New York’s Backyard, the Hudson Valley

New Yorker City dwellers know— the ideal getaway is 90 minutes north of the Big Apple in the scenic Hudson Valley— and specifically, Dutchess County. So close, it is kind of like discovering New York’s Backyard.

The star attraction is the natural beauty of the Hudson River and stunning Catskill Mountains views. Dutchess County is home to an abundance of outdoor activities and plenty of wide-open spaces. Visitors can relish the fresh air on biking and hiking trails including the Appalachian Trail.

Getting out on the Hudson River water is ideal in a kayak or on paddleboard; or take a boat out to Bannerman Island to see the castle ruins. As you travel through Dutchess enjoy a wealth of amazing views. Dover Stone Church is an easy hike to its cave and waterfall. Stroll the gardens of Innisfree, ramble the trails at Poet’s Walk or hike to the fabulous fire tower views at Ferncliff Forest. Family fun includes Splashdown Beach’s outdoor waterpark with a mountain vista backdrop and any one of four drive-in movie theaters, like Four Brothers Drive-In with a camp site, playground, arcade, putt-putt, and food delivery car service.

A visit to the Walkway Over the Hudson is a must.

The New York State Historic Park is the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. Towering 65m high and over 2km across, the bridge connects to 32km of trails, has a glassenclosed elevator, bike rentals, visitor centers, and free parking, not to mention… unprecedented views!

And for the ultimate panorama, take to the skies in an open-air biplane ride at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. They host weekend airshows; and the museum is an amazing collection of vintage airplanes, cars, and motorcycles.

Culinary enthusiasts adore Dutchess with its family-owned farms making farm-to-table dining a way of life in the

Hudson Valley. At the helm is The Culinary Institute of America, known as the “CIA”. The world’s premier culinary college trains students from all over the world.

The student-staffed restaurants offer fine dining for Italian, modern-French or American cuisine. And a student-guided tour is the best for a behind-the-scenes look of the CIA.

Local farms offer the chance for pick-yourown, and markets are plentiful with freshly harvested fruits and vegetables and locally made treasures. Savor the flavors of the Dutchess Craft Beverage Trail that journeys through the birthplace of American wine making. Wineries, artisanal breweries, distilleries and

cideries offer tours and tastings, each with their unique views of the splendid countryside.

Dutchess County’s most iconic figures were Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife, Eleanor. Born in Hyde Park, FDR was the only President of the United States elected to four terms. Roosevelt served as a New York State Senator, and Assistant Secretary of the Navy under Woodrow Wilson.

Before becoming the Governor of New York and then president, FDR was paralyzed by polio at the age of 39. Roosevelt guided the country out of the Great Depression and through WWII. He is credited for creating and naming The United Nations and cofounded the World Bank.

Guided tours of the Roosevelt home where the Roosevelts hosted King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939, and Winston Churchill on numerous occasions are conducted by National Park Rangers. Also located on the estate called Springwood is the FDR Presidential Library and Museum, America’s first presidential library and with an office making it the only one used by a sitting president. The interactive state-of-the-art museum displays the FDR administration and the Roosevelt family’s personal collection of artifacts and documents as part of The National Archives.

Nearby, the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site is the only one dedicated to a first lady. Eleanor was a civil rights and human rights activist, and prolific world-traveler. After FDR’s death, she served as an ambassador to the United Nations where she co-authored The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Leave time to explore quaint historic villages like Beacon and Rhinebeck for boutique shopping, art galleries and a great café scene. World-class art venues like Dia Beacon showcase large scale works by renowned artists. Thousands of square feet of natural sky light make a surprising “daylight” museum. For live summer entertainment, take in a performance of cabaret, theater, opera, film, or dance at Bard’s SummerScape Festival at The Fisher Center.

Overnight choices in Dutchess offer everything from cozy bed ‘n breakfasts and historic inns to

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mid-range full-service hotels and luxury boutique resorts.

While traveling in Dutchess County, visitors can be assured that businesses and attractions throughout the county practice current CDC and New York State guidelines to ensure the safety of their employees and visitors, alike.

Visit DutchessTourism.com for travel ideas, suggested itineraries, maps, and lodging in New York’s Backyard.

Towering mountain ridges, rushing rivers, rolling farmlands, and charming towns await you along your road trip through Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands.

Spanning 3,000 square miles in southwestern Pennsylvania, the beautiful four-season destination offers spectacular natural scenery, outstanding outdoor recreation, historic sites and attractions, family activities, and world-class resorts.

Notable destinations within the region include four architectural masterpieces by Frank Lloyd Wright –Fallingwater®, Kentuck Knob, Mäntylä, and Duncan House – as well as Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Flight 93 National Memorial, Idlewild and Soak Zone, whitewater rafting in Ohiopyle State Park, and more.

Located within 200 miles of the major metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Washington D.C., the Laurel Highlands can be easily accessed from exits 67, 75, 91, and 110 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Pennsylvania Turnpike

•Ligonier: Make a stop to take a picture of the bandstand on the Ligonier Diamond surrounded by the color-changing leaves.

•Powdermill Nature Reserve: An excellent stop for families interested in the natural world. They offer educational programming and exhibits as well as more than 2,200 acres of wildlife.

•Ohiopyle State Park: The Youghiogheny River, the busiest section of whitewater east of the Mississippi, runs through the park’s 20,500 scenic acres. With waterfalls, vistas, nature areas and over 80 miles of trails, Ohiopyle is the place to be for year-round adventure. In central Ohiopyle, you’ll find the Falls Area Visitors Center, with educational displays and

an expansive view down the river. Central Ohiopyle, a charming town, offers several delicious dining options and shops full of unique gifts and goods.

•Fallingwater®: Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic masterpiece is even more breathtaking and impressive when framed by the colorful fall leaves.

•Kentuck Knob: One of four Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the Laurel Highlands, Kentuck Knob sits on a mountain at 2,000 feet above sea level. Kentuck Knob is also home to a fantastic sculpture garden and a lookout with an amazing view.

The Lincoln Highway: Route 30 from Latrobe to Stoystown

•Explore Fred Rogers’ hometown of Latrobe: Take a short detour off Route 30 and into downtown Latrobe, the real-life hometown neighborhood of Fred Rogers! Explore the Latrobe Art Center, founded by his younger sister, Laney. Take a selfie with the life-size bronze sculpture of Fred at James H. Rogers Park and peruse the memorabilia at the Latrobe Area Historical Society and Greater LatrobeLaurel Valley Chamber of Commerce.

•Four Seasons Brewing Company: Make a pit stop on your way back to Route 30 for a locally-crafted and nationally-awarded brew. Be sure to pick up a Laurel Highlands Pour Tour passport. This handydandy passport is a tasty way to savor the flavors of the Laurel Highlands.

•Lincoln Highway Experience: Learn about the history of coast-to-coast transportation on Route 30 through cool exhibits at the Lincoln Highway Experience and enjoy a slice of pie at Serro’s Diner. The 200-mile Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor is a scenic route dotted with charming small towns, unique shops, five state parks, two national parks, and dips and turns reminiscent of days gone by.

•Ligonier: Stop for a delicious meal at one of the many fantastic restaurants, a scoop of ice cream at

the famous Ligonier Creamery or a pick-me-up from Abigail’s Coffeehouse. After you’re full and energized, take a stroll around the Diamond and spend some time exploring the unique boutiques and antique shops.

•Continue on Route 30 and take the optional scenic detour to Linn Run State Park. This drive will take you on the section of Route 381 that winds through Rector and is one of the most scenic drives in all of the Laurel Highlands. Wind down country roads through private estates and farmlands, admire the tree-lined split rail fences and expansive views of the rolling Pennsylvania hills. At Linn Run, be sure to make a stop for the short hike to Adams Falls.

You can even drive past the park, through Forbes State Forest to Laurel Summit State Park, where the pavement becomes a dusty gravel road. There you’ll find the trailhead for the three-mile hike to Wolf Rocks Overlook, another incredible vista for leaf-peeping, as well as the short walk to Spruce Flats Bog. Just a little drive further will take you to Beam Rocks Overlook, a short half-mile hike that

leads to an equally impressive view.

•Laughlintown: Enjoy a scrumptious treat from The Pie Shoppe.

•Jennerstown: Stop at the Coal Miner’s Café for a delicious meal to refuel you for your road trip.

•Flight 93 National Memorial: Pay homage and remember the brave passengers of Flight 93 who gave their lives on September 11, 2001.

The National Road – Route 40 from Brownsville to Addison

•The National Road: Modern-day U.S. Route 40 was the first federally funded highway in the U.S. and set a precedent for a national highway system. Beginning in Cumberland, Maryland, the route passes through the Cumberland Narrows – once one of only a few navigable routes across the Appalachian Mountain Range – before continuing northwest into Pennsylvania, across the Allegheny Mountains and into the Ohio River Valley.

•Christian W. Klay Winery: The highest mountaintop vineyard east of the Rockies, Christian W. Klay Winery offers a wonderful view in addition to their impressive wine collection. For those who prefer liquor, you can also find Ridge Runner Distillery at the winery. We recommend trying their unique moonshine. Don’t forget to get stickers for your Pour Tour passport!

•Summit Inn Resort: Relax during your stay on the grand veranda and look out over the valley from Chestnut Ridge.

•Fort Necessity National Battlefield: Some believe that George Washington’s trials and tribulations in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands helped him grow into a legendary military leader and eventually the first President of the United States of America. At this legendary site, you will learn about his first and only military defeat. Learn more about his time in the Laurel Highlands here.

Glades Pike – Route 31 from West Newton to Somerset

•Greendance: The Winery at Sand Hill is a picturesque winery that sits just a few miles off Route 31 in Mount Pleasant. The grounds are ablaze in color in the fall season, ideal for a tasting of their fantastic selection of fruit and grape wines in the garden. Save room for dessert and get your Pour Tour passport sticker! You won’t want to miss their signature berry pies and cakes.

•Donegal: Here you’ll find Out of the Fire Café, a restaurant with an impressive view to match the impeccable cuisine. Be sure to stop in Old General Store and Country Pie Shoppe for a sweet treat to enjoy on your road trip. Take a detour on County Line Road and make the drive to Seven Springs Mountain Resort, for a mountain of fun including Laurel Ridgeline Zipline Tours, golf, fishing, dining, spa, skiing, snow tubing, and more.

•Kooser State Park: With one-and-a-half mile of walking trails, Kooser Lake and Kooser Run make an excellent spot for fishing and leaf-peeping

•Glades Pike Winery: Take in the view of the beautiful fall foliage from the deck or gazebo with a glass (or bottle) of wine. And yet another sticker for your Pour Tour passport!

https://www.golaurelhighlands.com

Since age 10, President Joe Biden has called Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley home, and #46 has left quite a footprint on the First State. Here are some of the President’s favorite local spots and locations that mark important milestones in his career.

The University of Delaware, in Newark, is President Biden’s alma mater. He has often been spotted at University of Delaware football games. Walk the lovely campus, and dine at one of the dozen or so restaurants on Newark’s Main Street.

From the University, hop on I-95 North to The Wilmington Riverfront. This dining and entertainment district was center stage for much of the Democratic National Convention and victory celebration, held at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.

There is so much to do here, consider spending the night. Each of the Riverfront’s three new hotels offers views of the Christina River. The Riverwalk provides an easy connection to the restaurants, shops, recreational pursuits, live music, and performing arts venues in the area. Follow the Riverwalk east to the Joseph R. Biden Railroad Station. Biden has been a regular at this Amtrak station for years, commuting between the First State and Washington, D.C. during his tenure in the U.S. Senate. Amtrak is an easy way to reach Wilmington from all major cities along the East Coast.

A short walk from the Amtrak Station is The Queen, on Market Street in downtown Wilmington. This historic live music venue became the office of the President-Elect and is where the Biden-Harris team planned for the transition after the election results were announced. Next, stroll down Market Street for a bite to eat. There are many good restaurants here. One of the best is Bardea Food & Drink, a James Beard semifinalist. President Biden took his wife, Jill, here for her birthday.

Up the street from Bardea is the Hotel du Pont. Opened in 1913, it has played host to presidents, celebrities, and royalty for more than a century. It has been the location of many Biden speeches. The hotel is also home to Le Cavalier at the Green Room, helmed by award-winning chef Tyler Akin.

On the other side of the city, on Dupont Street, is Piccolina Toscana. According to chef-owner Dan Butler, Biden’s favorite dishes here are the capellini al pomodoro and the penne al pomodoro. When they need a fried chicken fix, the Bidens (and many other Wilmingtonians) turn to Walt’s Flavor Crisp Chicken Express. It is across Route 52 from Toscana, on Lincoln Street. The recipe is closely guarded.

The dining establishment with perhaps the most well-known ties to President Biden is Capriotti’s. Its original location is not far from Walt’s on Union Street. Biden famously visited the Washington, D.C. outpost (now closed) of this locally grown sandwich chain in 2013, stating, “This is gonna settle once and for all, the best sandwich in America is out of Wilmington, Delaware.” Capriotti’s most famous concoction is The Bobbie: it’s Thanksgiving on a sub roll.

Leave the city limits and head out to the Brandywine Valley to The Inn at Montchanin. Listed on the National Historic Register, this romantic inn also features a spa and a gourmet restaurant, Krazy Kat’s. This is where Vice President Kamala Harris’s family stayed during the election. After checking out the Inn, take the short drive into the tony enclave Greenville, home to numerous shops and restaurants the Biden’s frequent including Janssen’s Market, Brew HaHa!, Whimsy, Pizza by Elizabeths, and Houpette.

After checking out Greenville, take Route 52 a few miles west to the historic hamlet of Centreville and Buckley’s Tavern. The Bidens have been known to stop in from time to time. It is also the hub of social life in the area. Cozy up to the bar for a pint of beer and some mushroom soup then catch up on the local chatter.

On 202 North in North Wilmington, stop by Peter Kate, one of Jill Biden’s go-to places for accessories and clothing. When she gave her DNC speech, she was wearing a necklace from Peter Kate. The next stop is Claymont Steak Shop on Route 202 South. While still in the Senate, Biden often made time to stop by this eatery for a bite to eat and a chance to greet old friends. The original Claymont steak shop is on Philadelphia Pike in the town of Claymont, where Biden grew up. Next door is The Charcoal Pit. Biden is a longtime fan of its burgers and shakes, named after local high schools. When President Barack Obama came to Wilmington in 2014, the two made a stop here.

Last on the Biden grand tour is Wilmington Brew Works, back in the city limits. Its “Rail Car One,” a Double Delaware IPA triple dry hopped with heaps of Mosaic, Citra and Sultana Hops, draws its inspiration from the President’s love of Amtrak travel.

In addition to all things Biden, there are many other attractions to take in including Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Hagley Museum and Library, Mt. Cuba Center, the Delaware Art Museum, and Brandywine Creek State Park. The region’s awardwinning restaurants range from fine dining to Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives-type foodie finds.

About the Region

Greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley are in the heart of the MidAtlantic region, less than a two-hour drive from both New York City and Washington.

Steeped in American history and the legacy of the famed du Pont family, Greater Wilmington is a destination marked by sharp contrasts – town and garden, past and present, historic and hip. It is known for its renowned gardens, world-class museums, colonial towns, outdoor adventure, festivals and a growing craft beer and restaurant scene.

VisitWilmingtonDE.com.