Dutchess Fall Issue 2025

In the HILLS

Autumn

FALL IN DUTCHESS COUNTY HITS DIFFERENTLY. It’s a season that brings us back to our roots—whether that means apple picking, leaf peeping, or showing off your Halloween costume on Main Street. In this issue, we visit Amenia artist Elizabeth “Tilly” Strauss, who traded a global upbringing for a quiet farm studio. We also feature Frog Pond Farm, a beautifully restored property blending history with modern design. We’re shining a spotlight on the iconic Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck (if you know, you know), the return of Beacon’s Hocus Pocus Parade, and the growing buzz around the Silo Ridge Masters—HV’s answer to top-tier international horse shows. This issue takes you behind the gates of Wethersfield, the classical estate where philosophy meets landscape design, and into the gardens of Ellen Petersen. We visit John Frishkopf of Klocke Estate, blending tradition with world-class brandy, and eat at Rhinebeck’s new Little Goat, a local favorite. For the young (and young-at-heart), we tour the TrevorLovejoy Zoo at Millbrook School. And as the nation approaches its 250th birthday, we join the Dutchess County historian and local Quaker Meeting Houses to explore how our region shaped early American ideals.

Mary Beth Lawlor

DUTCHESS

Contents / Fall / 2025

Frog Pond Farm

Laura Kirkpatrick and Beth Ann Walters’ Frog Pond Farm in Stanfordville blends vibrant French and English design with personal history. After renovating a 1780s farmhouse, they added a spacious living room, mudroom, and repurposed an old barn into guest quarters. Their colorful, eclectic style reflects their shared love of storytelling and design.

26 HIGHLANDS HORSE SHOW

The Silo Ridge Masters redefines Northeast horse shows, blending elite competition with family-friendly events and world-class hospitality.

By Jamie Marshall

44

ELLEN’S GARDEN

Ellen Petersen’s Stanfordville garden blends native plants and natural textures, embracing the concept of “right plant, right place” with stunning sculptures and carefully cultivated landscapes.

By Tara Kelly

52 WETHERSFIELD

Wethersfield Estate blends art, architecture, and nature, showcasing a Renaissanceinspired vision of cultivated elegance, ecological foresight, and spiritual reflection in Amenia’s serene landscape.

By Clementina Verge

DUTCHESS

Autumn’s charm unfolds through inspiring stories.

Beekman Arms Inn and a Dutchess history tour

Tilly Strauss, Quaker legacy, Beacon Halloween, Silo Ridge Masters, Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo

Colorful design and thoughtful renovations define Frog Pond Farm’s welcoming beauty. A blend of style and function.

Natural beauty and native plants shape Ellen Petersen’s garden

Renaissance-inspired

John

Little

KaleidoSCAPE

classical estate in Amenia

Internal Maintenance

Grounds Care

Project Coordinator

Residential / Commercial

Stuart E. Gereg II

860 • 671 • 1756 gereg @ comcast.net

KELLOGG ROAD FALLS VILLAGE. CT 06031

Who WE ARE

ML BALL / writer

Writer ML Ball gets wild ‘n’ woolly capturing the magnetic appeal of the annual New York State Sheep and Wool Festival; steps back 150 years to learn about the Rev250 Quaker Meeting House Tours; and can’t wait to visit Erika DaSilva’s newly opened Ten Mile Table wine shop in Wassaic.

TARA KELLY / writer

Tara Kelly, author and gardener, shares what she learned on a tour of master gardener Ellen Petersen’s garden in Stanfordville. She follows that with a visit to the Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo at the Millbrook School, and then gets an inside peek at the oh-so stylish and charming Frog Pond Farm.

JAMIE MARSHALL / writer

Jamie Marshall is a freelance writer and enthusiastic equestrian who specializes in travel, interior design, and personality profiles. In this issue, she goes behind the scenes of elite show jumping in her story about the Silo Ridge Masters and Highland Cup horse shows.

CHRISTOPHER STELLA / writer

Christopher Stella is a writer, photographer, woodworker, and marketer. In this issue, he reviews Little Goat in Rhinebeck, the newest restaurant opening from hospitality veterans Taavo Somer and Erin Winters.

JOHN VERNER / photographer

John Verner is an award-winning fine art, commercial, and stock photographer (represented by Getty Images and iStockphoto). He has had 12 solo exhibitions of his work in addition to exhibiting in many national juried shows. His work has appeared in numerous national publications.

DUTCHESS

Fall 2025

MARY BETH LAWLOR

Publisher / Editor

DEBORAH HAYN

Creative Director

VANESSA HAMMOND

Operations Manager

CYNTHIA HOCHSWENDER Copy Editor

ZANDRIA OLIVER

Production Assistant

ALICIA PASCALE

Production Manager

GEORGIA LOPRESTI

Event Manager Contributing

Q&A

By Lydia Kennedy

History on Tap?

MANY OF THE MODEST BUILDINGS scattered across the Northeast are deeply rooted in history. You might be enjoying a drink or a meal in a local tavern, completely unaware that its walls have witnessed countless gatherings, and accumulated years of stories.

The Beekman Arms Inn, located in Rhinebeck, is one such place. Established in 1704 as a travelers inn, it was named for the Beekman family.

During the Revolutionary War, the inn played a vital role. The sturdy timber and stone building, originally built to withstand attacks by Native Americans, offered refuge to townsfolk when the British burned Kingston, the state capital at that time, across the river.

Notable figures such as George Washington, Philip Schuyler, Benedict Arnold, and Alexander Hamilton ate, drank, argued, and laughed within its walls throughout the war.

Remarkably few changes have been made to the Beekman Arms’ original structure, which features strong oaken beams and broad plank floors. A fire in the hearth continues to warm guests on cold winter nights; in the tavern, guests of the inn and visitors still gather, eat, drink, and converse, just as they have since 1704.

Today, guests can enjoy Sunday brunch, a cozy lunch, or dinner from a menu that promotes classic American cuisine. Dishes offered such as the Dutch pot pie or braised lamb shank are sure to satisfy.—beekmandelamaterinn.com

History Tour?

BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE at the Fishkill Supply Depot, a site of immense historical significance. More than just a supply hub, it served as a vital logistical center and a critical muster point for Continental Army troops during the Revolutionary War. The depot’s strategic location made it indispensable for George Washington’s forces, ensuring they had the necessary provisions to continue their fight for independence. Next, journey to the Reformed Dutch Church in Beacon, a remarkable architectural and historical landmark. Revolutionary leaders including George Washington frequently gathered here to strategize and plan the course of the war. The church and its adjacent cemetery create a dramatic backdrop against the fiery foliage of autumn in the Northeast.

Conclude your voyage with a visit to the Clinton House in Poughkeepsie. This historic residence is named in honor of George Clinton—a towering figure in New York State’s early history and its first governor—who resided here for an impressive 21 years. Today, the Clinton House serves as a keeper of historical knowledge, housing archives and a comprehensive library dedicated to research about the region.

This autumn road trip through Dutchess County offers a unique opportunity to witness a blend of natural splendor and significant American history, creating an experience that is both educational and deeply inspiring.

Preschool through Eighth Grade Traditional learning in an innovative environment.

For more information, please contact Christine Whiting, Director of Admissions: twhiting@dutchessday.org

DUTCHESS DAY SCHOOL 415 ROUTE 343, MILLBROOK, NEW YORK 12545

PHONE: 845.677 5014 www.dutchessday.org

BE FEATURED BY CLINTON KELLY

Our first ever Holiday Guide Issue is coming! TV personality and author Clinton Kelly will spotlight standout businesses, products, and services for the season. Don’t miss this exclusive chance to shine.

Contact Brian: Brian@Dutchessmagazine.com

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MEMORIES.

On Our RADAR

INSPIRATIONS

BY ANDREA VALLUZZO

On Our RADAR

Tilly Strauss Finds Herself in her Art

As the oldest child in a military family, Elizabeth “Tilly” Strauss spent much of her youth moving from the U.S. to Haiti, Malaysia, and back. It’s little surprise, then, that for years her artwork was dominated by paintings of suitcases and maps.

She’s now planted her roots firmly in Dutchess County, living on her family farm in Amenia, and working as the town clerk of Northeast.

The arts are clearly in Strauss’ blood, however—so much so that as a youngster she resisted becoming an artist. Her lineage, tracing back to Lucas Cranach in the 1500s, includes artists, curators, and archivists. But after graduating Colorado University with a degree in art history and painting, she decided it was time to create work of her own.

“Making art is really a way to find out who I am and where I am,” says the painter, whose go-to medium is acrylic but who also enjoys drawing and watercolor. “I think that, because I moved so much, drawing became a way to communicate.”

Nature and trees are her biggest inspiration, she says; there’s nothing like a walk in the woods to ground her. She often paints leaves, adding images and words that give a sense of place to the leaf—and help her to make sense of the environment around her. They become like messages inside fortune cookies.

“It’s a thing I return to again and again; whenever I’m feeling low, I go for a walk,” she says. “I lived in Miami for a few years, and one thing I missed was just opening the door and stepping out into the woods.”

In her studio, she spends time exploring her own history, and the history of women in the arts. Last year, she debuted a 10-part series, “Who Is She?,” exploring women artists successful in their lifetimes but largely forgotten today. She profiled one artist per month, creating a 20-page magazine and YouTube videos— and earning a Dutchess County Legislature citation last fall.

Her twin passions intersect in her most recent project, begun earlier this

year. In “Museum Matrons,” she looks at 10 women who were influential in the founding of museums. “I felt impelled to do this after digging into my ancestral tree, and discovering how little I know about my great-grandmother Florence Cowles and her daughter Florence Kruidenier. They were the visionaries behind the development of the Des Moines Art Center and other institutions in Iowa.”

She is a founding member of the Inspiration Art Group International, and has been featured in group exhibitions. Her work can be found at tillystudio.com.

Through her online blog and multimedia research projects, she hopes to give today’s art students the knowledge she wishes she had while in art school. “I want to tell history stories that will wake up a teenager who is bored with art, bored with school,” she says. “I also want to honor my ancestors, who were not like the top-tier artists in the world—but they were in the world, and they have personal stories.”

Where in the world (yes, the world) can you find a Make it with Wool fashion show, knitting-with-chopsticks contest, sheep shearing demonstrations, and the local 4-H Club’s Leaping Llamas—all in one place? At the New York State Sheep & Wool Festival, of course! Held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, this year’s takes place October 18 and 19. Started in 1980, the annual event is now one of the largest fiber festivals in the United States, says festival director Nena Johnson. “People come from all over the country, as well as Australia, the UK, and Germany. We have 30,000 attendees, 300 vendors, workshops, and up to 20 exhibitors showing their sheep and goats in judged competitions, all over two days.” For knitters, crocheters, hand spinners, raisers of fiber-producing livestock, and wool fans of all types, the festival is like a convention. “But it’s also so much fun for families,” Johnson says. “I tell people with kids to come on Sunday; it’s more relaxed. Saturday is for die-hard shoppers. Gates open at 9 am, but people line up at 7:30, and run to their favorite booths as soon as we let them in.”

Admission is $15 per day, free admission for children 11 and under. —sheepandwool.com

—ML Ball

HISTORY LESSONS

Celebrating Dutchess County’s Quaker Legacy

BY ML BALL

›Next year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking the United States’s separation from Great Britain and the birth of our nation. Numerous celebrations are planned around the country, but here in Dutchess County, commemorations are starting early. In fact, they’ve already begun. To educate the public on the history and importance of the Quakers in this part of New York State, four 18th-century Quaker Meeting Houses (Oblong Meeting in Pawling, Nine Partners Meeting in Millbrook, Creek Meeting in Clinton, and Crum Elbow Meeting in Hyde Park) have been hosting free tours of their historic

Dutchess County is offering tours of historic Quaker places of worship.

photographs by SCHUYLER MEYER

buildings on the first Sunday of every month this year, beginning in June and continuing through November.

The tours are part of the Rev 250 Dutchess County semiquincentennial projects funded by the Dutchess County Legislature and spearheaded by Will Tatum, the Dutchess County historian.

“Will has been the driving force behind Rev 250,” says Craig Marshall, vice president of the Clinton Historical Society and team leader of the Quaker Meeting House Tour team. “He put together the plan for the tours, and was the liaison between the Legislature, the six historical societies, and the Mid-Hudson Antislavery History Project.” Other Rev 250 events include Colonial days, lectures, and a cemetery crawl.

Why highlight Quakers as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary?

“Dutchess County was home to more Quakers than any other place out-

On Our RADAR

side of Philadelphia throughout the Revolutionary War period,” explains Alison Meyer, Millbrook Historical Society member. “The first gathering was the Oblong Meeting in Pawling in 1731. At the same time, the Nine Partners Patent along the Hudson River was being divided, causing some Quakers to migrate to the Millbrook area. The Creek Meeting was established in Clinton because they needed a meeting house across the creek during the winter when they couldn’t get down to Millbrook.”

Quakers proliferated in New York because they found solitude and safety here, Meyer adds. “The newly formed patriots called them loyalists, because they were still dealing with English merchants. Once the Revolutionary War started, if you were a Quaker, the English thought you were a patriot because you didn’t honor their currency or their rules. The patriots thought

you were a Tory, because you wouldn’t sign up for military service due to your religious beliefs. They were seen as spies by both sides, and some were arrested and put on prison ships.”

Quakers have always been known for their honesty and strong principles. They believed in equality between men and women. Education was important, hence every meeting house had a nearby school. They did not condone slavery; in 1768, it was decreed that all Quakers must free their slaves, almost 100 years before the Emancipation Proclamation. The Nine Partners Boarding School was a hub for the Underground Railroad, sheltering runaway slaves who came through Dutchess County.

Today, Quakers still meet in the area, ensuring these indelible principles live on. For more information, visit millbrookhistoricalsociety.org or meetinghousetour.com.

WALKING UNDEAD

Bringing Halloween Back to Life in Beacon

BY ARVIND DILAWAR

›In 2020, when COVID-19 ravaged the world round, one of its casualties was the annual Hocus Pocus Halloween parade in Beacon. The parade usually attracts families from across Dutchess County and beyond, to show off their costumes, collect candy, and maybe get into a little bit of mischief along the way.

But with the pandemic, the parade was canceled in 2020—and then again

in ’21. The following year, however, Charlotte Guernsey felt that everyone had missed out on enough. The real estate agent with the Gate House Team at Compass (and mother of two) contacted the Beacon Chamber of Commerce, which previously organized the event, and volunteered to help bring it back to life.

“I kind of stepped in

and asked why it didn’t happen,” Guernsey says. “They just needed more volunteers and more help, so I got the ball rolling to get it back on the schedule with the city.”

It’s baaack: The Hocus Pocus Halloween Parade returns to Beacon on October 25.

Beacon’s Halloween parade was thus revived, and continues strong three years later.

Although the parade previously stretched the length of Main Street, Beacon’s city

government has since decided to restrict such events to the east side of town. So participants now gather at Polhill Park, near the Beacon Chamber of Commerce, and amble half a dozen blocks to Veterans Place, beside the old post office. Built in the 1930s as part of the Depression-era Works Progress Administration, the post office would be a fittingly spooky finish line—that is, if it weren’t so charming.

Those more interested in fun and games than in pomp and circumstance can play the Black Cat Scavenger Hunt. All along Main Street, businesses displaying orange pumpkins in their storefronts have hidden toy black cats somewhere inside. Finding a cat brings a candy reward plus a stamp—15 of which can be redeemed for a grab bag of prizes at either the offices of the Gate House Team or Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, both on Main Street.

Guernsey, who added the scavenger hunt to the Halloween line-up in 2022, credits former Main Street business The Snooki Shop, which belonged to the eponymous cast member of Jersey Shore, as introducing her to the game.

“I thought that was a great idea,” she says. “And kids love scavenger hunts.”

Indeed, they do. Despite the recent challenges, Beacon’s Halloween parade continues to be a hit. Hundreds gather from the surrounding areas to share their scary, sweet, or surprising costumes while ambling down Main Street, some stopping at shops along the way to seek out black cats.

But for Guernsey, the event is not about tricks or treats—it’s about tradition. “I really wanted to bring this back for the community, because I have young kids—they’re eight and nine now—and I’ve been going ever since they were babies,” she says. “It’s just a really nice day to spend in our city and our community.”

This year’s parade will begin on Main Street at 3 pm on Saturday, October 25.

HORSES AND HOSPITALITY

Silo Ridge Masters and the Highlands Cup

BY JAMIE MARSHALL

›Take a drive around the winding back roads of Dutchess county, and one thing becomes abundantly clear: This is horse country. Think lush, white-fenced paddocks, red clapboard barns, rings with colorful jumps. It’s no surprise that when longtime trainer Judy Garafalo Torres and her real estate developer husband, Pedro Torres, started brainstorming ideas for

holding a boutique one-ring jumper show, they looked no farther than their own back yard.

“Over the years we’d talk about it and think about it constantly,” says Judy. “It’s taken 15 years to get it to where we are now.”

When it debuted last October at Judy’s show barn (Higher Ground Farm,

across the valley from Silo Ridge in Amenia) the Silo Ridge Masters immediately raised the bar for competitions in the Northeast. Entries were capped at 300—and filled in 24 hours, attracting a who’s who of elite riders.

The couple wanted to create the type of event they’d enjoyed while competing at the highest levels of the sport in the U.S.

and abroad.

“In Europe, horse shows are family affairs. It’s a huge goal of mine to make our show accessible to everyone who loves horses—or who thinks they might like horses,” she says. They also wanted to bring the glamour and excitement of a world-class horse show back to the Northeast, home to many of the sport’s top athletes—both equine and human.

Based on last year’s success, they have added a second week—the Highlands Cup— that will welcome teams from Major League Show Jumping, a five-star international circuit, and will culminate in the $340,000 Highlands Cup CSI5* Grand Prix. A class of this magnitude not only attracts top-tier riders, it also attracted a top-tier course designer: Gregory Bodo, who did the tracks for the Paris Olympics—and is also a family friend.

The horse-and-rider combos will navigate a challenging course of 10 to 14 obstacles set at 1.60 meters (5 feet 3 inches). Riders that go clear in the first round of the Grand Prix come

back to compete in a jump-off, where the goal is not only to clear each obstacle but also to be the fastest to do so.

During both weeks there are multiple classes in different divisions, for amateurs as well as professionals. The action starts each day at 8 am and ends around 5 pm.

For spectators, there is boutique shopping, lawn seating, food trucks, and kid’s entertainment—everything from pumpkin painting and stilt walking to arts and crafts. Not to be missed during the Highlands Cup: the Bridlemont Concours d’Elegance car show, and two concerts with major artists.

“Our vision is to redefine the horse show experience by combining world class sport with elevated hospitality and lifestyle offerings,” says Pedro. “The goal is to create not just the best show jumping event in the country, but an unforgettable destination for competitors, sponsors, and spectators alike.” For more information on schedules, entertainment, and admission prices, visit highlandshorseshow.com

NEW WINE STORE

Wine in Wassaic

“Wine can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be scary,” assures Erika DaSilva, owner of the recently opened Ten Mile Table Wine Shop in Wassaic. For several years DaSilva, a trained sommelier, has been wine curator and head of events and beverage at Wassaic’s popular The Lantern restaurant, where her husband, Minh Le, is general manager. Now with her new store, she can share even more of her knowledge and love of wine.

The shop is compact —500-by-500 feet— but houses a wide array of options that continually change.

“In the late 1800s-early 1900s, this building was Sally Tilford’s candy store, and at some point it was a luncheonette. Then it was empty for years,” says DaSilva. “We’ve restored it to look exactly the way it was originally, with the idea of promoting small businesses that support each other—the essence of Wassaic.”

In addition to offering ciders and spirits, Ten Mile Table Wine Shop features wine varieties from New York, especially the Finger Lakes, as well as from California, Oregon, Maryland, Vermont, and around the world. “Wines that are approachable, not fussy,” DaSilva explains. “Bottle selection will definitely be heavy on producers we know and respect, who respect the land, are good to the earth. You can taste that in the wine.”

Plans include wine tastings, classes, a newsletter, and visits by producers to talk about their wines.—tenmiletable.com — By ML Ball

LOVE AND JOY IN A TINY ZOO

Teaching Empathy at the Trevor-Lovejoy

Zoo

›How does a chinchilla take a bath? To find out, keep reading—or better yet, pay a visit to the Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo at the Millbrook School. While well-known and highly respected in conservation circles, and a valued resource for area educators (a field trip to the zoo is routinely on school calendars), it still feels like a well-kept secret for the general population. Home to 75 species, from every

BY TARA KELLY

continent except for Antarctica, the zoo is an oasis of calm—unless you happen upon the black-and-whiteruffed lemurs having a high-volume exchange with the red-ruffed lemur in the adjacent enclosure. Communication. It’s a wonderful teaching moment for moms and dads with toddlers in tow. Teaching is what the zoo is all about. Frank Trevor was a biology

The Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo focuses on education and conservation. Students work with the animals.

teacher at the Millbrook School in 1936. He felt strongly that students would learn better from hands-on experience than from a textbook. Basically, the Millbrook Zoo was built to be a classroom, and it continues to function that way today. The school offers students multiple programs, and multiple ways to spend time at the zoo. It was recently renamed

the Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo, in honor of Dr. Thomas Lovejoy III, a worldfamous conservation biologist. It was he who coined the term “biodiversity.” He was a student of Frank Trevor, and his attachment to Trevor, the zoo, and the Millbrook School continued throughout his life.

The opportunity to learn in an outdoor classroom is open to the public as well. Focused on conservation and stewardship, Alan Tousignant, director of the zoo, says it all comes down to teaching empathy. Spending time with the animals and observing them is an essential step in that process.

The zoo is home to nine endan-

gered species, including the American Red Wolf. There are only 230 American Red Wolves in North America, with only 20 in the wild.

The Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo has a mom with a litter of four pups, some of which may eventually be introduced into the wild. These pups will get a minimum of handling, so they don’t become acclimated to humans. The breeding program is one of the ways the zoo supports conservation.

Every time you go you will see different animals, depending on the time of day, season, and weather. Some animals like to hang outside, some seek shelter indoors, some are more active in the morning, some

only come out to play after lunch. Do you know what a binturong is? (It looks kind of like Chewbacca.) How about a Reeve’s Muntjac or Guanacos? When you go, check them out.

By the way, a chinchilla, whose natural habitat is the high-altitude desert of Chile, likes to take a dust bath. They have very dense fur, and if it gets wet, it cannot adequately dry. The dust keeps their coat healthy by absorbing excess moisture.

The zoo is open every day of the year.

millbrook.org/plan-your-visit/ hours-and-admission

Seeing Over the Horizon

Supporting the Land that Supports the Community

“THE HEALTH of the eye seems to demand a horizon. We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nature

One would be hard pressed to find a writer who more devotedly believed in the fundamental role nature plays in our lives than the father of Transcendentalism himself, Ralph Waldo Emerson. It was this same belief that led the original founders of the Dutchess Land Conservatory (DLC) to set out on their mission to preserve the open spaces, dense forests, and rolling hilltops of their county—indeed, the horizon we now see.

The first official meeting of the DLC took place in 1985 in the kitchen of the organization’s

BY CLEMENTINA VERGE

founder, Leslie Barclay. Two years prior, Barclay had mobilized a small group of Dutchess County residents to visit Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, and meet George “Frolic” Weymouth, chairman of the successful Brandywine Conservancy. There, they would learn how to develop a similar land trust for Dutchess County, and thwart the imminent threat of development slated for Bangall Amenia Road. Thus began a local movement, and the birth of the organization that changed Dutchess County by keeping it much the same as it has always been. The DLC received its first easement on about 200 acres of Barclay’s farm on Fraleigh Hill in December of that year. The founders would never tire, seeing just “far

enough” into the future. Today, as the DLC celebrates its 40th anniversary, the organization holds nearly 48,000 acres under conservation.

The sheer amount of acreage the DLC oversees is astounding, and has grown at an astonishing rate over its 40-year history. By the end of 1993, the organization had preserved 5,000 acres. In the next five years, that number doubled to 10,000 acres. By 2004, protected acreage doubled again to reach 20,000 acres and would double again, reaching more than 40,000 acres in 2016.

“We have our sights set on attaining 50,000 protected acres in the next year or so,” notes Becky Thornton, DLC’s president. “With the community’s passionate continued support of

our efforts, I strongly believe we will succeed.”

Along the way, the DLC has received countless awards and accolades, making it one of the most revered land conservation organizations in the country. In 2009, the DLC was one of the first 54 land trusts to achieve accredited status through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, a mark of distinction awarded to land trusts that meet the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence. In 2017, according to the National Land Trust Census, the DLC ranked in the top 3 percent nationally in the number of acres protected by conservation easement, and in the top 1 percent nationwide in the number of easements

held. And in 2020 the DLC was awarded accreditation with “no expectations for improvement.”

“The DLC has always set the bar high in terms of not only exceeding its goals and achievements, but on being an organization that our community can trust and rely on,” adds Thornton. “We have been blessed over the years to have a devoted and exceptional board of directors that believes deeply in our mission, and a staff that always goes the extra mile because they are fully committed to our work.”

But it is the role of the community that has made the story of the DLC such a success. From the organization’s early days of farm tours to the annual Fall Luncheon, which now hosts more than 400 people and raises nearly $200,000 each year, the Dutchess County community has consistently answered the call to support the charity.

“It is my belief that one of the central binding values of the community is a collective attachment to the rural landscape of the Hudson Valley,” remarks DLC

board chair Tim Mayhew. “We work on the land and we play on the land. The land sustains. Without the open landscape, there would be no community.”

It’s people in the community who have stepped up to protect their land, and it’s the people who own protected land that are now the caretakers of that land. Without them, 48,000 acres would not be forever conserved.

Residents also regularly answer the call to volunteer to help spearhead and lead DLC events, staff booths at fairs, help stuff envelopes, clear invasives and build new trails, all of which are done with joy and camaraderie. Similarly, there is always an education event being offered to deepen understanding of the natural world. Julie Hart, the DLC’s director of education, finds endless inspiration in crafting and delivering both in-person and online programs. She observes that, “with our focus on land stewardship, we are constantly engaging with individuals and communities

to learn what issues are most pressing; this allows us to create solution-based programming that teaches the knowledge and skills people need to become better stewards of the land.”

It is also worthy of note that the DLC oversees some of the most important public and private properties in Dutchess County, which provide a variety of enjoyable pursuits to residents. From the Dover Stone Church Preserve to Wethersfield Estate and Garden, from the Mashomack Preserve Club to Innisfree Garden and the Jesse and Gayle Bontecou Wildlife Conservation Preserve, it wouldn’t be an understatement to say that whatever your outdoor pursuit, it is likely made possible through the land preserved by the DLC.

As the DLC celebrates its 40th anniversary, there have indeed been many milestones from those initial meetings with Brandywine Conservancy. Today, the DLC serves as a role model for other conservancies.

“I am proud to say that our

stewardship team has always been one of the best in the country, continuously initiating new tools and technology to aid in our work to oversee the 48,000 acres we protect. We stay on top of accreditation requirements to ensure best practices across all aspects of our organization, raise millions of dollars annually to protect our working farms, continuously educate our staff and landowners about sustainable land management practices, strategically plan on how to annually meet our conservation goals, and engage directly with the people in this area who help guide our efforts,” observes Thornton.

“We could not be more grateful to this community for not only supporting, but for inspiring our work over the past 40 years. Together, just look at what we have achieved.” As Emerson also said: “Throw a stone into the stream, and the ripples that propagate themselves are the beautiful type of all influence.” May the DLC continue to have such an influence.

GIFTS FOR HIM,HER,& HOME

Creed, Bigelow, Filson, Toast, Farrow&Ball and more..

NEW RESTAURANT

Tallow: Fast Food, Evolved

Once a fast-food stop with a drive-through window and burger grease in the walls, the building that now houses Tallow has had a serious glow-up. Owners Austin Cornell and Chef Nate Long have turned the old spot into a modern-day diner-meets-bistro, where the food is local, thoughtful, and seriously good.

Austin comes from a background in wellness and sustainable farming, while Nate’s been cooking in kitchens that care about where their ingredients come from. Together, they’re making food that feels familiar but way better than you remember. Yes, you can get a smash burger and fries—but now it’s a grass-fed burger on a fermented sourdough bun, with fries that taste like they were actually made from real potatoes (because they were). It’s comfort food that doesn’t leave you in a coma.

Morning menus lean into pasture-raised eggs, thick-cut local bacon, and that tangy sourdough—all raised and made locally. It’s the kind of breakfast that hits whether you’re on your way to work or just trying to shake off last night.

Friday nights, though? That’s Prime Rib Night—a four-course lineup built around local, grass-fed prime rib and wine pairings that don’t feel like homework. It’s casual, special, and a solid excuse to make a reservation.

The drive-in feature is still intact, too. So if you want to eat in your car, go for it. Just know—it’s not fast food anymore. It’s Tallow. And it’s better.

Tallow, 130 Route 44, Millerton—@tallow.menu

Synchronicity

A Perfect Melding of Styles

The living room addition, with its high ceiling and French doors, is the largest and airiest room in the house.

in Stanfordville

BY TARA KELLY / PHOTOGRAPHS BY

Laura Kirkpatrick and Beth Ann Walters are one of those couples who are so in sync, they finish each other’s thoughts—and occasionally burst into song. Their complete ease has made the creation of Frog Pond Farm, their little slice of perfection in Stanfordville, a breeze. It’s also turned their world from black and white to Technicolor.

“When we first met,” Walters says, “Laura was a beige kind of gal, and I gravitated toward gray.” It’s almost hard to believe. Color seems to define their style: French blue cabinetry in the kitchen, blue china plates on a wall in the dining area, tartan fabric in the mudroom; and in the entryway to the barn apartment: bright green cabinetry, with a tropical garden vibe for the wallpaper and fabric. Black, beige, brown, and gray still get space on the palette, but it is the color that catches the eye.

Paintings and objects reflect Kirkpatrick’s and Walters’ interests: landscapes, birds, gardens, books, plants, and many things odd and unusual.

Kirkpatrick and Walters both spent their careers in retail. Kirkpatrick was the VP of creative planning at Macy’s when she retired; Walters spent decades in luxury retail, working for Louis Vuitton and Scully & Scully. It has clearly defined their design sensibility.

When they first saw the 1780s farmhouse in April 2016, it needed work. “One room was entirely papered in pink toile, and another in blue toile, so those went the way of the dodo,” says Kirkpatrick.

It was also too small. “We cleaned the house up, let it marinate a tiny bit, then dove in.”

They enlarged the footprint of the house by adding a living room and screened-in porch. She credits Bob Nilsen of R.A. Nilsen Construction in Millbrook (who inspected the property with them before they bought it) with overseeing all the renovations.

“When we walked around the house, Bob reminded me a bit of my father. He blends preservation with modernization,” Kirkpatrick says.

The 1850s-era barn was the next project. “It was a wreck; most of the wood was rotten. Bob was able

The upstairs of the barn is more atonal. The armchairs belonged to Kirkpatrick’s grandmother. The grimacing head sculpture, a gift, was intended to be a lamp.

to repurpose some of the beams for decorative uses,” Kirkpatrick says. It now does double duty as guest quarters and garage.

The latest addition to the house is an elegant and yet supremely practical mudroom. Kirkpatrick wanted three dogs (they already have two), and Walters said, “Either we have to move, or build a mudroom.” The inspiration for the room was The Fife Arms in Braemar, Scotland, where they’d stayed in 2023.

“We’re born collectors. Laura’s a Francophile, and I’m an Anglophile,” says Walters. The art and furnishings are a perfect blend of English style with a French influence. Walters, who collects work by French street artist Francois, says, “We wanted to reuse what we already had.”

It’s a perfect melding of what they owned, although they have also purchased some things. Kirkpatrick points to a pair of rattan chairs.

“We found those on our way home from our honeymoon in Lake Placid,” she says. “There’s a lot of kismet involved in this,” adds Walters. “Everything we have in the house tells a story.” n

New Morning Market

Wellness You Can Trust, Naturally

BY CLEMENTINA VERGE

FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, New Morning Market & Vitality Center has quietly redefined what a grocery store can be. More than a market, this family-owned gem—rooted in the Litchfield Hills—offers a soulful, sustainability-forward lifestyle designed with care. The focus is on thoughtfully curated essentials that support a holistic approach to health, from independently tested, clean-label wellness products to nourishing staples that honor both body and planet.

Step inside the Wellness Department and it’s instantly clear: this is the soul of New Morning Market in Woodbury.

Curated like a luxury apothecary, the department features an array of premium products— each selected by experts with unwavering standards.

“We’ve more than doubled our line of New Morning Market private label supplements and body care—offering over 100 new products to support your wellness journey,” says Julie Droege, marketing director.

“From herbal blends to essential oils and tinctures, our expanded line is designed to make high-quality, affordable wellness accessible every day.”

Every item is non-GMO, gluten-free, GMP certified, and independently tested for

potency and purity. Formulations are free from artificial additives, with transparent labeling that highlights allergens.

“Our Wellness Department is a cornerstone of our mission,” notes Droege. “It offers trusted supplements, vitamins, herbs, and luxurious body care— supporting whole-body health through natural remedies and customized care.”

From adaptogenic mushrooms and CBD, to collagen and vegan bodycare, the assortment speaks to the deeply personal nature of wellness today. A team of specialists, including certified herbalists, offers tailored guidance—from pain management to immune

support and mental clarity.

“What sets us apart is our focus on transparency and trust,” assures John Pittari, a visionary who helped establish New Morning Market and championed organic farming and environmental stewardship in 1971, before “clean living” entered the mainstream lexicon. “Every product is third-party certified, non-GMO, and vetted for purity and sustainability, upholding transparency that’s often hard to find in retail, especially online.”

Pittari’s influence laid the foundation for a space where wellness isn’t just a product—it’s a promise. Today, his daughter Lucinda Pittari and son-in-law,

Richard Park, carry that legacy forward, blending generational passion with modern innovation.

What began as a modest food co-op in the early 1970s has blossomed into “Connecticut’s Best Health Food Store,” according to Connecticut Magazine and Natural Nutmeg, an accolade well-earned through a steadfast commitment to quality, integrity, and community. Today, New Morning is not just a haven for the healthconscious, but a farm-togourmet culinary experience.

Produce aisles brim with fresh flavors and vibrant colors from 100% non-GMO and certified organic fruits and vegetables that mirror the changing New England seasons. From maple syrup, honey, butter, and eggs, the goodness is locally grown, “thanks to farms in Connecticut and New York.” Sustainably sourced meats and seafood further speak of trust, with every partner farm and fishery handpicked for ethical practices.

“Environmental stewardship

is at our core—our phase-out of single-use bags is just one example of our commitment to reducing waste,” says Pittari.

Craving something indulgent?

Artisan cheeses, house-baked breads, and chef-crafted prepared foods cater to all dietary lifestyles—from vegan to paleo.

A Cafe & Juice Bar serves up an organic array of teas, coffee, and smoothies, while made-in-house meals are prepared daily by chefs Cody Koester-Hoben and Pamela Buchler.

With deep ties to local farms and artisans, the market has helped shape a more sustainable and resilient regional food system and economy.

“When you walk into New Morning, you’re not just shopping—you’re joining a movement for health, sustainability, and connection,” assures Droege.

“‘Wellness you can trust, naturally,’ is more than a tagline. It’s a philosophy and a promise woven into every decision, every interaction, every product.”

—newmorningmarket.com

BY

Natural By Design

A Landscape Both Wild and Intentional

Off a dirt road in Stanfordville, surrounded by corn fields and forest, Ellen Petersen has created a garden with an eye to the natural. She’s not attempting to tame nature, rather to blend with it.

Which isn’t to say that the hand of the gardener is not evident. “I like to plant one tree a year,” she says. Petersen, a former nursery school teacher, has patience. “I got the Acer griseum [paperbark maple] in a $5 raffle. It was in a quart pot.” The very rare variegated Cornus kousa near the entrance to the house is, she admits, a little too close. It was a tiny sapling when she planted it.

But the signature element is the crabapple orchard, below which are planted mounds of low-growing grasses, ringed by a low stone wall. The effect is stunning. She calls it The Berm.

Petersen was inspired by a small square of the grasses she saw in a garden in the Midwest. “I had already bought Wind Blown Bench and put it where it is now. The wild meadow behind it didn’t look right; it needed a much more delicate texture to set it off. I knew the grass was the right thing when I saw it. It’s Sporobolus heterolepis [prairie dropseed].”

She and her husband, Eric, bought the property in 1981. They were working in New York City and coming up on weekends. “I was already really interested in gardening,” she says. “Hostas, peonies, delphinium—I just love the typical English-style garden. Pretty conventional.”

Everything changed when Eric took a job in Pennsylvania, and Ellen found herself living very

Petersen embraces the concept of

“right plant, right place”.

close to Longwood Gardens. “I took a lot of courses, learned a lot, and met a lot of people. It took me about eight years. It was really fun.”

“Gardening has changed so much since then. I realized that some of the plants I had might not be so great. Invasive species became the focus. And I started to garden with a consciousness, focusing on native plants.” Petersen embraces the concept of “right plant, right place.” She’s working with nature, not against it.

She likes the look of a big space that’s taken up with one thing. “Last year, quite by accident, the field beyond was all goldenrod. I had a big sweep of that in the meadow. I’m encouraging it to take over that area.” she says. The goldenrod appears by itself, but she planted the yellow Thermopsis (Carolina lupine). “That was six years ago, and it took over. I’m thrilled. I’m going to leave it,” she says.

The homogeneity of “one thing” happens to be a great backdrop for sculpture. She has three distinctive pieces punctuating the landscape. But Petersen’s trees are often quite sculptural as well.

Liquidambar Slender Silhouette, a deciduous sweet gum tree, not much more than five feet wide, is probably at least 30 feet tall. It can grow up to 75 feet in height. But that’s okay. Petersen takes the long view. n

WELCOME TO WETHERSFIELD

A Hidden Eden in the Hudson Valley

ATOP A HILL IN AMENIA, where the Berkshires, Taconics, and Catskills converge, lies a sanctuary of cultivated elegance and vision: Wethersfield Estate & Garden, the country home of the late Chauncey Devereux Stillman. More than just a retreat from Manhattan’s clamor, this 1,000-acre estate reflects a Renaissance-inspired philosophy rooted in art, stewardship, and spiritual reflection.

A graduate of Harvard and Columbia, Stillman led a life of cultivated pursuits: naval intelligence officer, philanthropist, art collector, equestrian, and environmentalist. In 1937, he acquired a stretch of untamed Dutchess County land, initially as a fox hunting ground. Over the next five decades, Wethersfield matured into one of America’s preeminent classical estates—a testament to the harmony of design, nature, and intellect.

“He loved beauty, but not just for prettiness’ sake,” reflects Bernadette Murray, a trustee of Wethersfield. “He believed the intersection of art, science, architecture, and conservation is what deeply nourishes the human spirit.”

BY CLEMENTINA VERGE / PHOTOGRAPHS BY PIETER ESTERSOHN

Stillman’s vision took root with the construction of an equestrian complex. The Georgian Revival home followed, designed by L. Bancel LaFarge. Stately yet unpretentious—much like its owner—Wethersfield holds giclées of his world-class collection of European art, including paintings by family friend Mary Cassatt and murals by Italian fresco painter Pietro Annigoni, who spent two years at Wethersfield.

Yet it is the gardens that truly captivate. Created over decades with landscape architect Evelyn Poehler—who formed her Italian Renaissance vision solely from books—the 10-acre formal gardens are a masterclass in symmetry and serenity. Green “rooms” echo the home’s layout, drawing visitors through a labyrinth of clipped yews, sculpture-framed arches, and gentle water features.

Color is used with restraint and intention: spring rhododendrons, purple coneflower, waterlilies, and delicate bleeding hearts that dangle like jeweled pendants. Stillman’s favorite hue, fuchsia, punctuates the landscape in potted displays. A grape arbor forms an al fresco dining room off the main house, while a reflecting pool anchors the southern vista. Nearby, an arborvitae allee leads to a naiad fountain by Swedish sculptor Carl Milles. Every detail tells a story, from living room wood paneling salvaged from a Vermont courthouse, to garden Belgian blocks once laid on a New York City street.

Previous page: The Inner Garden at Wethersfield is done in the tradition of British Arts & Craft gardens, and includes statuary, and eliptical steps in the style of Lutyens. The Pine Terrace offers sweeping vistas. This page: The cutting garden has a small garden house. At right, the reflecting pool looking north. The Gloriette features the only Pietro Annigoni frescoes in the U.S.

The reflecting pool is surrounded by shaped yews and statuary. The living room, below, has a Pietro Annigoni painting, and giclées of art by Mary Cassat and Henri Toulouse-Lautrec. In the library, at right, the equestrian painting over the fireplace was purchased during Stillman’s years at Harvard.

Beyond the formal gardens, Wethersfield offers another kind of grandeur: ecological foresight. Decades before sustainability entered cultural conversations, Stillman and longtime property manager Owen Boyd began implementing conservation farming methods inspired by the environmental devastation of the Dust Bowl. From contour farming to pond irrigation, their innovations earned visits and praise from the United Nations Scientific Conference on Conservation.

Miles of trails wind through native woodlands dotted with marble statuary—nymphs, centaurs, mythological beasts, and the impressive Belvedere, a temple of six Corinthian columns. Twenty miles of carriage roads meander through fields and forests, once used by Stillman for fox hunting and carriage driving.

Though of considerable wealth and influence—he served as director of the New York Botanical Garden and was a New York Zoological Society trustee—Stillman shunned opulence in favor of education and environmental conservation.

In a May 11, 1971, letter to family, Stillman expressed his desire for Wethersfield to remain open space, “a refuge for the animals and birds indigenous to the region” that would be “maintained and on view to the public under some arrangement that would preserve the objects intact, without interfering with the wildlife.”

That legacy continues. Today, Wethersfield hosts artist residencies, concerts, and educational programs for horticultural interns. Guests are welcomed by appointment, preserving the estate’s promise of privacy and tranquility.

“This home was Mr. Stillman’s lifelong passion,” Murray notes. “Our hope is that visitors experience it just as he envisioned—with appreciation, wonder, and joy.”

A National Register of Historic Places destination, Wethersfield remains a living canvas where art, architecture, and landscape inspire awe and quiet transformation.—wethersfield.org n

KLOCKE ESTATE

Where Brandy Meets Legacy in the Hudson Valley

BY CLEMENTINA VERGE / PHOTOGRAPHS BY WILLIAM GEDDES

SPRAWLED ON 160 ACRES

of rolling farmland in Hudson, Klocke Estate is redefining American brandy with artistry and precision. At the helm is John Frishkopf, whose passion for brandy has blossomed into a regenerative orchard and vineyard, where tradition meets innovation.

Frishkopf’s journey is as layered as the spirits he crafts. It began with a youthful epiphany—an 18-year-old sipping Hennessy Paradis at a friend’s house, igniting a fascination with fine spirits that would follow him through college and beyond.

While studying at MIT, he enrolled in a winemaking class, followed by winemaking in his parents’ laundry room. He made red and white—the white was better, he reminisces—and created his own label. It was not exceptional, but it was rewarding. Yet, a distillery was still a distant dream. First came graduate school, then Wall Street, then a banking career that led him through Europe.

He worked and tasted his way through Vienna, London, northern Italy, France, and the Czech Republic, his home for seven years. In Prague he learned how to make brandy: a weekend ritual shared by friends and colleagues—trading plums and apricots, and transforming the fruit into brandy.

“It was rocket fuel,” he remembers. “It was so bad, but it was a lot of fun. It was my first introduction to how easy it is to make brandy. Now, good brandy, that’s a different story,” he laughs.

He learned nuances of the craft—precise equipment, temperature control, and fermentation—and discovered that the “sweet spot” for the best production lay in artisanal-scale production. The realization ignited a dream: craft world-class artisanal brandy in America.

Frishkopf found the perfect terrain in the Hudson Valley—an abandoned apple orchard with 360-degree views of the Catskills, rich soil, and spectacular western-facing slopes. Untouched for 40 years, the land was a perfect blank canvas for growing a unique combination of grapes and heirloom apple varieties.

Frishkopf’s husband and business partner, Brett Mattingly, grew up on a farm and devised a masterplan to prepare the land. An intense transformation ensued, removing rocks by hand, on hands and knees, and planting more than 11,000 apple trees and 26,000 grapevines. Every detail reflects commitment to regenerative organic farming, a choice Frishkopf admits makes the process harder, but ul-

timately delivers better fruit and a deeper sense of stewardship by honoring the land’s history while securing its future.

Klocke Estate is more than a distillery—it’s a curated sensory experience. Designed by Ken Fulk, “the estate’s modern vernacular architecture blends seamlessly into the landscape,” while the tasting room transports guests with dramatic painted ceilings, custom murals, and sweeping Catskill vistas. The design blends simplicity with warmth, “celebrating time and tradition through vintage furnishings and art inspired by Dutch heritage.”

Central to Klocke’s story is craftsmanship. Brandy is distilled in custom-built stills imported from France and Germany, then aged patiently in French oak barrels—Quercus robur—imparting a nuanced, spicy softness that sets it apart from American oak varieties.

“I’ve tasted world-class brandies across Europe,” Frishkopf reflects. “Now, guests enjoy something just as refined—crafted right here. It’s a farm product, but elegant and sophisticated. Honestly, there’s nothing like sitting atop this hill at the end of a long day, watching people enjoy themselves, the food, the space. I now understand why people are so passionate about hospitality.”

The forthcoming release of the first aged apple brandy, a Calvados-style spirit, marks a milestone in this meticulous journey at Klocke (the Dutch word for “clock”): the launch of a new chapter in American brandy—rooted in history, crafted with care, and destined to become timeless.—klocke-estate.com

At Klocke Estate in Hudson, two stunning bar rooms showcase impeccable design by Ken Fulk and BarlisWedlick Architects. One features natural wood tones for an elegant, inviting atmosphere, while the other is draped in deep blue for a more intimate, modern vibe. The exquisite duck entrée exemplifies the estate’s exceptional culinary talent and attention to detail.

Westover School

Be Seen, Be Known, Be Boldly You

WESTOVER SCHOOL is a girls-centered boarding and day school for grades 9-12 located in Middlebury, Connecticut. Founded in 1909, visionary educator Mary Hillard and architect Theodate Pope imagined a world for women bigger and bolder than the one before them. With a mission to empower students to lead lives of consequence, Westover blends tradition with innovation, from pioneering one of the nation’s first high school STEM programs to offering distinctive global learning opportunities. Today, the school continues to shape confident, compassionate leaders who carry its trailblazing spirit into the world and beyond.

What sets your school apart?

At Westover, every scholar, artist, problem-solver, and leader is a girl—making students the central characters in their own stories. Within a close-knit, empowering community, they discover their passions, voice, and leadership through programs like Women in Science & Engineering (WISE), the Westover Institute, and the Rasin Center for Global Justice. Students develop confidence,

creativity, and a sense of purpose, guided by a culture that prioritizes curiosity, collaboration, and resilience in all areas of learning and life.

Student experience

At Westover, students are excited to come to school each day. With a mix of day students and domestic and international boarders, our community is built intentionally so every student can be authentically themselves. Small classes and close relationships with teachers anchor the educational experience, while signature programs, arts, athletics, and clubs spark curiosity and fuel passions. Whether taking center stage in a play, trying out for the volleyball team, or leading a club on an issue that matters, each day brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and lead.

Signature programs

Westover’s signature programs in STEM, finance, and global justice extend learning beyond the classroom. Students begin with Creative Problem Solving in WISE, explore financial fluency through FIRE (Financial Inde-

pendence, Readiness & Empowerment), and engage with global issues through the Rasin Center. Programs like the Westover Institute and Oxford Tutorial cultivate independent thinking, intellectual curiosity, and confidence, preparing students to take on leadership roles locally and globally, while encouraging meaningful exploration of their interests.

Support beyond the classroom

Students are supported through advisory programs, small classes, and partnerships with the JED Foundation. Residential life, wellness initiatives, clubs, and robust arts programming foster creativity, resilience, and community. Every student is encouraged to explore passions, develop talents, and feel known and empowered socially, emotionally, and creatively, building relationships and skills that last a lifetime.

Teachers and professional growth

Westover cultivates a culture of lifelong learning through robust professional development, knowing that when teachers grow, so do students. Innovative programs like the Westover Institute allow teachers to explore interests while blending tradition with new approaches. In turn, they spark curiosity, creativity, and engagement, inspiring students to lead lives of consequence.

Recent success story

Westover’s AP Environmental Science program exemplifies student initiative. In the 2024 Project Green Challenge, students competed globally, placing third overall, while Sarah Q. ’26 was recognized as a Top 10 Finalist internationally. Inspired by her participation at the San Francisco Eco-Summit, she launched Style Cycle, a student-led swap shop promoting sustainability, creativity, and community—now a beloved staple on campus.

Learning environment and visiting Westover

With an average class size of 12 and a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Westover offers personal attention, lively discussion, and deep engagement. Advisory, one-on-one conferencing, and the Oxford Tutorial Model further support student growth. Families interested in learning more or arranging a visit can contact admission@westoverschool. org or visit westoverschool.org.

E ATS

BIG FLAVOR IN RHINEBECK

BY CHRISTOPHER STELLA

›“Little Goats are whimsical and playful,” says Erin Winters, co-founder of Little Goat. “It reflects the atmosphere we want to create.”

Newly opened by hospitality veterans Taavo Somer and Erin Winters, the bakery, pantry, and cafe offers comfort, convenience, and plenty of charm.

This is not Somer and Winters’s first collaboration–they have worked together on standout upstate destinations including INNESS in Accord and Lola Pizza Kitchen in Kingston. Both boast rich legacies in hospitality. Winters—raised in a family of chefs, farmers, and foragers—began

her career in fashion before bringing her aesthetic sensibility to the service industry. Somer, initially trained as an architect, has created some of New York City’s most iconic dining destinations, among them Freemans Restaurant, before relocating to Rhinebeck. Little Goat marks his 14th opening.

Photographs by KATE SEARS

The restaurant is set inside a charming 18th-century townhouse (formerly home to The Amsterdam), replete with a welcoming porch and back garden. The new owners embraced the building’s inherent charm and feminine qualities, employing a palette of layered creams punctuated with warm wooden accents, vintage French ceramics, and carefully curated art work. It feels inviting at any time of day.

“The location should design itself,” notes Somer. “My job is to just listen to the space, and let it tell me what should be there.”

For all its aesthetic delights, Little Goat offers an abundance of utility: grab-and-go food, pastries, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner service.

“I was inspired by beachside restaurants in Europe,” says Somer. “People use those spaces differently at different times of day—getting a coffee in running shorts, and returning later dressed for dinner.”

The cuisine is of a versatile, Mediterranean variety. Local sourcing is central to the menu: baked goods come from Sparrowbush Bakery in Hudson; fresh vegetables are sourced throughout the region. The menu is expertly crafted by executive chef Brian Paragas, whose experience was honed at NYC farm-to-table mainstay Hearth, and at Philadelphia’s iconic Vetri Cucina and Zahav; and consulting chef Brian Arruda, who has worked under such culinary luminaries as José Andrés, Thomas Keller, and Daniel Boulud.

Among the standouts: The mezze platter is as bright in flavor as it is in color; the ricotta gnudi in a verdant, peppery sauce of nettles and watercress is perfectly pillowy; and the steelhead trout is buttery, and complemented by pickled greens. The dessert pavlova stuns with a custardy mascarpone center, and is topped with seasonal fruit. The cocktails are outstanding as well, offering fruit forward takes on the classics.

Even with their myriad successes, Somer and Winters remain involved in every aspect of the restaurant. In fact, they painted the walls, and Somer built many of the tabletops. “When you aren’t handson in a space, there is something tangible missing from the experience,” says Somer. From my experience, Little Goat isn’t missing a thing.

Little Goat, 6380 Mill St., Rhinebeck —littlegoatny.com

Amenia

AMENIA STEAK HOUSE

I= Inexpensive M= Moderate E= Expensive

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

Try their Isamu duck wrap and Ocean Chic roll. 240 Main St. / 845-440-0002 isamubeaconny.com I

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

ZIATUN

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

Dover Plains

OLD DROVERS INN

A classic early-American bedand-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

E ATS

Fishkill

GYMKHANA

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

gymkhanafishkill.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 scenic country-style restaurant featuring locally sourced food with a European flare. 4258 US-44 / 845-677-5888 charlottesny.com M

HOUSE OF STEFAS

Ultra-hip Greek restaurant serving ceviche, zuchini fritters, salt-crusted fish, grilled lamb, and 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, and dinner. Live music on weekends. 2510 US-44 / 845-677-2985 lapuertaazul.com M

MILLBROOK CAFE

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

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

MILLBROOK DINER

Classic diner food and a Millbrook institution; enjoy classics such as BLT, Caesar salad, or the club sandwich. 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

THE BIRD DOG CAFE

Cafe at Orvis Sandanona featuring local game. 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

TALLOW

Redefining fast food with clean, nutrient-dense meals made from local, 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.

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 seasonal French-Italian meals in cozy rooms.

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 with 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 but 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

TAMARIND

Upscale Indian restaurant offering classic curries and

tandoori. 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 charlieosbarandgrill.com I

RUSTIC TABLES

Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner: waffles, duck wontons, Fiesta Bowls. 1215 Route 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 am, 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 in its food and catering service.

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

BIA

A Hudson Valley interpretation of modern Irish cuisine. 22 Garden St. / 845-516-4044 bia-rbk.com M

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 using only fresh ingredients. 6384 Mill St. 845-516-4315 nycafeconleche.com I

CHEESE LOUISE

Curated selection of imported cheeses from around the world. Fresh cured meats, pasta, and prepared food. 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 its enchiladas, paella, and 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

A family-run Japanese restaurant known for their 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

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

E ATS

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. Gluten-free pizza too.

6270 NY-82 / 845-723-4139

3brotherspizzadeli.com I

COYOTE FLACO

Casual family-run Mexican restaurant that has authentic Mexican cuisine.

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

Wood-fired pizza and organic small-production wines, craft breweries, and cocktails. Outdoor fire pit; friendly to children, 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 and nutrition-dense flours, sourced locally when possible. 3 Main St. vitskybakery.com I n

Out &About

›› Play for Pink

The 10th annual Play for P.I.N.K. Millbrook Luncheon, held July 11 at Mashomack Preserve Club, raised nearly $500,000 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Co-chaired by Julia Descoteaux, Beth Ledy, Alison Marsal, Joyce Mykoniatis, and Stephania Quartararo, the elegant al fresco event featured remarks from leading voices in breast cancer research and advocacy. Honoree Cathy Franklin, co-founder of Hillrock Estate Distillery, was recognized for her outstanding philanthropic leadership, marking this luncheon as a highlight of the summer season.

ART news

KALEIDOSCAPE

›AT SAVAGE WONDERGROUND, KaleidoSCAPE fills the underground vaults with unapologetic color, precise geometry, and unexpected movement. Beneath Beacon’s sidewalks, the former bank space becomes an immersive stage for seven artists—Caroline Blum, Shawn Dulaney, Robert Kelly, Michael Schropp, Vicki Sher, Gret Sterrett Smith, and Charles Spurrier— all veterans or immediate family members.

Each work, whether a painting, sculpture, or work on paper, carries the imprint of lives where discipline and chaos often occupy the same frame. Together, they challenge the viewer to linger, recalibrate, and notice what’s shifting in their periphery.

Curated by Jeannie Freilich, KaleidoSCAPE is an exercise in controlled unpredictability. The selection highlights artists who are fearless in their exploration of intuition, personal consciousness, and the boundaries of lived experience.

Savage Wonderground’s mission is to present work by veterans, first responders, and their families—mentoring under-represented artists while offering audiences perspectives shaped by service. KaleidoSCAPE delivers on that mission with work that refuses to be background decor.

On view through November 23, open Wednesday through Sunday at Savage Wonderground, 141 Main St., Beacon. —savagewonder.org

A NEW ERA IN HEALTH CARE ALL FOR YOU

Nuvance Health is proudly joining Northwell, one of the largest health systems in the Northeast.

With expanded support for our trusted hospitals and broader access to top-tier care and lifesaving innovations, this new chapter will bring everything you need to live your healthiest life.

We’re raising health for New York. For Connecticut. For you.

Nuvancehealth.org/Northwell