Hudson Valley Weekends

Hudson Valley Weekends - Only got one day to explore? Hop on Metro-North bound for Poughkeepsie, and the Dutchess County Farm Fresh Link Shuttle will pick you up and give you a jam-packed, day-long tour of the area. The new Fall Harvest Weekends, beginning Oct. 6, start with a visit to artisanal cheesemaker Sprout Creek Farm, followed by a stop in Millbrook, then on to a local winery and, finally, to Barton Orchards for apple-picking. (800-445-3131 or dutchesstourism.com)

Starting today, you can view the list of restaurants participating in Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, running a full two weeks, from Nov. 4 to 17. Spread across multiple counties, it features a whopping 180 eateries serving up sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine (and cocktails!) for a whole lot less: Three-course, prix-fixe lunches are $20.95, dinners are $29.95.

Circle Line Sightseeing just launched its Bear Mountain Cruise, running weekends through Oct. 27 (plus Columbus Day). It’s a glorious 2 1/2-hour ride up the Hudson River, then you’ll have three hours to explore the hiking trails, picnic spots and, through the end of the month, Bear Mountain Oktoberfest, with live music, German food and beer. (From $31)