Hi Helpful Fororites,

We've been invited to a Bar Mitzvah in April in Croton on Hudson, NY. Since we've never been there we thought we would spend a few extra days-a long weekend, doing some sightseeing. I don't know anything about this area, but we like to look at architecture, antique furniture, and gardens.

Does anyone have any suggestions for any mansions to see? We usually go to Newport, RI for a mental health weekend after tax season (I'm an accountant)but thought this trip could substitute.

How about hotels in the $100 range?

Thanks for any help and suggestions.

Nearby mansions are Rockerfeller's estate Kykuit and Gould's Lyndhurst, both in Tarrytown. You will need reservations for Kykuit, but it is definitely the place to go. The only special gardens in the area are the Botanical Gardens and Wave Hill in the Bronx, about 45 minutes south of Croton. If you want to travel north, some suggestions are: Roosevelt's home in Hyde Park, West Point, Frederick Church's home Olana.

if you do travel north you should also consider the Vanderbilt Mansion and the campus of Vassar College in Poughkeepsie. The Vassar campus has remarkable landscaping, some intriguing late 1800's architecture and also some newer buildings by noted architects. You might also consider dining at one of the restaurants in Hyde Park at the Culinary Institute.

And the Vassar College Campus has the most magnificent daffodil display which might be blooming for you in April.

You'll be in the heart of the beatiful lower Hudson Valley. You've already received some good suggestions. Unfortunately, Kykuit (the Rockefeller Estate) will not be open for the season yet when you are there. I suggest you head up north to Hyde Park, the Vanderbilt Estate, West Point, etc. Check out these two websites for additional suggestions:
http://www.hudsonvalley.org
http://hvnet.com
There is a bed and breakfast in Croton that you might try--the Alexander Hamilton House (914-271-6737).
The closest hotel/motel is probably the Peekskill Motor Inn, just north of Croton. 914-9=739-1500.

Thanks everyone. You've given me a good start.

The Tarrytown Hilton is very nice and there is another very nice hotel that has a name like the Castle, I will see if I can find it for you. THat would be a good half-way mark for you, between NYC & Croton..Tarrytown (Sleepy Hollow) is a charming town with a few nice little cafes and restaurants, and Phillipsburg Manor and then on north to Hyde Park and what others here have already mentioned.Have a lovely time~

www.hudsonvalley.org
This is a good site to find hotels in all catagories.Hope this helps~

ttt

The place that c is referring to in Tarrytown is called The Castle. However, it's price is far, far beyond the $100-a-night range....more like several hundred $ a night!

Thank you everyone for all of the suggestions. Does anyone know when Kykuit will be open?

Kykuit opens some time in May. Check out:
http://www.hudsonvalley.org
You should be able to find out there.

Thanks Howard I met someone at a restaurant in Piermont NY who was staying there, they never mentioned the price but went on about how lovely it was...oh well, in case anyone needs an expensive place to stay?

Interesting bit of trivia about The Castle: The owner is currently under federal indictment for fraud or something related to fraud. At last report, the US government has taken over its operation!

Thanks Howard,

Do you think the Feds will reduce the price of a room at the Castle? Maybe they throw in free tax advice along with the morning paper. Just bringing this to the top.