jseymour

We just spent a few days at West Point during the July 4th week. We flew into Newark and I had hired a 6 passenger limo to surprise my husband. What I got from Exclusive Limousine was a Suburban with cramped leg space and a driver that couldn't find his way out of town much less to West Point. He didn't even have a map! Do yourself a favor and rent a car or take the train. We stayed at the Thayer Hotel which is on the grounds, but with a small child and no car, it was too far to walk to Trophy Point to see the July 3rd fireworks. With the security you can't drive around freely and visit the monuments. Only with the tour bus and they don't allow you to free time to roam. The Thayer is great but the brunch on Sunday is $30 per person, also for my 2 year old who didn't even have his own plate. The price is not posted anywhere, so I was shocked to receive a $60 bill. It's about $10 per person weekdays. We walked into town for the rest of our meals. The town of Highland Falls outside the West Point gate has the West Point Musuem, but not much else to do. No shopping. We wish we had a car to see the rest of the area. The Thayer has a nice garden area out back which was wonderful for my son to run around in. We spent most of our time here.
It cost us $36 +tip for All Family Taxi to take us to the Garrison Train Station. There are no taxi's at the station when you arrive so you may want to take All Family's number with you.

nevermind

It sounds like you didn't have a great time. I'm so sorry. What was the purpose of your visit?

I was at West Point in May, and agree that without a car it can be difficult to get around. On the other hand, if you have a car, parking is always difficult.

I think it is important to remember, that despite the historic value of West Point and the beautiful surroundings, it is primarily a military reservation and educational institution. As such, I imagine it can sometimes seem overwhelming and might not be the best vacation spot for a young child!

mooselywild

You've got to remember- 4th of july is probably a spectacularily bad time to visit any national monument- and also a bad time to eat anywhere, weekend or no. Security has really tightened up everywhere since 9/11- (think White House) and they don't WANT you roaming around. West Point isn't a big shopping desination (partly because it's home to a school and military personnel, neither of whom shop much (at least not normally). Like nevermind said- even if you have a car, you'd find it nearly impossible to park- not enough spaces, and most spaces are probably restricted.

You do have my sympathy over the car (situation happens a lot)and your disappointment! It truly sucks to be looking forward to a trip, and then have it turn into let down. But instead of dwelling- shrug, smile, and move on- now, you know better and you'll research more next time!

woodstockguy

Hi. I live approximately 1.25 hours from West Point and used to visit every few years but haven't been back since Spet. 11. When I used to visit, you could walk freely around the grounds. Is that no longer possible?

nevermind

We've been able to walk around unescorted. It is just that there is a lot of construction going on and driving/parking is tight. Of course, it depends on when you are there and what you are visiting.

flsd

bumping to ask: Apart from the Thayer, where are other good places to stay in or near West Point? If part of the trip is a one-day cooking class at CIA in Hyde Park, does it make more sense to stay there?

mikemo

Much prefer visiting the Academy and Maryland's Eastern shore.
M (fmr LCDR 1/74-7/78)

nevermind

I have not yet found a motel/hotel that I really like in the West Point area. :-< If anyone knows of a place, I'd love to hear about it!!

mikemo -- are you, gasp, Navy?? >-

flsd

It looks like staying at a Hyde Park B&B might be our best bet if a CIA cooking class is part of the equation, and just driving to West Point for a tour of the academy. The Thayer's website gave me the impression it's gotten a little shabby and is overpriced - am I mistaken?

mikemo

nm,
Claro, and a Nuke.
M

roothy123

In case anyone is still looking at this thread: I go to West Point once a year for work (U.S. Mint, not Academy). Yes, it's a bit tough without a car, and yes, there isn't much shopping in Highland Falls (have to go to Woodbury Commons outlets for that). The restaurants are ok, but not spectacular. The Thayer is expensive, but definitely has atmosphere, and most of it has been remodeled recently. I would certainly not call it shabby. There's a fairly new Holiday Inn in Fort Montgomery just south of Highland Falls that's about the nicest hotel close to WP. Nothing fancy but definitely decent and nice. They give you continental breakfast, too, which is nice. Last year I stayed in a B&B in Fort Montgomery - interesting! This year I am going to try another B&B if they'll give me a break on the price. I have stayed at many places around there, with no real favorite, unless it's the Holiday Inn. In the town of Highland Falls, the West Point Motel is decent but not great, and a bit of a walk into town without a car. If you want snazzier hotels, Newburgh is almost a half hour away but has a bit more variety. Then again, you would need a car - but that's pretty much the story for WP. There is a Short Line bus from NYC, and of course Metro North goes to Garrison, Croton, and other points near by - but both are still a 20 minute drive away. Bear Mountain Inn used to be halfway nice, but last year it was mostly closed for renovations - not sure if it's open now.

If anyone has suggestions on how to get to WP or Highland Falls without being able to drive, please respond to a new post I'm about to make. I have a co-worker who doesn't drive, and we're trying to figure out a way to get her up there from the Washington DC area.
It's a bit complicated!

I think you can still walk around the Academy - except in the very inner area where the cadets live. There, signs are posted stating that it's a restricted area - has been that way from the start.

Anyway, I love WP, and love the whole area, but yes, without a car, it's defintely challenging!