Things To Do
U.S. Military Academy Visitors Center
Check out the visitors center and sign up for the 1 hour and 15 minute West Point Story tour. All tours must be reserved in advance online. There are no in-person ticket sales. When signing up for a tour, they will ask for information from your government issued ID in order to access post. If you choose not to take the tour, you can still get on post but must go to the Visitors Center to receive a guest pass. (Note: You most likely will wait in a long line to receive one).
Storm King Art Center
The center is recognized worldwide for its amazing art and sculptures set on a five-hundred-acre farm consisting of fields, hills, and woodlands. Wander the trails and see over 100 sculptures surrounded by nature, or you can choose to rent a bike and cycle the trails. They also have a small museum full of rotating loaned art from artists all over the world!
Beacon, NY Main Street
Stop in Beacon to experience their quaint downtown full of boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and more. One end starts with views of the Hudson River and the DIA art museum, while the other end brings you right to Beacon Falls. For food, we recommend: Cafe Amarcord, Melzingah Tap House, Meyer's Olde Dutch Food & Such, or The Roundhouse.
Woodstock Museum At Bethel Woods
For all music lovers, you need to check out Woodstock & the Sixties Museum at Bethel Woods. The museum is located where the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival was held. The museum immerses visitors in the story of the societal evolution of the 1960s, and take visitors back in time to experience the famed music festival. (This is a pretty far drive from the West Point area but well worth every minute! You will drive through a section of the Catskills which is beautiful in itself!)
Brotherhood Winery
Take a day trip to the oldest winery in America! They host historical tours and wine tastings! Our favorite wines from Brotherhood are Honker Pinot Noir, 1839 Cabernet Sauvignon, and Casas Patronales Privada Carmenere.
New York
There is something for everyone in NYC. I highly recommend taking the train into the city from either the Beacon or Garrison stations. Both take you directly into Grand Central Station. From there take a cab to Central Park, the MET, September 11 Memorial, Times Square, and more.
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
For an afternoon in Hyde Park: Take a guided tour of the Vanderbilt mansion, stroll the gorgeous gardens, or walk the extensive trails on the property! After visiting we recommend either a stop at Cranberry's at Tilley Hall or Coppola's Italian Restaurant for food!
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, Museum, and Home
For an afternoon in Hyde Park: See the Roosevelt's extensive property. The foundation has done a great job preserving what Roosevelt imagined along with adding a beautiful new museum.
Bear Mountain State Park
A place with activities for everyone! Go to the Zoo, rent paddle boats on the lake, hike to the top of the mountain for spectacular views of the Hudson River Valley, take a spin on the merry-go-round, and more.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Minnewaska State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks we have seen. There are hundreds of trails throughout to see waterfalls, Minnewaska Lake, and picnic areas overlooking the New Paltz area. This is one of our favorite places and we ALWAYS stop at the Mountain Brauhaus for authentic German food and beer.
Blu Pointe
Fantastic seafood and steak restaurant on the Newburgh waterfront! The cocktails are the best in town (tied with Liberty Street Bistro). The wine selection is also superb with three sommeliers on staff.
Crabtree's Kittle House Restaurant & Inn
Our favorite restaurant in the Hudson Valley! For any foodies and wine lovers, this is the place to go! They have the 5th largest private wine cellar in the country and their food is to die for! Try ANY entree but it is a MUST to finish with their famous pecan pie! (Note: Definitely pricey but worth it)
Liberty Street Bistro
A local restaurant opened by executive chef, Michael Kelly. He trained at the Culinary Institute of America located right here in the Hudson Valley. The food is fantastic and the cocktails are superb!
Canterbury Brook Inn
The Canterbury Brook Inn is one of Steve and I's go to places to eat. It is off Main Street in the quaint town of Cornwall (where we live). The owner and head chef, Hauns Baumann, is from Switzerland and throws many European dishes on the menu. To include our favorites... the classic weinerschnitzel and the fruit de mer.