Millbrook, NY

One of my favorite things to do in the Hudson Valley is to visit the local wineries. Another of my favorite things - summer nights on my patio, relaxing and sipping a glass of wine. A few years back, I established Hump Night - which quickly became a big hit amongst my friends and neighbors. Every Wednesday evening, weather permitting - we gather for a casual mid-week get together. Occasionally, our conversations grow endless and a Wednesday evening will often turn into a Thursday morning. We just love to gather for a chat and enjoy each other's company, putting aside the stress of our weekday routines. I can't think of a better way to relax than sipping wine on a warm summer night, while sitting under the stars with friends. We are a group of very hard working people. By Wednesday, we feel we deserve to unwind. The commuters and early risers usually retire before those of us with flexible schedules. This regular gathering has now turned into two generations - with the 20 somethings even joining us now. Us middle aged people must be of the young mind set, for our children to enjoy hanging out with us - and we love hanging with them just as much.

So, yesterday I took a drive to the winery to stock up for hump nights! And, since I am a "case club" member, I enjoyed my FREE wine tasting. As the staff at the winery loaded up my car, I knew safety needed to be a priority. Before pulling out of the parking lot, I very carefully made certain my passengers were all buckled up and secure. And, then safely - I drove home, while taking in the beauty of the Hudson Valley countryside!

http://millbrookwine.com/index.php

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery is open year-round, seven days a week from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

A unique architectural site & tourist attraction in the Millbrook area that shouldn't be missed is Wing Castle. Using salvaged materials from antique buildings, this stone fortress was built and fashioned as a medieval castle by the actual residents, owner/architects Peter and Toni Wing. The castle with 7 towers and moat took more than 23 years to build and they are still not finished.

At the age of twenty-one Peter Wing returned from Vietnam and started building a home for himself and his family using recycled materials. For thirty years he and his wife are proud owners of a medieval castle visited by hundreds of tourists every year.

Here is Peter Wing's story:

http://cityguide.pojonews.com/fe/Arts/stories/art_wings_castle.asp

Wing's Castle

Street Address: 717 Bangall Rd.
City/Town: Millbrook
Zip Code: 12545
Local Phone: (845) 677-9085

Innisfree was designed as the private garden for Walter and Marion Beck (heiress to a Minnesota mining fortune). In 1960, Innnisfree was opened to the public, as provided for by the Beck's will. The artistic gardens at Innisfree, near Millbrook, New York, were created in the 1920s to reflect the philosophy and aesthetics of Chinese gardens. Experiencing Innisfree means taking an inspiring journey and exploring nature through ancient Chinese artistic tradition. The Innisfree Garden boasts an international heritage and a global reputation. Known primarily for its beauty. This is one of the most beautiful and unique gardens in the world: two hundred acres of woods and gardens wound around a forty acre lake cradled within hills. A unique formal garden disguised as an enchanted landscape.

Innisfree Garden:
Millbrook, NY 845-677-8000

http://www.innisfreegarden.com/visiting.htm