May be in the Hudson Valley area in the next couple of weeks - we love formal gardens and if we only had one to choose - which one? Or are there others we're missing?

Also - any restaurant suggestions would be appreciated (I posted separately regarding the Culinary Institute of America - any experienced visitors' comments would be appreciated!)

Thanks!

Elizabeth

Definitely Kykuit. Its two-hour garden tour is a memorable experience. And, if you have time, they also offer a two-hour tour of the mansion.
The Vanderbilt Estate is also very good, but if I had to choose one, it would be Kykuit.
As for restaurants, what type of food? Also, what price range?

I would highly recommend Innisfree. Its a mile or two south of 44 in Milbrook. Well posted signs lead you to it.

If you are going to CIA, check out the
Vanderbilt grounds before dinner. Belvedere, a B&B south of Rhinebeck on 9 is also good for dinner and sunsets. Last time I was there it was also on Transmedia, if that's any help for you. Our favorite restaurant in that whole area is John Andrews, which is on 23 just on the Massachusetts side. This may be too far out of the way for you though.

CIA is always fun and worthwhile, though the food is usually hit or miss.

FOrgive me, Elizabeth, I didn't realize you were the same who had the CIA posting.
The Vanderbilt Mansion is fairly close to CIA, so that would be more convenient. Were you planning this to either Vanderbilt or Kykuit on the same day as your meal at CIA? If different days, than you can easily stop at the Vanderbilt Mansion before going to CIA.
I still feel that a trip to Kykuit is the best choice, however, and should be on your must-see list.

Thanks Howard and Steve.

Unfortunately our schedule is so up in the air (those darn clients get in the way everytime!) I'm not sure when we'll end up where. But based on your comments Howard I think we'll probably plan to take in the Vanderbilt Gardens and CIA on Tuesday (as I understand it the Roosevelt Mansion is closed Tuesdays). We're driving from State College PA, so expect that will take 4 hours (?) which gets us to CIA for lunch - then the Vanderbilt Estate. Then we'll try Steve's BnB suggestion of Belvedere. Then maybe Kykuit the next morning and into NYC later that day? Is that reasonable?

Howard - regarding your question re other restaurant suggestions/what type of cuisine/price - we love every type of cuisine - probably tending towards more flavourful. Other than our teeny Canadian dollars, if it's worth it - price isn't necessarily a barrier. We love a great Mexican restaurant or a high end French restaurant - value is all about the experience. So any and all suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks again.

Elizabeth

That sounds like the smartest plan. You are correct about Hyde Park, the Roosevelt Estate. It is very close to the Vanderbilt Mansion. A suggestion: IMO the museum at Hyde Park is much more interesting than the mansion. In fact, perhaps the most interesting thing about the mansion is how unpretentious it is.