Let’s go back up to New York.  I feel like the state of New York really is like 6 or 7 states combined.  There are so many unique areas throughout the state.  In this conversation I’m taking a trip up the Hudson River to beautiful Dutchess County.

You might not be familiar with Dutchess County by name, but you know it’s role in the history of this country.  Have you ever heard of a guy by the name of Franklin D Roosevelt?  Or maybe the Vanderbilts?  Well they all had homes and businesses in Dutchess County.

This was the area where all of the robber barrons had their summer homes away from the hustle and bustle of New York City.  So you can imagine the beauty and nature that fills Dutchess County.  Now, these families don’t hold the same kind of power over the world that they did a hundred years ago, but their homes still stand and are incredible historical sites.  The FDR Presidential Library and Museum is in Dutchess County, as is the site where Eleanor Roosevelt ran a furniture business.

And history is just one reason to make a visit there.  I caught up with Melaine Rottkamp.  She’s the president and CEO of Dutchess Tourism Inc, and she is a fountain of knowledge about her county.  If she can’t sell you on making a visit, I don’t think anyone can.  Please enjoy my conversation with Melaine Rottkamp.