April is a special time of year around Millbrook and Dutchess County: Spring is well underway, and plenty of Easter celebrations take place, especially Easter egg hunts. In this edition of The Innsider, we describe a few of our favorite Dutchess County places to visit and activities to enjoy during April. We also provide information about some of the many Easter egg hunts taking place in April.
For more information on April activities, feel free to give us a call at your convenience.
Storm King Arts Center
- Location: 1 Museum Rd, New Windsor, NY
- Distance from us: 41.9 miles
Storm King Art Center is one of the world’s best-known sculpture parks, covering 500 acres of rolling hills, wooded groves, and scenic meadows. The center has over 100 sculptures created by a number of acclaimed contemporary artists, including Alexander Calder, Maya Lin, and Louise Bourgeois. This is a great place to visit, even if you’re not an art lover. The grounds are simply spectacular. Note that Storm King Art Center also has an indoor gallery, with exhibits that change regularly.
Lilymoore Alpaca Farm
- Location: 21 Moore Rd, Pleasant Valley, NY
- Distance from us: 5.8 miles
At Lilymoore Alpaca Farm is a working farm that also functions as an animal sanctuary. Here, you have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the farm’s 27 alpacas, two huarizos, and one llama. You can take part in private alpaca treks, group alpaca treks, farm tours. Lilymoore Farms also has many alpaca-related gifts and souvenirs available for purchase onsite or online, including scarves, gloves, hats, and yarn. To set up a visit, sign up at their website. Note that dogs are not allowed on the farm under any circumstances.
Wethersfield Estate & Garden
- Location: 2257 Pugsley Hill Rd, Amenia, NY
- Distance from us: 14.7 miles
Wethersfield Estate & Garden is considered one of Dutchess County’s best kept secrets. It is a beautiful, sprawling estate originally owned by philanthropist Chauncey Stillman, and now maintained by the Friends of Wethersfield. In the spring, you can enjoy a visit to the estate’s three-acre formal Italian Renaissance Garden, seven-acre wilderness garden, or take a hike or a horseback ride on ten miles of wooded trails. Chauncey Stillman had an extensive collection of horse-drawn carriages and regularly offered rides to his guests at the estate. Today, this collection is available to the public; however, you’ll need to call to reserve access to the carriages. In addition, guided tours of the Main House and Carriage House can be scheduled, and self-guided tours are also available.
Stormville Airport Flea Market
- Location: 47 McCourt Road, Dover Plains, NY
- Distance from us: 12.5 miles
The Stormville Airport Flea Market happens several times throughout the year but kicks off during the spring. It is open on select weekends in April (as well as May, July, September, October and November). Come visit a myriad vendors with antiques, collectibles, arts, crafts and other new merchandise. Shopping isn’t the only part of this Dutchess County activity. There are also food and beverages available. The flea market is free to enter and runs through most of the scheduled days. Enjoy a Hudson Valley spring day by stopping off at this fun flea market.
Orvis Fly Fishing School
- Location: 179 Bowen Rd, Stanfordville, NY
- Distance from us: 17.0 miles
Learn the basics of fly fishing at the Orvis New York Fly Fishing School. Orvis’s experienced instructors will guide you through casting techniques, fly selection, gear and tackle selection, and how to properly catch and release fish. The grounds have over 400 acres filled with beautiful casting ponds. Check out the Orvis website for pricing and specific class dates.
Hudson Valley Easter Egg Hunts
- Location: Varies
- Distance from us: Varies
Hudson Valley has numerous Easter egg hunts during April. One of the best known takes place at Harvest Moos Farm and Orchard. They actually have four different Easter egg hunts in April. Check out their schedule here. Lists of other Easter egg hunts can be found at Hudson Valley Explored, Hudson Valley Parent, and Hudson Valley Magazine.
