2 days in and around Hyde Park - your favorite things?
 

A friend and I are driving up from New Jersey. My #1 goal is to Val-Kill cottage.
We'll see the FDR home. We have lunch reservations at the Culinary Institute of America.

Are there any other favorites in and around Hyde Park or along the drive that we shouldn't miss?

The Storm King Art Center, an open air sculpture garden, is amazing. I'd also recommend the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie.
The Vanderbilt mansion in Hyde Park and the surrounding grounds/garden are also interesting.

The park brochure on Val-Kill says it will take 90 minutes to visit but we spent more time than that.

Olana! Wow! The setting reminds me of the Biltmore.
These are GREAT ideas!
Thank you so very much!

Innifree gardens in Millbrook

You've gotten three great recommendations---Storm King, Innisfree and Olana. Hopefully, you'll be able to experience all three during the three days.

Ooops, I just noticed that you only have two days. Since you'll be in Hyde Park for most of day 1, I would try to squeeze in Olana that day. Then,do Storm King on day 2, and save Innisfree for your next trip.

If you do go to Olana, the Thomas Cole National Historic Site is only 2 miles away across the Hudson. We have never gone to that since we visited Olana in November when the Cole site was not open. We are hoping to see it this summer/fall and will try to take the Hudson River Skywalk across the river (different from the Walkway across the Hudson farther south) and visit the Olana grounds again.

Starrs, I cannot emphasize enough that Storm King be a must on your trip. It's our favorite destination in the Hudson Valley. As for the FDR side, the highlight is the museum. The mansion is interesting, but the museum is definitely the top attraction there.

Thanks! I'll be sure to include Storm King.
We actually may have two full days, maybe more if we drive up after a Wicked matinee.

Just kidding. That was a joke for HowardR. ;)

(Although I did see it again in January!)

I didn't know there were two. Thanks!

LOL! Thankyouverymuch!

This weekend it's Hamilton and Mockingbird! Can't wait!

Starrs, all in all, between your theatrical plans and the Hudson Valley experience, it sounds like great trip. Please let me know what you thought of Storm King. We go there at least twice a year. While there, make sure you start off by taking the tram around the site. And, oh yes, wear your walking shoes!

As for the FDR museum in Hyde Park, they did a great total remodelling job on the facility a few years ago. And, it's magnificent. So, if any of you haven't been there in recent years, I recommend a return trip. One bonus tip while in Hyde Park: If you have a spare half hour, you should drive into the Vanderbilt Mansion property and get a wonderful view of the Hudson River. There's no charge if you drive onto the property, spend your time outside the mansion and don't take the mansion tour.

Beautiful!
Rain is in the forecast. I hope we have days that sunny!

Thanks, HappyTrvlr! I'll look for all of those!
I'm on the ground in New Jersey and the first pup I saw in the neighborhood was a Scottie! Then you mentioned Fala. I'll take it as a sign that the trip is off to a good start. I learned that our reservations at the CIA are for dinner! Obviously, I didn't listen carefully. I'm loving being on a trip where I'm not the primary planner. I'll look for AC's name as well. Off to Broadway in a few hours!

Storm King