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

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

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Old Jun 11th, 2019, 11:59 AM
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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?

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Old Jun 11th, 2019, 12:44 PM
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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.
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Old Jun 11th, 2019, 01:40 PM
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I agree Storm King is amazing. We also really enjoyed the tour of Olana, the artist Fredric Church’s home.
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Old Jun 11th, 2019, 02:29 PM
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Olana! Wow! The setting reminds me of the Biltmore.
These are GREAT ideas!
Thank you so very much!
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Old Jun 11th, 2019, 04:40 PM
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Innifree gardens in Millbrook
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Old Jun 12th, 2019, 04:34 AM
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You've gotten three great recommendations---Storm King, Innisfree and Olana. Hopefully, you'll be able to experience all three during the three days.
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Old Jun 12th, 2019, 04:42 AM
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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.
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Old Jun 12th, 2019, 05:16 AM
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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.
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Old Jun 12th, 2019, 07:14 AM
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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.
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Old Jun 12th, 2019, 07:17 AM
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Originally Posted by HowardR
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!)
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Old Jun 12th, 2019, 07:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Vttraveler
... 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.
I didn't know there were two. Thanks!
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Old Jun 12th, 2019, 08:36 AM
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Just kidding. That was a joke for HowardR.
and a funny one!
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Old Jun 12th, 2019, 08:46 AM
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Originally Posted by sf7307


and a funny one!
LOL! Thankyouverymuch!

This weekend it's Hamilton and Mockingbird! Can't wait!
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Old Jun 12th, 2019, 02:00 PM
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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!
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Old Jun 12th, 2019, 03:01 PM
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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.
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Old Jun 12th, 2019, 05:20 PM
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This is the view Howard mentions. Taken May 2012.



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Old Jun 13th, 2019, 04:47 PM
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Beautiful!
Rain is in the forecast. I hope we have days that sunny!
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Old Jun 14th, 2019, 02:04 PM
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We usually visit FDR, and Vanderbilt Mansion together. When on the Roosevelt property you can see the house where FDR was raised as well as Eleanor’s Val Kill.. At FDR’s gravesite, look for his beloved dog Fala’s marked grave too.
There is a family tree at the Vanderbilt Mansion where you can Anderson Cooper’s name.
Lunch at CIA will be wonderful.
My DH’s family is from tnis area and we return every few years.
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Old Jun 15th, 2019, 02:59 AM
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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!
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Old Jun 19th, 2019, 01:29 PM
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Storm King

Yes, I also suggest to visit Storm King, you will definitely like it!
I also liked a lot Olana!
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