lifestyles of the rich and famous, the park offers a window into the philosophy of the American country house, the lives of its domestic staff, and its relationship to the surrounding community.

Formal Gardens
"The Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association was formed in 1984 with a mission to restore the Formal Gardens as closely as possible to their appearance in the 1930s." Visitors may walk the grounds, hike carriage trails, or picnic at the overlook." The above information is sourced from the National Park Service.

Press blue button for directions, kids and teachers' section, history and culture, and planning a visit to the Vanderbilt Mansion.

The word is Tour the house and stroll the 200 + acres of park land that boast centuries old tree plantings, stunning Hudson River and Catskill Mountain views and Italian Gardens. At least one full day is recommended to experience the Vanderbilt Mansion and Franklin D. Roosevelt, National Historic Sites.

Today, out of an overall audience of 120,000, the Bardavon serves some 40,000 children and teens annually with two special school day performance series and a broad-based arts-in-education residency program both at the Bardavon, Poughkeepsie and Ulster Performing Arts Center, Kingston.

Press blue button for Children's Events and more about Bardavon in the Hudson River Valley.

Since its construction in 1869 as the Collingwood Opera House, the Bardavon has taken a piece of each era in its long lifetime with it into the future. They have defined the Bardavon's distinctive position in the history of a community, a nation, an art form. Transformed from a 19th Century performance hall and gathering place into a movie palace in 1923, the theatre was retrieved from demolition in 1976 to become the leading performing arts and cinema venue of the Hudson Valley region that it is today. The stage has seen the great performers from all these eras: Mark Twain, Sarah Bernhardt, John Philip Sousa, the Barrymores, Martha Graham, Frank Sinatra, Milton Berle, Tommy Dorsey and more recently Dizzy Gillespie, Ballet Hispanico, Patti Smith, Pinchas Zukerman, Greg Allman, James Earl Jones, Harry Belafonte and many, many more. Press blue button for Bardavon calendar, tickets, information, and more about the Bardavon.

For your dining pleasure, select a restaurant within walking distance of Bardavon, or a restaurant that is just a short drive from the theatre.

Clinton House State Historic Site has foundations which are two feet thick. The walls are constructed of rough fieldstone, while the gabled ends are made of wood. It is named in tribute to George Clinton, first governor of New York State, who resided in Poughkeepsie for twenty-one years.

In honor of the site’s history and connection to the visual arts and the Hudson River School of Art, Locust Grove opened its doors in 2006 to contemporary artists whose work reflects this style of artwork. Juried by a panel of art professionals, selected artists are offered a solo show at the estate’s elegant Museum Pavilion. Locust Grove encourages artists to develop new works of art for this exhibition opportunity. Contact Ursula Morgan at 845.454.4500, ext. 17 or at u.morgan@lgny.org.

"The historic site's stately trees, rolling hills, and picturesque views from the house and gardens situated on the highest bluff above the river all combine to create the natural landscape garden that Morse found so appealing . . . Near the house, Victorian style gardens and urns are set within the larger context of this landscape garden. Both the Morse and Young families loved flowers and the Main Perennial Garden preserves the unique style of these enthusiastic "students" of horticulture and plant collectors. It is truly a one-of-a-kind garden in the Hudson Valley."

About the Trails
Walk or hike three miles of trails comprised of carriage roads and footpaths, all clearly marked with trail maps available tol visitors.

Garden Volunteer Program
Volunteers are vital to the horticulture program at Locust Grove. Most garden volunteers come on a regularly scheduled day for two to three hours to help the professional horticulture staff with all variety of garden related projects.

Press blue button for Trail Maps, History, Gardens and Grounds, and Visiting information at Locust Grove.

Activities for Children
Hudson River Tides Water Play Table
River Town
Disney Radio Station
The Battle for Liberty - Hands on History
Hudson River Dive Bell
Sculpture: "Light aat the End of the Fallkill"
IBM's Da Vinci Inventions
Morse Telegraph
Health Center
Geography
Gravity Roll
Starlab Planetarium
Hudson River Mural
. . .

Press blue button for more about the activities at the Children's Museum.

Purpose of the Farm
To provide a setting of natural beauty and educational experiences for children and adults that will foster appreciation for, and understanding of our place within the natural world, and thus encourage responsibility for the future of our environment.

To offer programs that will reconnect children and adults to the rich agricultural heritage of the United States.

To offer an experience of community as a model of peaceable living in an age of increasing chaos and disintegration.

To educate a population that is chronologically, economically and socially diverse to environmental and social responsibility through study and experience

To offer programs in spiritual development, using the agricultural resources of the farm as both setting and starting point of such programs.

To help create new channels for action and new structures for a more enlightened interdependent world.

"The Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge was built in the late 19th century to link New York and New England to an extensive, nationwide railway network. For decades, it was a major rail corridor for both freight and passengers.

"After a fire in 1974, the bridge was abandoned and sat for decades as an oprhaned relic. This brand new park was made possible due to the unwavering commitment of the community, who, through a non-profit organization called Walkway Over the Hudson, forged a public private partnership involving the State of New York, the federal government, neighboring municipalities, private corporations and other not for profit groups. The amazing result of this wonderful partnership is a brand new state park, now open for all to enjoy."

The park offers interpretive signs and a Talkway Over the Walkway cell phone tour.
The park closes as sunset. Please visit sunrisesunset.com to plan your trip.
There are two entrances to the park, one on either side of the Hudson River

Press blue button for information about the Harvest Schedule, Events Schedule, Family Activities, School Tours, and more.

Attractions
Boulder Dash for children and adults
Giant rope maze, corn maze, tile puzzle, bouncers for the kids
Face painting, storyteller and sing-along performer
Haunted House
Hayrides (free) to the orchard and pumpkin patch
Live Bands - Check weekend schedule.
Pedal Carts for children and adults
Petting Zoo
Pirate ship or ride the train at the Kids Playground.

U-Pick
Apple Picking
Pumpkin Picking

Our new "Fresh Fruit Membership" at the Greig Farm includes all of our delicious farm fresh fruit. We do not use systemic chemicals and chose natural predators over the chemical solution whenever possible.

Press blue button to learn more about pick-your-own apples, berries and pumpkins; and be sure to bring the children - kids love to pick apples and fruit.

Approximate Picking Schedule for 2010

". . . each of the 18 par-three holes plays beautifully. Water hazards and traps are numerous and add to the challenging experience. Kids love the waterfall, ponds, and stream continually running for the net to retrieve an errant put. Nature lovers are impressed by the wide variety of the lush landscaping. Our golf course is open from May through October, closing at dusk."

Press blue button for more about this 18 hole Miniature Golf Course.

The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck is located at 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck NY 12572, Dutchess County in the Hudson Valley. The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck (known familiarly as The CENTER, and legally as Rhinebeck Performing Arts, Inc. or RPA) is a non-profit arts organization which offers performances and classes throughout the year. Performing and teaching artists are of local, national and international talent.

The CENTER serves as a regular performance venue for local theater companies including CENTERstage Productions (Death of a Salesman, Cabaret, Into The Woods) the Gilbert & Sullivan Musical Theater Company (The Mikado, A Little Night Music, The Pirates of Penzance), Kids on Stage (Cinderella, The Emperor's New Clothes), Rhinebeck Theater Society (HONK!, The Complete Works of Shakespeare, Abridged, Oliver!), and Up In One Productions (Chicago, Fiddler on the Roof, Company). The CENTER also hosts appearances by artists such as Jeff Boyer, Brian Bradley, Elaine Colandrea, Alpin Hong, Kitty Jones, Jeff McBride, The Puppet People, Solas an Lae, Tanglewood Marionettes, Pitchfork Militia, Barbara Rankin, and David Temple, to name a few.

Press blue button for calendar of events and to learn more about the CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck.

The fairgrounds become an entertainment destination where big name talent can be enjoyed, thrill a minute excitement is experienced, and attractions can be viewed almost constantly from the time you arrive to the time you leave. The tradition of excellence that has been the Dutchess County Fair for over 160 years offers something for everyone and creates memorable moments that are cherished for a lifetime.

On Saturday June 12th, the Aerodrome will begin its 51st Season. The 2010 season will run through October 17th, with air-shows every Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. The gates open and biplane rides begin at 10:00am, the air show starts at 2pm and ends at 4pm, and the Museum is open daily 10:00am - 5:00pm. Press blue button for more about the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome.

Press blue button or call 845-876-2515 for exact dates.

Sheep Dog Trials
A sheepdog trial course tests a dogs ability to do the various jobs a sheepdog will see on the farm. Sheep may need to be gathered from the pasture, or moved about the farm or sorted and penned.

Magic, Music & Ventriloquism
Fantastic magic, great sounding music and just an awesome display of ventriloquism.

Mad Science
Mad Science is the worlds leading science enrichment provider, delivering unique, hands-on science experiences for children that are as entertaining as they are educational.

Dutchess County Sheriff K-9 Demonstration
Experience first hand how the K-9 unit of the Dutchess County Sheriff Department apprehends criminals by using the canine senses of smell. Your child my even be called to help the officers during their demonstration.

Leaping Lama Contest
Come see these 6 foot lamas challenge each other and defy gravity! Who will leap the highest? Who will take home the first place ribbon? You can not miss this example of sportsmanship.

Two by Two Petting Zoo
Kiddie Rides
Pumpkin Patch
Make a Scarecrow
Farm Market and Pumpkin Painting
Hula Hoop Sheep Toss
Animal Alley
Child Bouncy Slide
Putt-putt Golf
Hay Maze and Scavenger Hunt

Transportation by Train

Take the Amtrak to Rhinecliff, followed by an approximate 5 minute taxi ride.

Take the MTA Metro North to Poughkeepsie, followed by an approximate 45 minute taxi ride.

Thomas Suckley and his wife Catherine Murray Bowne wanted a building site endowed with striking natural features in the best traditions of the picturesque aesthetic. The landscape setting for Wilderstein fulfilled this criteria by virtue of its varied terrain and the scenic views it afforded of the river and distant mountains - the vistas framed by tall cedars and evergreens.

Suckley named the property "Wilderstein" (wild man's stone) in reference to a nearby Indian petroglyph, an allusive reminder of a cultural heritage that preceded European settlements in the region.

The original Italianate villa designed by John Warren Ritch was remodeled and enlarged in 1888 by Thomas's son Robert Bowne Suckley and his wife, Elizabeth Philips Montgomery. Poughkeepsie architect Arnout Cannon was hired to transform the two story villa into an elaborate Queen Anne style country house . . .

The fashionably appointed interiors were designed by the New York City decorator, Joseph Burr Tiffany. With the ground floor rooms executed in contrasting historic revival and aesthetic movement styles, the interiors at Wilderstein offer a splendid microcosm of the decorative arts during this period of American design.

The self-conscious opulence of the newly remodeled Wilderstein was complimented by the Picturesque Landscape design of Calvert Vaux who laid out the grounds at Wilderstein according to the principles of American Romantic Landscape style . . .

The last resident of Wilderstein was Margaret (Daisy) Suckley. A cousin and confidante of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Miss Suckley traveled extensively with FDR during his presidency, gave him his famous black Scottish terrier Fala and helped to establish his library in Hyde Park. Miss Suckley was with FDR when he was fatally stricken at Warm Springs, Georgia in 1945. She died at Wilderstein in 1991, in her 100th year. The letters they exchanged during their friendship, discovered in a black battered suitcase at Wilderstein, provide one of the best resources for understanding the private side of Roosevelt’s life during his presidency. Press blue button for more about Wilderstein Historic Site in the Hudson Valley of New York.

Darius Ogden Mills, father of Ogden Mills, established the family fortune by investing in banks, railroads and mines. Ogden Mills, like his father, was a noted financier and philanthropist. In 1882 he married Ruth Livingston, whose family had been prominent landowners in the Hudson Valley since the 17th century. In the 1890s Mr. & Mrs. Mills commissioned the prestigious New York City architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White to remodel and enlarge their home. Work began in 1895 and when completed in 1896, the house had been transformed from a 25-room Greek Revival style home into a Beaux-Arts mansion of 65 rooms and 14 bathrooms. Although the interior was lavishly decorated, mostly in the styles of 17th and 18th-century France, many architectural features of the earlier Livingston home such as the trims, moldings and many of the fireplaces had been preserved. This melding of grandeur and heritage is characteristic of the American Renaissance period.

Owning five homes, the Mills family resided in their Staatsburg home primarily in the fall and entertained as many as 80 guests at a time. The home and surrounding property was passed to their son, Ogden Livingston Mills in 1929. After his death in 1937 his sister Gladys Mills Phipps inherited the property and in 1938 donated the house and 192-acres of the estate to the State of New York as a memorial to her parents. Today the elegant mansion, restored to its turn-of-the-century appearance, is open for tours and the house and grounds offer special events throughout the year.

Things To Do
Biking
Educational Services
Gift Shop
Group Tours
Hiking
Historic Site
Interpretive Sign
Picnic Area
Scenic Views

Winter Activities
Cross-country Skiing

Press blue button for U-Pick dates.

U-Pick
Apple Picking
Blueberry Picking
Cherry Picking
Peach Picking
Pumpkin Picking
Strawberry Picking