On a sunny morning in late June, a friend and I headed south to Millbrook, New York in Dutchess County. Our day trip had one main destination, Innisfree Garden, a beautiful natural place that exudes tranquility and lacks even the slightest hint of commercialism.
We decided to take the Taconic State Parkway down exiting at Route 44 (just a couple of miles beyond Salt Point Turnpike exit). Turn left on Route 44. Look for the Innisfree sign on the right at Tyrrel Road as you drive east toward the village of Millbrook. It is a small sign and easy to miss. Once you turn on to Tyrrell road, signs will continue to direct you along a narrow country road for approximately 1 mile to the entrance. From Williamstown the trip took a little more than an hour and a half; from South county is should be a bit quicker.
As we parked our car, a gentleman approached us to collect a modest $3 per person entrance fee required of all visitors 6 years old or older. On weekend and holidays, it goes up to $4. A simple brochure, with a map, can be taken from a box at the beginning of the main foot path.
The brochure explains that until 1960, Innisfree was the private garden of Walter and Marion Beck when Mrs. Beck gave the property to the Innisfree foundation and the gardens were opened to the public. The gardens are heavily influenced by Chinese garden art and concepts of painting over 1,000 years old.
The gardens are set around a 40-acre glacial lake. We were told that the path around the lake was three-fourths of a mile but we chose, instead, to hike up the gentle hills set along the northwest side of the lake before making the easy short walk around it. Trees and plants indigenous to the area blend nicely with rocks, ledges, terraces, waterfalls and streams to create a decidedly Asia feel. Innisfree is to garden art what fusion cuisine is to contemporary dining.
Although clearly the placement of plantings with natural objects in the park has been carefully planned, the gardens have an informal feel. Plantings are well integrated with wild flowers. Waterfalls have been created throughout the park using rocks taken from the surrounding area. We even came across a geyser at the top of one of the hills.
During the two hours we walking around Innisfree, we only came upon a few other visitors but we did see frogs, turtles, a family of swans and a large flock of Canadian geese that seemed none too pleased as we tried to walk past their resting area on the banks of the lake. It is quite remarkable that there aren’t more people visiting Innisfree; it has got to be one of the loveliest gardens in our region and the entrance fee is so modest.
Very near Innisfree, on Route 44A, you can also visit the Mary Flagler Cary Arboretum to walk the nature trails and view plant collections and a tropical greenhouse. We didn’t have time to stop but friends have told me that it is well worth a visit. For information call (845) 677-5359.
After leaving the garden, we continued on Route 44 through the village of Millbrook to Allyn’s Restaurant which is housed in a large colonial house on Route 44, 4 miles east of town. We enjoyed a nice lunch at a lawn table overlooking rolling pastures. You can also bring a picnic to Innisfree; tables are set up near the parking area.
Millbrook itself is worth a stop. The main street, Franklin Street is Route 44. Several antique centers share the street with every day shops and a few boutiques.
Another worthwhile stop is the Millbrook Vineyard and Winery which can be accessed from Shunpike Road (Route 57). If you are starting out from Innisfree, go west on Route 44 for a short distance to Route 82 north which will take you to Route 57 east. If you are in Millbrook or at Allyn’s, take Route 44 to Route 57 going west. There should be a sign directing you at Wing Road. You can take a winery tour and and enjoy a wine tasting for a few dollars. The main building, a large, beautifully renovated Dutch style barn, also houses exhibits of Hudson Valley artists.
The Vineyard Grill is open weekend afternoons from Memorial Day through late September and offers meals that highlight locally produced ingredients. You are also welcome to bring a picnic.
Clinton Vineyards in Clinton Corners just northwest of Millbrook is also worth a visit. Known for their Seyval Blanc wine, you can also sample sparkling wines and dessert wines made from local fruits. Clinton Vineyards is located east of the Salt Point Turnpike exit from the Taconic. Follow the road through the little town of Clinton Corners and turn left onto Schultzville Road just across from the Post Office. The vineyards will be on the left a short way up Schultzville Road. Hours are Friday - Monday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Instead of returning home via the Taconic, consider one of several other routes. If you continue east on Route 44 toward Amenia, you will be able to pick up Route 22 north which will take you past the turnoff for Cascade Mountain Winery, outside of Amenia. The winery offers tours and serves lunch in a lovely mountain setting. Call ahead (845) 373-9021) as hours vary according to the season. Continuing north along Route 22, McEnroe Organic Farm Market is worth a stop. You can’t miss it on the left just before you reach Millerton.
Information
www.dutchesstourism.com
www.newyorkwines.org
Getting There
East on Rt. 44 exit from the Taconic State Parkway. Signs for Innisfree will be on the right before you get to the town of Millbrook. Return home via Rt. 22.
Along the Way
Cascade Mountain Winery, off Rt. 22 in Amenia, N.Y.
McEnroe Organic Farm Market, Rt. 22 between Amenia and Millerton, N.Y.
Taconic State Park, off Rt. 22 between Millerton and Copake, N.Y.
Dining In and Out
Allyn’s Restaurant, Rt. 44 east of Millbrook; (845) 677-5888
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery and Cascade Mountain Winery (see below)
Picnic table: Innisfree Garden and Millbrook Vineyards and Winery
Attractions
Innisfree Garden, Tyrrel Rd. off Rt. 44, Millbrook, N.Y.; (845) 766-8000
Mary Flagler Cary Arboretum, Rt. 44A, Millbrook, N.Y.; (845) 677-5359
Antique Centers on Franklin St. (Rt. 44) in the town of Millbrook
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, 26 Wing Rd., Millbrook, N.Y.; (800) 662-WINE; www.millbrookwine.com
Clinton Vineyards, Schultzville Rd., Clinton Corners, N.Y.; (845) 266-5372; www.clintonvineyards.com
Cascade Mountain Winery, Flint Rd., Amenia, N.Y. (845) 373-9021
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Windsor Man Promoted to Major in National Guard
WINDSOR, Mass. — Corbin Lounsbury of Windsor was recently promoted to major in the New York Army National Guard.
Major Gen. Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announced the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
Lounsbury, assigned to Cyber Protection Team 173, received a promotion Sept. 5 to the rank of major.
Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier's overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism, and future development potential. These promotions recognize the best-qualified soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.
There are 20,000 members in New York's Army, Air National Guard, the Naval Militia, and the New York Guard. They are managed by the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, the state's executive agency responsible to the governor.
Guardsmen and women are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits, international travel, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance, and contributions towards retirement programs similar to a 401(k).
The city has lifted a boil water order — with several exceptions — that was issued late Monday morning following several water line breaks over the weekend. click for more
The bridge had been closed to all vehicle traffic since March 2023 after being deemed structurally deficient by the state Department of Transportation. click for more
The Water Department has been responding to multiple water line breaks throughout the city since Friday, causing temporary loss of water in some areas. click for more
Nearly a year of study and community input about the deteriorating Veterans Memorial Bridge has resulted in one recommendation: Take it down. click for more
