The Clintons and their guests will be leaving Rhinebeck today. So now is the perfect time for you to plan your visit to see why Chelsea chose this beautiful area of New York State for her wedding. There’s something for everyone on a trip to Rhinebeck, a historic Dutchess County town approximately 75 miles north of New York City. There’s history, scenery, unique shopping, farm stands, theatre, museums, all neatly packed on the banks of the Hudson River. So picturesque is this Hudson River enclave, that it was quite the hopping place for the rich and famous in years past, including John Jacob Astor IV who had his estate Ferncliff here. In fact, there were thirteen river front estates, some still standing and available for touring. Just a stone’s throw away in Hyde Park, for example, you can visit The Vanderbilt Mansion, FDR’s home and library, or Val-Kill, Eleanor’s home for much of her years after the White House.

There’s plenty of scenery along the river, or throughout the country roads. Just before you reach Rhinebeck, you may see signs for “CIA,” and “no” you haven’t wandered onto federal land, but in fact, are near the majestic Culinary Institute of America, where fine cooking is taught, and served in one of its various teaching restaurants. Take a tour if time allows, and pass along large, storefront windows displaying workers in chef aprons and hats creating chocolate turkeys, perhaps, or amazingly decadent pastries.

Entering Rhinebeck from Route 9, heading north, you are greeted with the signpost stating you’ve entered a town listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Beekman Arms (where many of the wedding guests stayed), for instance, is America’s oldest inn. Yes, you read that right. Oldest! It was founded even before the Revolutionary War, and the wide plank floors, overhead beams, and huge stone hearth are a welcome sign if you choose to visit on a chilly, frosty Fall afternoon. Immediately, you want to sit and read a paper near the warmth, and order a hot cup of tea — or something stronger.

Eating can be spent lounging by the window at the Starr Place Restaurant on Montgomery Street where soups, salads and sandwiches can fill you up at lunch, or steaks, pasta, or fish will fill the void at dinner. Moderately priced, on average, $10/lunch or $22/lunch. Bread Alone, a Hudson Valley favorite, can also be found on this street. This sandwich and soup establishment may be more famous for its breads than its scrumptious creations. Their herbed chicken Panini was especially tasty, and large enough to be shared. It’s the kind of place where you can set up a laptop, or read the morning papers. Comfy and casual.

The shopping is satisfying, and interesting. The Paper Trail featured, of course, not only paper products, but really interesting art items made out of…..yep…paper. There were actual books folded up like origami pieces, wall art, and a dress actually made up of cut-out pages from a magazine. Just amazing. The Rhinebeck General Store had this author’s favorite brand, “Life is Good” items, like tees, mugs, and hats. There was an old-fashioned toy store, one of a kind clothing shops, and if you visit on a Sunday, there’s the Rhinebeck Farmer’s Market (10 am – 2 pm, til November 22, 845-756-5641) so you can pick up a little of nature’s best and bring it on back to the city.

We haven’t mentioned the Rhinebeck Aerodrome, a year round antique aviation museum with bi-plane family shows. Amazing to watch these planes fly. The Mills Mansion and the Wilderstein Historic Site are other grand estates to visit, and even the Mills-Norrie State Park if you’re looking to just picnic for the afternoon, on the bluffs over looking the Hudson River.

Hard to choose, I know…But visit the Dutchess County Tourism Site www.dutchesstourism.com for lots of details, and ways to reach the locations mentioned here.

MJ Hanley-Goff is editing a follow-up to her first novel, The Bench. She’s taught classes in freelance writing, and is a founding partner of “Women For Women,” an organization inspiring women to pursue their passion. Visit her online journal, mjwrites.net She also muses about entrepreneurial topics at www.WomenForWomenSite.com