We were there this week... had a fabulous meal at Babycakes (http://babycakescafe.com/). Also ate a snack at the Apple Pie Bakery/Cafe at the CIA. Wish I could have had a meal at one of their restaurants because they looked fantastic.

One way to begin your research is to type "hudson valley" in the "search the forums" box above. You will find 2 or 3 recent threads with many recommendations, and lots of helpful information. (Typically on this forum, a poster won't get many replies if there have been recent conversations about the same topic. Just a helpful hint.)

Thanks for the tip getowt. I'm new to Fodor's and don't know the SOP.

bookmarking for later reply. I can help the foodies from points Cold Spring on north to Rhinebeck.

At the CIA my favorite is the Italian restaurant, Caterina D' Medici, but I don't think it's the best restaurant there, or even the best Italian restaurant in the region.

I but don't have time now but will fill in other reco's later.

Definitely put Kykuit at the top of your list of things to do. Another must-see is the Storm King Art Center in Cornwall. It's a magnificent sculpture garden spread over hundreds of acres.
I assume you'll have a car. If I'm wrong, then change your plans and rent one! It's almost impossible to get around without one!
As for restaurants, Blue Hill at Stone Barns is wonderful but very expensive---well over $100 per person. And, reservations are a tough commodity, especially on weekends. If you want to go there, call NOW for reservations (914-366-9600).

If you're in the area don't miss FDR's home at Hyde Park - a wonderful memorial for one of the greatest americans.

Also don;t know if West Point is open during the summer for tours but you could consider.

And you must have a car - or the trip will rally be impossible. And if you're not used to driving on Parkways be aware that speed limits can be lower, lanes very narrow, low bridges and small or no shoulders. A lot of fun for driving if you enjoy it - but nothing like a typical interstate (they were built for sunday afternoon drives into the country in the 1920's when 30 was a normal speed).

Here's my restaurant list, starting in the south at Cold Spring.

Cold Spring
- Excellent - Catheryn's Tuscan grill (haven't been in 2yrs so can't vouch if it's still the same quality). Maybe Howard's been recently.
- OK - Hudson House - steaks etc.

Fishkill
- Excellent - Il Barilotto (upscale Italian). Can be crowded & noisy.
- Very good to excellent - Sapore steak house. Bountiful cold seafood appetizer platter. Excellent steaks.
- Pretty good, but not foodie. Maya Cafe - basic Mexican
- OK. Plumbush inn. Not my favorite.

Wappingers Falls
- Excellent: Aroma Osteria (upscale Italian). Larger space, less noisy vs Il Barilotto. Same owner.
- So-so: Hudson's Ribs & Fish
- Good: Neko sushi/hibachi. Your basic Japanese restaurant - nothing special, but consistently good. I don't generally like hibachi.

Poughkeepsie:
- Very good to excellent: Artist's palate. Only been once. Menu is a little funky (creative?) Location is not upscale
- Never been but on my list: Bull & Buddha
- Never been but on my list: Crave - new, and right near the Walkway over the Hudson.
- Very good to excellent: Babycakes - see mebekb's post above. Popular with the Vassar crowd.
- Very good: Beech Tree grill.
- OK: Shadows on the Hudson. Location/view is great for drinks, but food is nothing special.
- Very good: Mole Mole. Tiny hole in the wall Mexican (only 4 tables). Order a few tacos @ $2.00 each, grab a soda from the cooler & make it a tasty lunch. (near Vassar)

Hyde Park: (CIA)
- Excellent: Apple Pie bakery cafe - perfect for a tasty lunch. Can get crowded with tourists.
- Very good: Caterina D'Medici (Italian). Consistently good, but not wow. Advance reservations required. http://www.ciachef.edu/restaurants/default.asp
- Never been, but supposed to be excellent: Escoffier (French). Used to require jackets, so check dress code. Reservations req'd
- Very good: American Bounty & St. Andrew's cafe. Reservations also req'd.

I enjoy chatting with the students about their plans, studies, etc. Part of the CIA dining experience.

Rhinebeck:
- Excellent: Terrapin restaurant
- Very good: Terrapin red bar bistro - more casual fare

Yes, Cathryn's Tuscan Grill in Cold Spring is still good.

You might want to take a look at my trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/trip-report-ten-days-on-the-east-coast.cfm

Not a food recommendation, but something to do: Walkway over the Hudson - it's a state park walking bridge across the Hudson. Awesome views! It's a long walk from the Poughkeepsie side until you reach water (bridge is over a mile long), but it's a short walk on the Highland side until you're above the river.
Enjoy!

To j62's excellent list, I'd add Il Cenácolo in Newburgh (www.ilcenacolorestaurant.com), a really excellent Italian place. We visited Cathryn's very recently before a performance by the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival at Boscobel. I'd say that restaurant was good, but nowhere near as good as Il Cenácolo.

What show did you see at Boscobel? We're still trying to get to one of the shows. Hamlet, Comedy of Errors, or Around the world in 80 days.

http://hvshakespeare.org/

I can confirm that Artist's Palate is indeed excellent. www.theartistspalate.biz

Another new place opened up just across the street in Poughkeepsie called Brasserie 292. www.brasserie292.com. Menu looks interesting enough to give it a try.

Next to Crave right by the Walkway in Poughkeepsie is Lola's cafe www.lolascafeandcatering.com. Haven't been but heard it was good for lunch. Same exec chef as Crave.

bspielman repeatedly recommends Il Cenacolo here on Fodors but I haven't made it there yet unfortunately.

As long as we're talking about the west side of the Hudson, there are a few very good restaurants in New Paltz. My favorite is the Village Tea room. www.thevillagetearoom.com

We saw Around the World in 80 Days on opening night. Very funny, and, as usual at HVSF, a very creative production.

I don't want to create the wrong impression about the weather in September in that area. Sure, we wore gloves at 7 a.m. But, a few hours later, we were wearing shorts!

Ooops, ignore my last comment.....wrong thread. Sorry!

Hi c00kiedog -

If you are looking at a boat ride here is a link:
http://www.commanderboat.com/index.html

Just an FYI if you are staying in Tarrytown there are many great historic homes to see very close by. Check out: http://www.hudsonvalley.org/
(on a side note if you go to Kykuit you pick up a bus at Philipsburg Manor - you are not allowed to explore the grounds on your own at all/must be with the tour group at all times.)

If you were thinking of heading up to Rhinebeck/Hyde Park area there are MANY great restaurants. However, this is about a 1.5 hr drive from Tarrytown. If you do go as someone mentioned the Terrapin restaurant is fabulous as well as everything at the CIA (my favorite is American Bounty and have been many times, the Escoffier is a close second).

Blue Hill at Stone Barns is great - even the little cafe for lunch, you can get food and eat outside!

Other places in the Tarrytown area with great food:
Half Moon in Dobbs Ferry: http://harvest2000.com/hmn/
x20 in Yonkers: http://www.xaviars.com/yonkers/