Top Things to Do In Rhinebeck All Year-Round

The first settlement in Rhinebeck dates back to 1714. Nowadays, it is a small walkable village with outstanding views of Catskills Mountains.

Its flourishing art scene and its hiking and biking trails in the heart of the Hudson Valley make Rhinebeck a perfect destination from New York City.

Also called “Hollywood on the Hudson”, Rhinebeck has many things to do in every season.

1. Outdoor activities for summer

Rhinebeck with train ride — Rhinebeck with train

Rhinebeck is a destination with easy reach from New York City and it has many outdoor activities that you can enjoy in spring and summertime.

Hiking trails

Ferncliff Red Trail

The trail is 5,3 km long and takes around one and a half hours to complete. It is easy to follow as it goes along the main road.

Mount Rutsen Loop

The loop is 3,2 km long and takes an average 45 minutes to complete. The best season to hike is March through to October and most visitors claim it is an easy hike without much elevation.

It is a popular hike for families, visitors with dogs, and bird-watching fans.

Enjoy your hiking adventure — Enjoy your hike

Good to know: there are great views of the Hudson River from the trail.

Drayton Grant Park, Burger Hill

It is a unique place to hike and enjoy beautiful sunsets. It is a walk feasible for most visitors, without complications.

It is also a great place for picnics or wedding photos.

Insight from the locals: best season to visit is probably autumn to admire the glowing foliage.

Hiking to the Wilderstein Historic Site

You can walk to Wilderstein 19th Century Queen Anne-style mansion.

It is a nice walk along the Hudson River to admire the non-profit house museum.

Local Tip – Please note that it is currently temporarily closed, but will open in May 2023 again.

Here are 5 more Hiking Trails you might want to try:

Innisfree Garden – A peaceful and scenic trail that offers beautiful views of the surrounding gardens and a lake.
Madam Brett Park – A small park with hiking trails that follow the shores of the Hudson River.
Poets’ Walk Park – A lovely park with scenic trails that provide views of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains.
Bash Bish Falls State Park – A popular park that features a scenic waterfall and several hiking trails that lead through forests and along streams.
Lake Taghkanic State Park – A park with a beautiful lake and several hiking trails that offer a range of challenges and great views.

Biking trails

Mountain bikers can follow Mount Rutsen Loop or Ferncliff Yellow Trail; however, they may find it too rough in some areas.

There are five mountain bike trails recorded on the MBT project, including the Purple Trail (0,9 km), the Red Trail (2,7km), and the Blue Trail South (1,4km).

Most trails are marked as “intermediate” level.

2. Things to do for vintage and antique lovers

Rhinebeck attracts shoppers and collectors from around the country.

It offers visitors a range of exhibitions, fairs, and malls for vintage lovers and all budgets.

Beekman Antique Market

Look no further if you like antiques. Beekman is an antique and vintage concourse with more than thirty dealers.

It is located behind the Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn, which is the oldest continuously operated hotel in the United States since 1769.

Address: 28 W Market St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572

Opening hours: from 9 am to 5 pm daily.

The classic car shows at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds

The Dutchess County Fairgrounds host many events around the year, including the Sheep and Wool Festival, the Food & Wine Festival, and the Classic Car Show.
The Classic Car Show happens every year from May 6th to May 8th.
There are more than 60 antique and classic classes
The show usually takes place on the 2nd day while the first day is only for vendors’ meetings.
The tickets start at $14 for adults.

Hot tip: you can save on tickets if you get the 3-day pass.

Location: 6550 Spring Brook Avenue, Rhinebeck, NY 12572

If you visit in August, you can also enjoy a full week of festivities for the Dutchess County Fair.

The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

Rhinebeck airport old — Rhinebeck airplanes

The Old Aerodrome is a “living” museum with one of the largest collections of vintage airplanes.

The airplanes fly and take part in the regular weekend airshows and demonstrations.

Vintage planes include a 1909 Bleriot, the Fokker DR-I Triplane, and a replica of the Spirit of St Louis.

The Aerodrome also features vintage cars, motorcycles, and other items from the period 1900 to 1935.

When to attend a demonstration? Taking place from mid-June to mid-October, every Saturday and Sunday at 2.30 pm.

Tickets start from $28 for adults and $13 for youth.

Keep In Mind – If you feel adventurous, you can join an Open Cockpit Biplane Ride before or after the show, from 10 am.

Location: 9 Norton Road
Rhinebeck, NY 12572

3. Book a show at the Center for Performing Arts

Rhinebeck is famous for its vibrant performing art scene, indie films, galleries, and museums.

One of the landmarks in town is the Center for Performing Arts.

Founded in 1987 by a group of youths, it moved to its permanent building location in 1998.
After Hurricane Irene, it was renovated and is currently operating back to normal.
It is a non-profit organization aiming at promoting art experiences to visitors of all ages, through art and educational programs.
It provides workshops and classes for both adults and children.
There are family series performances on Saturdays at 11 am.
It is best to purchase advance tickets online.

Good to Know – If you are staying longer in Rhinebeck, the Center has a two-week summer camp for children aged 5 to 17.

4. Taste the fresh local farm foods in Rhinebeck’s restaurants

There is an amazing range of local restaurants and shops in Rhinebeck for short weekend breaks to longer stays.

The Terrapin Restaurant

Chef Josh Kroner, featured in several gourmet magazines, is famous for using local farm products.

His motto is bringing great food to Rhinebeck with its restaurant “Terrapin” based in an old Church building turned into a bistro.

There is indoor seating and a seasonal patio.
If you do not want to eat out, you can also take out.
Bistro Opening times: daily from 11 am to midnight.
Dining Room hours: 5 pm to 9 pm.

Where to find it? 6426 Montgomery Street, Rhinebeck, NY

Foster’s Coach House Tavern

It is a traditional and historical tavern in operation since 1890.
All orders are available for take out.
The menu includes clams, shrimps, seafood combo, calamari, potato wedges, nachos, and quesadillas.
There are also delicious salads for vegetarian options.

Explore Montgomery Row

In this location, you will be able to shop, dine, and play! The shopping area received the “Best Shopping Block” award from Hudson Valley Magazine.

From bookshops, chocolate stores, and clothing to authentic Mexican food, yoga studio, and hairdresser, Montgomery Row will fill your day.

It is open daily, and is wheelchair friendly.

Directions: 6422 & 6423 Montgomery Street, Rhinebeck, NY 12572

Explore Rhinebeck’s Farmers Market:

Open from May to December, the Farmers Market is always voted the “Best Farmers’ Market in the Hudson Valley”.
More than 30 vendors gather to provide their quality fresh products since 1990.
It helps promoting the region’s agricultural products and supporting local economy.
It operates from 10 am to 2 pm every Sunday.

Location: 61 East Market Street, Rhinebeck Municipal Parking Lot

5. Watch an independent state film

Rhinebeck may be called the “Hollywood in the Hudson” because celebrities come and relax, but it is also a hub for independent state film.

Upstate Films

The venue is a non-profit cinema since 1972 connecting the Hudson Valley via transformative cinematic experiences.

The viewing program focuses on bringing local communities together.

It is an eclectic mix of Hollywood, international productions, and indie films.

It is place where emerging directors and well-known film critics gather.

Hot tip: there are two screen movie houses operated by Upstate Films in Rhinebeck: one on each side of the river.

Location: Starr Cinema, 6415 Montgomery Street, Rhinebeck, NY 12572

Booking.com

6. Learn about the history of Rhinebeck at the Museum of History

The historical building Quitman House features the Museum of Rhinebeck History.

It is a great place to explore with children, especially on a rainy day.

You can see a collection of artifacts, such as letters, photographs, postcards, and clothing dating back the city’ first settlements.
There are photos of the past Duchess County Fairs, summer swimming camps, and many more.
There are temporary exhibitions in the summer, for example the latest one focusing on “Rhinebeck’s Changing Downtown”.

Where to find it? 7015 US-9, Rhinebeck, NY 12572

It is open on Saturday from 1 pm to 4 pm.

Conclusion

A classic historical town on the Hudson Valley offering many things to do to domestic and international travelers, Rhinebeck is worth the stop every season. It is great for a weekend break but also for a longer getaway.

Check out the best time to visit to escape the crowds and book your accommodation!