With about 4,000 residents, the Town of Washington—which was
named after George Washington, who camped in the area during the American
Revolution—is set in the central part of Dutchess County and encompasses about 59
square miles.
Known for its quaint, yet upscale lifestyle, Washington’s
famed residents include Mary Tyler Moore, Ric Ocasek of The Cars, and actor Liam
Neeson, among other celebrities. The town’s cost of living is a bit higher than
the national average, with estimated incomes of its residents at around $74,000
and median home values of about $374,000. Most people own their homes; the median
age of the town’s residents about 45.
Locals take great pride in the
town, favoring its many organizations, events and community happenings. When
people are in need or a family is in trouble, they can count on help from their
neighbors.
Washington’s picturesque, walkable Village
of Millbrook is near the center of town and offers plenty of shops and amenities,
such as Twin Brooks Garden Center, Inc. & Squirrel Hall, Merritt Bookstore,
Babette’s Kitchen, Millbrook Antiques Center, Belvoir Gallery, Lily’s
Medispa, George T. Whalen Real Estate. Here, also, is the Millbrook Free Library
where the village’s annual Millbrook Literary Festival takes place. The village
also boasts many horse farms and winery.
Millbrook's Innisfree Garden is designed in a Chinese style
of garden and offers 150 acres to peruse plants, trails, waterfalls and large
lake; enjoy the mist fountain on a hot day. As well, the Trevor Zoo at the
Millbrook School is a treat to see exotic birds, red pandas and learn about
wildlife. It is Dutchess County’s only zoo located at a school, which makes it
a unique day trip.
For seasonal family fun, Washington holds a Trunk or Treat
Halloween parade with costumes and decked out cars, plus a Parade of Lights at
Christmas time. Today's Dutchess County Fair is modeled after the 1861 Dutchess
County Agricultural Society that was originally held in Washington Hollow.