ESCAPE THE 21ST CENTURY -- ENJOY REVOLUTIONARY FOOD, LODGING AND COMFORT AT THE BIRD & BOTTLE INN

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GARRISON, New York (June 1, 2009) – With a long and rich history dating back prior to the American Revolution, The Bird & Bottle Inn in Garrison is truly a Hudson Valley treasure. From the charming dining rooms where seasonal gourmet meals are served, to the warm and inviting guest rooms that have been meticulously restored, the Bird & Bottle is a favorite destination for diners and travelers seeking a unique dining or lodging experience.

Built in 1761, the inn features beamed ceilings, wide plank floors, wood-burning fireplaces, and 18th Century-style furnishings throughout, retaining the classic appeal of the Colonial era. Colorful gardens on the banks of Indian Brook create a gracious atmosphere for outdoor events on the terrace or under a tent.

Cuisine at The Bird & Bottle is prepared under the direction of executive chef Douglas Gardner. A graduate of the French Culinary Institute, Gardner is an enthusiastic culinary talent who uses many Hudson Valley ingredients in creating his seasonal menus.

The Bird & Bottle also offers an extensive list of fine wines from around the world. Dinner is served Thursdays through Saturdays from 6 to 10 pm and Sundays from 4 to 8 pm. A special Warren’s Tavern menu is available Thursday nights, offering diners a three-course menu of tavern fare for $17.61 (to commemorate the year the inn opened). A champagne brunch is served on Sundays from 11:30 am to 3 pm.

Overnight lodging is available in three upstairs rooms featuring traditional cast-iron or four-poster beds, Colonial furnishings and working fireplaces. A separate cottage, similarly furnished and decorated, offers additional privacy and charm. With no phones, TV or internet in the guest rooms, overnight guests can truly relax and escape the pressures and pace of the 21st Century.

In addition to serving as an inn and restaurant, the Bird & Bottle offers a unique setting for special occasions. The dining rooms, with seating from 10-60, are available for business and social events, including weddings, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries, christenings, and other private parties and celebrations. An outdoor tent featuring 21-foot ceilings and cathedral-style windows accommodates up to 150 guests for dining and dancing.

Less than an hour’s drive from New York City, The Bird & Bottle Inn is tucked away in the scenic Hudson Highlands. Antique shops and craft galleries abound in nearby Cold Spring, plus many art galleries in Beacon. Guests can enjoy a Hudson River cruise, visit the Russel Wright home at Manitoga, or take a tour of Boscobel Restoration or the US Military Academy at West Point.

Golf with a river view is available just down the road at the Garrison Golf Club. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hundreds of miles of scenic trails throughout the area or kayak on the river. During the summer months, visitors can attend the widely acclaimed Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival on the stately grounds of Boscobel.

An easy weekend getaway destination, The Bird & Bottle Inn is located on Route 9 in Garrison, just 10 miles north of the Bear Mountain Bridge, 30 miles north of White Plains and 50 miles north of midtown Manhattan.

For more information or reservations on The Bird & Bottle Inn, call 845-424-2333 or go to www.thebirdandbottleinn.com.

HISTORY OF THE BIRD & BOTTLE INN

Originally opened as Warren’s Tavern in 1761, the inn was a stagecoach stop on the Old Albany Post Road (now Route 9). Many hungry and weary travelers found rest, refreshment, and good company within the Tavern, making it a highlight for all those braving the two-day journey between New York City and Albany.

During the 1770’s, Warren’s Tavern became a favorite stop for both British and American soldiers. Eventually, The Continental Army seized the property and used it as one of the headquarters for the Hudson Valley region. After the Revolutionary War ended, Warren’s Tavern once again returned to its peacetime function, welcoming travelers to the comfort within.

In 1832, suffering a decline in business due to the development of steamboat travel up the Hudson River, Warren’s Tavern closed and a farm, gristmill and sawmill were developed on the property. In 1940 the main building re-opened as The Bird & Bottle Inn, quickly establishing a reputation for fine cuisine and comfortable lodgings.

In 2004, Elaine Margolies purchased the inn and undertook a major restoration, modernizing it without changing its essential historic ambience. Today’s guests, whether for dinner or overnights, feel as though they have stepped back in time to experience a bit of 18th century America.