Millerton Delights With a Community Vibe and Rural Charm

One of the Hudson Valley’s top towns in 2013: Millerton, NY

Photos courtesy of Dutchess Tourism

A refreshing balance of bustling village and rural charm in Dutchess County, Millerton tempts with a top selection of shops and eateries.

Bolstered by pandemic newcomers, the area is enjoying a renaissance with a diversified community while preserving an ever-friendly, artsy vibe.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you will love Millerton—the entrance to the 26-mile Harlem Valley Rail Trail is right on Main Street. Spanning a former Metro North line from Wassaic to Hillsdale, the paved path is perfect for walking and cycling. Five minutes north of the village is Rudd Pond in Taconic State Park, a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

Millerton

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Main Street is home to the headquarters of two national beverage brands: Harney & Sons and Irving Farm. This means locals and visitors have access to excellent coffee and tea that you can enjoy in their cafes or purchase for home.

Beyond these drink havens, foodies flock to the retro Oakhurst Diner, a farm-to-table destination. The menu is huge and highlights seasonal ingredients, from classics like pancakes and bacon to eclectic options such as dumplings, banh mi, and a rice and bean bowl with goat cheese and poached eggs. Down the road you’ll find The Millerton Inn, which serves up authentic Mediterranean-inspired dishes including moussaka with eggplant and pistachio-and honey-crusted pork chops. Don’t miss out on Spanish tapas and live music in 52 Main’s lounge. And there are plenty of farms and markets to stock up on produce, dairy items, and local goods such as Ronnybrook Dairy Farm, McEnroe Organic Farm (which is also home to Kings Highway Cider Shack), and the Millerton Farmers Market.

Oakhurst Diner Millerton

But downtown offers much more than good food: the village’s diverse shopping scene truly has something for everyone. Oblong Books stocks novels of all genres from both hyperlocal and international authors (plus books recs from the knowledgeable staff). Around the corner is Oblong Jr., where kids can pick out a new bedtime read. The Moviehouse is an independent cinema that shows everything from blockbusters to art films on its three screens. If you’re on the hunt for your next antique or collectible, Hunter Bee, Montage Antiques, Redux, and Millerton Antiques provide plenty of pieces to peruse. Looking for something more modern? The Hayloft sells a variety of home goods, and adjacent Battle Hill Forge crafts one-of-a-kind metal pieces. If you need to gear up before hitting the trails, head to Westerlind; they carry outdoor clothing and equipment from globally-renowned brands

Locals attest that a new era began in 2020, and with the amount of foot traffic that the tiny village gets on the weekends, we have to agree. The vibe has shifted into something exciting and creative that’s still growing, and the sense of community between residents and business owners is as strong as ever. If you haven’t been to Millerton in a while—you’re well overdue for a visit.

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