Location: Rhinebeck
Top Things to do in Rhinebeck
10 Things to Do in Rhinebeck That You Shouldn't Miss
Rhinebeck is a village in the town of Rhinebeck in Dutchess County, New York, United States. The population was 2,657 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Poughkeepsie–Newburgh–Middletown, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area as well as the larger New York–Newark–Bridgeport, NY-NJ-CT-PA Combined Statistical Area.
Restaurants in Rhinebeck
1. Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is a true “living” museum of antique aviation located in the historic town of Rhinebeck, New York. We present one of the largest collections of early aeroplanes in the world, as well as automobiles, motorcycles, early engines and memorabilia spanning the period from 1900-1939. During our exciting weekend air shows, the Aerodrome turns back the hands of time and relives the early years of aviation (weather permitting). This colorful era is brought back to life amidst the roar of rotary engines and is great entertainment for all ages. The Saturday shows chronicle the history of flight with pioneer, World War I and Lindbergh era aircraft taking to the skies. If the winds are calm you will even see our 1909 Bleriot (the oldest flying aircraft in the United States) take to the air. The Sunday shows feature a World War I dogfight as well as barnstorming aircraft. In addition to weekend aerial demonstrations, the Aerodrome also offers four museum buildings housing static displays of aircraft from the pioneer, World War I and Lindbergh/barnstorming eras which are open to the public seven days a week from May to October.
Reviewed By Chiquis926 - Albany, New York
Hard to find such a unique experience. Great for flight enthusiasts and kids of all ages. Air show combines comedy with history. There is plenty of room to sit and move around. You can see early flight aircraft upfront. A visit to the museum is a must. There is good food for purchase and kids can roam worry free. Other activities nearby including apple picking restaurants and views of Hudson Valley communities.
2. Staatsburgh State Historic Site / Mills Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
The mansion is beautiful, but the real appeal is in the hundreds of acres overlooking the Hudson River.
Reviewed By Gloria G - New York City, New York
A pleasant tour filled with historical and social information about the Livingston Mills family, the mansion, and the social life in the Hudson Valley during Gilded Age. Lovely and huge grounds with walking paths. House tours start at 11 and last about 90 minutes. Excellent docent, Carol, knew her stuff.
House, as all of these older places, is in constant stage of very expensive maintenance. Definitely worth visiting.
3. Wilderstein Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Wilderstein Historic Site, with its exquisite Queen Anne mansion and Calvert Vaux designed landscape, is widely regarded as one of the Hudson Valley’s most important examples of Victorian architecture. The estate was the home of Margaret (Daisy) Suckley, whose extraordinarily close relationship with Franklin Delano Roosevelt has been well-chronicled and is the subject of much interest. Wilderstein’s guided tour includes the elaborate 1888 interiors of the first floor of the mansion, the exterior architecture, landscape, annual exhibition, and video. The regular season for guided tours is May through October. In addition, the mansion is open and decorated for the holidays from Thanksgiving weekend until the end of December.There is also a network of hiking trails on the property, special events throughout the year, a gift shop, and spectacular Hudson River views.
Reviewed By orientsailor - New York City, New York
On Sunday we visited the Wilderstein Historic site, the home of the Stuckley family, who are probably best known for Daisy Stuckley, who was an "assistant" and dog sitter for neighbor and cousin, Franklin D. Roosevelt. Margaret, aka Daisy, appears in the welcome video as a patrician 95 year old who has bequeathed her home to the Wilderstein not-for-profit, but still lives in the turn of the century mansion. The tour of this ornate home is limited to the first floor and Olmstead Vaux grounds overlooking the Hudson River. Our tour guide, Doris, was very knowledgeable about the house and the Stuckley family. Besides the Tiffany decor and dark wood interiors, perhaps the most interesting aspect of the tour was the connection to WWI and the service of Henry Stuckley, Daisy's sibling who won the Croix de Guerre and Legion of Honor before being killed at the end of the war. The grand Hudson Valley Bracketed house marks the apex of the Stuckley family, when there was wealth and the promise of 7 children. The spare and decidedly unfancy kitchen, where Daisy lived as a elderly woman without means, represents how the family ended up at the close of the 20th c.
4. Kingston Uptown Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By julie248 - New York, NY
I don't know that I would go out of my way to visit, but if you're in the area and would like a break from driving, this is a pleasant stop. There are a few square blocks of old storefronts that have charming shops and cafes in them, plus old historic buildings (a Dutch church, and old homes) you can look into.
5. Omega Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By jhc106 - Wilton, Connecticut
Arriving at the Omega Institute at night isn't fair to it, but it was a great metaphor for our experience there. Upon arrival down dark, windy gravel streets that I was used to but my sister wasn't, we came upon a parking lot which seemed prepared for a lot of wedding guests: a huge tented platform sat in the middle with flashlights blinking with movement. We pulled up and a very flexible, fit young woman in the standard Omega T-shirt and shorts greeted us and suggested we leave our luggage with her and head to Guest Services to check in. She gave directions that felt like we would arrive in about an hour after a long hike. Not so. In three minutes and three hills, we approached the GS desk, manned by a young woman with an open face and small dancing eyes, and a very soft-spoken bearded man, who made me want to get to a kitchen and cook for him. They gave us the keys to our Deluxe A 'dorm' room, which meant it had a private bath and A/C, two full-sized beds, and wasn't cheap. It was, however, quite simple, which was fine. They instructed us to take 'the middle path at the fork in the road', ( I'm thinking, 'really'?) and we charted our course in the night, armed with iPhone flashlights. There are a lot of phones visible at Omega, which speaks to the necessity of places like this to accommodate that which they cannot change. Ten minutes and a few wrong turns later, we arrived at our clean, nicely cooled dorm room, where our luggage was waiting. The journey to the room was a lot like playing 'kick the can' where you can't really see where you're going but you have a mission. The beds were very comfortable, sheets clean, no rugs on the floor so bring your yoga mat if you need to do some evening downward dogs. Bathrooms are sparse and older, but fine. You are not here for the glamour. Towels are provided if you pay for them.
The place felt massive and we looked at the map and imagined our sore feet and toned calves at the end of the weekend.
Breakfast is in a huge 'dining hall' where every manner of seeker is letting it all hang out. Every configuration of human being is there, a canvas of colors, sizes, ages and preferences revealing the marvelous brushstrokes of diversity. The food is good, which surprised us. Mostly vegetarian, with lots of potatoes, tofu, eggs and fabulous vegetables, all farm-to-table by local growers. There was a chicken dish for dinner on Saturday that was delicious, and a gluten-free station. There's a big porch with about 12 large tables and inside I'd say there were maybe 50 tables, to give you a sense of the size. The banging screen door made me feel like I was at an old lake house, or kid's summer camp.
We did an R&R weekend instead of a program. We had done a program at Kripalu 10 years ago and felt like we didn't have any chance to explore the facility, so this time we wanted to call the shots.
There are many 'open' classes offered for R&R guests. We took a meditation class that was fantastic, even if the teacher was a bit odd (never smiled once, but her stop-start voice was strangely calming). The Sanctuary is a new building that truly fits it's name. We encountered a large black snake on our way up the steep steps, and just watched it slither away casually. Not poisonous, I'm told it is a snake that keeps the mouse population down :) The Walking Meditation was my first, and I loved it. I walk slower now, except in NYC, where I think they can give you a ticket for that.
We jumped in on a "Find Your Purpose and Passion" mini-seminar, which was interesting, but the instructor, whom I think is probably very entertaining, just had us pair up and talk to each other. The handouts will be more substantive, when i get around to reading them.
There is a Wellness Center where I got one of the best facials ever, although the foot massage and hot pockets for my feet didn't help my plantar fasciitis situation. My sister raved about her massage.
The bookstore is...well, captivating. If you are a sucker for spiritual paraphernalia ("Inner Peace on sale today from 3-5 only!"), this is Mecca. Books, clothing, incense, headbands, jewelry, scarves, wind chimes, t-shirts, wall art, etc--all designed to remind to to slow down and breathe, help you accomplish your myriad goals, and empty your pockets happily. The only complaint is that the hours are strange--something like 12:00noon to 11:00 pm, which allows those in programs to shop after their inspiration.
There are people who live at Omega. The center offers extended stays in a work-exchange program, which you are ready to sign up for after a weekend in this other-worldy place.
There's a lake where we dodged a dousing from the sky by sitting under the Lake Luggage Shelter, wondering why there wasn't a Lake People Shelter, and we took kayaks out Saturday afternoon for a nice ride around the small lake.
You need only bring yoga clothes, or shorts and t-shirts plus one sweatshirt or sweater and a rain jacket. You could probably just wear what you came in, sleep in it, spend the weekend in it and head home and nobody would say anything.
We arrived in the dark thinking we were lost in a big, confusing place. We left knowing that it was small, safe and accessible, beauty everywhere, and that we were part of that beauty.
Not bad for two days at summer camp.
6. Hudson River Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Riverport Boat Building School at HRMM Riverport YouthBoat is designed to empower youth, build character and foster teamwork through the traditional craft of wooden boatbuilding and on-the-water activities. At the Riverport Wooden Boat School, students from diverse backgrounds work alongside skilled shipwrights and craftspeople. Through the boatbuilding process, students put STEM skills to work as they follow building plans, use specialized tools and materials, and solve problems. Riverport YouthBoat is funded by private donors and foundations to ensure all high-school aged children (14-18) have an opportunity to participate. Students must provide their own transportation and must complete an application and interview process before being accepted into the program. HRMM Exhibits 2017: The Modeler's Craft: An Artisan's View of Hudson River Boats Our new exhibit for 2017, "The Modeler's Craft" showcases boat models from the Hudson River Maritime Museum's collection, as well as exceptional models on loan from other organizations, including Friends of Historic Kingston and the Newburgh Historical Society. Featuring the West Gallery exhibit (above) and the "Charlie Niles Model Shop" in the rear of the East Gallery, this exhibit was made possible by generous support from Russell & Allynne Lange, Scenic Arts Studio, and The Estate of Charles Niles. 2017: Charlie Niles Model Shop Charlie Niles was a longtime supporter of the museum and over the years he donated a number of his tiny models of Hudson River Boats. A retired jeweler and watchmaker, Charlie made models as a hobby. When he sadly passed away at the age of 93 in 2015, his family generously donated the remainder of his model collection as well as his work desk to the museum. We have now recreated his workshop in the "Charlie Niles Model Shop," which also features open storage of the many models in the museum's collection. This installation will become part of our permanent exhibit in the East Gallery. White Oak, Shipwrights, and Varnish: Wooden Boat Building on the Hudson This brand new exhibit is our 2016 feature in the new Riverport Wooden Boat School. Using a number of historical artifacts on rope making, lofting, sail sewing, historic tools, and more as well as numerous historical images, this exhibit chronicles the history of wooden boat building in the Hudson River Valley with emphasis on Rondout Creek. Rowing on the Hudson This new exhibit in the East Gallery focuses on the history of collegiate, high school, and recreational rowing on the Hudson River as well as information about modern teams, including Kingston High School's varsity crew. Tugboats - Workhorses of the Hudson River Held over for another year by popular demand, this exhibit celebrates the workhorse of the Hudson River with a hands-on, interactive replica of a tugboat pilot house along with images and information about the important work tugboats did and still do on the Hudson. This exhibit is located in the West Gallery.
Reviewed By JudyMetroNYCarea - New York City, New York
The Museum offers a great perspective of maritime life on the Hudson River. The displays are well done and varied. It is spacious, clean and informative.
The staff is very friendly. There is a small gift shop on site as well.
They offer tours of the Rondout lighthouse for an additional fee. It is well worth the additional money. They transport you to the lighthouse on a small pontoon boat so tour sizes are small. Once at the lighthouse, a docent provides a story of the wonderful history of the lighthouse.
The grounds are well maintained as well.
This was a wonderful surprise. I didn't expect to see such a well organized museum.
Well done!
7. Forsyth Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By ilgdvm - Auburn, New York
Though small by comparison with other farm animal facilities, it was well kept, clean, and really designed for children. I loved it. From the peacocks to the pot bellied pig, the cow, cockatiels chickens etc. Free, although donations are accepted, a pleasant 1-2 hour stroll.
8. The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization which is dedicated, through its arts and education programs, to providing arts experiences for people of all ages.
Reviewed By Joseph S - Rhinebeck, New York
this is and old barn that was turned into a theater for plays.The money was raised by on going fund raiseing. the price is reasonable and have name plays there such plays like Scrooge, a mid summer's night dream and many many more.you are almost on the stage just about but if your looking for a play to go to and wont break your pocket or wallet this is the place to sit and relax and watch a good old play.
9. Poets' Walk Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By mushroommarlene - connecticut
The easy to walk gravel trail winds slightly downhill, very popular for walking and exercising with family and dogs. Good parking and even terrain makes this an excellent and easy walk with great views of the Hudson with plenty of places to linger and picnic. The trail gets more narrow and a little uneven as one approaches the train tracks closer to the river, about a three mile walk round trip.
10. Ferncliff Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By BornToTravel79 - Pennsylvania, USA
This was a great place to hike with my family and our pets. We only did the fire tower loop (2.2 miles) as we were short on time. The views from the tower were phenomenal and the experience of climbing the tower with my daughter was amazing! Such a unique opportunity. Pets are not allowed on the tower so my husband and I each took turns climbing with our two daughters (10 and 12). We took the short way there (.6 miles) and circled back the long way. This is a good plan so your legs aren't tired and they are steady for the climb. I would love to go back and explore more trails. There are picnic tables near the pond so you could make a nice day of it. We also passed a group of mountain bikers if you'd prefer to ride.
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