Historic Tavern Trail tour stops at Baird’s Tavern on Dec. 8

WARWICK — The Historic Tavern Trail of the Hudson Valley announces a “Winter Holiday Celebration” on Friday, Dec. 8, at Baird’s Tavern, 105 Main St., Warwick.
The journey to Orange County’s most historic inns and restaurants continues with this special evening at the reopened Baird’s Tavern. Francis Baird built this limestone-walled tavern in 1766 as an inn and store where George Washington visited in 1782 and Martha stayed overnight in 1786.
“Guests will meet new friends, learn more about this remarkable authentic historic tavern, and enjoy locally brewed and distilled beverages including the ‘Apple Jack Downing,’ the Tavern Trail’s signature cocktail,” said Orange County Historian Johanna Yaun.
'History Happy Hour'The event kicks off at 5 p.m. with a "History Happy Hour."
At 6 p.m. Warwick Historical Society Curator Michael Bertolini will speak about Baird’s Tavern history, and proprietor Adam Powers will explain how he brought the Tavern back to life.
Entertainment will include docent-led tours of original furnished upstairs rooms including the attic where Revolutionary War militia drilled on the wood plank floor.
For more information and directions to Baird’s tavern visit: https://www.facebook.com/bairdstavern/ or call 845 324-8570.
'Early Bird Special'All are invited to attend a Tavern Trail "Early Bird Special" History Tour at 4 p.m. at the Ketchum House, 26 Church Street, Warwick.
This Federal house was built in 1810 by Revolutionary War soldier and master carpenter Azariah Ketcham, who built the elaborate fireplace mantles and graceful staircase.
For more information call the Warwick Historical Society at 845 986-3236 or visit http://www.whsny.org/.
The Tavern Trail features its own signature cocktail, the "Apple Jack Downing," creation of mixologist Donnan Sutherland of Orchard Hill Cider Mill in New Hampton. Made with locally produced applejack brandy and apple cider, the cocktail is named for Newburgh’s Andrew Jackson Downing, a famous nineteenth-century American horticulturalist and foremost fruit expert.
Dinner optionsThose wishing to stay for an optional dinner at 7 p.m. at Baird’s Tavern’s nearby sister establishment, Fetch Bar & Grill, just a short walk away at 48 Main St., must make dinner reservations directly with Fetch ahead of time.
For reservations call Fetch at 845 987-8200.
For directions and information, go to http://www.fetchbarandgrill.com/. The dinner menu is posted at: http://www.fetchbarandgrill.com/dinner_menu.html.
The Historic Tavern Trail of the Hudson Valley is a recipient of an American Association for State and Local History 2017 “Leadership in History” Award.
For more information about the Historic Tavern Trail of the Hudson Valley, visit the Tavern Trail Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/taverntrail/, the Orange County Tourism website at: http://orangetourism.org/, or contact Nicole Nazzaro at the Orange County Historian's office at 845 360-6978 or nnazzaro@orangecountygov.com.