Top 10 Free Things To Do In Dutchess County, New York State

Dutchess County Tourism • 12 December 2017

1) Explore the CCS & Hessel Museum at Bard College: Features contemporary art exhibitions, curated by graduate students at this recently expanded and renovated museum.


2) Picnic on Mount Beacon: With spectacular views of the Hudson River Valley, Mt. Beacon is a challenging but rewarding hike. Follow one of the steep, dirt trails up the mountain and spot the ruins of the incline railroad along the way.


3) Walkway Over the Hudson : Spanning 1.28 miles over the Hudson River between Poughkeepsie and Highland, the Walkway Over the Hudson is an aerial State Historic Park. This restored historic railroad bridge hosts 500,000 visitors annually who walk, bike and run 212 feet above the Hudson River. Enjoy unparalleled views north to the Catskill Mountains and south to the Hudson Highlands.


4) Find out about local sports figures: Travel through Dutchess County's history of sports at the Sports Museum of Dutchess County.


5) Experience art in a whole new light: The Wassaic Project in Wassaic, NY encompasses art, film and music via ongoing exhibits, programs and open studio times. Free admission and free drop in art activities for K-12 youth and their families at the Art Nest.


6) Step back more than 200 years at Van Wyck Homestead Museum: The 1732 structure once served as an officer’s headquarters for the Continental Army.


7) Enjoy a summertime swim in the Hudson River: River Pool in Beacon provides a safe area for swimming and wading in the Hudson River for people of all ages.


8) Delve into the history of art at Vassar College: Enjoy the spacious campus while investigating art from Egyptian times to the present at the Francis Lehman Loeb Art Museum, designed by Cesar Pelli.


9) Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Centre: With more than 1,000-acres., the working farm teaches natural history, ecology and farming programs. Free seasonal events throughout the year, and open barn and greenhouse Saturdays and Sundays from 11am – 1 pm.


10) Stroll along the Poet's Walk Romantic Landscape Park: 120 acres of gardens, trails, gazebos, and breathtaking views of the Hudson River. Has encouraged inspiration for poets and artists alike for years, from Washington Irving to Pete Seeger, so don't forget your notebook! Off River Road in Red Hook.

Hidden Gems of Mississippi

by America As You Like It • 10 February 2026
Mississippi is a destination that combines the charm of seaside relaxation with cultural and historical richness. Quiet beaches and vibrant towns, boutique shopping, freshly caught seafood, and scenic landscapes. Mississippi is steeped in history, from Native American heritage to Civil War landmarks, and is renowned for its musical legacy. Its architecture includes impressive antebellum mansions, particularly in Natchez, providing a glimpse into the state’s elegant past. Amtrak rail services along the coast stop in Biloxi and Bay St. Louis, making it easy to explore without hiring a car. For those who do wish to venture further, a fly-drive holiday through the state reveals a wealth of attractions.

Our Guide to Cleveland, Ohio

by America As You Like It • 26 January 2026
Cleveland, Ohio is located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, close to the Canadian border and approximately 60 miles west of the Ohio–Pennsylvania state line. Enjoy its beautiful waterfronts, vibrant arts and entertainment scene, and a range of family-friendly experiences. Visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the West Side Market and catch the excitement of an NBA Cavaliers game, NFL Browns match or an MLB Guardians game.

Savour Oregon: Explore the State Through Its Flavours

by America As You Like It • 21 January 2026
Tucked into the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is a place where breathtaking landscapes meet warm, welcoming communities. From rugged coastlines and fertile valleys to creative cities and small town charm, the state’s beauty is matched only by its vibrant food and drink culture. Oregon is celebrated for its world-class wines and renowned wineries, fresh coastal seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, and iconic food truck scene. In this blog, we invite you to savour these flavours and discover the tastes, stories, and experiences that make Oregon an unforgettable destination.

Neighbourhoods & Districts: Discovering Oklahoma City

by America As You Like It • 8 December 2025
Welcome to Oklahoma City, a vibrant destination that blends Western heritage, modern culture and lively urban energy. Whether you are planning a fly-drive adventure or a weekend getaway, the city offers a rich mix of attractions, from historic stockyards and Route 66 landmarks to thriving arts districts and bustling nightlife. This blog will take you through the city’s most exciting neighbourhoods, helping you plan a truly memorable visit.

Oklahoma - Cowboys, Music And Culture

by America As You Like It • 5 December 2025
In this blog, we introduce you to the rich spirit of Oklahoma , a south–central state deeply rooted in Native American heritage and Old West tradition. Here, you can explore world-class Indigenous museums, historic tribal sites and vibrant powwows that celebrate centuries of culture. Oklahoma also offers striking landscapes, from rolling plains to dramatic cliffs, providing the perfect backdrop for a journey through America’s storied past. Make Oklahoma your next fly drive holiday destination, where history, culture and wide-open adventure come together.

Boston: A City of History, Culture and Celebration

by America As You Like It • 30 September 2025
With a spirit both timeless and ahead of the curve, the city of Boston offers an irresistible blend of revolutionary history and contemporary energy, a historic city but not the same old story as you will soon find! Learn more about the historic side of Boston and tour the world-famous Freedom Trail or see a different perspective from the Revolutionary Women tour or take a beautiful evening lantern tour. Seek out new initiatives on offer including the Chinatown Immigrant History Trail and Afrimerican Academy’s tours to discover yet more untold stories of Boston’s past. Walking tours of Harvard and MIT perfectly showcase the blend of history with the forward thinking and innovative nature of the city. Boston is the perfect city to explore year-round, with beauty to be found in every season from the elegance of Beacon Hill and Back Bay to the creative flair of Fort Point, the cultural mosaic of South End, Roxbury, Dorchester, and Chinatown, Boston’s neighbourhoods’ pulse with diversity. Outdoor concerts, seasonal Holiday stroll tours, pop-up markets, sporting events galore, green spaces and much more……here is just a taste of things to come…….

Southern Bites: Exploring the Flavours of Atlanta, Nashville & New Orleans

by America As You Like It • 16 September 2025
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.

Attractions in Missouri: Where Adventure, Culture, and History Converge

by America As You Like It • 5 June 2025
Iconic Landmarks and Architectural Wonders

Seven unforgettable experiences in Kentucky

by America As You Like It • 8 May 2025
Welcome to Kentucky , where bold adventures meet rich traditions. From sipping world-famous bourbon to watching thundering hooves at legendary racetracks. From ziplining through ancient caves to hiking through lush gorges, the Bluegrass State offers unforgettable moments for every kind of holiday.
More posts