4 Classic Car Shows in the
Hudson Valley's Greatest Getaway Destinations

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Classic car shows? The Hudson Valley's greatest getaway destinations? Let's take a look at 4 events where these two awesome worlds collide. 

Get your engines ready... 

Enthusiasts hanging out at Mills Mansion near Hyde Park, NY

Alignment with the good life...

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First, I have to admit. When it comes to this kind of thing, I'm more of a casual observer. I don't know much about what goes on under a hood. I've never repaired a car, rebuilt an engine, or anything close to that.

My father, on the other hand, is always tinkering in his garage with his '65 GTO.

His basement has collectible gas-pumps, neon signs, even a car seat that he's converted into a TV recliner. 

We're a bit of the odd couple I suppose, but going to classic car shows in the Hudson Valley is something we enjoy doing together. 

I appreciate the opportunity to photograph the most gorgeous machines America has ever built and spend time with my dad.

Also, I've really come to dig something else... the community. 

Everybody seems to know each other - swapping car stories, parts and products, phone numbers. It's a great meeting place of like-minded individuals out to have a good time, perhaps compete for a trophy and the winners circle.

Families are a big part of it, too. Classic car shows in the Hudson Valley are definitely not a boys-only club. They are great opportunities to create lasting memories with the most important people in your life.

And to think, this can all be enjoyed in one of the Hudson Valley's most celebrated regions: the stretch of mansions along the Hudson river in Dutchess and Columbia counties known as Millionaires Row.

To tour the area is to experience a truly unique piece of Americana.

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4 Classic Car Shows in the Hudson Valley

The Rhinebeck Car Show

First Weekend in May - Dutchess County Fairgrounds - Rhinebeck, NY

Located at Dutchess County Fairgrounds, the Rhinebeck Car Show is one of the most anticipated Classic Car Shows in the Hudson Valley.

The 3 day car show includes 1700 cars, a Swap Meet, and a Car Corral.

An eclectic bunch of traders are buying and selling everything from auto parts, stained glass/neon signs, and mint condition classic cars.

The event lasts three days usually, so what else is there to do?

Only a 4 mile drive from the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in historic Rhinebeck NY, is Wilderstein -  the former home of Margaret Suckley.

Margaret "Daisy" Suckley was a close friend and cousin to Franklin D. Roosevelt. The two shared secret letters, which were found after her death in 1991. They made a film about it, Hyde Park on Hudson (2012).

The colorful 35 room Queen Anne Victorian mansion sits high atop a bluff on the Hudson River. There's a 5 story turret, a big ole' wooden porch, and trails for strolling. Inside are beautiful stained glass windows, period furnished rooms, and a library.

Guided tours of the house are available May to October.

More Info: www.rhinebeckcarshow.com; www.wilderstein.org

Locust Grove Car Show

July - Poughkeepsie, NY

Hudson Valley Auto Enthusiasts Inc. host this event in Poughkeepsie, NY in July at Locust Grove - the mansion and estate of Samuel Morse (inventor of the telegraph.)

Their motto says, "It's more than just a car show" - and as Herb Lorenz, President of Hudson River Valley Association of Antique Autos explains it, that sounds about right!

Cars are staged in various places around the estate, allowing you to fully appreciate it's beautiful gardens, rolling hills, and stately trees...

An 18 piece brass band provides the music, Coppola's of Hyde Park, NY does the catering, and of course, you can tour the mansion.

To top it off, drum roll please. No Porta-Potties! The elegant visitor center is air-conditioned with marble tiled bathrooms!

More Info: www.lgny.org

Mills Mansion Car Show

3rd Sunday of October - Staatsburgh, NY

Wide open views of the Hudson, Esopus Lighthouse, Catskill Mountains; and a field full of hot-rods and enthusiastic owners - Mills Mansion is a beautiful location and helluva good time.

It's the last one of the season and has a great following. People come for the sake of meeting, talking, hanging out, and having a good time. It's not about judging, awards, or trophies.

The huge Greek Revival mansion sitting atop the hill was the country home to Ogden Mills and his wife Ruth Livingston - two heirs of prominent New York families.

Their elders amassed fortunes through blood-line land ownership, railroads, mines, and banking.

Like many other privileged families in the Hudson Valley, the Mills' commissioned the architecture firm Mckim, Mead and White in the 1890s to build the house into what you see today.

This same firm built the Vanderbilt mansion several miles down the road and dozens of prominent buildings in Manhattan.

You can explore the rest of the property which is now part of the New York State Park System and includes the Dinsmore Golf course - one of the nation's oldest.

More Info: Official Website

Montgomery Place Car Show

August 17th, 2014 - Annandale-on-Hudson, NY

This classic car shows revs up at the former home of Janet Livingston, widow to revolutionary war casualty, and friend of George Washington - General Richard Montgomery.

The Montgomery Place Car Show, like Locust Grove includes catering, a live band, and mansion tours. The gardens here are among some of the best in the Hudson Valley and are featured in Martha Stewart Magazine every spring.

Also, do search out the trails on the property. They lead you through the oldest oak forest in the Hudson Valley and a beautiful cascading waterfall at Saw Kill.

More Info: Official Website

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Return from Classic Car Shows in the Hudson Valley to Homepage

Related Pages:

• Rhinebeck NY
• Rhinebeck Car Show
  

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