DJFM26 FULL ISSUE

In the HILLS

Editor’s Letter

WELCOME TO OUR February/March winter issue, where we’ve pulled together some of our favorite finds, experiences, and inspirations from across Dutchess County. One of the things that makes this edition truly special is the incredible insider input we’ve received from members of our community. From local authors to longtime residents and business owners, so many people shared their favorite spots, must-try treats, and hidden gems.

If you’re craving a cozy afternoon, our roundup of Dutchess County bookshops is sure to inspire. Three local booksellers guide you to standout fiction and nonfiction titles, and even suggest nearby spots to sip hot cocoa while diving in. It’s the perfect way to embrace the winter season while supporting our local shops.

We visit Ashley Ruprecht and Jeffrey Schad, the husband-and-wife duo producing award-winning maple syrup on their Holmes farm. At Silo Ridge, interior designer Carly Ahlman shows how thoughtful design can transform a house into a warm, inviting retreat, perfect for a young family. We feature 9 Academy in Salisbury, a stylish guest house rental that blends boutique comfort with a welcoming, contemporary atmosphere. We also explore Bogardus Hall, the elegant Georgian estate spanning three centuries. For those keeping an eye on the market, our Bought and Sold 2025 roundup highlights a few of the homes that shaped the year. And for a special wintry meal, you must try the seasonal roasted whole chicken dinners at Troutbeck while they are serving them. Enjoy the issue—and don’t forget to share your own insider picks with us on Instagram!

Mary Beth Lawlor

Early Buzz

1 MOVIE TRIVIA

A t The Moviehouse, Millerton, typically the last Tuesday of the month. A fan-favorite tradition returns after a twomonth break

2 BAGELS & PIZZA

Boardman Bagels and Sourdough Pizza at Tri-Corner Feed, Millerton, seasonal, ongoing Fridays & Saturdays. Best bagels around, and that pizza is to die for.

3 CHARLIE CHAPLIN’S THE KID

Pine Plains, February 28, The Stissing Center screens Chaplin’s The Kid the way it was meant to be seen—with a live organ, and a reminder that silent films still speak volumes for all ages.

4 REVOLUTIONARY WHISKEY

S eries at Tenmile Distillery, March 12, Wassaic: History and whiskey, together at last.

5 MAPLE WEEKEND

Last two weekends of March, Dover Plains. Celebrate maple season with a farm tour. Think cinnamon rolls topped with maple frosting, and a side of maple cotton candy.

DUTCHESS

Contents / Winter / 2026

For a decade, Ashley Ruprecht and Jeffrey Schad have built a premium maple syrup brand on their Holmes, New York farm, blending their creative talents to craft award-winning bottles—while raising their young son. They’ve earned national acclaim—including Oprah’s praise for their signature amber syrup gift boxes. 32

ON THE COVER / Megan Martino / Photo by SABRINA EBERHARD

13

BOOK NOOKS

Dutchess County booksellers recommend standout fiction and nonfiction titles, plus cozy nearby spots for hot cocoa-fueled winter reading afternoons.

By Lambeth Hochwald

21

INSIDER TIPS

Local favorites spotlight: Megan Martino’s Rhinebeck picks, neighbors’ beloved spots, and author Amelia Wilson’s top Millerton discoveries revealed.

By HilLary Brown

50

SILO RIDGE STUNNER

Designer Carly Ahlman creates a contemporary Silo Ridge retreat in Amenia for a young NYC family embracing weekend country living.

By Jamie Marshall

GREEN RIVER GALLERY

ART OF THE 19TH AND 20TH

Boston Corners Rd., Millerton, NY 12546 • 518-789-3311

Just 5¾ miles north of Millerton

Saturday: 10-5, Sunday: 12-5, or by appointment

Winter in Dutchess County: Community insiders share their favorite spots, experiences, and local tips for the season.

The women at Vassar; and our local history of slavery

Book and hot cocoa recs, Northside Hub’s transformation, Plunging for the Special Olympics

Megan Martino’s Rhinebeck picks, neighbors’ beloved spots, and author Amelia Wilson’s Millerton faves

Ruprecht and Schad craft acclaimed maple syrup

Historic Georgian blending elegance and grandeur

Designers Cassidy & Teti’s stylish boutique guesthouse

A contemporaty Silo Ridge estate for a young family

A sampling of a few real estate transactions from 2025

Troutbeck’s

Stay in the Know!

Who WE ARE

LAMBETH HOCHWALD / writer

Lambeth Hochwald is a freelance writer and journalism professor who specializes in consumer lifestyle trends. In this issue, she asked three area booksellers to share their book (and hot cocoa) picks, and interviewed the co-founders of Laurel & Ash Farm.

HILLARY BROWN / writer

An avid equestrian, amateur gardener, and freelance writer, Hillary Brown has held editorial roles at Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Veranda, and more. In this issue, she spotlights the Northeast Dutchess Fund’s grassroots philanthropy, and uncovers best-kept secrets from Dutchess County insiders.

TARA KELLY / writer

In this issue, Tara Kelly tours the elegant and whimsical Bogardus Hall, a historic estate in Amenia. The 1781 house has been transformed multiple times over the centuries, most recently with elegance and a touch of whimsy. Kelly is the author of the memoir No Last Words.

RANA FAURE / photographer

Rana Faure, a former director of photography at Getty Images, now captures the people and places of the Hudson Valley. For this issue, she documented Laurel & Ash Farm in Holmes, showcasing Ashley Ruprecht and Jeffrey Schad’s maple syrup production and their bird-friendly, certified forest farm.

JAMIE MARSHALL / writer

Jamie Marshall is a freelance writer, equestrian, and skier who specializes in travel, interior design, and personality profiles. In this issue, she talks to designer Carly Ahlman about the stunning Silo Ridge custom estate home she created for a young New York City couple.

DUTCHESS

Winter 2026

MARY BETH LAWLOR

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

DEBORAH HAYN

Creative Director

VANESSA HAMMOND

Operations Manager

CYNTHIA HOCHSWENDER Copy Editor

ZANDRIA OLIVER

Production Assistant

ALEXANDRA MAZZA

Production Assistant

GEORGIA LOPRESTI

Event Manager

Contributing Writers

Hillary Brown, D.H. Callahan, Lambeth Hochwald, Tara Kelly, Jamie Marshall, Alexandra Mazza, Amelia Wilson

Contributing Photographers

Collin Bazzano, Sabrina Eberhard, Rana Faure

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DAVIS RAINES DESIGN

Looking Back

Liberty Delayed

By Alexandra Mazza

IN THE DECADES FOLLOWING the American Revolution, slavery remained embedded in Dutchess County. While ideals of liberty circulated widely, New York was the largest slaveholding state in the North and among the last to abolish slavery. In counties like Dutchess, where agriculture along the Hudson River relied on enslaved labor, bondage persisted well into the 19th century.

Enslaved people in Dutchess consistently challenged this system. Some risked fleeing their enslavers, directly rejecting their bondage. Others pursued less visible paths toward emancipation, seeking “express contracts” that allowed them to work toward their freedom. As decades passed without change, more people braved the dangers of escaping servitude. Even after New York’s gradual emancipation law of July 4, 1799—which freed those born after that date while still binding them to terms of service into early adulthood—runaway advertisements continued to appear. Local newspapers recorded more than 200 between 1785 and 1827, including several each year in the Poughkeepsie Journal alone.

Eventually, opposition to slavery grew among white observers influenced by Enlightenment ideas and Christian millennialism emerging from the Great Awakening. Abolitionists condemned slavery as economically outdated, morally offensive, and incompatible with natural rights. African Americans drew strength from this shift and, through negotiation, protest, and escape, made bondage increasingly difficult for enslavers. Their persistent resistance helped bring about New York’s legal end of slavery on July 4, 1827.

A Radical Idea

By D.H. Callahan

IN 1861, AS THE CIVIL WAR began, the United States was grappling with the notions of freedom and equality. This was a nation founded by white slave owners who had declared that only people like them could participate in the political process. Ninety-five years later, things were changing. The country was debating what it meant to be free and equal. But Matthew Vassar had no patience for this discussion. He believed real equality came through equal opportunity. At that time, many opportunities were reserved for highly educated white men of the Ivy League. So Vassar took action. He opened a school dedicated to the education of women, and held it to the exacting standards of those world-famous Ivy League institutions. He built the best facilities and filled them with the finest equipment, literature, and professors in the country.

Vassar students have succeeded in every imaginable industry, but the one that may be most important to the school’s mission is education itself.

In 1865, Vassar declared he wished to build an institution where “women shall be the teachers and educators of women.” In this pursuit, he was remarkably successful. Vassar alumnae have led nearly 20 institutions of higher education and have taught at— and even founded—countless others. By normalizing women’s education, educated women could help women.

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DUTCHESS

“So magical!!! Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.” [The Holiday Issue 2025] — @starkblooms

BATTENFELD’S

“Every year this is where I get my tree!!!” [“Christmas Tree Traditions at Battenfeld’s Tree Farm in Red Hook” The Holiday Issue 2025]— @elyse.harney.morris

“My favorite spot for a tree!” [“Christmas Tree Traditions at Battenfeld’s Tree Farm in Red Hook” The Holiday Issue 2025]— @lenore.hearts.litchfieldcounty

JOYANN KING

“Gorgeous and such fun!” [“A Country Christmas: One Millbrook Family Pulls Out All the Stops”

The Holiday Issue 2025]— @cece_cord

“The white room is my favorite. Christmas chicness.” [“A Country Christmas: One Millbrook Family Pulls Out All the Stops” The Holiday Issue 2025]— @tommy_buckett

IL FIGLIO

“Gorgeous always, but the holiday decor just hits it out of the park.” [“A Holiday Glow Up at Il Figlio Enoteca”

The Holiday Issue 2025] — @usthorne60

“Absolutely beautiful! Unbelievable food and drink, the best. Scott is great!” [“A Holiday Glow Up at Il Figlio Enoteca” The Holiday Issue 2025]— @elisa_pop_55

“Looking so festive! Love Il Figlio, and Scott is the best!!!” [“A Holiday Glow Up at Il Figlio Enoteca” The Holiday Issue 2025]— @vanessahuszar

ADEL CHEFRIDI

“Proud to feature the beautiful artistry of Adel in our gallery! Love the people too!!” [“Chefridi Jewels in Rhinebeck: Old World, New Rules” The Holiday Issue 2025]— @westongallery

No. 14

On Our RADAR

PERFECT PAIRINGS

BY LAMBETH HOCHWALD

On Our RADAR

A Book and a Cup of Cocoa

There’s no better place to spend a wintry afternoon than a cozy bookstore. Happily, we have lots of inviting bookshops in Dutchess County. Overwhelmed by the massive stacks of bestsellers? No worries. We asked three area booksellers to recommend fiction and nonfiction titles—and suggest some nearby spots where you can sip hot cocoa while turning the pages of your books.

Check out the stacked shelves at Oblong Books, with locations in Millerton and Rhinebeck; the selection is vast, and the vibe is super welcoming. “Our shops are toasty warm, with thousands of books to browse and plenty of cozy spots to sit,” says co-owner Suzanna Hermans.

HER PICKS:

FICTION: Cursed Daughters by  Oyinkan Braithwaite.

“From the author of the muchloved My Sister, the Serial Killer, this is a beautiful novel about three generations of Nigerian women struck by a curse to be unlucky in love.”

NONFICTION: The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund

Fitzgerald by  John U. Bacon.

“This is an impeccably researched, stunningly told true story of the famous 1975 shipwreck that took 29 lives. A must-read.”

HOT COCOA PICK: All That Java. “This is such a welcoming and simple coffee spot,” Hermans says. “Plus, it’s right next to our Rhinebeck store.”

—oblongbooks.com

—allthatjava.net

Over in Millbrook, Kira Wizner, the owner of Merritt Bookstore, says a customer once described her cozy shop in the best way: “She said, ‘With your sunny attitude, this is the place to be.’”

HER PICKS:

FICTION: Flashlight by Susan Choi. “This book moves along in one direction, and then dives into a zone that makes the payoff so big, it’s shocking, illuminating, and satisfying.”

NONFICTION: Sad Tiger by Neige Sinno. “This is a bear-witness book about a woman who was abused by her stepfather; it brings to light something oft  swept under the rug, looked past, and ignored.”

HOT COCOA PICK: Babette’s Kitchen. “You can get yours with whipped cream and an artisanal marshmallow,” she says. “This is  very often our go-to afternoon snack!”

—merrittbookstore.com

—babetteskitchen.com

Connect with community while browsing the stacks. Andrea Talarico, co-owner of indie favorite Stanza Books in Beacon, is sure of one thing. “Everyone tells us that they find books here they’d never heard of—and plenty they have,” she says. “Also, you know what they say about old friends and new? You can make both at Stanza.”

HER PICKS:

FICTION: Divine Run: A Sister Holiday Mystery by Margot Douaihy. “These neo-noir stories feature as their amateur sleuth Sister Holiday, a queer, tattooed, chain-smoking, former punk musician now music teacher and nun at New Orleans’ Saint Sebastian’s School. Come for the mystery, stay for the poetic prose and character depth.”

NONFICTION: We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution by Jill Lepore. “We’re coming up on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution, and who better than Jill Lepore to guide us through a totally new history of our nation’s foundational document. Lepore provides insight, nuance, and vision.”

HOT COCOA PICK: Hudson Valley Marshmallow Company. “We’re spoiled to have some of the best homemade cocoa and marshmallows around,” Talarico says. “It’s located in Beacon’s historic district, right next to our shop.” —stanzabooks.com —hudsonvalleymarshmallow.com

Better at Home

Colu Henry’s approach to cooking is centered on joy, connection, and meals that feel effortless at home. Split between Hudson, New York, and Nova Scotia, Henry has spent more than 20 years in the hospitality industry, yet she has found that the best meals often happen in one’s own kitchen.

Her new cookbook, Better at Home: Recipes for Big Nights In (Abrams, $40), captures that philosophy with recipes that are sophisticated yet approachable, designed for both food lovers and home cooks.

The book offers a playful mix of cocktails, snacks, sides, and hearty main dishes. Guests might try a Fizzy Negroni Pompelmoes or an Amaro Spritz, snack on Italian Shrimp Toast or Fried Sausage–Stuffed Olives, and explore deeply satisfying vegetarian sides like Butter Rice with Roasted Tomatoes. Signature dishes range from Cappelletti in Brodo with Mortadella Meatballs to Roast Carrots with Cilantro Yogurt and Roasted Pistachios, each reflecting Henry’s focus on seasonal ingredients and thoughtful flavor combinations. With Better at Home arriving March 10, 2026, Henry shows that home cooking can be elegant without being intimidating.

TRASH TO TREASURE

Abandoned site transformed into green community hub

BY ML BALL

›What does environmental stewardship existing hand in hand with urban revitalization look like? Take a stroll inside, and just as importantly, outside Scenic Hudson’s newly completed Northside Hub in Poughkeepsie, and it becomes unmistakably clear.

Just steps from Walkway Over the Hudson, this 100-year-old industrial manufacturing building (which once housed a Ford Motor Company subsidiary, and later the Standard Gage factory) sat derelict for decades, surrounded by contaminated soil and groundwater.

Now, after a Herculean five-year renovation and cleanup, the

photograph by JEFF MERTZ / COURTESY OF

site is home to Scenic Hudson’s staff offices, an auditorium, gallery spaces, a covered open-air pavilion and terrace event space, and three acres of outdoor parkland. Future plans include tenant opportunities for a restaurant, retail, or office space.

Yet the Northside Hub represents far more than a mid-size city’s latest urban renewal project. It signals a shift in paradigm. Instead of the “tear down and rebuild” mentality of the past, it embodies a direction of “reuse and adapt.” Beyond a highly innovative reclamation, it is the return of an abandoned space to active use by its surrounding community, in a neighborhood long marginalized by redlining and disinvestment.

Says Scenic Hudson president Ned Sullivan, “When Scenic Hudson was first introduced to this property, its shattered windows and polluted grounds were the picture of neglect— but we also saw a special place with

On Our RADAR

a promising future. On the factory floors where the Standard Gage Company manufactured cutting-edge instruments during much of the 20th century, we’ve started a new chapter of innovation. The Northside Hub is not only a stunning, sustainable home for Scenic Hudson, it’s also a vibrant community resource for our home city of Poughkeepsie and its visitors.”

It is also a net zero building, meaning that it generates more electricity than it uses. Aligning with Scenic Hudson’s mission of protecting the health and beauty of the Hudson Valley for future generations, the six-building campus utilizes rooftop solar arrays, air and water source heat pumps, natural lighting, a rainwater collection and retention system, a green roof, and angled solar panels and timber canopies to shade the parking lot.

It also features “trickle vents” to heat and cool the building—a stateof-the-art system, and the first of its

kind in the United States—which provide up to twice the amount of fresh air compared to traditional systems. The structural engineering team consisted of all women, and many laborers involved in the project are locals, able to directly benefit from the transformation.

The project’s lead architect, Justin Brown of MASS Design Group, says that the Northside Hub “represents MASS’s commitment to adaptive reuse as the lowest-carbon approach to development. It exemplifies the practice of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,’ at the building and urban scale.”

Amazingly, fittingly, the former factory—which played a key role in World War II, and was visited by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943, who gave it an award for Excellence in Production—is once again at the forefront of technological innovation, boldly stepping into its second act.

Local Love

by Hillary Brown

The question came up again and again during Wendy Curtis’s time on the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF) board: What do you do locally?

In 2001, the Millerton resident turned that question into action, helping launch NorthEast Dutchess Fund (NED)—the first of the foundation’s nine area funds.

Twenty-five years later, more than $5 million has flowed into grants that support art programs, legal clinics, food pantries, and health care across the county. Grant decisions flow through a committee of local advisors who know their towns and neighbors firsthand.

One recent success story involved an elderly couple facing winter with a badly damaged roof. Working with a local housing organization, NED provided an emergency grant for repairs, and the couple was back home for Thanksgiving.

The challenges continue to grow, as the need for food assistance surges, housing costs threaten to displace seniors and low-wage workers, and getting to doctors, jobs, and essential services grows harder as rural transit vanishes.

“None of this would be possible without partnerships,” says Sarah Stack, NED’s current chair and a Clinton Corners resident. “We rely on local nonprofits alerting us to the greatest needs, community members who understand the importance of helping neighbors, and BTCF for their resources and expertise.”

A COLD LEAP FOR GOOD

Community Rallies for Special Olympics Athletes

BY PAMELA BROWN

›On a cold, late-February morning in the Hudson Valley—when staying indoors feels like the sensible choice—hundreds of people will do the opposite. They will step outside, gather with friends, families, coworkers, first responders, and athletes, and willingly plunge into icy water for a cause that has become one of the region’s most beloved winter traditions: supporting Special Olympics

New York’s Hudson Valley athletes. The annual Polar Plunge is equal parts bravery and celebration—and a powerful reminder of what happens when a community rallies behind inclusion. Participants return year after year, united by a belief that everyone deserves the chance to participate, compete, and belong.

The event’s roots are deeply tied to law enforcement. Nearly three decades ago, during a conference in Hawaii, a Special Olympics athlete jokingly dared Town of Poughkeepsie police officer Chris Hamel to take part in a Polar Plunge. What began as a lighthearted challenge grew into a statewide fundraising movement that now raises millions of dollars annually for Special Olympics New York.

Today, the Polar Plunge is one of the most visible initiatives within the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), a global movement of officers dedicated to supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities. In New York alone, thousands of law enforcement officers and first responders participate each year, raising more than $3 million through Polar Plunges, Tip-a-Cops, Dine-to-Donate fundraisers, and community outreach.

“We’ve seen this grow into a statewide tradition that unites families and officers—and athletes,” says Hamel. “Those athletes are the heart of the event, they’re the reason people keep coming back.”

This year marks a significant new chapter for the Hudson Valley Polar Plunge. Historically held at Sharpe Reservation, the event outgrew the site as participation soared. For the first time, Special Olympics New York is introducing a mobile plunge unit, allowing the Dutchess County Polar Plunge to expand across three locations over one impactful weekend.

Firemen look on while the Special Olympics New York participants do their polar plunge.

For three days, from February 27 through March 1, participants will plunge at Marist University, Heritage Financial Park in Wappingers Falls, and Eastdale Village in Poughkeepsie. The expanded format makes participation easier than ever, inviting more schools, businesses, and community members to join in.

“We’re thrilled to partner with these locations,” says Susanne O’Neil, director of development for the Hudson Valley Region. “Their support allows us to raise critical funds and awareness, and provide year-round athletic training and competition at no cost to our athletes or their families.”

Ask participants why they come out, and the answers are simple and consistent: because inclusion matters, because the athletes inspire them, and because being part of something bigger feels good. Throughout the Polar Plunge, Special Olympics athletes are front and center—cheering with cowbells, holding handmade signs, and, in many cases, plunging themselves.

With heated tents, fire pits, live radio broadcasts, tailgating gatherings, and a festive crowd, the Polar Plunge is far more than a fundraiser. It’s a celebration of generosity, courage, and community spirit—proof that even in the coldest moments, the Hudson Valley shows up with warmth. Register at PolarPlungeNY.org/DutchessCounty

Insider Tips

From hidden gems to longtime favorites, these are the spots our local experts can’t live without. From artisanal doughnuts and specialty meats to cozy coffee shops and secret dining experiences, each recommendation captures a bit of Dutchess County’s charm— and a taste of why locals love calling this region home.

Megan’s Rhinebeck

Beauty Insider’s Guide to Rhinebeck’s Go-To Tables, Trails, Shops, and Community Haunts

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SABRINA EBERHARD

MEGAN MARTINO is the founder of La Tua Bella and Rain Spa, both in Rhinebeck. A Hudson Valley beauty pioneer, she built the region’s first beauty bar, expanded to a full-service spa and wedding team, and continues to blend artistry, warmth, and community. Here she shares her faves.

VILLAGE PIZZA, RHINEBECK

Owner Al Mazzella’s big Brooklyn laugh and welcoming spirit make his shop feel like family—and inspired the warmth Martino brings to her own businesses, as her salon began next

door 14 years ago before expanding. “You can taste the love in every slice.”

A weekly tradition for Martino and her son as he was growing up.

THE BEEKMAN ARMS & TAVERN, RHINEBECK

Home to Rain Spa and La Tua Bella, located in the village’s historic 1800s firehouse. Martino loves the deep history of America’s oldest inn and recommends stopping by the tavern for a glass of wine with bartender Terri, whose knowledge and radiant smile make every visit memorable.

POETS’ WALK, RED HOOK

Martino’s go-to for Hudson River views and quiet reflection. She often walks here with her mother—her best friend—and especially loves watching the seasons change. Dog-friendly and deeply peaceful.

FIRE TOWER AND LOCAL HIKING TRAILS

The fire tower just outside Rhinebeck, along with trails in Beacon and Woodstock, feed Martino’s lifelong love of mountains and the outdoors.

STARR PARK, RHINEBECK

Martino recommends it to families for connection, play, and community.

MILLERTON RAIL TRAIL, MILLERTON

“My favorite biking trail in Dutchess County—always paired with a stop at Harney & Sons for tea.”

SOL SMOOTHIE BAR, RHINEBECK

Martino’s go-to for coffee and smoothies. Her brother John roasts the beans, and brews everything fresh. Favorite order: the California Dreaming smoothie, inspired by the laid-back California vibe.

RHINECELLAR, RHINEBECK

An underground speakeasy that Martino loves for cocktails. She admires owner Jenny’s strong and fierce spirit.

GIGI TRATTORIA, RHINEBECK

A favorite lunch spot in town. “Owner Laura is not only a talented restaurateur but also a driving force for connection and empowerment in our village.”

TERRAPIN RESTAURANT, RHINEBECK

Farm-to-table dining with a special shout-out to Alex behind the bar. He makes the best Dirty Martini.

MARKET STREET, RHINEBECK

Home of her favorite kale salad, fries, and the best Burnt Venetian—thanks to Nicole.

KIPS TAVERN, RHINECLIFF

“My top choice for date night: candlelit, romantic, with stunning river sunsets. Go for the chicken Milanese or risotto.”

AROI, RHINEBECK

Thai food, and the best takeout in town.

RHINEBECK BAGELS

Breakfast staple—sausage, egg, and cheese, or turkey chili soup.

RHINEBECK FARMERS MARKET

A Sunday must for fresh produce and flowers.

WALKWAY OVER THE HUDSON

“One of my favorite places for walking and biking, with unbeatable views.”

MILLBROOK WINERY

Her favorite local winery.

BETSY JACARUSO GALLERY, RHINEBECK

A favorite art stop in Dutchess County.

RHINEBECK SHOPPING FAVORITES

Willowwood, Cesare & Lili, Paper Trail, Upstate Down, Hammertown, Oblong Books, and BKMC (Brooklyn Millinery Company) for custom hats.

EASTDALE VILLAGE, POUGHKEEPSIE

Favorites include Freddy B and Daffodils. Martino often visits on Thursdays between clients while working as a brow specialist at Jolie Med Spa.

DUTCHESS COUNTY FAIR, RHINEBECK

“My favorite event of the year for everything from live music to footlong corn dogs and 4-H milkshakes; it’s a tradition I still enjoy with my son.”

LOCAL LIVE MUSIC SCENE

Krog, Rhinecellar, and the Rhinebeck Chamber of Commerce summer music series. Martino proudly serves on the Chamber’s events committee, supporting the local community she loves.

Local Picks

BY HILLARY BROWN

Jason Karadus

From hidden gems to longtime favorites, these are the spots our local experts can’t live without. From artisanal doughnuts and specialty meats to cozy coffee shops and secret dining experiences, each recommendation captures a bit of Dutchess County’s charm—and a taste of why locals love calling this region home.

Corcoran, Country Living Hudson Valley Owner, Principal Broker

The Tasting Room, Chef Daniel’s funky 15-seat restaurant (it’s like having dinner at a friend’s) serves-up the best ramen and pork buns outside of Tokyo, on Tuesdays through Thursdays. Take-out or dine in. It’s not advertised and not on the menu, you just know if you know!

The Tasting Room Restaurant 3767 Rte. 9G, Rhinebeck, mytastings.com

Driving across the Rhinecliff Bridge and seeing the Catskill Mountains rising majestically beyond the Hudson River will never get old.

Tammy Valentino, Massage Therapist

Nina Embiricos Riga Yoga, owner

I love The Corner Store at Hotel Tivoli. It features a beautiful curation of clothing and objects, many of which are made locally. The store at Chaseholm Farm is my favorite farm stand. They sell yogurt, meats, cheeses, and everything in between.

The Corner Store at Hotel Tivoli 53 Broadway, Tivoli

Evelyn Friedman Rhinebeck Resident

Beekman Arms Antiques Market, a well-kept secret tucked behind Rhinebeck’s historic inn, is a treasure trove of jewelry, paintings, furniture, and vintage clothing.

Beekman Arms Antique Market & Gallery 28 W. Market St., Rhinebeck beekmandelamaterinn.com

Red Hook Golf Club and the Grove Restaurant are my regular hangouts. The golf is great and the restaurant/bar is top notch.

Red Hook Golf Club 430, 650 Rte. 199, Red Hook, redhookgolfclub.com

Eric Salzman, Finance Exec and High-Handicap Golfer

Steve Bruman + Tom Ambler BANGALLWORKS

Quattro’s is our go-to for specialty foods and butcher-cut meats, their wide selection of pasta, and excellent smoked goods—especially the smoked fontina cheese. Go, Joyce!

Quattro’s Farm Store

2251 Rte. 44, Pleasant Valley quattros.net

Cynthia Hochswender

Christie’s International Real Estate, Realtor

A don’t blink or you’ll miss it treat: Farmer Julie Schroeder sells asparagus in late May, grown and fresh-picked daily at Silamar Farm. Choose slender or fat stalks from the bin; the harvest depends on the weather, so call first if you’re coming from a long distance. If you’re lucky, there might also be freshly foraged morel mushrooms. Through the summer season, look for fresh berries, flowers, rhubarb, salad greens, and more.

Silamar Farm 5744 Rte. 22, Millerton

What kind of a crazy town has a store devoted only to marshmallows? Is there a better way to treat yourself after a walk down Main Street?

Hudson Valley Marshmallow Company 510 Main St., Beacon, hudsonvalleymarshmallow.com

Chris Meyer, Savage Wonder

Mighty Donuts is one of my favorite spots. Their playlist is great, almost as great as the Brown Butter Donut, which is the bomb.

Mighty Donuts 7265 S. Broadway, Red Hook, mightydonuts.com

Emma Davies, Upstate Pilates, Pilates Instructor

Deborah Valchar Stanford University, HR Director

JB Peel is a neighborhood gem. They offer a great variety of beans freshly ground to your liking, and the wonderful staff is so knowledgeable.

JB Peel Coffee & Tea 7361 S. Broadway, Red Hook jbpeelcoffee.com

The Wayside Stand tops our list. The luscious, local produce is beautifully presented with inspiring origin stories and cooking tips. We eagerly await opening day in May.

Montgomery Place Orchards Market 4283 Rte. 9G, Red Hook montgomery-place-orchards.com

Serine Hastings & Maureen Missner, Co-owners of Paper Trail

I love grabbing tea and a croissant at Greig Farm’s cafe after picking up fresh produce. It’s a beautiful setting, and the farm workers and staff are so friendly.

Greig Farm Market & Cafe 227 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook, thegreigfarm.com

Bruce Brown, Clinton Corners Resident

Byron Anderson

Hudson Valley Team at Compass, Real Estate Broker, Principal

Stonewood Farm is one of my favorite places in the county. It’s a hugely responsible organization that provides locally grown produce and meal outreach to food insecure in our area. There are monthly dinners that are inspired by Chef Kristin and guest chefs, and there are also volunteer opportunities for people of all ages. A small farm that packs a big punch!

Stonewood Farm 110 Bangall Rd., Millbrook stonewoodny.org

Kathleen Davis

Poughkeepsie Resident

This cozy neighborhood Irish pub and restaurant is a favorite of mine. Small-town feel, delicious authentic Irish fare with reasonable prices, large portions, and friendly family-owned atmosphere (vegan meals, as well!). In summer, dine outside. The Hudson River is nearby; enjoy views of the Mid-Hudson Bridge.

Erin O’Neill’s Pub & Grill

135 N. Water St., Poughkeepsie oneills-pub.com

Kira Wizner

Merritt Bookstore, Proprietor

Sunday morning we figure out who is going to head over to Vitsky Bakery in Wassaic, to make sure we have sourdough for the week and something sweet for breakfast. If we make it on Friday, challah is our first choice! I also enjoy heading over to Canoe Hill in Millbrook at the end the day—whether to linger over a glass of wine and some olives, or watch a friend enjoy oysters, before we settle in for dinner.

Vitsky Bakery

3 Main St., Wassaic vitskybakery.com

The Four Brothers Pizza locations across the Hudson Valley serve quality, handmade meals with great service. The Amenia location has a really cool, full-service drivein theater with double features every night in the summer, mini golf, and even oldschool car-hop service!

Four Brothers Drive-In 4957 NY-22, Amenia, playeatdrink.com

Alexandra Mazza, Wassaic Resident

Golden Russet is my local go-to for a BEC or burger. But the real move is following up with a warm, crispy, buttery slice of griddled banana bread. Next level.

Golden Russet Cafe & Grocery 835 Fiddlers Bridge Rd., Rhinebeck, goldenrussetcafe.com

Jared Rosenberg, Not Donuts Records, Proprietor

Amelia’s Local Favorites

Amelia Wilson writes the bestselling Substack newsletter Happy on Purpose, on habits, happiness, and thriving in midlife.

A NATIVE OF Australia, Amelia Wilson lives in Millerton with her husband, two teenagers, and their dog, Ollie. The whole family loves the area’s natural beauty, farmto-table cuisine, and yearround sporting activities.

Here are Amelia’s favorite cold-weather places in and around Millerton—the spots she takes winter houseguests to show off the area’s best!

ILLUSTRATIONS BY

Restaurants

n HARNEY TEA SHOP

Browse locally made teas and gifts, then stay for lunch in the coziest place in Millerton. The food is exceptional: English scones, sandwiches, curries, salads, soup, and gourmet tater tots!

n THE WOODLAND

This Lakeville restaurant is a family favorite with

something for everyone, including excellent sushi, oysters, steak, and more. The warm atmosphere and generous portions are especially inviting in winter.

n OAKHURST DINER

This Millerton hangout features breakfast classics, burgers, avocado toast, tacos, and pho. I love the Cobb or quinoa salad for lunch—and don’t miss the milkshakes made with local Ronnybrook milk.

n STISSING HOUSE

In nearby Pine Plains, you’ll find wood-burning fireplaces, exceptional service, and celebrated American and Britishinspired comfort food in a historic 1782 tavern. Reservations are tough, but early arrivals can usually snag bar seats.

n TENMILE DISTILLERY

Whisky, gin, and vodka are distilled in a stunning barn in Amenia with a wood-burning fireplace. The restaurant serves exceptional cocktails and food.

n WILLA A farm-to-table restaurant on Main Street in Millerton, perfect for

Amelia Wilson writes the bestselling Substack newsletter Happy on Purpose, sharing insights on habits, happiness, and midlife thriving. Scan the QR code to subscribe today.

dinner before or after a movie at The Moviehouse. We love the burgers, bites, appetizers (including fresh focaccia and Japanese-style fried chicken) and the excellent full bar.

Shops

n WESTERLIND Unique, high-quality, heritage clothing and home brands from Europe, including $30 scented candles, Scandinavian cold-weather gear, plus a fabulous mini grocery mart. This is the Millerton branch of the multi-store and online company.

n DUTCHESS TRADING COMPANY

An eclectic store in a much-loved and historic Millerton building; you’ll find Lambertson Truex bags, French wool slippers, Marvis toothpaste, cozy knits, and a wall of

n MONTAGE ANTIQUES

Every antique store on Millerton’s Main Street is worth perusing, but this is my favorite. Bunny Williams and other design luminaries pop by for treasures from the owners’ regular European buying trips.

n ABODE HOME GOODS

A curated selection of design-forward home products in a tiny Millerton shop, with tablecloths, vases, salt and pepper shakers, alarm clocks, and original art.

n JOIE MAISON In Salisbury, this gift store is open every day and carries barware, Simon Pearce glassware, and clothing and accessories for women and children. Pop across the street for a meal at The White Hart, or get coffee and cake from Sweet William’s.

from The Met Opera and The National Theatre. Exceptional popcorn, Harney teas, local beers, and wine.

n SKIING Catamount and Mohawk are closest, and Butternut is a short drive away.

Winter Activities

n SNOWSHOEING AND CROSS-COUNTRY

SKIING Wethersfield and the Harlem Valley Rail Trail (which runs through Millerton) offer beautiful winter trails.

n MOVIES The Moviehouse shows new releases, blockbusters,

Poughkeepsie’s Olympic Speed Star

Clayton DeClemente shines at Olympics 2026

Clayton DeClemente’s rise from Hudson Valley kid to Olympic short‑track finalist is the kind of under‑the‑radar story that defines the 2026 Winter Games. The 26‑year‑old Poughkeepsie native, a 2017 Arlington High School graduate, started skating at 11 after playing roller hockey — his mother noticed he zipped around the house with a speed and low stance more suited to racing than stickhandling.

He fell in love with short track quickly after joining a club in nearby Connecticut, and his early coach spotted in him the key traits of an elite skater: body control and a high

tolerance for pain — essential when you’re racing around a 111‑meter oval at speeds approaching 30 mph. After breaking his ankle at 14, he was back on the ice by season’s end, a sign of the grit that would carry him to the world stage.

DeClemente moved to Salt Lake City to train full‑time and joined the U.S. Short Track National Team in 2020. He’s competed at multiple World Championships and consistently ranked as the top American in both the 1,000‑ and 1,500‑meter events this season, earning his spot on Team USA for Milan‑Cortina 2026.

At the Olympics, DeClemente advanced out of the heats in the men’s

1,000m, punching his ticket into the final — a remarkable achievement for a first‑time Olympian and testament to years of steady improvement against some of the world’s best. While the United States hasn’t medaled in short track since 2018, his presence in the finals signals the growing strength of the American program and inspires young skaters back home who see someone from a small Hudson Valley rink compete at the highest level. Off the ice, DeClemente balances training with work around the Olympic Oval, keeps grounded with hobbies like cooking and music, and embraces his personal mantra: “Take advantage of every day.”

BY

Partners in love, life, and business, Jeff Schad and Ashley Ruprecht are constantly expanding—and refining—their products.

FOR THE PAST DECADE,

Ashley Ruprecht and Jeffrey Schad have been hard at work creating a high-end maple syrup brand, all on their own, tapping the glorious sugar and red maple trees dotting their 50-acre property in Holmes, New York.

This husband-and-wife team is also the kind of married couple who finish each other’s sentences—and respect each other’s skills.“Jeffrey does a lot of the farm operations and is able to fix things, while I handle social media and sales,” says Ruprecht, who worked as a model, advertising and marketing executive, and founder of her own millinery brand, before pivoting into maple syrup production.

One place where their roles always overlap: the creative vision for the company—and the joy of raising their six-year-old son, who delights in sugaring season.

“We’re always collaborating on the products, what works and what doesn’t,” says Schad, a former photographer and creative director. “We concentrate on the creative nucleus of the company and are focused on making the highest quality stuff we can.”

The couple’s Grade A maple syrup, tapped, wood-fired, wax-sealed, and bottled in hand numbered glass bottles featuring black and gold labels, even captured Oprah’s attention in 2022, when she declared the brand’s bestselling amber syrup, presented in a wooden gift box, one of her “favorite things.”

So how did two creatives, who were once living in Brooklyn, become syrup makers? Fact is, the

Wood firing is a key part of how maple syrup is processed. The packaging elevates the brand— and offers a peek inside each bottle.

couple weren’t planning to make maple syrup when they purchased this property, formerly a cattle farm, in 2015. “We thought this would be a weekend home, or we’d start farming once we retired,” Ruprecht says, adding that when they moved to the farm full-time in 2016, they were mostly making soap and growing vegetables. “We started making maple syrup for fun, with buckets hanging from the trees along our driveway, and soon realized we wanted to focus on creating the best maple products possible.”

A year later, they were all in, and decided to turn the project into a commercial operation. Since then, they’ve expanded their facilities and flavors, including a spicy maple syrup using peppers grown in the region, adding an heirloom-grade pancake mix and a line of maple and apple cider vinegars.

“The vinegars we’ve been making have been an extremely surprising product for us, a bestseller, especially in the summer and during the holidays,” Ruprecht says.

Hearing from repeat customers has been greatly satisfying, Schad says.

“It’s been incredible how many people tell us they will only buy our syrup or vinegar,” he says. “It’s so endearing to make something from your land and two hands, and have someone appreciate it so much,” he says. “It’s the ultimate reward.”

Ultimately, Ruprecht says she feels lucky that she and Schad have become “accidental farmers” and that they’re able to make a product that doesn’t harm the property or upset the land.

“We love that this is a way of farming that’s holistic,” she says. “Everything was here. We just had to tap into it.”—laurelandash.farm

An Elegant Reimagining

History and Whimsy Come Together at Bogardus Hall

BY TARA KELLY

Andrea Walton transformed Bogardus Hall, restoring elements of its Georgian past, circa 1780s, adding a delightful mashup of 18th-century designs, and creating a cozy modern home as well.

THE ELEGANT, SPRAWLING GEORGIAN

sits close by a busy county road, screened by a towering cedar hedge; but passers-by can catch an enticing glimpse of a brick façade, chimneys, cupolas, and a stable. The grandeur seems unlikely for the location. What is this place? Who lives there?

Built for Jacob Bogardus, a wealthy trade merchant, in 1781 it was surrounded by hundreds of acres of farmland and woods. For reasons unknown, Bogardus sold the property within 10 years, to the Morehouse family. Prosperous dairy farmers, they held onto it for five generations, through World War II, transforming it in 1871, from a Georgian to a mansard-roofed Victorian, with a wrap-around porch, and a ballroom on the third floor.

“The house was in Connecticut until 1909 when they changed the border and it became part of New York state,” says current owner Andrea Walton. “The driveway is the state line. There was nothing in those days between Troutbeck and Bogardus Hall.”

Walton discovered Bogardus Hall in the late 1980s, when she and her husband were looking for a place in the country. Most of the houses they looked at were clapboard Colonials with low ceilings. “Willem, who’s tall, was always ducking through doorways. This house fit him, with its high ceilings, large doorways, and hallways big enough to dance in,” Walton says.

The circular stair incorporates playful elements like ship’s lanterns, painted portholes, and a captain’s wheel. The dining room has an 18th-century aura, with its ornate ceiling medallion, candlelit Russian glass chandelier, carved wooden wall sconces, and candelabra that provide light in the evening.

“During the renovation, we discovered that the house had been used as part of the Underground Railroad.”

Walton loved the spaciousness of the house, and she wanted a place where her two boys could run free and explore; the Webutuck Creek runs through the property. “The boys spent a lot of time outdoors.” But after ten years of living in a house where the kitchen was in a narrow butler’s pantry, she decided to renovate.

Working with Jonathan Lanman of Trumbull Architects, the renovation took four years. “It began with the removal of a modern multi-purpose room at the back of the house. In its place we built The Brick Room, incorporating the original exterior brick wall,” Walton says. They also removed the mansard roof and replaced it with a tile hip roof, in keeping with the original structure. The new kitchen got its own domed stone wing.

“During the renovation, we discovered that the house had been used as part of the Underground Railroad. Hiding places were found in the walls,” Walton says.

Walton cares deeply about the details, and values artisan craftmanship, Lanman says. “She found a French metal worker in Passaic, N.J., to create the iron handrail for the staircase; and a craftsman in Hyde Park, N.Y., who carved the drawing room mantlepiece. The renovation was a creative reimagining while staying true to the house’s Georgian roots.”

“I replaced all the doors and hardware, installed pocket doors between the library and

the drawing room, and added the rondelles on the drawing room ceiling, and in the front hall and library,” Walton says. “I took inspiration for those from Harewood House,” an estate in Yorkshire, England.

She also appreciates the whimsical. She replaced the narrow staircase with a circular stairway, and commissioned a mural that progresses from the first to the third floor. “It was inspired by a Gracie Wallpapers design, but we took poetic license. We had family and friends painted in, riding, fishing, and picnicking in different vignettes,” Walton says. And they transformed the third-floor ballroom into the Captain’s Quarters, as a place for the boys to play, complete with a ship’s steering wheel overlooking the staircase.

“Things are supposed to be fun,” she says. Walton talks fondly about Bogardus Hall. “The house seemed to like everything we did. Every new project, it seemed to say, ‘Bring it on.’” n

A serene relaxing vibe suffuses 9 Academy’s three spacious suites, thanks to a neutral color palette, and contemporary furnishings and accessories. Limewashed walls add a textural touch, while the black kitchen cabinetry is sleek and sophisticated.

Stylish Digs

9 Academy Puts out the Welcome Mat

BY JAMIE MARSHALL / PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN GRUEN

LIKE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO FIND THEIR WAY TO NORTHWESTERN CONNECTICUT,

interior designers Aidan Cassidy and Charles Teti of Cassidy & Teti Interiors first started coming to Litchfield County as weekenders, more than 30 years ago.

“We fell in love with the area and its beauty, and in particular Salisbury,” recalls Teti, who spent much of his career as a menswear designer. When COVID hit, they pulled up stakes in New York City and moved here full time. They bought a place in Salisbury, and that series of decisions led to a “Eureka!” moment. “As we settled into the area, we recognized there was a potential business opportunity,” says Teti. Specifically, a guesthouse that would combine the space and amenities of a home with the style, luxury, and plentiful towels of your favorite boutique hotel.

In 2021, they bought a simple building on Academy Street just off Main Street, and set about bringing their

vision to life. Working with a local builder, they took the building down to the studs and rebuilt from the ground up. “It was an antique house at one time,” says Cassidy, “and was definitely in need of some love.”

The driving force behind 9 Academy was twofold. “We wanted to be able to offer something new and fresh—we were very cognizant of not repeating what was already in the market,” says Teti. “At the same time, we were very cautious and careful to make it feel like you are still in rural Connecticut.”

The Loft Suite (opposite) on the third floor has 10-foot cathedral ceilings and a private balcony, while the Garden Suite (below) opens onto a lovely private green space. Bathrooms—two with soaking tubs—have a spa-like feel and provide a luxurious retreat at the end of a busy day.

They opened in 2023 and, judging by the response, they have succeeded. The property comprises three spacious guest suites, each with its own private entry and outdoor space (the first-floor Garden Suite has a—yes—small garden). The second-floor Parlor Suite has a reading nook, and a set of stairs to its own green space. The third-floor Loft Suite has a private terrace with a view of the village.

Light-filled and airy, each suite has an open floor plan for easy flow, a fully equipped kitchen, a washer and dryer, and dreamy Le Labo bath products.

But what really sets 9 Academy apart is the thoughtful design. The decor and finishes throughout have a sleek sophisticated feel: limewashed walls and ceilings, bleached oak floors, Belgian flat-weave area rugs, Italian matte ceramic tile with underfloor heating in the bathrooms, and draperies and custom bedding made of flax linen. Furnishings and accessories are done in a neutral palette of taupe, cream, and khaki.

As former weekenders, Cassidy and Teti have gone to great pains to ensure their guests know about all the area highlights. The check-in/check-out process is easy and efficient thanks to contactless arrival and keyless entry. Communication is primarily by email and text. “It’s the way people communicate today. We learned pretty quickly how to walk the line between outreach and respecting their privacy,” says Cassidy. “In a nutshell, we are a guest house for the modern traveler.” —9Academy.com

Light-filled and airy, each suite has an open floor plan for easy flow

Silo Ridge Stunner

The perfect getaway for a young family

BY JAMIE

Walking into the living room, visitors are captivated by the view. A stone hearth anchors one end of the space, while the dining table, with its woven leather chairs, anchors the other. The family room downstairs has a custom snack cabinet. Fabrics and accessories throughout are both contemporary and timeless. “Durability was key,” says the designer.

DESIGNER CARLY AHLMAN has a knack for creating warm, inviting interiors for second home-owners. So, when she was presented with the opportunity to do a project at Silo Ridge for a young couple from New York City, she jumped at the chance.

“They’re a really fun couple,” she says. “This is their first home, their first interior design project, and their first build. They wanted a place where they could entertain and bring friends and spend weekends.”

The icing on the cake for Ahlman? “It’s fun to create a residence that people really use, instead of a vacation home that people go to a couple times a year.”

For Ahlman the project was particularly meaningful because her association with the Silo Ridge development in Amenia, part of the Discovery Land Company portfolio, goes back many years. “I worked for a company that was subcontracted by Discovery, and I was one of the first employees in New York. I helped jumpstart the design part. This was a nice full-circle moment.”

The homeowners discovered Silo when they began hunting for property outside the city.

“We have two young children, and we were looking for a space where the kids can enjoy nature,” says the wife. “It’s such a unique place; you get the best of both worlds for a busy family.”

They chose a custom estate lot on Redtail Pass, with views of the lake and the golf course. They envisioned a home that was contemporary, with a relaxed, casual vibe.

“We didn’t want it to feel like a museum,” she says.

During the pre-construction phase, Ahlman worked closely with both the architect, Hart Howerton, and contractor, Stoneleaf Construction.

The primary suite has a tall, peaked ceiling, which accommodates the four-poster bed perfectly. A tufted leather bench, sheepskin-covered ottoman, and linen drapes add softness. Downstairs, the boy’s bunkroom is a fun cozy space that can accommodate friends for overnights.

“We sourced and designed everything, from exterior finishes to interior elements, including flooring, stone, tile, and custom millwork,” she says.

Every decision was made with the family in mind. A stone floor in the mudroom extends beneath the benches for storing snow-covered boots. The downstairs media room has a refrigerator and bar cabinet stocked with snacks for the kids. Most of the furnishings are covered in stain-resistant performance fabrics.

“I think Carly understood that, with young kids, we wanted things to be nice but that certain areas have an expected shelf life of five years. They will either outgrow the furniture or destroy it,” the wife says with a laugh.

The aim was to keep the bones of the house neutral and classic, layering in texture and pops of color. The kitchen and dining area are painted sky blue; the island is topped with a leathered black granite that “leans into the fact that this is a natural material, and it will get dinged and worn, so it’s not quite so precious,” says Ahlman. The dining chairs are done in woven leather. “It’s such a wonderful material; it gets more and more beautiful as you use it.”

A large stone fireplace anchors one end of the great room, while floor-to-ceiling windows reveal the amazing view. “When guests walk in through the front door and step into the great room, it’s sort of a moment,” says Ahlman.

Downstairs in the media room, the focus is on comfort. The custom sectional sports a neutral fabric, while the oversize swivel chair is dressed in green velvet.

“This is where they will hang out as a family,” says Ahlman.

On the back wall above the snack cabinet, a series of retro prints is both playful and instructive. “Those were old school-posters that I had matted and framed,” says Ahlman. “They are kind of the rules of how to live a good life.” n

Bought & Sold

In 2025, Dutchess County’s real estate market remained resilient despite higher interest rates and tight inventory. Many buyers came from Brooklyn and Manhattan, drawn by greater space and cleaner air. The county’s strong schools, excellent restaurants, and striking rural scenery continued to attract purchasers. Below is a selection of properties that changed hands.

Millbrook Living, Beautifully Restored

SOLD $1,666,000 Set on 15 acres in Millbrook’s Hunt Country, this restored late-18th-century home blends historic character with modern comfort on a quiet, horse-friendly road. Rolling lawns, celebrated gardens, and specimen trees surround a heated saltwater pool, while a short golf cart ride leads to a newly refinished, night-lit tennis court and pavilion, ideal for entertaining or weekend retreats.The renovated four-bedroom, two-bath home preserves original details, including wide-plank floors and period moldings, alongside modern updates. The country kitchen features terracotta floors and premium appliances, while the living room offers oversized windows and a wood-burning fireplace. Minutes from Millbrook Village. Listed and sold by Oliver Brown / Houlihan Lawrence, Millbrook.

Quintessential Country

$4,000,000 This stately Federal home sits on 21.7 acres with sweeping views of Stissing Mountain. Originally an 18th-century house relocated near Millbrook in 1991, it retains classic details including wide-board floors, moldings, and four fireplaces across 4,414 square feet, with five bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths. Living spaces open to a bluestone terrace with heated gunite pool and mountain-view porch ideal for entertaining year-round. A detached three-car garage with guest apartment, gardens, and small horse facilities complete this private country retreat behind Millbrook Vineyards. The listing was represented by Paula Redmond / Corcoran Country Living.

Greek Revival in Amenia

$6,180,000 Middlefield, an iconic country estate set on 45-acres in Amenia, recently closed for $6,180,000 in a significant Hudson Valley sale. Designed by renowned architect Gil Schafer, the home is a master class in classical American architecture, blending Greek Revival elegance with modern livability. Offered for sale for the first time in its history, Middlefield represented a rare opportunity to acquire a Millbrook Hunt Country estate of lasting architectural integrity. The sale reflects the continued appreciation for thoughtfully designed, legacy properties in Dutchess County. The listing was represented by Ashley Whittaker Spence and Candy Anderson / Hudson Valley Team at Compass.

ATS

THE COMFORT OF A WINTER TABLE

› Troutbeck in Amenia has introduced a new midweek dining option that leans into the pleasures of a shared table. Executive chef Vincent Gilberti’s whole roast chicken dinner is designed for groups of two to four, and is offered Tuesday through Thursday as a relaxed, communal meal rooted in local sourcing and seasonal cooking.

BY GILLIAN LAWMAN

Gilberti’s cooking reflects a deep connection to the region. Raised in nearby Carmel, New York, and now chef de cuisine at Troutbeck, he brings longstanding relationships with local farmers and producers into the kitchen.

His menus emphasize wholeanimal cooking, handmade pasta, and a commitment to minimizing food

waste, while remaining flexible to the rhythms of the seasons.

The dinner opens with bowls of clear chicken consommé, a quietly elegant first course that reflects the kitchen’s attention to detail. The broth is paired with shiitake mushrooms from Tivoli Mushrooms, and house-made black emmer flour noodles, produced using wheat grown

and milled at Wild Hive Farm in Clinton Corners. It’s a restrained but thoughtful beginning that sets the tone for what follows.

The roast chicken itself is presented tableside, then carved and served with roasted Upstate Abundance potatoes finished with black garlic vinegar. A fresh salad of young lettuces, radishes, and herb buttermilk dressing rounds out the plate. Side dishes will change with the seasons, shaped by what is coming in from nearby farms and fields at any given moment.

The whole roast chicken dinner is offered alongside Troutbeck’s regular à la carte menu. The format encourages lingering, conversation, and a slower pace—an approach that feels well suited to the historic estate and its long-standing role as a gathering place. —troutbeck.com

Troutbeck, 515 Leedsville Rd., Amenia 845-789-1555

Amenia

AMENIA STEAK HOUSE

A great spot for steak, charcoal burgers, and cheesecake. 4905 US-44, 845-789-1520 I

FOUR BROTHERS DRIVE-IN

Popular spot in Amenia. Pizza “with a Grecian touch,” and famous salads.

4957 NY-22 845-373-8178 fourbrothersrestaurants.com I

FUEGO LATINO DELI

Tamales, sandwiches, and other Latin specialties, as well as a small convenience store. 3294 NY-343 845-789-1038 @fuegolatinodeli I

PANACEA

Everything from fresh pastas to smash burgers and oysters in a farmhouse setting. 6 Autumn Ln. 845-373-9800 panaceany.com M

SANTO PIZZERIA & RISTORANTE

A traditional pizza spot serving New York and Sicilian-style pizza. Try their Italian stuffed pizza or pasta fagioli soup. 5094 NY-22 845-373-8290 santopizzeriarestaurant.com I

TROUTBECK

A scenic hotel and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Exquisite food and fantastic cocktails. 515 Leedsville Rd. 845-789-1555 troutbeck.com E

Beacon

BROTHER’S TRATTORIA

Authentic Italian restaurant serving lunch, dinner, and pizza. Try their chicken sorrentino or eggplant parmigiano. 465 Main St. 845-838-3300 brotherstrattoria.com M

ISAMU JAPANESE & CHINESE RESTAURANT

A long list of specialty sushi rolls, and more.

240 Main St. 845-440-0002 isamubeaconny.com I

LYONSHARE PUBLIC HOUSE

Elevated American bistro food at award-winning eatery in a tavern-like space. 246 Main St. 845-275-4932 lyonsharebeacom.com M

LA BARBIRRIA

MEXICAN CANTINA

A great spot for birria tacos and chorizo con huevos. 389 Main St. 845-440-7508 labarbirria.com M

MAX’S ON MAIN

Serving a wide range of delicious foods, from pierogies to a BBQ chicken Caesar wrap. 246 Main St. 845-838-6297 maxsonmain.com M

THE ROUNDHOUSE

Modern American cuisine inspired by Hudson Valley agriculture. A great spot for pan-roasted duck and a cocktail. 2 E. Main St. 845-765-8369 roundhousebeacon.com E I= Inexpensive M= Moderate E= Expensive

E ATS

ZIATUN

A Middle Eastern restaurant serving Palestinian cuisine. Try the chicken shawarma wrap and falafel burger. 244 Main St. 845-765-8268 ziatun.com M

Dover Plains

OLD DROVERS INN

A classic early-American bed-and-breakfast fully restored and serving a variety of food.

196 E Duncan Hill Rd. 845-832-9311 M

LA CAZUELA

A traditional Mexican restaurant using fresh and homemade ingredients. 3081 US-22 845-442-9341 I

Fishkill

DANNY’S TABLE

Large menu of traditional favorites, with a lighter touch and modern panache. 1113 Main St. 845-440-3918 M

GYMKHANA

Modern Indian restaurant serving flavorful curries and kebabs. 992 Main St, Fishkill 845-896-1033 gymkhanafishkill.com M

SOTANO

Gorgeous Mediterranean meals, in a gorgeous upscale setting. 1036 Main St. 845-897-1036 sotanofishkill.com M

Hyde Park

CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

The student-run restaurants at Hyde Park’s Culinary Institute of America offer creative menus at affordable prices.

1946 Campus Dr. 845-452-9600 ciafoodies.com M

LaGrange

HANGARS CAFE

Watch the planes depart and land at this relaxing cafe serving breakfast and lunch. Outdoor dining.

32 Airway Dr. 845-605-1991 hangarscafe.com I

Millbrook

ALL THAT JAVA

Coffee shop serving excellent coffee and light breakfast.

149 Church St. 845-233-1976 allthatjava.net I

BABETTE’S

Popular coffee and lunch spot in town. Homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches.

3293 Franklin Ave. 845-677-8602 babetteskitchen.com M

BARBARO

Italian dining with a fabulous cocktail bar. Enjoy their handmade pizza al fresco on their porch.

3279 Franklin Ave. 845-677-4440 barbaromillbrook.com M

CAFE LES BAUX

Cozy French restaurant in downtown Millbrook. Enjoy their escargot, steak frites, and French wine list. 152 Church St. 845-677-8166 cafelesbaux.com M

CANOE HILL

Serving delicious drinks, tapas, great place for oysters. 3264 Franklin Ave. 845-605-1570 canoehillny.com M

CHARLOTTE’S

A country-style restaurant featuring locally sourced food with a European flair. 4258 US-44 845-677-5888 charlottesny.com M

HOUSE OF STEFAS

Ultra-hip Greek restaurant serving ceviche, zucchini

fritters, salt-crusted fish, grilled lamb, other delights.

3299 Franklin Ave. 845-677-4888 houseofstefas.com M

JULIEN’S

A quirky takeout eatery that serves sushi and pizza. Vegan and gluten-free options. 5 Washington Ave. 845-677-2222 juliensmillbrook.com M

LA PUERTA AZUL

Traditional Mexican restaurant serving brunch, lunch, dinner. Live music on weekends. 2510 US-44 845-677-2985 lapuertaazul.com M

MILLBROOK CAFE

Cozy restaurant that uses a woodfired brick oven to cook their dishes. Great spot for a steak.

3288 Franklin Ave. 845-677-6956 themillbrookcafe.com M

MILLBROOK CONTINENTAL

A Hispanic-Amerian menu with everything from tamales to French toast, in a small, cozy setting . 18 Alden Place 845-345-0744 millbrookcontinental.com I

MILLBROOK DINER

Classic diner food and a Millbrook institution; enjoy classics such as BLT, Caesar salad, pancakes. 3266 Franklin Ave. 845-677-5319 millbrookdiner.com I

THE VINTAGE AT THE MILLBROOK INN

American restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients. Open for brunch and dinner. 3 Gifford Rd. 845-605-1120 millbrookinn.com M

SANDANONA BISTRO

Soups, salads, sandwiches in the bistro or to go. 3047 US-44 845-677-9701 orvis.com/sandanona-dining I

Millerton

AVOCADO CAFE

Small cafe serving traditional and authentic Mexican food. 208 US-44 518-592-1181 avocadocafe.net I

FOUR BROTHERS PIZZA INN

Popular lunch and dinner spot in Millerton. Enjoy their pizza and Greek salads. 5952 N Elm Ave. 518-789-9434

fourbrothersrestaurants.com I

HARNEY & SONS TEA

A cozy tea room with an extensive choice of worldclass blends, plus sandwiches, soups, and a terrace. 13 Main St. 518-789-2121 harney.com M

IRVING FARM NEW YORK

Popular coffee house serving light eats, and drinks made from house-roasted beans. 44 Main St. 212-206-0707 irvingfarm.com I

OAKHURST DINER

Imaginative fare in a retro-style setting with counter stools and booths. 19 Main St. 518-592-1313 oakhurst-diner.com I

PASTURE KITCHEN

Redefining fast food with clean, nutrient-dense meals made from regeneratively farmed ingredients. 130 Route 44 518-689-4090

tallow.menu I

TARO’S

A casual NYC-style pizza spot with delicious Italian options. 18 Main St. 518-789-6630 I

THE MILLERTON INN

A quaint restaurant with a Mediterranean touch serving brunch, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy their baked moussaka or saffron orange chicken. 53 Main St.

518-592-1900 themillertoninn.com M

WILLA

Farm-to-table restaurant serving fresh local ingredients. Try their smash burger made with Kinderhook Farm beef. 52 Main St. 518-789-0252 willabar.com M

Pine Plains

CHAMPETRE

Cozy French restaurant in Pine Plains Enjoy their escargot, steak, or fish dishes. Seasonal specialties. 2938 Church St. 518-771-3350 M

EL GUACAMOLE

A family-style Mexican restaurant with classic tacos, fajitas, fried plantains. 7795 S Main St. 518-771-3330 I

SPUD SHACK

Casual lunch spot for burgers, fries, dogs, wings.

2953 Church St. 518-771-3205 I

STISSING HOUSE

Colonial tavern with a wood-burning oven featuring award-winning French-Italian meals. 7801 S Main St. 518-771-3064 stissinghouse.com M

THE MOOSE ON THE LOOSE

An old-fashioned sandwich shop with great options for breakfast or lunch.

7711 S Main St. 518-398-5040 I

TOWER PIZZA

A small-town spot serving pizza and Italian food. Enjoy their fried calamari or chicken parmigiana.

2947 Church St. 518-398-7800 I

Poughkeepsie

ALEX’S RESTAURANT

A fourth-generation owned restaurant; delicious options for breakfast and lunch. 1 Market St. 845-452-1125 alexsrestaurant.org I

BRASSERIE 292

A timeless spot with an impressive menu, from a raw bar to the plat du jour. 292 Main St. 845-473-0292 brasserie292.com E

ESSIE’S RESTAURANT

Cozy, elegant American-style restaurant with an array of options.

14 Mount Carmel Pl. 845-452-7181 essiesrestaurantpk.com M

MAHONEY’S IRISH PUB & STEAKHOUSE

Lively Irish pub serving authentic cuisine and offering nightly events. 35 Main St. /845-471-7026 mahoneysirishpub.com M

SAVONA’S TRATTORIA AND BAR

Serving trattoria-style Italian favorites for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. 1 Collegeview Ave. 845-876-4505 savonas.com M

SHADOWS ON THE HUDSON Waterfront restaurant with a raw bar and an extensive beverage list. 176 Rinaldi Blvd. shadowsonthehudson.com E

SUSHI VILLAGE

Offers sushi, hibachi, createyour-own poke bowls. 8 Raymond Ave. 845-471-5245 sushivillagenyc.com M

A local gem turning heads worldwide—led by award-winning chefs trained in Michelin-star kitchens. Each dish blends tradition with modern fl air, offering exquisite refi nement and creativity. From soulful comfort food to elegant fusion, and a cozy bar serving craft cocktails, fi ne wines, and top-shelf spirits—this is Indian dining like you’ve never experienced. With every visit, you’ll discover something new and unforgettable. If you haven’t been yet, you’re missing out!

TAMARIND

Upscale Indian restaurant offering classic curries and tandoori dishes.

85 Main St., Poughkeepsie 845-454-6410 tamarindrestaurantny.com M

TAVERN 23

Combines modern-creative and traditional cooking styles to create remarkable dishes. 23 Verrazano Blvd. 845-473-2323 tavern23.com M

THE ACADEMY

The Bar, Keepsake, and Cornerstone Cafe. 33 Academy St. 845-444-5269 theacademyhvny.com M

Red Hook

BRIGITTE BISTRO

Quaint bistro serving classic French cuisine in a charming setting, for brunch and dinner. 61 E Market St. 845-835-6230 brigitte-bistro.com M

BUBBY’S TAKE-AWAY KITCHEN

Slow-cooked meats, vegan and vegetarian options in downtown Red Hook. 19 W Market St. 845-758-8226 I

CHARLIE O’S BAR AND GRILL

Family friendly restaurant with a full bar and extensive menu. 23 E Market St. 845-758-2123 I

RUSTIC TABLES

Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner: waffles, duck wontons, Fiesta Bowls. 1215 Rte. 199 845-758-2437 rustictablesrestaurantbar.com I

FLATIRON RESTAURANT

American-style restaurant serving roasted cod, panseared duck breast, and more. 7488 S Broadway 845-758-8260 flatironsteakhouse.com E

THE GROVE

Elegant versions of beloved comfort foods. 650 NY-199

845-758-3006

thegroveatredhook.com M

THE HISTORIC VILLAGE DINER

Open at 6 a.m., this streamlined metal railroad dining car is the focal point of local nostalgia. 7550 N Broadway 845-758-6232 historicvillagediner.com I

LUCOLI

Popular pizzeria with fresh ingredients, wood-fired pies. 7476 S Broadway 845-758-5600 lucoliredhook.com i

MISTO EATS

A mix of cultures and cuisines, using local ingredients. 7466 S Broadway 845-835-8044 misto-eats.com M

SAVONA’S TRATTORIA & BAR

Traditional Italian meals made from family recipes and local ingredients. 7249 S Broadway 845-758-6400 savonas.com M

TASTE BUDD’S CAFE

Chocolates, coffee, sandwiches, pastries, salads. Vegan options. Live music. 40 W Market St. 845-758-6500 tastebudds.com I

YUM YUM NOODLE BAR

Dishes inspired by Japanese and other Asian cuisines with vegan and vegetarian options.

7496 S Broadway 845-835-6383 yumyumnoodlebar.com M

Rhinebeck

ABAS FALAFEL

Traditional Middle Eastern falafel, salads, Turkish coffee.

54 E Market St. 845-876-2324 abasfalafel.com I

AROI THAI

Casual restaurant; traditional Thai dishes.

55 E Market St. 845-876-1114

aroirestaurant.com M

PAWLING’S NEW GATHERING SPOT

›Pawling’s dining scene gets a major upgrade with the arrival of Cornerstone, a full-service restaurant.The project brings together Chef Harris Mayer and the Tomassetti family, longtime Pawling residents who rebuilt the two-story property from the ground up.

Mayer’s menu blends refined American cooking with Italian influences drawn from the Tomassettis’ Abruzzese heritage, shaped by his years in New York City kitchens. Ingredients shift with the seasons, sourced from regional producers like Obercreek, Ronnybrook, and Hudson Valley Duck Farm, with menus updated daily to reflect what’s freshest.

Early standouts include Black Dirt onion rings with charred leek ranch, lamb arrosticini skewers, burrata from Pawling’s own Vinny’s Deli, and house-made pastas and pizzas using grains milled in nearby Clinton Corners. Heartier offerings range from duck breast with honeynut squash to pork chop Milanese and filet mignon, while desserts lean classic and comforting— think tiramisu cheesecake and warm chocolate cake.

The beverage program keeps things local, too, with New York wines, regional spirits, and cocktails featuring Hudson Valley distilleries, alongside a few familiar international favorites.

Inside, the space balances industrial polish with rustic warmth, anchored by a wood-fired oven and open kitchen. Upstairs, a private event space accommodates larger gatherings. The restaurant accepts both reservations (via Resy) and walk-ins, and offers takeout.

Cornerstone isn’t just another opening—it’s meant to be Pawling’s new communal table.

Cornerstone, 146 E Main St., Pawling, NY

BUNS BURGERS

A new take on fresh, local family dining; burgers, fries. 20 Garden St. 845-516-5197 bunsburgersny.com I

BREAD ALONE

Beautiful cafe serving breakfast and lunch daily. Amazing breads, crackers, and treats. 45 E Market St. 845-876-3108 breadalone.com I

CAFE CON LECHE

A cafe offering authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. 6384 Mill St. 845-516-4315 nycafeconleche.com I

CHEESE LOUISE

Curated selection of cheeses from around the world. 6384 Mill St. 845-853-8207 cheeselouiseny.com M

CINNAMON INDIAN

Traditional dishes from various regions in India and Sri Lanka. Lunch and dinner daily. 51 E Market St. 845-876-7510 cinnamoncuisine.com M

FOSTER’S COACH HOUSE TAVERN

A tavern offering a wide variety of food choices, from nachos to seafood dishes to the Thanksgiving sandwich. 6411 Montgomery St. 845-876-8052 M

GABY’S CAFE

An authentic Mexican restaurant known for enchiladas, paella, mariscada. 141 Canal St. / 845-210-1040 gabysrhinebeck.com M

GIGI TRATTORIA

Modern farm-to-table Italian fare in airy, stylish quarters with a patio. 6422 Montgomery St. 845-876-1007 gigihudsonvalley.com M

LE PETIT BISTRO

Bistro delivering classic French fare, with a smart wine list.

2 E Market St. / 845-876-7400

lepetitbistro.com E

LITTLE GOAT

Seasonal vegetables, house pastas, local meats, bold Mediterranean flavors. 6380 Mill St. / 845-516-7273 littlegoatny.com M

MARKET ST.

Italian restaurant serving Neapolitan-style pizza and specialty cocktails.

19 W Market St. 845-876-7200 marketstrhinebeck.com M

OSAKA SUSHI

Family-run Japanese restaurant known for fresh sushi and friendly staff. 22 Garden St. / 845-876-7338 osakasushi.net M

PIZZERIA POSTO

Acclaimed pizzeria serving artisanal wood-fired pizza. 43 E Market St. 845-876-3500 postopizzeria.com I

{PRETTY TO THINK SO}

Farm-to-table fine dining and craft cocktails in a chic space. 6417 Montgomery St. 845-516-4556 prettytothink.so E

RHINEBECK BAGELS AND CAFE

Serving the area’s most artistic breakfast and lunch. 31 W Market St. 845-876-8025 rhinebeckbagels.com I

SMOKY ROCK BBQ

Consistent winner of Hudson Valley BBQ contests, serving beef, pork, duck and more 6367 Mill St. / 845-876-5232 smokyrockbbq.com M

THE TAVERN AT THE BEEKMAN ARMS

Colonial tap room with a hearth and full bar, and a garden greenhouse. 6387 Mill St. / 845-876-7077 beekmandelamaterinn.com M

TERRAPIN RESTAURANT

Contemporary-American restaurant serving diverse flavors from local farms. 6426 Montgomery St.

845-876-3330 terrapinrestaurant.com I

Rhinecliff

KIPS TAVERN

Riverfront near the train station. Crabcakes and chicken paillard are faves. 1 Shatzell Ave. / 845-516- 4737 kipstavern.com M

Staatsburg

RIVER AND POST

Eclectic local fare and cocktails, celebrating its sleepy village in a cozy setting. 57 Old Post Rd. / 845-773-9373 riverandpost.co M

Tivoli

THE CORNER

A Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring fresh ingredients.

53 Broadway / 845-757-2100 hoteltivoli.org/the-corner M

GIOBATTA ALIMENTARI

Chef Francesco Buitoni’s authentic Italian cuisine; restaurant and market. 69 Broadway / 845-757-2567 giobatta.com M

JAEGER HAUS TIVOLI

A modern German restaurant: potato pancakes, rahm schnitzel. 5084 NY-9G / 845-757-1011 jaegerhaustivoli.com M

OSAKA TIVOLI

An original menu with unique sushi creations along with standard Japanese dishes. 74 Broadway / 845-757-5055 osakativolisushi.com M

SANTA FE HUDSON VALLEY

Lobster quesadillas, short rib tacos, and grilled salmon Veracruz.

52 Broadway / 845-757-4100 santafehudsonvalley.com M

TIVOLI GENERAL

A cozy coffee shop offering breakfast, sandwiches, groceries, wine, and beer. 54a Broadway tivoli-general.com I

Stanfordville

3 BROTHERS PIZZA

Pizza shop offering a variety of delicious pizza and food. 6270 NY-82 / 845-723-4139 3brotherspizzadeli.com I

COYOTE FLACO

Family-run Mexican restaurant, authentic dishes. 6063 NY-82 / 845-868-3360 coyoteflacostanfordville.com I

PEYOTE’S CAFE

Mexican restaurant serving paninis, wraps, and quesadillas. 5979 NY-82 / 845-868-3335 I

UNCLE SONNY’S CAFE AND PIZZERIA

Cafe and pizzeria. Burgers, meatballs, and more. 6270 Route 82 845-868-7121 I

Wassaic

BLACK BIRD BISTRO

Casual family-owned bistro serving flat bread with sausage and ricotta, chicken with mac-and-cheese, and more. 3997 NY-22 845-789-1515 M

THE LANTERN INN

Woodfired pizza, organic wines, craft brews, cocktails, outdoor fire pit. Popular spot for families. 10 Main St. / 845-373-8389 wassaiclanterninn.com I

TENMILE DISTILLERY

Traditional spirits produced in a lovely distillery. Sophisticated and elegant tasting room. 78 Sinpatch Rd. / 845-877-6399 tenmiledistillery.com M

THAI BAAN

Upscale versions of Thai favorites, in the high-ceilinged Tenmile Distillery. 78 Sinpatch Rd. 845-877-6399 tenmiledistillery.com M

VITSKY BAKERY

Small-batch bakery using seasonal, hearty ingredients. 3 Main St. vitskybakery.com I n

CONVERSANT

›NOW ON VIEW AT TROUTBECK, Conversant is a new show featuring egg tempera and silverpoint work by artist E.E. Kono. Presented in collaboration with the Wassaic Project, where Kono was an artist-in-residence, this exhibit will remain at Troutbeck until April 19.

Best known for her brilliant egg tempera paintings, Kono combines meticulous technique with rich symbolic language, drawing from a wide array of cultural imagery.

Conversant features clematis blossoms, a symbol of diversity, aspiration, and intellectual growth. These paintings are inspired by Troutbeck itself, a place where nature, community, and conversation have sparked meaningful change. Kono pulls further inspiration from Joel Spingarn, who once cultivated the world’s largest clematis collection, in Troutbeck’s walled garden.

Through her silverpoint work, Kono explores the quiet yet enduring power of place, using egg tempera made with powdered pigments, including color sourced from pebbles found in Dutchess County. Her practice bridges ancient traditions and contemporary themes, informed by global travel, folklore, and art history. Through this lens, Kono’s work reflects on our shared human experience and the complexities of cultural identity in an increasingly interconnected world.

Troutbeck, 515 Leedsville Road, Amenia. —wassaicproject.org

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