Dutchess County Farm Fresh

About Dutchess County Farm Fresh Tours

Take Metro-North’s Harlem Line to Wassaic and there board the Dutchess County Farm Fresh Link shuttle for excursions to the charming Village of Millerton, McEnroe Organic Farm, Madava Farms and Dutch’s Spirits, all located in the scenic Hudson Valley.

In Millerton, home to the internationally acclaimed Harney & Sons Fine Teas, step into the charming tea store and tasting room for a "cuppa" or cross the street for an up-close look at handcrafted art glass by Gilmor Glassworks. Stroll through the pastoral village shops and choose one of several dining locations (a coffeehouse/restaurant, a diner, Mexican or Chinese food, vegetarian…there’s something for everyone). On Saturdays, until 1 p.m., enjoy the Millerton Farmer’s Market at the Railroad Plaza across from the Rail Trail.

The tour also stops at McEnroe Organic Farm, where you’ll learn first-hand about organic farming and composting. Tour the more than 1,000 acres and see cows, turkeys, llamas, fields of vegetables, and greenhouses. McEnroe Organic Farm is committed to organic and sustainable agriculture. The farm produces certified organic produce, meats and garden transplants. At the end of your tour peruse the gourmet delicacies at the full-service farm market and bring home some special treats.

The September 14 & 15 tours will complete the day with a visit to Madava Farms, a new, 800-acre culinary and nature destination and the home of Crown Maple syrup.

You can tour the modern, state-of-the-art sugarhouse and tasting. Next, walk scenic trails or take a stroll in Madava Farms’ working chef garden, which supplies some of New York’s top restaurants. You’ll see uncommon crop varieties and exceptional heirloom species. Before you go, stop by The Farm Stand for maple syrup and produce and to savor a sandwich or pastry from Chef Jacob Griffin, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America.

The September 21 & 22 tours include a trip to a famous bootlegger’s hideaway:  Dutch’s Spirits in the heart of Pine Plains. Visit a 400-acre farm, where the infamous Dutch Schultz distilled moonshine in a sprawling network of interconnected tunnels, bunkers, cleverly disguised chicken coops and false chimneys all originally built to escape detection from the law. And now you can visit this recently opened and renovated site which is on the State and National Register of Historic places. Dutch’s Spirits specializes in artisanal hand-made spirits: Dutch’s Spirits Sugar Wash Moonshine, Peach Brandy, and Dutch’s Colonial Cocktail bitters. (Tasting fee is $5 per person and is in addition to the package price).

IN ORDER TO SECURE YOUR SEAT ON THE BUS, RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE BY CALLING 800-445-3131. Tours frequently sell out. Once you have made your reservation, purchase your rail/bus ticket any Metro-North ticket office, full-service ticket machine (excluding Wassaic Station) or through WebTicket. WebTicket purchase must be made at least 5 business days in advance of your travel date.

For more information visit www.dutchesstourism.com

Dutchess County Tourism has the right to substitute a farm or related itinerary stop to ensure the quality of the overall program and the individual getaway experience.

Package price from GCT/Harlem-125th Street: adults, $35; seniors, persons with disabilities and individuals receiving Medicare, $28; children 5-11, $7; children under 5, free. Take the Harlem Line to Wassaic Station where the shuttle will meet the train that departs Grand Central at 9:47 AM and gets in at 12:10 PM.