TRAVEL
DOMESTIC BLISS
SUMMER ESCAPES CLOSE TO HOME By Patricia Canole
etting off to exotic destinations may be on hold for the moment, but you still need to escape the city. Consider the fabulous spots right here in the U.S.A. There are hidden jewels like New York State’s Hudson River Valley, the beautiful seashore coast of Cape Ann, Massachusetts, and even a step back in history at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. As with all travel plans, we recommend you check the destinations and properties during this COVID-19 environment. RHINEBECK
New York From its days as a haven for George Washington and Alexander to the Gilded Age, when baron built majestic mansions along its banks, the Hudson River Valley is steeped in history. Rhinebeck, in the rolling hills of Dutchess County, less than two hours north of New York City, is a charming village with colonial-style architecture and antique shops. What To Do At the FDR National Historic Site, you can visit Springwood, Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s former home, as well as the Presidential Library and Museum, which houses 44,000 books and the President’s White House desk. FDR and First Lady Eleanor lie in the Rose Garden. You can also visit the Vanderbilt Mansion, a 50-room Beaux-Arts house, builtin 1895 for Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt. After your history lesson, shop for Americana (quilts, lanterns, folk art) in nearby antique shops. Historic Highlight Check-out vintage aircraft, including WWI fighter plans and Lindbergh-era planes, at weekend air shows held at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome—thrilling rides in open-cockpit biplanes are also on offer.
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
Balloon Fest
Beekman Arms Tap Room Beekman Arms
Where To Eat After a pint of ale in the Tap Room, dine on veal with sweet potato au gratin and braised beef short ribs in the Tavern at the Beekman Arms. Enjoy bouillabaisse and filet mignon at nearby Calico. At its patisserie, choose among decadent chocolate cakes, delicate pecan tarts, and delicious macaroons. Where To Stay The Beekman ArmsDelamater Inn can genuinely claim that George Washington slept here. This historic inn, with its wide-plank floors and exposed beamed ceilings and massive fireplace, has been a Hudson Valley hub since it opened in 1766. Guest rooms are housed in several buildings, with those in the main building boasting Americana quilts, locally crafted-furniture, and folk art. For more information on the Hudson Valley, visit travelhudsonvalley.com.
40 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JULY/AUGUST 2020
