Just the FAQs, Ma'am. |
Details are subject to change, so please check back regularly and before you book your tickets to make sure you have the most up-to-date information.
What’s this all about? Do we just walk around and sample food?
There’s much more to it that that! Not only are our best restaurants and food and beverage artisans represented, trying to wow you with their tastiest creations, but as part of the tour you will meet the owner or staff and get some insider insight on what makes them tick. Other venues that are of interest to foodies will try to entice you, too. Offerings vary town to town, but you may visit cheese mongers, wine shops, butchers, breweries, bakeries and even food trucks. And it’s not all about eating; besides the food you’ll absorb some local lore, history, culture and stories that make each town unique in the Hudson Valley.
What restaurants and other locations will we visit on the tour?
A regularly updated list of current tasting locations can be found on the page for each tour. Please check the page for the town you are interested in to see the latest list. Food-tasting locations may change without notice, however, due to unforeseen circumstances.
Do the tours offer anything of interest to local Hudson Valley-ites?
Yes! Besides opening your eyes to venues new and established that you may not have had the opportunity to try, Hudson Valley Food Tours are great for anyone hungry to learn more about the food culture of our towns and villages. Just like for valley visitors, locals will find that our tours are a great way to learn more about the offerings of our excellent eateries before committing to a whole meal. Our tours are fun for your parties, reunions, and team building activities, as well as helping your out-of-town guests appreciate the flavor of your region.
What about bevvies? Will there be water, wine?
Most of our tours offer at least one wine, beer or spirits sample as part of the tour, and water is available. At some venues you may order additional beverages for an extra charge.
What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Please let us know in advance of the tour (when making your reservation if possible) if anyone in your group has a dietary restriction, food allergy or intolerance, and we may be able to arrange for you to taste foods that are on your can-eat list.
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Do you accept cash?
Tickets must be purchased in advance, the earlier the better to guarantee a spot. Booking closes 24 hours before each tour in order to let our vendors prepare for our visit. At this time tickets can only be purchased with a credit or debit card via the Get Tickets link on our site, or via our Facebook page. We use FareHarbor ticketing for its user-friendliness. If you prefer to call, you can reach us at (845) 249-6129 with your credit card information.
If a food tour is sold out, can I get on a waiting list?
We don’t offer wait listing at this time but would love to offer more tours if there is interest. Please contact us to let us know what date you would like to go on a tour if you do not see availability or if they are not offered during a time convenient for you, and we may be able to add more tours. Let us know!
What about bringing the kids on the tours?
Generally the kiddies are welcome (we're parents, too!) but our tours may not be appropriate for some children whose attention spans are limited or who would tire of walking for a couple of hours. Parents, who know their children best, should assess the situation individually and decide if our tours are appropriate for them or not.
Do children need their own tickets?
That depends. Kids 5 and up will need a ticket, discounted if under 12, however. A baby, tot or younger child who won’t be tasting will not need a ticket, but please let us know if you will be bringing a stroller along so we can accommodate you.
Is tipping the tour guide appropriate or expected, and, if so, how much should I tip?
Although not required, tipping is an expression of satisfaction with your tour guide. At the end of the tour, if you felt that your guide did an outstanding job, tips are very much appreciated. If you choose to tip, the amount is entirely a personal preference, but as a guideline we suggest 5-10% of the tour fee, so about $3-5 for a $49 ticket.
Can I bring Fido?
Although there may be exceptions, most of our venues do not allow pets indoors. Pets are not allowed in the Rhinebeck Farmer's Market which comprises the first 45 minutes of our Rhinebeck tour. If you are bringing your (friendly) pet on a tour, there will need to be at least two adults in your party so someone can stay outdoors with the animal on a leash during the tastings. Trained service dogs are always allowed, however.
Are cameras allowed?
Definitely. We'd love it if you take lots of photos of the venues’ delicious dishes and your co-walkers enjoying them and post them online to show all your friends so they’ll want to come visit!
Can I shop during the tour?
You will find many unique items, both edible and non-, that will tempt you, and our stores would love your business. So we gently suggest that you return after the tour for your shopping so that we can stick to our tasting schedule. That said, if you can quickly finish your transactions before it's time to leave, then please shop away!
Are smoking or vaping (e-cigs) allowed on the tour?
No, to avoid disturbing your fellow walkers. If you need to smoke or vape during the tour, please remove yourself from the group and rejoin us when you're done. We appreciate it!
Does Hudson Valley Food Tours run year-round?
Our walking tours take place only during the months of the Hudson Valley’s best weather, May through October. However, private tours are available on request for other times of year, and custom bus and limo tours are available year round but are subject to cancellation in bad weather. See below.
What happens in case of bad weather? Do you ever cancel tours?
Tours run rain or shine and are not normally cancelled for light to moderate rain or snow. Please check the forecast, dress for the weather and bring appropriate gear (i.e. umbrellas if rain is anticipated).
If weather is severe and road conditions are hazardous (rare during the May-October walking tour season but possible during the remaining months), we may have to cancel. If we do so, for weather or another reason, a full refund will be given or you may reschedule for a later date, your choice.
What if something comes up and I want to cancel my booking? What is your policy?
Like other special events such as concerts, shows, etc., tickets booked for Hudson Valley Food Tours are non-refundable. However, if you have an emergency and contact us at least 24 hours in advance of the tour, we may be able to honor your booking on an alternate date. No-shows will not receive refunds or alternate dates. Gift certificates are non-refundable.
Are the tours wheelchair and baby stroller accessible?
Some stops are and some are not. For the walking tours, if you let us know ahead of time we are happy to offer your tastings outdoors at any places that are not accessible, and for bus tours we can accommodate you as well.
Does the tour end at the same place it starts? Is there parking near the tour meeting point?
For bus and limo tours, yes. For walking tours, it depends on the layout of each individual tour route. When the ending point is different from the starting point, you'll get detailed directions to get you back to where we started. Also, you will receive more details with your ticket, to make the tour logistics smoother for you.
On the walking tours, just how much walking is involved? Are they fast-paced?
Our guided walking tours last about two to four hours depending on the town and the route. In some towns the terrain is quite flat (i.e. Rhinebeck); in others there may be steep hills involved (i.e. Cold Spring or the Kingston Rondout). There will be a 10-20 minute break at each stop and some will have seating, but there will be a fair amount of leisurely walking or standing as well. We recommend comfortable shoes. Most bus tours involve some walking as well, depending on the stops.
Are gift certificates available?
We are not offering gift certificates at this time but availability may resume in the future.
What’s this all about? Do we just walk around and sample food?
There’s much more to it that that! Not only are our best restaurants and food and beverage artisans represented, trying to wow you with their tastiest creations, but as part of the tour you will meet the owner or staff and get some insider insight on what makes them tick. Other venues that are of interest to foodies will try to entice you, too. Offerings vary town to town, but you may visit cheese mongers, wine shops, butchers, breweries, bakeries and even food trucks. And it’s not all about eating; besides the food you’ll absorb some local lore, history, culture and stories that make each town unique in the Hudson Valley.
What restaurants and other locations will we visit on the tour?
A regularly updated list of current tasting locations can be found on the page for each tour. Please check the page for the town you are interested in to see the latest list. Food-tasting locations may change without notice, however, due to unforeseen circumstances.
Do the tours offer anything of interest to local Hudson Valley-ites?
Yes! Besides opening your eyes to venues new and established that you may not have had the opportunity to try, Hudson Valley Food Tours are great for anyone hungry to learn more about the food culture of our towns and villages. Just like for valley visitors, locals will find that our tours are a great way to learn more about the offerings of our excellent eateries before committing to a whole meal. Our tours are fun for your parties, reunions, and team building activities, as well as helping your out-of-town guests appreciate the flavor of your region.
What about bevvies? Will there be water, wine?
Most of our tours offer at least one wine, beer or spirits sample as part of the tour, and water is available. At some venues you may order additional beverages for an extra charge.
What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Please let us know in advance of the tour (when making your reservation if possible) if anyone in your group has a dietary restriction, food allergy or intolerance, and we may be able to arrange for you to taste foods that are on your can-eat list.
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Do you accept cash?
Tickets must be purchased in advance, the earlier the better to guarantee a spot. Booking closes 24 hours before each tour in order to let our vendors prepare for our visit. At this time tickets can only be purchased with a credit or debit card via the Get Tickets link on our site, or via our Facebook page. We use FareHarbor ticketing for its user-friendliness. If you prefer to call, you can reach us at (845) 249-6129 with your credit card information.
If a food tour is sold out, can I get on a waiting list?
We don’t offer wait listing at this time but would love to offer more tours if there is interest. Please contact us to let us know what date you would like to go on a tour if you do not see availability or if they are not offered during a time convenient for you, and we may be able to add more tours. Let us know!
What about bringing the kids on the tours?
Generally the kiddies are welcome (we're parents, too!) but our tours may not be appropriate for some children whose attention spans are limited or who would tire of walking for a couple of hours. Parents, who know their children best, should assess the situation individually and decide if our tours are appropriate for them or not.
Do children need their own tickets?
That depends. Kids 5 and up will need a ticket, discounted if under 12, however. A baby, tot or younger child who won’t be tasting will not need a ticket, but please let us know if you will be bringing a stroller along so we can accommodate you.
Is tipping the tour guide appropriate or expected, and, if so, how much should I tip?
Although not required, tipping is an expression of satisfaction with your tour guide. At the end of the tour, if you felt that your guide did an outstanding job, tips are very much appreciated. If you choose to tip, the amount is entirely a personal preference, but as a guideline we suggest 5-10% of the tour fee, so about $3-5 for a $49 ticket.
Can I bring Fido?
Although there may be exceptions, most of our venues do not allow pets indoors. Pets are not allowed in the Rhinebeck Farmer's Market which comprises the first 45 minutes of our Rhinebeck tour. If you are bringing your (friendly) pet on a tour, there will need to be at least two adults in your party so someone can stay outdoors with the animal on a leash during the tastings. Trained service dogs are always allowed, however.
Are cameras allowed?
Definitely. We'd love it if you take lots of photos of the venues’ delicious dishes and your co-walkers enjoying them and post them online to show all your friends so they’ll want to come visit!
Can I shop during the tour?
You will find many unique items, both edible and non-, that will tempt you, and our stores would love your business. So we gently suggest that you return after the tour for your shopping so that we can stick to our tasting schedule. That said, if you can quickly finish your transactions before it's time to leave, then please shop away!
Are smoking or vaping (e-cigs) allowed on the tour?
No, to avoid disturbing your fellow walkers. If you need to smoke or vape during the tour, please remove yourself from the group and rejoin us when you're done. We appreciate it!
Does Hudson Valley Food Tours run year-round?
Our walking tours take place only during the months of the Hudson Valley’s best weather, May through October. However, private tours are available on request for other times of year, and custom bus and limo tours are available year round but are subject to cancellation in bad weather. See below.
What happens in case of bad weather? Do you ever cancel tours?
Tours run rain or shine and are not normally cancelled for light to moderate rain or snow. Please check the forecast, dress for the weather and bring appropriate gear (i.e. umbrellas if rain is anticipated).
If weather is severe and road conditions are hazardous (rare during the May-October walking tour season but possible during the remaining months), we may have to cancel. If we do so, for weather or another reason, a full refund will be given or you may reschedule for a later date, your choice.
What if something comes up and I want to cancel my booking? What is your policy?
Like other special events such as concerts, shows, etc., tickets booked for Hudson Valley Food Tours are non-refundable. However, if you have an emergency and contact us at least 24 hours in advance of the tour, we may be able to honor your booking on an alternate date. No-shows will not receive refunds or alternate dates. Gift certificates are non-refundable.
Are the tours wheelchair and baby stroller accessible?
Some stops are and some are not. For the walking tours, if you let us know ahead of time we are happy to offer your tastings outdoors at any places that are not accessible, and for bus tours we can accommodate you as well.
Does the tour end at the same place it starts? Is there parking near the tour meeting point?
For bus and limo tours, yes. For walking tours, it depends on the layout of each individual tour route. When the ending point is different from the starting point, you'll get detailed directions to get you back to where we started. Also, you will receive more details with your ticket, to make the tour logistics smoother for you.
On the walking tours, just how much walking is involved? Are they fast-paced?
Our guided walking tours last about two to four hours depending on the town and the route. In some towns the terrain is quite flat (i.e. Rhinebeck); in others there may be steep hills involved (i.e. Cold Spring or the Kingston Rondout). There will be a 10-20 minute break at each stop and some will have seating, but there will be a fair amount of leisurely walking or standing as well. We recommend comfortable shoes. Most bus tours involve some walking as well, depending on the stops.
Are gift certificates available?
We are not offering gift certificates at this time but availability may resume in the future.
