Where Is Rhinebeck?
Rhinebeck is located in the northwest part of Dutchess County on the east bank of the Hudson River. The village of Rhinebeck is the principle community in the town. It is about two hours drive north from New York City and is about one hour drive south from Albany. The Amtrack train station is located in the hamlet of Rhinecliff; the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge provides an easy access to New York Throughway 87; a short ride from Rhinebeck can also reach The Taconic State Parkway.
Real Estate in Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck has become a place so sought after that the real estate market has been red-hot since the late 1990s. In 2007, the median price of single family detached residences in the town of Rhinebeck was $389,000; there were 37 sales at an average price of $580,774. The median price of single family detached residences in the village of Rhinebeck was $390,000; there were 22 sales at an average price of $487,977. In 2008, Rhinebeck's real estate market is experiencing some hardship, and prices have come down. Last month, in October, there were 2 single family detached residences sold in the town of Rhinebeck and none in the village of Rhinebeck. In both cases, the time on the market was significantly longer and the price reductions were common. At the same time, inventories are high. There are 48 listings active as of now in the town of Rhinebeck, and 26 in the village. It is a great time to buy in Rhinebeck! For true local and knowledgeable services in Rhinebeck, call Feng Winham at (845)876-7091, a dedicated buyer's agent, or e-mail by simply filling out the form below.
Historic Significance
Rhinebeck is on the east bank of the Hudson River. From the river, one can see miles of uninterrupted riverfront estates with fabled mansions. In fact, Rhinebeck has 8 miles of an area known as The Sixteen Mile Historic District including thirty contiguous riverfront estates associated with the landed aristocracy in the Hudson Valley during the eighteenth, nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Rhinebeck also comprises one of the largest historic districts in the United States with 437 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Rhinebeck is a German word evolved from "Rynbeck." According to The Museum of Rhienbeck History, Henry Beekman, who was granted the majority of the current town by the English royalty, settled 35 Palatine German families in this area around 1714. “Their community, centered at a log church a mile south of its present-day stone edifice, came to be known as Rynbeck.” The village of Rhinebeck came to prominence in the early 19th century and was incorporated in 1834. To this day, the village of Rhinebeck contains many Victorian era homes well-cared for by generations.
In Tune with Nature and in Touch with Culture
Rhinebeck is known for it impressive natural beauty. In spring, it is all about blossoms. In a short period of time, forsythia, magnolia, various types of dogwoods, Cherry trees, rhododendrons, and azaleas are all in bloom. The colors, fragrances, and textures make Rhinebeck an intoxicating place. In summer, the lush greenery takes over. A multi-layered and multi-hued green mass resulting from the combination of dense forests, rolling farm lands, and inviting water is directly set against the blue sky often adorned with dramatic cloud formations. Summer is very active in Rhinebeck. The ensuing fall is a fairy tale about the magnificent foliage in a mosaic of intense green, yellow, orange, red, and brown. Breathtaking views are everywhere at every corner. The whole world is painted in a surreal style. The enchanting village has a casual yet elegant atmosphere. It has tree-lined streets, manicured gardens, and well maintained buildings, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. The countryside is rural and rustic with unspoiled nature at arm’s reach. The Catskill Mountains on the other side of the river provide for the always beautiful sunset!
Rhinebeck provides year-round activities. Many places are accessible to the public for biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, camping, golfing, swimming, or cross-country skiing, just to name a few.
· Rhinecliff town boat launch provides easy access to the Hudson River for boating enthusiasts.
· Dutchess County Fairgrounds is here in the village. It is famous for hosting the Dutchess County Fair, the second largest fair in New York State with half a million patrons every year. It is also the venue for many other events such as craft shows, antique shows, car shows, etc.
· The fabled Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is also a great place to visit. It is an open air museum featuring vintage World War I air planes and a stage for dear-devil air shows.
· “The Dutchess County Wine Trail,” offers scenic, entertaining, and educational tours among the vineyards and wineries of the area as well as other interesting places along the route.
· Upstate Films, the intellectual stimulation which significantly contributes to the reputation of the Rhinebeck area, was founded in 1972 and located right in the center of the village. It has been a devoted institution for exhibiting independent, international, and alternative movies.
· The renowned Fisher Center for Performing Arts and Hessel Museum of Art on the campus of Bard College present the finest in musical performances and contemporary fine art exhibitions.
· The Rhinebeck Performing Art Center located outside the village on Route 308 is a venue for community based theatre production and performing classes for adults and children.
· In winter, the Rhinebeck area offers fantastic places to go cross-country skiing in parks or on farms. Also, it is not far away from major ski areas in New York State such as Bell Air, Hunter Mountain, and Ski Windham.
Rhinebeck is loved for its small town atm
osphere, rich history, and natural beauty. Rhinebeck thrives on its convenient, efficient, and friendly services to its residents and visitors alike. A variety accommodations, a plethora of fine-dinning restaurants, many quaint shops, and high-quality antique stores make downtown Rhinebeck an exciting place to be.
