Page 37 - Dutchess Tourism 2022

When visiting Dutchess, what is a must-do and why?
“The Village of Tivoli! In one stop, you can get the best in food (including Fortune’s Ice Cream, voted best ice cream in New York!), hotels (Hotel Tivoli), arts and culture (Kaatsbaan Cultural Park) and so much more!”
Sonja Kostich is the
Chief Executive and Artistic Officer of Kaatsbaan Cultural Park. Sonja has been a part
of the professional dance community for over 30 years, beginning as a professional ballet dancer. After a diverse artistic international career, she transitioned into corporate finance, later moving into nonprofit arts management. Now, she merges her artistic and business experience to
lead Kaatsbaan. Catch a dynamic slate of artists from the world of dance, music, culinary arts, poetry and visual art during Kaatsbaan’s 2022 Summer and Fall Festivals.
What’s a hidden-gem destination in Dutchess?
“For my work with the Hudson Valley Film Commission, I spend most of my time referring and visiting locations in Dutchess County. ...
My favorite referrals are the historic locations.
I love seeing them come alive in film and TV productions, especially period films where you are suddenly stepping back in time. Some of my favorite referrals have included The Bleachery in Wappingers Falls, which was used so beautifully as a tannery from the early 1900s in HBO’s ‘I Know This Much is True.’”
Laurent Rejto is the founder and executive director of the Hudson Valley Film Commission, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that attracts, supports and promotes regional film and TV production. Since 2000, the Film Commission has worked on hundreds of productions with independent film companies and majors, including Amazon Studios, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, NBC, Paramount, Showtime, Universal Studios and others.
Laurent has worked as
a writer, director and
producer as well as co-
founded the Woodstock
Film Festival.
On location at the Milea Estate Vineyard in Staatsburg for Amy Schumer’s Hulu series “LIFE & BETH.”
Why did you choose Dutchess County to start your business?
“We grew up
in the Hudson
Valley and loved
the history of
LeChambord.
It’s been a lot
of fun to breathe
new life into it and
have a beautiful place
for the community to come
together and celebrate everything from Wine Wednesday with friends to lavish weddings and everything in between.”
In 2019, six sisters, affectionately known as the “Curry Girls,” purchased the LeChambord property in Hopewell Junction. After moving in different directions and across
the country for family and career, Karen, Cathleen, Dawn, Patricia, Jennifer and Jill came back home to own and operate the 10-acre wedding venue, conference center, inn, restaurant and bar. Enjoy live music and special events at this historic landmark.
What’s a hidden-gem attraction or destination in Dutchess?
“Quiet Cove — beautiful river views and picnic areas. Parking is accessible. [There are] ramps to the house and restroom as well as accessible bathrooms.”
Patrick Muller and Jeanine Byrnes both work as disability advocates for Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. (TRI) in Poughkeepsie. Their advocacy work at TRI involves promoting the full inclusion of Dutchess residents with disabilities within county parks and recreational attractions. TRI recently
partnered with the NYS Department of Conservation to implement
a wheelchair- accessible trail
at Stony Kill Environmental Center in Wappinger Falls!
A recreational guide is in the works to inform visitors to Dutchess about accessible venues and outdoor areas.
DutchessTourism.com 35