I'm going to be staying in Manhattan in mid-October. I have visited the city before and have been trying to think of activities I haven't done yet.

I've got the idea that I could take a train trip out of the city for the day, see some fall foliage etc. Can anyone give me any advice or information on this? I don't know where to look or contact to find out about this.

thanks,
Louise

Hi
Type Upstate NY into the text search box, there were several posts this past fall.
We always go to the town of Rhinebeck in the fall. Apple picking, antiquing, it is a lovely little town. You can stay at the Beekman Arms Inn or at a small motel in the area.
I know nothing about trains, but there is one that you can take. Read the other posts, they have a lot of info for you
Also, try putting Rhinebeck into Google or whatever search you have and read about it. Good luck!

A day trip to West Point can be done. Buses leave from the Port Authority at 42nd and 8th Ave.

Cold Spring, New York is a perfect foliage day trip. It's less than 90 minutes from Grand Central Station on the Metro North. Sit on the lefthand side of the train and you'll see plenty of scenery and foliage on the way up on the Hudson River. Cold Spring is very quaint and has lots of antique shops, cute restaurants and stores.

Metro North Railroad also offers their own version of foliage trips so check out their website.

One of the most memorable day trips we took was Sleepy Hollow, where you can get a mini-van to the Rockefeller mansion. The grounds are absolutely breath taking, the most amazing foliage we saw in upstate NY.

How about New Hope, PA? Not sure if a train goes there, but it is a great town to walk around.

I'll also endorse Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate near Tarrytown. I think it's still open in mid-October.
It's easy to get to--a train to Tarrytown and then a short cab ride. Further, there are other sites worth seeing in the area including Lyndhurst (the Jay Gould Estate that was used in the filming of the gothic soap opera, Dark Shadows) and Sunnyside (Washington Irving's home).
For info on the area, check out:
http://www.hudsonvalley.org
http://hvnet.com

Louise,
I agree w/other posters that the Hudson Valley is a wonderful place to visit, but...in the spirit of "regional pride", consider these Long Island events, all of which can be reached by LIRR from Penn Station in ~1 -1.5hrs:

Oyster Festival -
Oyster Bay, holds it's annual Oyster Festival Oct 18-19th. http://www.theoysterfest.com/
LIRR Station is right on the edge of the Town and festival.

Oyster Bay is home to Teddy Roosevelt's Summer White House (Sagamore Hill) - Nat'l Park.
http://www.nps.gov/sahi/

Old Bethpage Restoration Village -
Annual Fall Fair is usually held near/on Columbus Day.
http://www.oldbethpage.org
LIRR and a 10 minute taxi ride - this is very much a family style fair.

LI Fall Festival -
Town of Huntington holds this annual festival the weekend before Oyster Bay's.
http://www.lifallfestival.com/
Held in/around a beautiful park, we also visit this festival but we live here Free <10min. bus from LIRR station.

Foliage on LI in mid-Oct. (w/normal weather) is just starting so it won't be as spectacular as the Hudson Valley. But LI will be 5-10 degrees warmer than our northern neighbors.

In case you're interested, both Oyster Bay and Huntington (towns) have a wealth of history - both were founded in 1653 and are celebrating 350th anniversaries this year.
hth,

Thanks for the replies. You have all been a great help and I now have lots of options. I'm going to spend some time tomorrow looking through the links etc. I'd do that now but it's way after midnight and my mind can't cope with so much information at this time of night

The Rockerfeller estate sounds intriguing, as does Huntington and Oyster Bay. I hadn't thought of going to Long Island.

Thanks again.

ttt