Rhinebeck is a small town of 7,500 located 10 miles north of Hyde Park in Dutchess County, NY. It has a nice, walkable downtown with a number of hotels, good restaurants and attractive shops.
Market Street: I enjoyed a great meal in this attractive, contemporary space in downtown Rhinebeck. I enjoyed a watermelon gazpacho and a baked salmon entree with corn pudding and fresh local tomatoes. They feature a number of salads, appetizers, pizzas, pastas, risottos and main dishes. The service was excellent.
Terrapin: A charming restaurant located in an old church building at 6426 Montgomery Street. Terrapin Red Bistro is a smaller, attractive bistro and bar in the opposite side of the building.
Le Petit Bistro: At 8 E. Market, this is small, warmly decorated French bistro.
Krause’s Chocolates: Recently opened as their third location, they been making handmade chocolates since 1929. They have a large selection. 6423 Montgomery St. Suite #9.
Beekman Arms: This is America’s oldest inn, dating from 1766. They have over 60 rooms in the downtown area in multiple buildings including the Delamater House from 1844. Make sure to visit The Colonial Taproom in the rear that has been there for over 245 years.
Bluecashew Kitchen Homestead: This store carries cookbooks, bakeware, cookware, linens and kitchen tools. They feature special events and book signings as well. They recently moved to a larger store across the river to Kingston at 37B N. Front St.
Paper Trail is a fun shop for paper goods, books, stationery, home accessories and more. 6423 Montgomery St. #2
A few miles out of town is Wilderstein, a large Queen Anne mansion built by the Suckley family in 1888. Tours are available.
Omega Institute for Holistic Studies is located in Rhinebeck. They offer a number of programs, retreats and workshops in subjects from yoga, wellness, spirituality, art and writing. I have looked into their photography workshops in the past! 150 Lake Drive.
Friends were recently in Rhinebeck and loved staying at the rustic WhistleWood Farm Bed & Breakfast, located on a horse farm three miles outside of town.
If you are a craft lover, you might enjoy The Oktoberfest Handcrafted at Rhinebeck held each October. You can buy crafts, watch demos and shop for local produce, wines and beer.
Recently recommended is the Mirbeau Inn & Spa which is designed with a French chateau style and 49 rooms.