Page 5 - Dutchess Tourism 2022

supportive and welcoming tourist and business destination for all. Dutchess County has been designated by the Anderson Center for Autism as the first Autism Supportive County in New York State, and the Village of Rhinebeck has become certified as an Autism Supportive Community. Annual events such as Sinterklaas and the Dutchess County Fair offer quiet areas and special hours to provide respite for those that need sensory-friendly accommodations. Julie’s Jungle, a 16,000-square-foot public, accessible playground allows children of all abilities to play and learn together.
Scan here
to find out why Matador Network recently recognized
Dutchess as one of the
“5 destinations designed for autism-friendly travel.”
The America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass allows U.S. citizens or permanent residents with long-term disabilities a free lifetime pass to see national sites including the Vanderbilt Mansion and Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt. For New York State (NYS) residents with disabilities, The Access Pass gives free or discounted use of state parks, historic sites and recreational facilities operated by the NYS Office
of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
Tip: Use the ReciteMe toolbar
at DutchessTourism.com for text-to-speech, language translation and other accessibility tools to plan your Dutchess trip.
Pride in the Heart of the Hudson Valley
Dutchess is an ideal destination for a family vacation, couple’s getaway or a holiday with friends. Whether you’re here to explore the arts and culture scene, engage in outdoor recreation or enjoy the outstanding cuisine, LGBTQIA+ visitors will find a friendly, accepting environment.
Explore the appeal of alluring small towns like Beacon and Rhinebeck, where gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses have been growing
and thriving. Catch a performance
at Vassar College’s Powerhouse
Theater or see emerging works during
the New York Stage & Film Summer
Season. Celebrated international
performers and artists from the dance,
music, poetry, sculpture and culinary
world take the stage at Kaatsbaan
Cultural Park. History buffs will find
sites offering different perspectives
into significant personalities from
Dutchess County’s rich history,
including First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt,
a champion for human rights.
Appreciate the county’s natural beauty
with a casual stroll along Poets’ Walk
or a more challenging hike at Fishkill
Ridge. Challenge your palate to a host
of culinary experiences, from wine
tours to tasting menus at farm-to-
table eateries. Looking to say “I do”?
There’s a venue in Dutchess to match
community together can be found year-round. In June, don’t miss the month-long Pride bash hosted by
the Dutchess County Pride Center, including the PKGO Pride festival’s colorful and vibrant parade celebrating love and freedom in Poughkeepsie
— the “Queen City.” Pride in July at Barton Orchards welcomes families for a fun day on the 175-acre farm with live music, entertainment and farm activities. LGBTQ+ History Month
in October brings a slew of special events across the county. Enjoy an evening of entertainment with monthly drag shows and karaoke nights at Beacon’s barcade Happy Valley.
Scan and read about Dutchess experiences shared by LGBTQIA+ influencers
like Couple of Men and Once Upon a Journey!
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