This week, I visited the mid-Hudson valley area for both work and pleasure. My wife graduated from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, so I’ve been traveling to the area since we met 10 years ago. In addition to the colorful spectacle of the leaves changing this time of year, there are numerous wineries, breweries and distilleries to visit in the area (and, I’m sure, some tourist attractions not related to the beverage alcohol industry).
After hearing about Half Time Beverage from one of my colleagues who attended their beer festival recently, I had to stop by the store to see for myself what a store of that size that sells only beer and cider looks like. You’ll be hearing more about Half Time in an upcoming issue of Beverage Dynamics – the owners’ story is unique and fascinating.
No trip to Poughkeepsie would be complete without a trek over the Walkway Over the Hudson, a state park created on top of an old railroad bridge hundreds of feet over the river.
It’s like a supersized version of the High Line in Manhattan.
I also stopped by the Tuthilltown Spirits distillery, nearby in Ulster County. It’s best known as the source of Hudson Whiskey, but the distillery also makes wheat and apple vodkas, gin and a variety of liqueurs (some of which are only available on-site).
The 44-proof Cacao and Cassis liqueurs alone make the trip worthwhile.
In addition to the tasting glasses, I picked up a bottle of Hudson Baby Bourbon and Cassis Liqueur at the company’s Tuthiltown distillery in Gardiner.
Jeremy – wish I knew you were coming to the area – I would have met you and taken you around. Give me a call if you do it again – Maggie Gephard (Maggie Wine Consulting – I do the Bev. Dynamics reviews). Glad you had a good time! It is beautiful here in the fall. I live just up the road from Marist College!
Maggie
I will Maggie! I’ll probably be back up there next fall (if not sooner).