Bucolic Amenia known for its train access and outdoor recreation
Amenia is a rural New York town set in the Hudson Valley near the Connecticut border. It's the last stop on the Metro-North Railroad and offers an abundance of outdoor recreation. “We are a four-season destination, which is unique to the Dutchess County environment. Fall is spectacular, winter is amazing, and we have skiing close by. … There are a lot of hiking trails and outdoor activities,” says George Langa, a real estate agent with Houlihan Lawrence, who has lived and worked in Dutchess County for most of his life. “It’s a great community. It’s expanding. Its resources are expanding and the restaurants are increasing.” Rolling greenery surrounds the town, and most homes, shopping and dining are in hamlets like Amenia and Wassaic.
Parks with sports fields and multi-use recreation areas
Beekman Park has space for basketball, softball and baseball, plus includes a pavilion and a play structure. The Silo Ridge Field Club has a private 18-hole golf course for the Silo Ridge housing community. Nearby, the Harlem Valley Rail Trail is a multi-use path that leads from Wassaic to Hillsdale. The Rail Trail Association plans to expand the route by 20 miles. Wassaic Park has a soccer field and a playground. Bordering the hamlet is a multi-use area for hunting, trapping and fishing. There are no marked trails within the park, but hiking and cross-country skiing are permitted. Amenia and Dutchess County residents appreciate the Hudson Valley landscape and work to preserve it. “One of the unique aspects of our area is that we have a very strong presence of land conservation. The Dutchess Land Conservancy allows landowners to place an easement on their property that will forever preserve its innate beauty," says Langa
Homes on large lots and on farmland
Homes are set along winding roads on large, manicured lots in hamlets or on sprawling farmland. Houses along Main Street in the hamlets of Waissac and Amenia have sidewalks. Wells and septic tanks are common, though some houses in Amenia have access to public water. Farmhouse, Colonial Revival and ranch-style homes are common. “The style is changing, traditionally, 15 to 20 years ago people were into the traditional farmhouses, but now we’re seeing it's very diversified,” says Langa. “There’s been new construction over the years, where we’re getting more contemporary and modern homes.” Prices range from $250,000 to $565,000, with larger homes going for about $1.1 million to $1.8 million.
Last stop on the Metro-North Railroad
Amenia is a popular weekend getaway because it's the last stop on the Metro-North Railroad. The Wassaic and Tenmile River stations are on the Harlem Line, leading to Grand Central Terminal in just over two hours. “A lot of people locally will work in Connecticut,” says Michael Dunstan, a real estate agent with RE/MAX Town & Country who has 10 years of experience. He specifically mentions Kent, 12 miles away, where there's a boarding school, a restaurant and inn that's popular for events, and shops and art galleries. Dover Plains is 8 miles away using state Route 22 and has some shops, markets, farms and maple syrup producers. U.S. Route 44 leads 8 miles to Millerton, where walkable Main Street is popular for its collection of shops, cafes and restaurants. The MidHudson Regional Hospital is 26 miles away, and the New York Stewart International Airport is 55 miles away. Houses of worship such as Congregation of Beth David, Church of Immaculate Conception and South Amenia Presbyterian Church are near the village of Amenia.
Shopping and dining in Amenia, Wassaic and beyond
The Four Brothers Pizza Inn is an upscale pizzeria next to the Four Brothers Drive In Theater. The theater plays double features every night from spring to fall and offers camping on theater grounds. Pop-up stores and live bands also frequent the location. A modern building on Amenia’s East Main Street marks Silo Bakery, serving hand-crafted espresso drinks and pastries. Less than a mile away, Freshtown Marketplace sells groceries. In Wassaic, Michelin-starred chef Johnny Dearth whips up wood-fired pies at The Lantern Inn that are inspired by movie actors and characters. Outside the hamlet, Tenmile Distillery produces whiskey, gin and vodka. The distillery has rotating restaurants in residence, and offers tours and tastings.
Webutuck Central School District gets a C-plus
The Webutuck Central School District, which gets a C-plus from Niche, serves most of Amenia. Webutuck Elementary receives a C, Eugene Brooks Intermediate gets a C-plus and Webutuck High gets a B-minus. Sixth through 12th-grade students may visit the writing lab after school for assistance with papers and college essays. Some children may attend school in the Dover Union Free School District, which receives a B-minus.
Art workshops in Wassaic and show jumping on Depot Hill Road
The Wassaic Project has a nonprofit gallery, residency program and an education center. The center hosts workshops, artist conversations and receptions. It also offers after-school programs and summer camps for kids. In October, Highlands Horse Show Inc. hosts show jumping competitions on Depot Hill Road. The company also has concerts featuring artists like LeAnn Rimes and Third Eye Blind.
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Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
