Hudson Valley Travel Suggestions

From the earliest days of the exploration of North America to Presidential "summits" with world leaders, the Hudson Valley has played a key role in the history of the United States. Some of the events which took place here shaped the fundamental character of our country, and had direct impact on the world as we know it today. Great presidents, generals, artists and inventors have all found inspiration on the banks of the Hudson River. When you visit, I hope you'll take the time to visit some of the places that have made the valley so important to our history.

Even if important events hadn't occured here, the Hudson Valley would still be prized as one of the most beautiful places in the world. The ancient river carves a deep, steady course through steep banks, its course never varying. To the west are the Catskill Mountains, rounded by their great age, the keepers of tall tales and ghostly legends. This is the land of 'Rip Van Winkle' and the 'Headless Horseman', and the inspiration to America's first great artists. Even if you aren't interested in museums or mansions, the Valley offers much for the eye.

Here are some of my personal suggestions for things to do and see in the Poughkeepsie area. For more detailed information, see the Poughkeepsie Journal's web pages.

Historic Sites

• Frankin Delano Roosevelt Home and Presidential Library: The birth place and last resting place of one of the most important U.S. Presidents in our history. Also, the home and grave of Eleanor Roosevelt, a great person in her own right. The Library is the first of its kind and contains a fascinating museum. You can tour the home as well. Many important events took place in this home, including visits from Winston Churchill, Charles DeGaulle, the King and Queen of England, and the signing of the order to begin the 'Manhattan Project'. You definately shouldn't miss it. The home and library are located in Hyde Park, approx. 5 miles north of Marist on Rt. 9.

• Eleanor Roosevelt Historic Site at Val-Kill: This was Mrs. Roosevelt's home after the President's death until her own in 1962. During this time, she was a delegate to the United Nations and came to have the unofficial title of 'First Lady to the World'. The site is in Hyde Park, about 1 mile east of the FDR Home. A joint ticket can be purchased at the FDR Home.

• F.W.Vanderbilt National Historic Site: The home of a grandson of Comodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, it is one of the grandest mansions on the river. For a small fee, you can tour the mansion and see how the rich lived during the 'guilded age'. The grounds are free and boast one of the most beautiful views of the Hudson you'll ever see. There are also extensive formal Italian gardens, maintained entirely by volunteers. The site is also located in Hyde Park, about 5 miles north of the FDR Home on Rt. 9.

• Samuel Morse Historic Site: The inventor of the telegraph, Morse code and many other important inventions lived much of his life in Poughkeepsie. His home has now been lovingly restored and is open to the public. It is located about 3 miles south of Marist on Rt. 9 between the Holiday Inn and the Marriott.

• West Point: The fort at West Point has been important to American history from its very beginning. It was a key defense during the Revolution, helping to prevent the British from sailing down the river to New York City. As the United States Military Academy, it has produced some of the greatest generals in history, including Grant, Lee, Eisenhower, Patton and McArthur. Although it is a working military base, there is a fascinating museum and you can tour the grounds. Fascinating place to visit and magnificant views of the river. West Point is located about 45 miles south of Poughkeepsie, about 1.5 hours driving time.

• Further south, in Tarrytown, I recommend Sunnyside, the home of Washington Irving and Lyndhurst, the home of Jay Gould. These are far enough to make a good day trip.

• To the north, there is Clermont, the home of Robert Livingston and where the first steam boat was tested. Olana is the home of Frederick Church, most famous member of the Hudson River School of Art and America's first 'superstar' artist. His work hangs in the Smithsonian as well as other great art museums in the world. Church took his wealth and built his 'dream home' on top of a hill overlooking the river. Part moorish castle, part artist's fantasy, its a unique place for a unique person. A definate 'must see' for art lovers. Both sites are located in Columbia County, about 1.5 hours north of Poughkeepsie. Not far from both is Kinderhook, the birthplace of Martin Van Buren.

• Just north of Poughkeepsie, on the west bank of the Hudson is Kingston, NY. Aside from being the birthplace of VM/XA, it is also important to the early history of the country. Kingston is where New York ratified the Constitution, making us part of the United States. It was a vital port on the Hudson, important enough to be burned to the ground by the British during the Revolution and nearly became the capital of the new country. (It was third in the running behind Washington and Philadelphia.) There are numerous historic things to see and do in Kingston, especially the old Senate House.

Not Just Historic!

• The Culinary Institute of America: One of the premier centers for culinary education in the world, the CIA is located just 3 miles north of the Marist campus in Hyde Park. There are 4 restaurants which are open to the public: St. Andrew's Cafe, Caterina De Medici (northern Italian), the Escoffier room (French, 4 star), the American Bounty room (American, 4 star). Reservations are required for all restaurants, which are only open during the semester. This isn't just dining, its an experience.

• Ole Rhinebeck Aerodrome: A truely unique adventure! WWI flying machines have been lovingly restored to working order. Air shows are given on the weekends during the summer, so plan on being here on a Saturday or Sunday. There are dogfights, wing walking, and even a 'Red Baron'! There is also a small air museum. The Aerodrome is located in Rhinebeck, about 10 miles north of Marist on Rt. 9.

• Gardens, there are gardens! Growing things is a passion for many in the valley. If you love gardens as we do, then I recommend the Italian Gardens at the Vanderbilt Historic site, and Innisfree Garden and the Institute of Ecosystem Studies, both in Millbrook.

• For hiking, there are many choices ranging from casual stroll to challenging for the experienced hiker. Both the Vanderbilt and Roosevelt sites offer easy foot paths and trails, part of New York's Greenway project. For challenging hikes, try Lake Minnewaska (near New Paltz). Also, the Appalachian Trail winds through much of the area.

• A little town just north of Kingston might be of interest to those of you who survived the '60s, Woodstock, NY. No, the concert didn't actually take place there, it was in a field just outside of town. However, the name stuck and the town has made the most of it. Nestled at the feet of the Catskill Mountains, it boasts quaint shops and cafes and more than a few people who don't know that the concert is over.

Page last updated 2/3/98.