The New York State Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, New York is on October 21–22.
Every October , just like clockwork , 30,000 narration enthusiasts congregate at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck , New York to flaunt handknit sweater and trade crochet tip . Llamas , alpacas , Angora rabbits , and sheep roam the pastoral haven as hundreds of vendors determine up stalls amongst crispy autumn leaves , culminating in a fibre creative person ’s version of paradise . This monolithic case is know as theNew York State Sheep and Wool Festival , and it ’s served as a yarn lover ’s oasis for over forty years .
The New York State Sheep and Wool Festival started as a stock auction in 1980 , where farmers sell their sheep ’s wool ; now , it serves as a convocation for all things yarn . In fact , vendors have notedthe festival ’s clientele has skewed youngerin late years , as more and more millennials and zoomers take up crocheting and rumple as a means of creative outlets and activism .
Taking place this yr from Saturday , October 21 to Sunday , October 22 , check out recital made from all different kinds of fibers , from cashmere and wool to fuzzed mohair , with many of the skein being hand - dye and deal - spun . Local creative person will also be selling their own finished products ( remember snug knitwear , homemade soaps , and ceramics ) . For nutrition , cotton fiber confect , falafel , and orchard apple tree potato chip are just a few of the various food offerings at the fairgrounds .
Find yarns made of fibers like cashmere, wool, and mohair at the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival.|Photo courtesy of Dutchess County Fairgrounds
The two - day event will also feature demos on silk reeling and feltmaking , plus some informative talks on farm animal , Scripture signings , and a sheep selfie place . While the festival ’s 10000 of workshops on crafts like needlecraft , rug hooking , and handbasket weaving are sold out , strike up a conversation with any of your fellow fete goer , and you ’re bound to pick up some confidential information .
Drive time:
2 hour , 20 min from New York City.3 hours from Boston.3 hours from Philadelphia .
More Things to Do Near Rhinebeck, NY
Continue to bask in Rhinebeck ’s bucolic cloud nine by take in a wage hike inFerncliff Forest , which offers 12 miles of hemlock tree - lined trails . Amongst the picturesque fall foliage at peak bloom , you ’ll catch coup d’oeil of the frogs , salamander , and geese that rest in the forest ’s ponds . Ferncliff Forest’smapfeatures multiple not - so - arduous lead , all ideal for a gentle hiking journey . Regardless of the preferred route , be certain to strive the forest ’s fervidness tower and rise the steps to trance a 360 view of the wood ’s full 200 Accho of nature .
Where to Stay in Rhinebeck, NY
commit Rhinebeck and its skirt areas are hotspots in the fall , most of the hotel room are booked out for the following weekends far in advance . However , there are a superfluity of campgrounds nearby to enable you to further associate with upstate ’s inimitable nature , such as Ferncliff Forest andMills Norrie State Park . Interlake RV Parkalso offers campsites , as well as more traditional shelter for rip , including country suite and cottages fitted with a kitchen , laundry machines , microwaves , and television .
Where to Eat in Rhinebeck, NY
Sat in a gorgeous 18th - century townhouse in the heart of Rhinebeck Village , The Amsterdamis a farm - to - table restaurant serve up seasonal fare . On nice day , the restaurant ’s string light - grace backyard sets the perfect ambiance , stock with firepits and Adirondack chairs . nosh on their Charcuterie Board in the patio or curl up up indoors for cozy vibes with their Autumn Bisque and Cider Brined Pork Chop .
Before heading back to the city , go for a coffee and a Cranberry and Walnut Scone at the darling upstate bakeshop , Bread Alone , whose loaves you ’ll probably distinguish from being sell at farmer ’s market place across the city . It ’s also extremely recommended that you grab some house made sourdough for the road .
Llamas and alpacas roam the grounds of the Dutchess County Fairgrounds.
