Day trip from NYC
 

During our upcoming vacation to NYC, my wife would like to rent a car and take a day trip to the surrounding areas (NY, Connecticut, etc.). Can anyone recommend some areas to visit? Can anyone also help on the best deal and area to rent a car? I appreciate your help.

There are so many possibilities it's hard to know where to begin. Check out the beautifuly Hudson River Valley which has all kinds of stuff--West Point, FDR's Hyde Park, and so much more.

There are so many options that a little info will help us narrow the choices. When are you coming? Where are you from (are beaches an interest)? What are your interests - history, scenery, wine???

If you like antiques, then you might want to look at Columbia County. The town of Hudson has numerous antique shops, many of whom also have locations in the city.

Their is a decent inn across the river in the town of Athens. While a bit dilapidated (at least it was a few years ago) the inside is nicely decorated and the restaurant is surprisingly good. The owners, like many other's in the area, are refugees from the city of the Hamptons.

Personally, we found it to be a bit to quiet for our liking. However, their must be something to it if the likes of Al Roker has a place there. (We saw him in Hudson.)

By car from the city, it's about 2 hours straight up the Taconic, a fairly scenic country drive once past Westchester.

Drive out the island to Montauk, visit the lighthouse. Sit on the beach, treat yourself to a meal at Gosman's Dock on the open porch. Many unique little shops to visit on the way out and back. This is my favorite get away spot ever. But then I grew up there too!!

Don't drive to Montauk if it is after Memorial Day! You will sit in traffic for half a day just getting there.
My vote would be up the Hudson to Rhinebeck. It is only about 2 hours and the surrounding area is so different from NYC, it will be a lovely change of pace for a day.
Just get on the Taconic and drive north :)

We did a day trip to Hyde Park by train, easy ride. We went to eat at the Culinary Institute of America, and went to the Roosevelt home and museum, which we really enjoyed. The Samuel B. Morris home and museum (Morris code) is also nearby. It was winter so the beaches everyone has mentioned were not an option for us. CIA was very good.

Thank you for all of the responses. I guess I didn't give enough information. We are going to be in NYC from 5/27 - 5/31. We are from Denver.

I know my wife would love to visit the CIA. The Hudson River valley also sounds beautiful.

Thanks again for the information.

The one person gave you the PERFECT choice: "up the Hudson to Rhinebeck"

They were also correct about Montauk, stay away from Long Island, the traffic is a nightmare.

Rhinebeck will give you evreything you want.

Even if traffic is "normal," Montauk is a long haul for a day trip. And you're talking about Mem Day Weekend, so no way, Montauk (or anywhere in eastern Long Island) is not a driving option.

Why rent a car at all? The NYC MTA offers package day trips on its website (which I'm sure you'll quickly find with a google search). The planning will be done for you and you won't worry about traffic (and you can relax and enjoy the view).

If you do choose to rent a car, it's going to be very expensive that weekend (and actually it might be tough to get a reservation at this point). I'd suggest reserving *now* if you're dead-set on renting. Perhaps consult your concierge?

Good Luck!

Agree that Montauk is not a good destination fo rthe Memorial Day weekend - or any summer weekend for that matter. but during the week in summer and almost any dy spring or fall Montauk is glorius. there's tons to see and do on the est end and if you avoid the LIEas fas as possible driving can be very pleasant.

(I've found that most people not from the east coast are amazed that Long Island has not only some of the most beautiful beaches in the world but a lot of colonial history as well.)