A Culinary Pleasure

America As You Like It • 19 January 2024
Within a two-hour drive from New York, you will find the amazing Dutchess County. It is a perfect stop on a fly-drive, offering expansive skies within a city-driving region. If you are staying in New York for a few days, explore the nearby national parks and wildlife or indulge in a delightful meal in the county that hosts the Culinary Institute of America. Dutchess County has it all – from farmers' markets to distilleries. It is the perfect addition to your fly-drive itinerary, allowing you to savour a taste of quintessential America See Here. 

Farm Fresh Dining

During summer and fall, you can cherish memories of picking seasonal harvest, being charmed by furry farm friends, or cooking meals with local items. You can easily find these at local a farmers’ market or road-side stand. Agriculture is a driving force in the Hudson Valley, constituting a way of life for many family-owned farms. These farms are renowned for producing the finest fruits, vegetables, meats, and other products. Why not enhance your experience by taking a tour of the farms with the Dutchess Tourism Farm Finder. See with your own eyes how everything is made and planted, and then enjoy a meal at any of a multitude of restaurants that feature local ingredients. Plan your visit to one of Dutchess County's farms and drop by a Farm Store for a selection of products grown and made in the Hudson Valley. Dutchess County offers farm-to-table eating at its best! See here for more inspiration. This is a perfect way to discover the bounty of Dutchess County. 

Culinary Institute of America 

The Culinary Institute of America has been a nurturing ground for some of the world's finest chefs, including celebrity chefs Thomas Keller, Roy Choi, Anne Burrell, Top Chef winner Kelsey Barnard Clark and the late Anthony Bourdain. The institution serves as an inspiration for a wide array of global cuisines, fostering innovative approaches to culinary science and research on the relationship between diverse culinary traditions and the complexity of human populations. Visitors can dine at one of four student-staffed restaurants, including the Apple Pie Bakery, and go behind the scenes for an inside look at the world of food on The CIA Experience. Foodies will find even more to savour with the CIA Chef Finder featuring restaurants throughout Dutchess County with a CIA Chef graduate at the helm. 

Restaurants 

With the Culinary Institute of America acting as a beacon for food enthusiasts worldwide, Dutchess County stands as a haven for discerning travellers. For a unique experience, visit the 1915 Wine Cellar in Poughkeepsie. This upscale wine bar invites exploration through a myriad of varietals, offering an unparalleled experience to savour your favourite wines or expand your palate with carefully curated menus. If you need a well-earned break after a long drive, consider Alex’s Restaurant in Poughkeepsie. Open since 1911, this century-old establishment is conveniently located downtown. For a journey back in time to the 1950s, check out All Shook Up Café and Juice Bar. This nostalgic spot serves proper American comfort food—ideal for kicking off your journey or making a pit stop. This creates an all-American experience for a first-class fly drive, See here.

Breweries 

For craft beer enthusiasts, Dutchess County offers a delightful array of options to enjoy some of the best brews. When you’re at the Culinary, don’t miss a chance to try their beer. In 2015, the CIA partnered with the master brewers at Brooklyn Brewery to create a first class brewery program for their world-class culinary institute. For a more relaxed setting, head to the Black Snake Brewing Company at Old Adriance Farm. Unwind with an IPA or ale, take in the picturesque scenery, and engage in family-friendly activities such as giant jenga or cornhole. Visit the goats or simply relax in the barn while enjoying perfect pub food like handcrafted pretzels, gourmet hot dogs, or BBQ. Another gem is From the Ground Brewery located in the beautiful 100-acre orchard at Migliorelli Farm in northern Dutchess County. Here, you can relax and enjoy three year-round styles of beer, each offering an American twist on Old World styles. These styles are unique to the Hudson River Valley and New York State, utilising barley and hops sourced locally. It is the perfect stop to savour some fantastic brews from the region.

Spirits and wine

Embark on the Dutchess Tourism Taste Finder Craft Beverage Trail, highlighting the finest distilleries, wineries, cideries, breweries, and meaderies in Dutchess County. Each spot delivers its own unique experience and beautiful setting. Discover award-winning wines at Millbrook Vineyards & Winery and Milea Winery, and immerse yourself in the tasting rooms of distilleries, such as Denning's Point Distillery, Shady Knoll Orchards & Distillery, and The Vale Fox Distillery, where you can unlock your palate with sophisticated gins, vodkas, and whiskey. Be sure not to miss a visit to Tenmile Distillery, the newest distillery with a stunning setting and Dassai Blue, a new state-of-the-art saké brewery producing the highest quality sake in the country.

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by America As You Like It • 26 January 2026
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by America As You Like It • 21 January 2026
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by America As You Like It • 8 December 2025
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by America As You Like It • 5 December 2025
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If you’ve never been to the American South then you are in for a treat! From Atlanta to Nashville to New Orleans , Southern cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavours, blending traditional recipes with French, Creole, and regional influences. Each city offers its own culinary treasures, from smoky barbecue to sweet, indulgent desserts. Read on to discover iconic dishes, local favourites, and the perfect spots to enjoy them on your next fly-drive adventure.

Alabama on the Menu: A Cultural Feast for Curious Travellers

by America As You Like It • 4 August 2025
When you think of Alabama, warm Southern hospitality, and melt-in-your-mouth comfort food instantly spring to mind. Here, food isn’t just sustenance, it’s a deep-rooted connection to culture, community, and tradition. So, what is Alabama known for? From the smoky perfection of Alabama-style barbecue with its signature tangy white sauce to sweet, flaky pastries bursting with local flavour, the state offers a truly rich and diverse culinary experience. Whether you’re dining at a five-star restaurant in Birmingham or enjoying craft beer at a cosy small-town brewery, Alabama serves up a feast for all the senses. Bring a hearty appetite and meet the award-winning chefs who transform local ingredients into edible works of art. From world-class goat’s cheese and fresh Gulf seafood to home-grown collards, sweet potatoes, and mouth-watering barbecue, you’re sure to find your personal favourites. Join us as we explore the bold, soulful flavours that make this Southern region truly unforgettable.

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