Bard College Visit
 

Our daughter who is a rising senior in high school is very interested in Bard. We live in Louisiana so I think she needs to definitely visit, especially in winter. We may be able to visit at the end of July but would prefer to see school with students and normal activity. Any suggestions as to accommodations, restaurants, etc.? I assume that we would take a train from NYC.

I visited Bard a couple of years ago with my son. I assume you are flying to one of the NYC airports. I think it would be better to rent a car, as Bard is in a rather remote, country location. Sorry, can't recommend a hotel or restaurant, but you might want to consider visitng Vassar College also, as it is only half an hour away.

You're much better off flying into Stewart or Albany, rather than JFK, Laguardia or Newark. Those two are much, much closer to Bard.
However, no matter which of the five airports you end up at, I agree with the previous poster that you're better off renting a car.
If you decide to go by public transportation from one of the three major airports, you'll have to get to Penn Station in NYC, then take an Amtrak to Rhinecliff and then take a cab from that station for the 9-mile drive to Bard.
If you're going the public transportation route, then Albany is your more convenient that any of the big three airports, as you can take the Amtrak to Rhinecliff.
If you rent a car from any of the three major airports, it's about 2-2 1/2-hour drive to Bard.
PS: The area is beautiful and a great place to spend a few days!

Another airport option is White Plains (HPN) and I can't exactly remember where but right off of campus during the summer is a little stand called Bubbie's Burritos. Really really great family stand with a generator outback. Everything is made fresh.

Despite the fact that it is closer to Bard than the three NY major airports, I didn't include White Plains, since it would still be over an hour's drive and wouldn't come close to matching Stewart or Albany in convenience.