While the Hamptons get the summer crowds, Rhinebeck has long been the sanctuary for Hollywood A-listers. Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan famously stepped in to save the town’s beloved Samuel’s Sweet Shop, a real-life candy store that feels plucked straight from a Roald Dahl novel. The town’s colonial charm and the oldest operating inn in America (The Beekman Arms) have made it a frequent backdrop for film and television.
The true star of the trip, however, is the journey itself. The Amtrak Empire Service follows the edge of the Hudson River, offering panoramic water views that you simply can’t get by car.
Luckily for New Yorkers, a trip to this village is often under $35 thanks to Amtrak—and just about two hours away.
Traveling from NYC to Rhinebeck, NY
For those New Yorkers looking for a car-free escape, Amtrak makes the Hudson Valley incredibly accessible.
The train departs from Moynihan Train Hall and delivers you to the Rhinecliff Station, a tiny, picturesque stop right on the water. From there, it’s just a 2-minute shuttle or ride-share into the heart of downtown Rhinebeck.
Ticket fares vary, but if you book in advance, fares frequently sit at $28 each way.
Things to do in Rhinebeck, New York
Widely considered a sophisticated and charming hub in the Hudson Valley, Rhinebeck is a year-round destination that blends 18th-century history with modern luxury.
- The Candy Shop: Visit Samuel’s Sweet Shop—you might even catch Paul Rudd behind the counter (he really does hang out there!)
- A Walk Through History: Grab a drink at The Beekman Arms, which has been hosting travelers since 1766
- Aerial Views: Visit the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, a living museum of antique aviation where you can actually ride in an open-cockpit biplane
- The “Versailles” of the Hudson: A short ride away is Wilderstein Historic Site, a queen-anne mansion with stunning grounds overlooking the river
- America’s Top Yoga Retreat: Take a class at Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, blending yoga, meditation, nature immersion, and mind-body healing
Where to stay in Rhinebeck
If you want to turn your day trip into a weekend retreat, these spots offer the ultimate village vibe:
- The Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn: Stay where the Founding Fathers stayed. It’s right in the center of town and dripping with colonial atmosphere
- Mirbeau Inn & Spa: For those seeking a “French getaway” without the flight, this spa-resort is designed to look like a Monet painting, complete with a pond and willow trees
- The Rhinecliff: Located right next to the train station, this boutique hotel offers every guest a private balcony with direct views of the Hudson River