9 Best Things to Do in Rhinebeck, New York

By VacationIdea Staff on July 26, 2022 - Updated

Enjoy Rhinebeck

There are numerous things to do in the historic and charming town of Rhinebeck, New York. Located only around two hours from the hustle and bustle of New York City, the town is considered by many to be a peaceful and quiet hideaway, an ideal escape from busy city life. Rhinebeck is situated within the Hudson Valley, a popular destination in New York State. It has a thriving culture and arts scene, trails for biking and hiking, gardens, unique shops, historic sites, great restaurants, and much more.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Wilderstein Historic Site

The Wilderstein Historic Site in Rhinebeck, New York today is a not-for-profit house museum that at one time was the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s confidante and cousin, Margaret Suckley. The house is also widely considered to be the most important example of the Victorian architectural style in the Hudson Valley. Margaret traveled extensively with Roosevelt during his presidency and was the one who gave him Fala, the President’s famous Scottish terrier. Tours of the mansion are offered at certain times.

330 Morton Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, Phone: 845-876-4818

2.Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, New York

The Omega Institute is a nonprofit organization and a premiere tourism destination in the Hudson Valley region of New York. This internationally recognized leader in wellness, health, and lifelong learning offers many online learning opportunities, rejuvenation and rest retreats, professional training, and workshops. Established in 1977, the Omega Institute provides innovative and diverse educational experiences designed to inspire a more integrated approach to social and personal change. There are also several amenities and outdoor activities available, such as gardens; the Long Pond Lake which offers canoeing, kayaking, and swimming during the summer; woodland trails, basketball courts, tennis courts, and more.

150 Lake Dr, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, Phone: 845-266-4444

3.Ferncliff Forest, Rhinebeck, New York

The Ferncliff Forest in the town of Rhinebeck is home to a nature preserve with a tower, a pond, and a dozen miles of trails perfect for mountain biking or walking. For over one hundred years, the forest has been an unspoiled, natural preserve extending across approximately two hundred acres along the outskirts of the historic Rhinebeck community. There have been several observation towers on the grounds throughout the year, with each one serving its own special purpose. The Ferncliff Forest and its remaining observation tower have been preserved as a lasting legacy to be enjoyed by future generations.

68 Mt Rutsen Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, Phone: 845-876-1559

4.Northern Dutchess Botanical Gardens, Rhinebeck, NY

The Northern Dutchess Botanical Gardens has been growing an impressive variety of ornamentals, herbs, vegetables, perennials, and annuals for more than forty years in Rhinebeck, New York. One of the main draws of the botanical gardens is that it is a living, working greenhouse operation in which the plants sold here are grown on the property, whether from divisions, roots, plugs, cutting, or seeds. The diverse assortment of plants are placed in a very visitor-friendly manner, with groups of plants set in their own area, in alphabetical order, accompanied by excellent signage featuring descriptions, culture, and pictures.

389 Salisbury Turnpike, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, Phone: 845-876-2953

5.The Amsterdam, Rhinebeck, New York

Opening its doors in the heart of Rhinebeck in the spring of 2017, The Amsterdam serves contemporary farm-to-table cuisine with a beautiful “city-meets-country” setting. During its first year, the restaurant was named by HV Magazine as “Best New Restaurant,” leading to it becoming an instant local favorite. The Amsterdam provides a more elevated approach to farm-to-table fare and a French and fine dining perspective to several American classics. The restaurant also has a strong appreciation for the region’s rich agriculture and forms relationships with many of the local farmers. During warmer weather, the backyard offers a hidden oasis.

6380 Mill St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, Phone: 845-516-5033

6.Samuel's, Rhinebeck, New York

Samuel's has been a part of the quain town of Rhinebeck, New York since 1994, providing the upstate Hudson Valley region with tasty baked goods, decadent chocolates, and classic confections. Some of the best coffee in the area and savory sandwiches can be found on the menu at Samuel’s as well. This kid-friendly and accommodating store opens daily at eight in the morning and closes at 7:30pm Sunday to Thursday and at 9:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Samuel’s also hosts several events and contests throughout the year and has been mentioned on several late night television shows.

42 E Market St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, Phone: 845-876-5312

7.Four Brothers Pizza Inn & Restaurant, Rhinebeck, New York

The Four Brothers Pizza Inn and Restaurant was started by Stefanopoulos brothers who emigrated during the 1970’s from Greece in search of success. Over the years, the restaurant has garnered quite a success with offering exceptional service, consistency, and unique tastes, as well as delicious pizza and a famous recipe for Greek salad dressing that’s now sold by the bottle. Open seven days a week until eight at night, the family-owned and operated Four Brothers Pizza Inn gets most of its ingredients from local farms, however, the olive oil comes from their olive orchards all the way in Greece.

3803 NY-9G, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, Phone: 845-876-3131

8.Kesicke Farm, Rhinebeck, New York

The Kesicke Farm is a family-owned and operated farm just outside of Rhinebeck along Middle Road. Visitors can find a variety of farm fresh produce during the summer months, family fun and pumpkins during the autumn season, and eggs and beef year-round. The main event at the Kesicke Farm is its Fall Festival, which takes place every weekend from the middle of September through the end of October, 10:00am until 6:00pm both Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can take part in pumpkin picking, hay wagon rides, wagon rides, a corn maze, petting and feeding animals, and more.

229 Middle Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, Phone: 845-590-9642

9.Bread Alone, Rhinebeck, New York

Bread Alone is an upstate small chain of bakeries focused on making wood-fired organic breads. With a location on Market Street in Rhinebeck, the bakery has been serving an array of artisanal loaves in a relaxed, simple environment since 1983. In addition to breads, Bread Alone also offers cookies, pastries, and a variety of cafe eats, such as salads, omelets, and sandwiches. The values-driven, family-owned upstate bakery wanted to bring an honest, pure craft to the community and believes in the “simple life,” as well as living grounded in community, nature, and honest and simple breads and other foods.

45 E Market St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, Phone: 845-876-3108