Page 23 - Valley Table - Summer 2023

press time, summer desserts were in development.
Other spots to eat, drink, and relax include the Great Porch, where seating around a stone fire pit offers incredible views of the Shawangunk Ridge, the poolside Dew Bar with visiting chefs, and the Green
Room, a bar and listening space that hosts a Thursday night music series, and where an extensive wine list includes outstanding vintages throughout New York.
There’s no shortage of fun things to do: classes at Maple House (including focaccia workshops from Gardiner-based Foccacia Flourist), a cooking school and farm education center (you can collect eggs), spa treatments, even electric dirt biking. Activities: Hike or rock climb at Mohonk Preserve or go skydiving at Skydive the Ranch in Gardiner. Then swing by Dressel Farms for their not- to-be-missed homemade ice cream made with local ingredients. If they have sweet corn, get it.
The farm- to-table Millbrook Inn makes the most of fresh, local produce.
❚ THE MILLBROOK INN Millbrook \ themillbrookinn.com
The saying “country charm reimagined,” painted on a wooden bench on
the porch of The Millbrook Inn, perfectly describes the vibe of this nine- room boutique B&B. New ownership has renovated, expanded, and designed the space with pastoral appeal. William Morris wallpaper, playful prints, vintage furniture, and delicious dining offer an elevated experience.
There’s an especially local food focus here. Dairy and beef is sourced from Millbrook Beef and Dairy, the produce is from neighboring farms, and spirits and wine come from the Hudson Valley or New York State. Breakfast can be fruit-topped pancakes or a homemade yogurt board with a basket of warm pastries including biscuits and butter flavored with herbs from the garden. The dinner menu at restaurant The Vintage changes frequently, but you’ll always find the signature custom-blend burger accompanied by root veggie chips, and a crudo preparation of Hudson Valley Fisheries’ steelhead salmon trout (in summer with lemon aioli and zest, capers, and cucumbers). Boozy house-made sorbets like lemon gin and orange bourbon make a playful dessert.
The clubby bar turns out seriously fun and creative drinks, often with house made syrup. Try the No. 7 (named after room #7 which is adorned with rabbits and carrots). It’s a blend of silver tequila, carrot and blood orange juices, and cardamom syrup, garnished with carrot tops.
Activities: Visit the Asian-influenced Innisfree Garden, taste wine at Millbrook Vineyards and Winery, or try fly fishing at Orvis Sandanona. There are lovely boutiques and shops in town, too.
June—August2023 | valleytable.com 29
PHOTOS (LEFT TO RIGHT) COURTESY OF AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION; BY NINA BARRY