| | Glass. After checking in at our bed and breakfast take a short drive to the Rhinebeck Performing Arts Center for a late night show and witness the spectacular productions all of which are performed by local, national, and international talent. Sit back and be enthralled by astounding performances of The Death of a Salesman, Cabaret, or Into the Woods. The Performing Arts Center ’s shows are usually presented in the afternoon and evening hours on Fridays and weekends.
After a well rested night and a tasty breakfast, make your way over to the Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College . There you will experience a vibrant atmosphere, full of thrill-seeking entertainment and programs in jazz music, theater, dance, and orchestra. Don’t miss a rare opportunity to be charmed by Beethoven’s first five symphonies or three, one act operas. Purchase tickets now to the Bard Summerscape and discover the music created by the famous composer, Alban Berg.
Grab a quick bite to eat at any one of Rhinebeck’s charming restaurants and amble on over to Upstate Films where you will view aesthetic films with rich content. Upstate films show independent, international, documentary, animation, and silent films. Upstate films, demonstrates a devotion to bringing cultural films that are hardly ever screened in this country to a semi-rural area. They are open seven days a week, year round, with about 700 shows per year.
Once you have viewed a spectacular motion picture travel a half a mile down and dine at Ariel, a well-known French restaurant. Set in the center of the Village of Rhinebeck , Ariel is famous for mouth-watering foods and authentic ambience. You will discover a relaxed environment where you can enjoy a private dinner to end your weekend trip.
Over The Water Are you ready to enjoy the magic that the Hudson Valley has to offer? Watch the sun rise as you stroll across the famous Walkway over the Hudson , sit back and appreciate the quiet ambiance of The Culinary Institute of America, sight see at the historic Vanderbilt Mansion , or simply take pleasure in a romantic dinner at The Rhinecliff. You can do all of this in one day, while only traveling a few miles from our bed and breakfast.
To begin your daytrip join the many men and women who have already discovered the newest attraction, The Walkway over the Hudson . This historical landmark was originally built in the 19th century and served as a transport for soldiers braving their souls in WWI. Today, it is quite simply known as a technological wonder of the Hudson Valley . Since it opened in October, many have witnessed the breathtaking views while walking, biking, and even rollerblading. The walkway is open from 7am till sunset.
Next make your way over to the Culinary Institute of America and explore a world of flavor. Experience varied cuisines and palatable dishes at their five award winning restaurants. Discover their American Bounty Restaurant and enjoy American foods creatively prepared with ingredients from our own Hudson Valley and beyond. Dine at their Escoffier Restaurant and take pleasure in delectable French cuisine. Savor Italy ’s authentic dishes at their famous Ristorante Caterina de’ Medici. Taste the scrumptious cakes and savor the heavenly croissants at their Apple Pie Bakery Café. If a charming restaurant with a casual atmosphere is what you are looking for then try their St. Andrew’s Café which perfectly highlights the farm to table experience. Reservations are not necessary for lunch but are advised for dinner.
After indulging at The Culinary Institute of America take a short drive to the Vanderbilt Mansion and expand your knowledge of this historical site. Be taken away by the spectacular architecture, the stunning interior and the remarkable landscape. Challenge your imagination as you travel through time and experience the cultural wonders of the years after the civil war. Tours of the mansion and estate are available from sunrise to sunset. After a leisurely walk through the formal gardens, a quick hike through the carriage trails, and a spectacular view of the sunset end your daytrip with a dinner at The Rhinecliff. Enjoy classic European elegance in a friendly atmosphere at The Rhinecliff Hotel which is conveniently only miles from our bed and breakfast and offers a striking view of the Hudson River .
Driving Tour
Begin your stay in the Hudson Valley by visiting one of our most famous historical sites, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Library and Museum. The library was founded by Roosevelt himself and was America ’s first presidential library. Its purpose is to promote research and education of the era in which Franklin Roosevelt lived. Explore the many exhibits that are presented in the Roosevelt ’s Museum. Walk through the doors of our nations past and witness the building blocks of the living history that Franklin Roosevelt helped to create. Immerse yourself in fascinating multimedia shows, study artifacts of the 20th century, and become face to face with important documents that helped carve our history. Become aware of the many programs that are open to the public, such as the annual reenactment of the Roosevelt ’s USO Show, Roosevelt Reading Festival in June, film programs, and author talks and signings. The Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Library and Museum is open year round with hours of operation varying.
After taking a stroll through history take a drive and grab lunch at Wild Hive Farms, located in Clinton Corners. Enjoy foods that are produced locally and organically across the Hudson Valley . Start off with tasty Sauerkraut with sausage and a side of a leafy green salad. Quench your thirst with apple cider and finish off with a sinful slice of homemade chocolate raspberry cake.
While in Clinton Corners be sure to visit the Clinton Vineyards. Take a dive into the warm and welcoming environment that this vineyard has to offer. Visit, and be blown away by the historic Dutch barns and the breath taking landscape. Take a walk through the vineyard and stop by the charming wine tasting room. Stroll through the gardens with your family or friends and become enchanted by the peacefulness that the Clinton Vineyards are known for.
When you have seen all you can see at the Clinton Vineyards make your way back to our Bed and Breakfast and rest your feet with a hot cup of tea. Unwind in our charming sitting area and when the evening rolls around dine at Gigi Trattoria where you will be served superior local foods and drinks. Treat yourself with Italian dishes, fresh pasta, homemade "skizzas" and delicious antipasti. Reservations for parties greater than 6.
With a full stomach and pleasant memories make this an end to your day trip. Return to The Looking Glass, get a good nights sleep, and in the morning enjoy our thoughtfully prepared breakfast.
On The Water
Have you ever wanted to experience nature hands on? Maybe you’d just like to try something new. Take a vacation from the hustle and bustle of your everyday lives and let your imagination wonder as you paddle up and down on the Hudson River . Take a drive to Rhinecliff, which is not far from The Looking Glass, and begin a kayaking tour and while having a fun, safe, and exciting experience in the peacefulness of the outdoors. Pack a snack, breathe the morning air, and watch the sunrise while you paddle your way through the open water to the quiet coves. The kayak tours are perfect for any skill level.
After you have worked your muscles on the river, satisfy your stomach with a Mediterranean lunch at Gigi Trattoria, an award winning restaurant in Rhinebeck. Savor Mediterranean dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients from farms and gardens right here in the Hudson Valley . Gigi Trattoria offers an inviting, warm, yet informal environment.
With a full stomach and satisfied taste buds cross the river to the Kingston, Hudson River Cruises where you will discover the beauty and scenic Hudson Valley. Relax on the deck of the charming Rip Van Winkle cruise boat. This is a perfect opportunity to sightsee the waterfront. An experienced guide will show you extraordinary landmarks as well as sleepy villages that are nestled into the shorelines of the Hudson River . You will notice the natural beauty of many vineyards and orchards in addition to the scenic preservation sites. Depending on the season you can catch glimpses of the autumn leaves or fruit tree blossoms.
Before heading back to our bed and breakfast be sure to visit the many boutiques Rhinebeck has to offer. In the middle of the village you will discover Haldora which offers charming European-style clothes and accessories. If you are looking for unique jewelry and a broad collection of elegant garments try Winter Sun, which is also located in the center of the village. Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the town you will find Pique, a quiet store with fabulous fashions available. Visit Merriweather's, which presents natural soaps and skin care products that are made from natural vegetable oils, herbs and essential oils.
Top of the evening with a dinner at Terrapin. If you are in the mood for beer braised lamb shank, grilled salmon, or roasted chicken, while enjoying classic beauty, then be sure to dine at Terrapin while you are staying in historic Rhinebeck. Reservations are recommended; visit their website for more details.

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