northern dutchess is alot nicer/prettier and more rural than southern dutchess. southern dutchess (poughkeepsie-beacon) is totally boring, and theres NOTHING to do around here. everything gets really old in about a month.
i'd totally suggest northern dutchess, in the redhook-rhinebeck-kingston areas.
you might even want to check out ulster county. as far as the other counties go, i dont even think ive ever heard of them before.