Winners Announced for Dutchess Tourism Awards

Dutchess Tourism, Inc., (DTI) celebrated National Travel Rally Day with the announcement of the winners of the 2019 Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction, Tuesday, May 7, in front of a sold-out crowd at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum. Three finalists in each of seven categories were highlighted at a special, locally-sourced breakfast catered by Simply Gourmet that included premier products from Harney & Sons Fine Teas, Irving Farm Coffee, Hudson Valley Fresh dairy products and Soukup Farms maple syrup. Central Hudson was the event’s Platinum Sponsor.

Winners in each category (in bold) received beautiful, hand-crafted awards made by Hudson Beach Glass:

The Dutchess County Executive’s Award for Overall Distinction: Fishkill Farms

Finalists were: 40 Cannon Street, Omega Institute

Arts Award of Distinction: Clove Creek Dinner Theater

Finalists were: BeaconArts, MJN – Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center

Culinary Award of Distinction: Terrapin Restaurant

Finalists were: Sloop Brewing Co. @ the Factory, Taste New York Store at Todd Hill/Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County

Family Entertainment Award of Distinction: SplashDown Beach

Finalists were: Four Brothers Drive-In, Lilymoore Farm

History Award of Distinction: Bannerman Castle Trust

Finalists were: Beacon Historical Society, Historic Red Hook

Outdoors Award of Distinction: Malouf’s Mountain Campground

Finalists were: Dover Stone Church, Orvis Sandanona

Hospitality Award of Distinction: Scott Koster, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery

Finalists were: Janett Pabon, Hotel Tivoli & The Corner Restaurant, Djan Paunovic, Terrapin Restaurant

“Our awards of distinction recognize local businesses that go above and beyond, providing exceptional experiences to visitors, a hallmark of all that makes us Distinctly Dutchess,” said Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro. “I congratulate this year’s finalists and winners, including Fishkill Farms, the winner of the County Executive’s Award for Overall Distinction, and we thank all those recognized today for their dedication to telling the Dutchess County story. Each offers an incredible variety of high-quality programming and attractions – from every sector and corner of our county – and they showcase the myriad different experiences we have for travelers and residents alike here in Dutchess County.”

Said Dutchess Tourism President and CEO Mary Kay Vrba: “Even after six years, recognizing our exceptional tourism partners at our Annual Awards of Distinction never gets old. The reason we have so many repeat visitors and more and more new visitors each year, is because our lodging sites, restaurants and attractions work together to provide a truly unforgettable experience. Congratulations to today’s winners; their unwavering commitment to exceeding the expectations of visitors, whether from abroad or across the street, is unprecedented.”

Preceding the Awards Brunch, there was a Brochure Exchange outside the FDR Library & Museum, where tourism-related businesses were given a free opportunity to network with other attractions, accommodations, organizations, event promoters and transportation firms. Participating businesses connected and collaborated with industry peers at the start of the busy tourism season.

Content provided by Dutchess Tourism, Inc.