We all know the Hudson Valley is famous for its leaf season, when dozens of colors shed a rainbow of amber hues over the valley. But did you know its also a great time for art lovers? Ever since the Hudson River Painting School movement was founded in the mid-19th century, the area became synonymous with art, and today, October is full of art shows, art walks, and festivals that highlight the best local artists and makers. The inn is the perfect place to make home right in the middle of all the action!
Book NowTHINGS TO DO IN OCTOBER AROUND MILLBROOK, NY
OLANA
Once home to 19th century artist Frederic Edwin Church, this magnificent historic site, set on hundreds of picturesque acres along the Hudson River, is one place you don’t want to miss. Its architecture was inspired by the artist’s travels to the Middle East, and it one of the most beautiful buildings to tour in the Hudson Valley. In October, its also full of special events and exhibitions, from landscape painting lessons, property walks with famous naturalists, and a major photography exhibition, which will include historically significant works owned Church himself, by early photographers including Eadweard Muybridge, William James Stillman, and Claude-Joseph Désiré Charnay. Check out olana.org for details and tickets.
FIELD + SUPPLY FALL MRKT
A modern interpretation of a traditional arts and crafts market bringing together a carefully curated group of Hudson Valley and beyond vendors to create a unique shopping experience. There will be over 150 vendors offering handmade goods from a wide range of categories including home furnishings and décor, accessories and jewelry, wellness and beauty. Local food and drink plus live live music overlooking the Hudson River rounds out a great way to spend the day. For more details and tickets visit fieldandsupply.com.
ARTEST DUTCHESS COUNTY
On select days throughout October, ART EAST provides art appreciators a chance to visit artists in their studios and learn about their work all throughout Dutchess County, in the towns surrounding Millbrook in every direction! Patrons can plan their own self-guided tour, or “art crawl”, of the studios of Dutchess County’s finest artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors, and more, and get a chance to see and talk to the artist about their work. Visit the ArtEast website for information to plan your day. Visit arteastdutchess.com to learn more.
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A PEEK INNSIDE OCTOBER: PARTNER PROFILE
Its no secret that its apple season here in the Hudson Valley, with apple farms in almost every corner of the valley harvesting dozens of varieties to enjoy. In honor of the season, we are serving several cocktails in October that features the fruit and whiskey of one of our favorite neighbors…Shady Knoll Orchards and Distillery.
Shady Knoll is proud to be only one of a few distilleries in New York State that grows its ingredients on its farm and is certified as “New York Grown & Certified”. This family owned and operated farm grows rye and apples. Their single barrel Rye Whiskey is small-batch, barrel-aged for over 4 years, and distilled and bottled on site. The labor of love pays off: they just won Gold at the prestigious 2023 San Francisco Wine and Spirits Competition.
But if that wasn’t enough accomplishment…its their apples that are their most unique ingredient. They combine over 120 varieties of European and American apples to create their Shady Knoll Apple Brandy… compared to 4-30 varieties grown or purchased “locally” by other distillers. They pick their apples by hand constantly from August until Thanksgiving each year—unlike typical orchards that harvest all or most apples at once—in order to maximize their juice and taste. And they distill this flavorful juice in French brandy distilling equipment . All this care results in an award-winning apple brandy…too many awards to mention here! Shady Knolls is only minutes from the inn, and welcomes visitors to tour their facilities and taste the spirits…they’ll even put you to to work and let you pick a basket of apples for them! To find out more about this amazing family farm and its products, visit shadyknolldistillery.com.