Photo courtesy of Innisfree Garden
Looking for a place to live in the Hudson Valley that pairs country charm with suburban conveniences? Millbrook may be perfect for you.
Halfway between the Hudson and Connecticut lies the quaint country village of Millbrook. Boasting rural charm and a robust recreation scene, it’s no wonder the Dutchess community of just 1,500 is popular among residents and weekenders alike. Historically home to some of America’s most prominent Gilded Age elite, today the village preserves its old-world sophistication with a modern community feel.
Although small, Millbrook’s epicenter truly has something for everyone—including Tribute Garden park and playground for families, a self-guided historical tour through the town, a seasonal farmers market, and of course, diverse spots to shop and eat. Grab a hand-crafted coffee at All That Java; visit Zagat-rated Café Les Baux for authentic bistro cuisine; settle in for a cozy Italian dinner at Barbaro; or go for a bite at the Millbrook Café, an excellent eatery that serves seafood and steaks cooked in a wood-fired oven.
We would be remiss if we didn’t spotlight some of the fabulous shopping options as well. Orangerie Garden + Home doubles as a greenhouse and interior design studio; 5,000-sq-ft filled with American and European antiques awaits you at Millbrook Antiques Mall; Juniper is a one-stop-shop for luxe gifts for all ages (plus the owner does custom photography); and Merritt Bookstore is owned by lit enthusiasts who’d love to help you find your next read.
Just outside town you’ll find beautiful landscapes of rolling hills, and plenty of other places to explore. Marvel at the beauty of Innisfree Garden, a Chinese-style oasis over 50 years in the making; try your luck at fly fishing or sporting clays at the Orvis Sandanona Shooting Grounds; get a close-up view of our regional ecosystems at the Cary Institute; tour Wing’s Castle, a medieval-style structure made out of modern rubble by artist Peter Wing; or go for a tasting and tour at Millbrook Vineyards & Winery. The Trevor Zoo is also worth a visit; it’s run by the Millbrook School, and houses over 180 exotic and indigenous animals.
The village is close to the Taconic Parkway, and a half an hour drive from Poughkeepsie and the Metro North railroad station. Rural solitude, upscale living, and a welcoming vibe, Millbrook is a wonderful little community to call home.
