What to Do in Millerton: A 24-Hour Guide to the Sweetest Small Village
With boutique shops and bustling restaurants, the Dutchess County spot is a busy community in a small package.
Main Street Historic District (Millerton, New York)
DOUG KERR // WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Set into the hills of northeastern Dutchess County, Millerton is about as close as you can get to Connecticut without crossing the state border. Though small, the village sits along the soaring Taconic Range and is surrounded by rolling fields, making it an ideal hiking and biking destination.
For prospective Hudson Valley day trippers, there’s plenty to do right in town or just a short drive away. Take a look at our guide and then plan your own ideal trip to Millerton.
9 a.m. - Start your health kick with a breakfast at Oakhurst Diner
Oakhurst serves a healthier, more organic spin on typical diner food, spicing up the old reliables of omelets and pancakes with avocado toast, pinto bean plates, and decent doses of kale. Many ingredients are locally sourced and, while serving sizes are a little smaller than your average diner, unexpected flavors abound, making for a perfectly satisfying start to the day.
19 Main St, Millerton
518.592.1313
Thurs-Mon 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., Tues-Wed 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
10:30 a.m. - Enjoy a sip of coffee at the lovely Irving Farm Coffee House
New York City-based chain Irving Farm recently moved its roasting facilities up to Millerton, and a trip to their nearby cafe for a taste is absolutely worth your time. Visit the lovely Irving Farm Coffee House, offering an inviting sit-down experience in a warm setting just a mile down the road.
44 Main Street, Millerton
212.206.0707 ext. 44
Open everyday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
11 a.m. - Tour the Harney & Sons Factory
Millerton is home to the headquarters of Harney & Sons, as well as the 90,000 sq. ft. factory where the leading tea brand receives, blends, and packages the dozens of fine teas it distributes around the country. For anyone who wants an insider glimpse into the behind-the-scenes happenings at the factory, the company offers a tour of the whole process, with stops at tasting, sacheting, brewing, and more.
13 Main St, Millerton
518.789.2121
Mon-Sat 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
12:30 p.m. - Dig into lunch at The Millerton Inn
The lunch here focuses on seafood and greens, with plenty of salads and baked moussaka for vegetarians in addition to a menu of burgers, mussels, steak, and grilled octopus.
53 Main St, Millerton
518.592.1900
Sun - Thurs 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Fri - Sat 11 a.m. –10 p.m.
1:30 p.m. - Take a walk or ride on the Harlem Valley Rail Trail
One of the earliest in the region, this excellent rail trail heads south out of town along the Webatuck Creek, passing 10.6 miles through roads, woods, and fields before reaching the Wassaic Station. Unpaved and undeveloped sections have been purchased, with the goal of extending it for 46 miles, all the way to Chatham. It’s a pleasant walk and an easy roundtrip by bike.
See website for trailhead locations
4 p.m. - Enjoy boutique shops on Main Street
Main Street is short but packed with notable shops and boutiques, from the original Oblong Books to several antiques shops and the Harney & Sons storefront with tasting room and shop. Those looking for something a little heavier can walk up to Gordon R. Keeler’s, one of the last remaining local appliance stores, or to Country Gardeners for all their floral needs.
6 p.m. - Splurge on dinner at 52 Main
Undeniably the fanciest place in town, 52 Main serves all manner of tapas, from vegetarian (truffle whipped ricotta toast and crispy potato wrapped artichoke heart) to seared scallops, papas bravas, smoked gouda mac and cheese, and more. Imported wines, live music, and decadent desserts – like lemon panna cotta – round out the experience.
52 Main St, Millerton
518.789.0252
Tues-Thurs 4-10 p.m., Fri 4-11 p.m., Sat 12-11 p.m., Sun 12-10 p.m.
7:30 p.m. - Catch a movie at The Moviehouse
This independent theater shows a mix of blockbusters, prestige dramas, and scrappy indies across its multiple screens. It also displays art and hosts local authors and filmmakers for special talks. If you need to relax or want to keep quiet for an hour or two, The Moviehouse is worth a stop.
48 Main St, Millerton
518.789.3408
Check online for show times
9:30 p.m. - Stay the night at Interlaken Inn
Just across the border in Lakeville, Connecticut, this sprawling complex has 40 guest rooms and suites, as well as several cottages and houses for rent on a shady lake. Open all year round, the Inn also houses a spa, yoga, restaurant, and more, making it the ideal place to spend the rest of your relaxing weekend.
74 Interlaken Rd, Lakeville, CT
860.435.9878
