A quintessential Hudson Valley town, Rhinebeck overflows with historic flair, beautiful scenery and chic restaurants and boutiques. You’ll arrive via the Rhinecliff Station, three miles down the road on the Hudson River. (It’s less than two hours from Manhattan.) Grab coffee and a to-die-for roll or pastry at Bread Alone before beginning your stroll around the walkable downtown.
Downtown Rhinebeck
On Mill and Market Streets, bop into a variety of one-of-its-kind shops including Oblong Books & Music, Megabrain Comics, the old-fashioned shoe store, Pegasus, Hammertown Barn Furniture and basically every other fun thing you can think of.
The Famous Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn, which sits in the town’s main intersection, dates to 1766. And it’s not just Mr. Washington who slept here; apparently Benedict Arnold and Alexander Hamilton also rabble-roused here. For lunch, start with the French onion soup; if you can, snap a seat in the colonial tap room with the open-hearth fireplace.
Rent a car and head to the Wilderstein Historic Site, a 19th-century Queen Anne-style country house turned museum, on a wooded bluff overlooking the Hudson. The gorgeous grounds are open all year, but from May through October, you can take a house tour. Ferncliff Forest offers an alternate outdoor experience; among the four miles of trails are multiple ruins, but the highlight remains the Fire Tower with panoramic views.
In the late afternoon, hit Samuel’s Sweet Shop. This old-fashioned confection stop has it all: chocolates, cookies, pastries and hard-to-find candies, as well as delectable drinks. Of course, you may experience a celebrity sighting, too. Samuel’s is owned by actors Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Bring your treats back to the hotel for an hour of downtime.
Where to Stay in Rhinebeck
There are several top-notch lodging options. Go for convenience and history at the Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn or, just outside of town, relax at the Mirbeau Inn & Spa, a chic, Parisian-style space.
Dining in Rhinebeck
Walk downtown again for a pre-dinner cocktail. At the award-winning Amsterdam, with a lovely back garden, suspender-clad waiters serve you unique craft cocktails and small bites.
For dinner, you can’t go wrong at the longstanding Terrapin, housed in an old church, or the tiny uber-romantic Le Petit Bistro, with a legendary oyster bar and oooh-la-la desserts. {pretty think so} burst on the Rhinebeck scene in 2023. Gluten-free and mostly dairy-free, this trendy new eatery – with its epic seafood tower – changes menus frequently.
In the morning, breakfast at Pete’s Famous Restaurant packs on the nostalgia as well as ample portions of all your favorites.
Then, before you leave this charming town stop by the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. From May to October, you can take a biplane ride, and watch a weekend air show and marvel at historic planes at the museum.
Take Amtrak to Rhinebeck
Enjoy all that Rhinebeck has to offer via Amtrak to Rhinecliff-Kingston Station in Rhinecliff. Don’t forget to use the See New York and Save 15% discount!
Take Amtrak to Saratoga Springs
Enjoy all the attractions in Saratoga Springs New York via Amtrak to Saratoga Springs Station in Saratoga Springs—Don’t forget to use the See New York and Save 15% discount!
Get picked up from Saratoga Springs Station and taken to your reserved #NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Saratoga Springs office today at: 518-587-0687.
