Is there a direct route and lodging between cooperstown and areas in the Hudson river valley? Mapquest takes you thru albany which we have no interest in at this time. What would be a good town on the Hudson to stay at for several days and travel north and south from that destination? Those traveling with me are interested in West Point, Kingston, Tarreytown(sp?) Any ideas would be very helpful- thanks

From Cooperstown the fastest way to the Hudson Valley area is via Albany - it sounds as if you are looking for an area to roost for a few days--New paltz is a neat town, little shops,very 60ish...be sure to include Hyde Park - (The Vanderbilt & FDR Mansions) and please make a reservation at one of the Culinary Institute Restaurants (CIA has a great web site, you can check out the menu and decide which to reserve) you already mention West Point (a stone's throw) Kingston has seen better days - there was a great German butcher (smoke house) with a restaurant connected- I understand the restaurant has closed - Let us know if you need ideas for sights.

Thanks for the help - we are looking for a place to roost while we see sights in this area. We are three adults and one 9 yr. old child who loves history. West Point is a must. Is Sleepy Hollow worth heading down to? We planned on the culinary institute but would like to stay in a town both clean (as opposed to seen better days) and picturesque. Done much research but am still very confused. Perhaps my question should have been that we have 3-4 more days heading east after Cooperstown - where would those who know and have been send those who love history, scenery, shopping and antiques?

Try Rhinebeck - lovely little town, on the Hudson where you can travel both north and south. New Paltz is also great. Both have some neat B and B.s. You could try hitting RT 17 from Cooperstown which then connects to I84. Try web sites for both these towns and do a search on this site for both.
Good luck

Ruth, there's a new Holiday Inn Express on Route 9W North in Fort Montgomery, New York which is approximately 2 miles to West Point's Thayer Gate...I think it's a good central location to visit the areas you're interested in...FYI about West Point...when you get to the gate you will be asked by MP's where you are going...then you proceed to a part of the Thayer Hotel parking lot that is now being used for inspections...the MP's will ask you for ID and then they will look in your trunk...if you're in the area on Sunday, the Bear Mountain Inn has a very nice brunch buffet.

I like the above suggestions and offer another. Head north of Albany 30 miles and stay a day in Saratoga Springs. (remove x in my eddress to reply)