OVERVIEW of Buttermilk Inn & Falls

A short 90 minute train or car ride from New York City, Buttermilk Falls Inn + Spa is located in Ulster County directly across the Hudson River from Poughkeepsie. This delightful property sits on a 75 acre spread on the banks of the Hudson and yes, there really is a “falls” right on the property. Fields of wildflowers and lush gardens dot the property in the summer months. Perched on a hill with sweeping lawns and views of the river and ponds, Buttermilk is an ideal retreat for a romantic getaway for two, for couples traveling together or for a girls’ weekend. The short drive makes it a great Quick Escape, in Saturday am and out Sunday night, but you’ll want to stay longer at this relaxing and utterly charming Inn.

The main building houses reception, 10 guestrooms, a wonderfully warm and cozy living room with a fireplace and the breakfast room with French doors and windows with views out onto the stone patio and the river beyond. A short walk from this structure is the Inn’s restaurant Henry’s Farm to Table, the free-standing spa, a fitness center and guest houses and a former barn with an additional two suites.

Just across the bridge from Swan Pond is Millstone Farms, a 40-acre working organic farm and the source for peaches, nectarines, pears and apples served at breakfast and an array of heirloom tomatoes, crisp carrots and an assortment of leafy greens served in Henry’s. Heritage bred chickens provide the Inn with organic eggs and the farm is also home to a brood of proud peacocks, angora goats, llamas and alpacas.

For pet lovers, the Inn welcomes your favorite pet in the guest houses. Some deposits and cleaning fees apply.

THE ROOMS at Buttermilk Inn & Falls

The 10 rooms and 8 private cottages/guest houses spread throughout the property are an eclectic blend of styles and furnishings, all with working fireplaces, striking artwork, private baths with whirlpool tub and / or shower, flat-screen TVs, cable and air-conditioning. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in some of the guest house suites and is always available throughout the Inn’s main building.

My room, Juniper, had 16 foot cathedral ceilings, a porch overlooking the front of the property and another overlooking the rear grounds and the river. It had a fireplace, whirlpool tub and shower, hardwood floors and area rugs and a soothing hunter green palette. The linens were luxurious and the bed, oh so comfortable.

DINING at Buttermilk Inn & Falls

Your day starts with a buffet of cereals, house made granola, fresh fruit, fresh baked breads, juices, tea and coffee. Shortly after you are settled in, the breakfast chef takes your order for one of the two cooked entrees offered daily. Organic eggs, Applewood bacon, multi-grain bread and excellent coffee was a delicious beginning to my day.

For lunch Henry’s provides wraps and salads for poolside dining or for a picnic on the property or elsewhere. Thursday through Sunday, in the dining room, there are extensive lunch or brunch options available.

From 3-5 pm the Inn offers a selection of herbal teas with house baked scones and assorted local cheeses as well as homemade sweets like double fudge brownies, macaroons, oatmeal raisin cookies and lavender pound cake.

Dinner is served at Henry’s which also has an outdoor terrace for dining al fresco in the warmer months. The terrace overlooks one of the ponds and is a particularly charming setting. Apart from what is grown on the property, the restaurant sources only the freshest, finest ingredients and works primarily with local purveyors who practice organic farming and humane animal husbandry.

The menu changes almost daily and I was fortunate to try a number of savory items. Crispy French fries with roasted garlic aioli, yellow curry aioli and ketchup were wonderful. A special appetizer of pasta made with cranberry and beets and stuffed with ground turkey and served with a sage butter was amazing. Finally, a slow roasted braised short rib of beef with bourbon pecan sweet potatoes was perfect for the chilly Fall night.

The basic wine list is small but with some good choices. The reserve list adds some additional choices and is very reasonably priced.

THE SERVICE at Buttermilk Inn & Falls

The staff is exceedingly pleasant and cheerful and willing to accommodate your needs. Except for late at night there is always someone around to help.

THE RATES at Buttermilk Inn & Falls

From $735 Peak Season weekend. Afternoon tea and full breakfast included.

WHAT OTHERS SAY About Buttermilk Inn & Falls

“Nestled in among 70 acres of wooded, river-hugging land fronting the Hudson, this spectacular inn is a real find in the Mid-Hudson Valley” FROMMER’S

PROMOTIONS at Buttermilk Inn & Falls

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