The holiday shopping season is upon us, and Dutchess County is the perfect destination for unique gifts, artisanal food, specialty products and memorable experiences. Our staff is sharing their favorite places to purchase the perfect presents.
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This holiday season I’m REALLY excited about our new Commander in Cheers Beers! Perfect for the craft beer lover on your list or the history buff. Collect all four can designs – one each from our partners at The Brewery at the CIA, King’s Court Brewing Company, Mill House Brewing Company and Zeus Brewing Company. And don’t forget to grab one of our specialty coasters at these and other taverns, tasting rooms and restaurants throughout the county to Toast with Tiny George. You’ll hear a tale about Dutchess’ Revolutionary history from our augmented reality George Washington. I hope you’ll join me this holiday season in raising a glass to history to kick off the celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary in 2026. Huzzah!
For the holidays I love gifting fun experiences for children of all ages as well as fuel for the grown ups. I love to see the joy when SplashDown Beach Water Park season passes are opened as well as a gift card to my favorite coffee shop Hot Stuff Coffee Shop in Fishkill.
The best gifts are always the ones that keep on giving. Gifting an membership is a great way to support amazing attractions and provide deeper experiences. A few great memberships to look out for are to the Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo, Innisfree Garden, Friends of Clermont State Historic Site, Omega Institute of Holistic Studies, Walkway Over the Hudson and Mills Friends of Staatsburgh State Historic Site. Memberships offer access to special events, discounts and start as low as $50 per year.
I love gifting Horseshoe Brand Hot Sauce to my friends and family to help spice up their meals! From their milder peach hot sauce to their XXXTRA hot sauce, there’s a sauce for every heat tolerance level. My personal favorite is their Maple Cayenne collaboration with Crown Maple, it’s good on everything – even just a cracker!
Give the gift of memories! As someone with kids, I love the idea of gifting an experience instead of toys. A future biplane ride at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, a Hudson Valley Renegades baseball game, an alpaca or llama hike at Clover Brooke Farms or Lilymoore Farm, membership to Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum (open year-round!) or a movie at Four Brothers Drive-In are all great options! If you’re looking for a present for an entire family, stop by Hudson Valley Marshmallow Co. and pick up a gift basket of gourmet hot cocoa mix and marshmallows. Paired with matching family pajamas and you’ve got the recipe for holiday traditions. Also, did you know that Millbrook Vineyards and Winery can make custom labels for their award-winning wines?
I take immense pride in showcasing products from local artisans in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Dutchess County's craft beverage portfolio is incredible, and a 90-day Taste Finder pass makes a perfect gift for any beer fan, wine aficionado or someone looking to expand their palate. This mobile passport unlocks perks—including tastings, flights, pints and merch—at 14 destinations. With vintners, brewers, distillers and cidermakers contributing to local terroir, there's no better place to taste spirits than on the property it was made. Plus, Dassai Blue Sake Brewery in Hyde Park is a great place to try sake for the first time.
Also, for a gift with a personal touch make an appointment to create your own glass-blown ornament at Hudson Beach Glass.
Shopping for a family can require a person to visit many locations; as a hudsband and a father of two, I appreciate a one-stop shop. Eastdale Village in Poughkeepsie is an incredible place to spend an afternoon. Looking to gift your family sweets? Amanda's Macaron Shoppe has something to sweeten anyone's day. Freddy B is an awesome spot to shop women's clothing and accessories, while Daffodils Gift Shoppe is your go-to for jewelry and bright, fun presents. There are great gifts to be found at our historic site and museum gift shops too. I always find inspiration at The New Deal Store at The Henry A. Wallace Visitors Center operated by the FDR Presidential Library and Museum for their incredible assortment of books, art, clothing and novelty items. At Locust Grove Estate, I like to shop for locally handcrafted items, art and unique items with ties to the estate and the Hudson Valley. Staatsburgh State Historic Site is another great shop featuring their Staatsburgh blend of Harney & Son’s Fine Tea, linens and anything with a Victorian flair. The fun part of museum shopping is you never know what treasure you’ll find!
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I love shopping locally at our vibrant holiday markets this time of year, and I am grateful that we have so many amazing artists and makers here in Dutchess County! Some of my personal favorites include: Be Still Soaps (skincare), Opal & Amber (soaps), Chloe + Lois (jewelry), The Brass Bee Mercantile (décor), Rose Gennaro Art (paintings), Laurel & Ash (maple syrup), Farmhouse Flame Co. (candles), JZB Woodworking (wood furnishings), High Noon Leather Works (leather bags) and Hetta (glögg). Many of their products can be purchased online or found in local shops and holiday markets around the county.
Looking for something locally crafted or need some fresh ideas? I always enjoy perusing the inviting and thoughtful collection at SierraLily in Poughkeepsie. Filled with an amazing amount of all-season and holiday gift options and a very helpful staff, you are bound to find a gift here or at a minimum be inspired! If you are looking for handcrafted or locally made items then perhaps this year consider going to the Arts Mid-Hudson Dutchess Handmade Holiday Pop-Up Shop, a seasonal showcase and sale for original, locally crafted works, including jewelry, pottery, art, and more. Dutchess is fortunate to have many holiday markets and craft shows. Check more out in this spotlight!
