All's Aflutter at the Rainbow's End

Tucked away in the sprawling hills of Pawling, New York, the Rainbow's End Butterfly Farm & Nursery is one of the Hudson Valley's hidden gems.

Inside their butterfly exhibit, you'll have an amazing experience.

There are butterflies everywhere.

Monarchs...

...and Mourning Cloaks.

And though I didn't manage a photo of a swallowtail, I did get one of a caterpillar that will one day soon become one...

Visitors can also feed the butterflies with butterfly "lollipops" (cotton swabs dipped in Gatorade).

But what's even better about Rainbow's End is that the bulk of the property is devoted to creating a habitat for butterflies and other wildlife.

Outside, skippers abound...

And there are all sorts of other critters, from bumblebees to grasshoppers.

And even the resident Guinea Hens (which have been rumored to have actually chased a bear off the property).

The gardens at Rainbow's End are magnificent.

There's even a shop where you can purchase your own plants to bring home and begin to create your own butterfly sanctuary.

The folks who run Rainbow's End are great.  They're quick to welcome you, share a few anecdotes, and answer any questions you might have.

This has become my new favorite place, and one that I'm sure I'll be visiting many, many times in the future.

See below for additional photos, and be sure to check out my other photo essays on Rainbow's End: 

Flowers at the Rainbow's End Butterfly Farm & Nursery (http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?memberId=240751&articleId=281474977428751)

and

Bzzzz: Rainbow's End Butterfly Nursery and Farm -- Not Just for Butterflies!

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?memberId=240751&articleId=281474977428937