The Adventures of Baby Arthur: A Baby's First Trip and Our First Family Vacation (Day 2)

by Lincoln

Day 2 was off to an early start as we all arose by 7am. The fact I hadn't been asleep at 9:30pm since, 1991 or so, may have had something to do with it!

We started off with a quick breakfast at Irving Farm, where the coffee is locally roasted and all pastries are baked on the premises. It didn't disappoint. This place also appeared to be the only breakfast gig in town as it was pretty busy for an early Sunday morning!

Then we were off to another day at the countryside, visiting farms, looking for farm fresh food and farm animals for Arthur to gawk at! Along with a couple of friends who joined us, we made stops at Dykeman Farm for some produce, Barton Orchards for some cider donuts and fruit and Sprout Creek Farm for the cheese.

These farms may have been only 20 or so miles south of where we were on Day 1, but the area had a far more suburban feel. I also couldn't help but feel that we were a month or two too early since the farms seemed a bit under supplied. The cider donuts didn't appear to be in season at Barton Orchards! (It seemed like they had just renovated and we were told that their bakery wasn't operating yet. Too bad they failed to mention that on their website!) Nevertheless, the weather was perfect and the country air made it worthwhile. Sprout Creek also had a nice looking cottage for rent, so that may be an opportunity for another time!

It's only grass kiddo! We're gonna have to work on those jungle instincts.

So off we went South back towards home with only one more stop to go.

Blue Hill / Stone Barns Center

About 50 miles south from Dutchess County and a mere 20 or so miles from home is the Blue Hill Restaurant and Stone Barns Center. The Blue Hill seemed to be a natural culmination to the trip as it not only stayed faithful to our theme of eating at restaurants featuring local ingredients, it is located on an operating farm. (Yet ANOTHER one!) We actually discovered this place while watching Top Chef and Blue Hill was to be the most reputable and vaunted stop on this trip. So we made a lunch reservation for eight (6 of our friends joined) TWO months in advance and eagerly awaited our visit!

Perhaps the most interesting part of the $68/pp prix-fixe lunch was that it did not feature a menu, but rather a list of seasonal ingredients. Apprise the wait staff of your dietary restrictions and off you go at the mercy of the chef! The food didn't disappoint in presentation or taste and I did enjoy being surprised (even though they served chicken!). The service was even better as plates were served in what appeared to be a carefully choreographed and coordinated movement (they wouldn't say if they practiced).

At the end of the day, I'd have to say that Red Devon won this Iron Chef competition.

Kid Friendly?: At least they try. They did have high chairs available but the environment was anything but kid friendly. Blue Hill strives to provide an elegant experience and let's face it, crying kids are NOT elegant. Liz and I took turns taking Arthur out for walks to keep him calm during what ended being a 3 hour lunch. We didn't want to be "those" parents with a crying baby! Maybe Arthur was extra hyped to be sitting at a table of 8, but I think he just already had as much vacation as a 1-year old could take! Save this place for the adults.