Millbrook vacation rentals

The village of Millbrook sits squarely within New York’s Hudson Valley, filled with lush deciduous forests, gently bubbling streams, and small lakes. The area has long been an upscale retreat but is also well known for its agriculture. You can spend days visiting maple syrup farms, family-owned vineyards, dairy farms with award-winning cheeses, and horse ranches where you can take long rides through wooded trails.

Millbrook itself is less than 20 miles from Poughkeepsie, but its tidy main streets, populated by cozy local storefronts and grand homes dating from the 18th century, make this destination feel a world away from the modern day. Comforting and inviting in that distinctly New England way, this is the kind of village where residents greet each other at the hardware store, host bake sale fundraisers, and lean into a slower pace of life.

Each season in the temperate Hudson Valley is quite distinct, making this a popular destination year round. However, it’s always a good idea to pack warm layers regardless of the month. Spring is mild and brings blooms, but temperatures can be cold at night. From May through the end of October, you can visit the local farmers’ market every Saturday morning, which is a great place to shop for artisanal goods or grab a hot coffee. The hot and humid summer weather is great for lake activities, and the Millbrook Literary Festival in May and Summer Carnival in July are popular attractions. The autumn season is great for hiking through forests filled with eye-popping foliage. Winter brings below-freezing temperatures, plenty of snow, and December festivals like the Parade of Lights.

Franklin Avenue

Starting at Tribute Gardens in the center of town, walk east along Franklin Avenue, one of the town’s main streets, to browse Millbrook’s local businesses. Here, you’ll find a three-story antique mall, boutiques selling home decor and handmade souvenirs, a 1950s diner that looks frozen in time, quaint cafes with baked goods, art galleries, and restaurants serving up classic American fare.

Innisfree Garden

This 185-acre garden, just to the southwest of town, is open from May to October. Innisfree takes its cues from traditional Chinese and Japanese gardens and is designed for slow-paced exploration. Each view around Tyrrel Lake has been carefully planned to show the water to best effect, with stone structures, water features, or wooden bridges around every corner. Almost half of the flowering plants here are native wildflowers, but the many varieties of trees are equally spectacular.

Dutchess Wine Trail

You can spend a whole day exploring several vineyards and wineries along this trail; each destination is only about 15 minutes apart by car. The drive itself is incredibly scenic, and you’ll pass orchards, horse farms, small lakes, and wooded streams on your way. Some wineries encourage visitors to bring picnics, while others host food trucks or offer their own menus.