Where to Stay in the Hudson Valley
Dec 28th, 2008, 07:47 AM
#1
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Where to Stay in the Hudson Valley
As part of a driving trip we will be visiting the Hudson Valley for 2 days this summer. It's our first time to the area and would love recommendations on which town to stay in. We've read about Rhinebeck and Hyde Park, but it seems there are some many towns, its hard to choose one. We will be driving back to DC on a Sunday so closer to DC might be better if there is a big distance between the more Southern portion and the Northern portion. B&B recommendations would also be welcome. We enjoy scenic drives, walking thru small towns and of course visitng the many sights in the area. Thanks!
Dec 28th, 2008, 11:21 AM
#2
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The "Hudson Valley" is a huge area so it really depends on where you're starting, your budget and what else you want to see. I wouldn't know how you could see it in 2 days unless you spent most of your time driving or just concentrate on the lower Hudson.
Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate is a must see and if you're into fine dining, Blue Hill at Stone Barns there is great. There's also the CIA in Hyde Park.
http://www.hudsonrivervalley.com/about.aspx
Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate is a must see and if you're into fine dining, Blue Hill at Stone Barns there is great. There's also the CIA in Hyde Park.
http://www.hudsonrivervalley.com/about.aspx
Dec 28th, 2008, 12:18 PM
#3
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Thanks, yes, I realize it's a huge area and we didn't plan on seeing it all. Part of my dilemna is as I read about the HV, there seems to be lots to see in different parts of it and am having a hard time figuring out where to stay for 2 days. Was hoping to pick a nice small town and just spend time in that area exploring any mansions and enjoying small town life. We also like museums and have read about one in Beacon. Our thinking is if we like the general area, we can head back for a longer extended stay. We're driving from the Woodstock, VT area to the Hudson Valley.
In terms of budget, we'd like to spend around $200 a night and enjoy smaller B&B's
In terms of budget, we'd like to spend around $200 a night and enjoy smaller B&B's
Dec 28th, 2008, 02:01 PM
#4
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I'd recommend just finding a place in Rhinebeck. It is much more of a town center than Hyde Park. The Beekman Arms is a hotel right in the center of town & gets good reviews. I don't know any B&Bs
From there the mansions (FDR & Vanderbilt) are easily accessible. There are good dining options in Rhinebeck (I like the Terrapin) or the CIA in Hyde Park (my fav = Caterina de Medici). There are also a few good places that have sprung up in Poughkeepsie that I've not yet tried (Artist's Palate) but probably will by the time you travel so post back for an update.
The museum in Beacon you mention is the Dia Beacon, a large scale modern art museum. A very interesting museum - all modern art and all large scale.
Just south of Beacon is Cold Spring - a small, quaint, and not terribly walkable town (uphill), but several good restaurants there (Cathryn's Tuscan Grill). Between Hyde Park and Beacon there are a few other really good places to eat along Rt9.
Staying closer to DC really won't save you much time. You can cross the Hudson right there, and pick up I87 /NYS Thruway near Kingston.
Distances in the area are large, and you'll be spending time on the road if you venture too far. Rhinebeck/Hyde Park are all close, but Beacon is 30min, Kykuit 1hr plus, West Point 1hr.
You don't say if that is 2 full days/nights, or if your arrival from VT is day 1, and departure to DC is day 2. Assuming 2 nights here's what I'd recommend.
Day 1. Arrive mid day. You can stop at 1-2 towns along the route if you wish, including Bennington VT, or Williamstown MA, or Millbrook NY. Numerous other towns along the way - those are just 3 that may have something for you (or not). Arrive & browse Rhinebeck - Dinner at Terrapin (restaurant or bistro/bar (latter is simpler fare)).
Day 2. Visit FDR & Vanderbilt mansions. Hike the grounds if you wish to enjoy hiking in the woods. You could also visit Mills Mansion / Staatsburg, but the history or interior rank up there with the other 2. Grounds are very pretty though, including walks right down to the river. Dinner at CIA (reserve 3-4mo (that's months) in advance to get the day you want). This is basically a very minimal driving day. If you want to drive you definitely can.
If you want to take a scenic drive there are several possible routes - Millbrook (& visit winery), across the Hudson up through the 'Gunks, etc), or you can venture to Beacon to visit the Dia. I would not do 2 mansions and a museum in the same day myself.
Day 3 - en route to DC. You can visit the Dia Beacon or West Point along the way without too much detour.
An alternative is to visit the Dia on day 1, en route. You could take I91 south to I84, which runs right to Beacon. You'd have a 30min drive back north to Rhinebeck, but it's not too bad - just pokey.
From there the mansions (FDR & Vanderbilt) are easily accessible. There are good dining options in Rhinebeck (I like the Terrapin) or the CIA in Hyde Park (my fav = Caterina de Medici). There are also a few good places that have sprung up in Poughkeepsie that I've not yet tried (Artist's Palate) but probably will by the time you travel so post back for an update.
The museum in Beacon you mention is the Dia Beacon, a large scale modern art museum. A very interesting museum - all modern art and all large scale.
Just south of Beacon is Cold Spring - a small, quaint, and not terribly walkable town (uphill), but several good restaurants there (Cathryn's Tuscan Grill). Between Hyde Park and Beacon there are a few other really good places to eat along Rt9.
Staying closer to DC really won't save you much time. You can cross the Hudson right there, and pick up I87 /NYS Thruway near Kingston.
Distances in the area are large, and you'll be spending time on the road if you venture too far. Rhinebeck/Hyde Park are all close, but Beacon is 30min, Kykuit 1hr plus, West Point 1hr.
You don't say if that is 2 full days/nights, or if your arrival from VT is day 1, and departure to DC is day 2. Assuming 2 nights here's what I'd recommend.
Day 1. Arrive mid day. You can stop at 1-2 towns along the route if you wish, including Bennington VT, or Williamstown MA, or Millbrook NY. Numerous other towns along the way - those are just 3 that may have something for you (or not). Arrive & browse Rhinebeck - Dinner at Terrapin (restaurant or bistro/bar (latter is simpler fare)).
Day 2. Visit FDR & Vanderbilt mansions. Hike the grounds if you wish to enjoy hiking in the woods. You could also visit Mills Mansion / Staatsburg, but the history or interior rank up there with the other 2. Grounds are very pretty though, including walks right down to the river. Dinner at CIA (reserve 3-4mo (that's months) in advance to get the day you want). This is basically a very minimal driving day. If you want to drive you definitely can.
If you want to take a scenic drive there are several possible routes - Millbrook (& visit winery), across the Hudson up through the 'Gunks, etc), or you can venture to Beacon to visit the Dia. I would not do 2 mansions and a museum in the same day myself.
Day 3 - en route to DC. You can visit the Dia Beacon or West Point along the way without too much detour.
An alternative is to visit the Dia on day 1, en route. You could take I91 south to I84, which runs right to Beacon. You'd have a 30min drive back north to Rhinebeck, but it's not too bad - just pokey.
Dec 28th, 2008, 04:45 PM
#5
Original Poster
Thanks so much, J62 -- this is just the type of info which I needed so I could zero in on one area and stop going back and forth among many. Yes, we will be in HV 2 full days and return to DC on the 3rd day. I know this is not much time and we will merely scratch the surface of a few of the sights.
The Beekman gets some really bad reviews on TA. Sounds like the rooms are a mixed bag. Anyone stayed there and can recommend which building might be good? Other thoughts on places to stay?
The Beekman gets some really bad reviews on TA. Sounds like the rooms are a mixed bag. Anyone stayed there and can recommend which building might be good? Other thoughts on places to stay?
Dec 28th, 2008, 05:05 PM
#6
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We stayed at the Beekman a few times and the Delamater House twice.
The first time at the Beekman, we were in a room by the stairs and heard everyone coming and going, the next couple of times, we had various rooms and noise was not an issue.. Delamater House was perfect.. there is a fireplace in the room, large clean rooms with a nice dressing area and bath and as in the Beekman, a little tray with some Port and a couple of glasses to welcome you.
There is an excellent restaurant across the street from the Beekman Arms.. Le Petit Bistro and across the street to the left is Fosters Coach House... I think that is the name.. something Coach House ;-)
There are some very nice B&Bs along Rt 9 but we never stayed in them.
In the town of Hudson, north of Rhinebeck, is the St Charles Hotel. Hudson is great for a day of antiquing and going to Olana ( Frederick Church's home) .. and Montgomery Place and the Vanderbilt Mansion..
Yep, I made myself homesick lol.
The first time at the Beekman, we were in a room by the stairs and heard everyone coming and going, the next couple of times, we had various rooms and noise was not an issue.. Delamater House was perfect.. there is a fireplace in the room, large clean rooms with a nice dressing area and bath and as in the Beekman, a little tray with some Port and a couple of glasses to welcome you.
There is an excellent restaurant across the street from the Beekman Arms.. Le Petit Bistro and across the street to the left is Fosters Coach House... I think that is the name.. something Coach House ;-)
There are some very nice B&Bs along Rt 9 but we never stayed in them.
In the town of Hudson, north of Rhinebeck, is the St Charles Hotel. Hudson is great for a day of antiquing and going to Olana ( Frederick Church's home) .. and Montgomery Place and the Vanderbilt Mansion..
Yep, I made myself homesick lol.
Dec 28th, 2008, 10:33 PM
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If you're driving from Vt. and like museums, you should consider stopping on the way at the Clark Institute in Williamstown. It's a jewel box. http://www.clarkart.edu/museum/colle...rker=1&start=1
Dec 29th, 2008, 09:21 AM
#8
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Thanks for the info, Scarlett -- guess one needs to be careful with room selection at the Beekman and Delamater House. I'll keep those 2 on my list. Did u live in that area?
I've got 2 places in the Rhinebeck area that I'm checking into --Hideaway Suites and Inn at Rhinecliff which just was renovated and opened this past year. Anyone know either of them?
Hadn't heard of the Clark's Inst, so thank u for mentioning that, mclaurie. We'll be in the Berkshires at the start of this driving trip, so might be easy to catch it then. Also the MOCA is in Williamstown too, so sounds like a good place for a stop.
I've got 2 places in the Rhinebeck area that I'm checking into --Hideaway Suites and Inn at Rhinecliff which just was renovated and opened this past year. Anyone know either of them?
Hadn't heard of the Clark's Inst, so thank u for mentioning that, mclaurie. We'll be in the Berkshires at the start of this driving trip, so might be easy to catch it then. Also the MOCA is in Williamstown too, so sounds like a good place for a stop.
Dec 29th, 2008, 06:15 PM
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We did a driving trip in the Hudson valley this past fall and would definitely recommend Rhinebeck. We stayed in two different rooms at Delamater House. Make sure you request a room in the newer buildings---I'm pretty sure these would be the ones Scarlett referred to---the rooms are large, gas fireplaces and well-appointed. We stayed in one of those and then had to move to a room in one of the older buildings and it was quie different--small, sort of tired. But Rhinebeck is a real town with plenty of good restaurant options and easy drives to many of the sites as others have mentioned.
As others have said you can visit the FDR home and library, the Culinary, the Vanderbilt mansion. Further south is Kykuit. And if you can visit the Clark as you come through western MA, it is a gem.
As others have said you can visit the FDR home and library, the Culinary, the Vanderbilt mansion. Further south is Kykuit. And if you can visit the Clark as you come through western MA, it is a gem.
Jan 5th, 2009, 03:23 PM
#12
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thanks everyone for all the ideas of places to check out when we're in the Hudson Valley area. I think we may stay at the Hideaway
Yes, sobster, Mass Moca is in North Adams, not Williamstown which is about 5-10miles away--I confused the two towns...which is why I needed help from this board..too many towns and too much to choose from!
I think we will stay at Hideaway suites and B&B which is not right in town, but in Rhinebeck.
www.ehideawaysuites.com
Yes, sobster, Mass Moca is in North Adams, not Williamstown which is about 5-10miles away--I confused the two towns...which is why I needed help from this board..too many towns and too much to choose from!
I think we will stay at Hideaway suites and B&B which is not right in town, but in Rhinebeck.
www.ehideawaysuites.com
