New York - Hudson River
 

Spending a week in NY the end of May. Is there such a thing as a boat trip up the Hudson River?

I live in the Hudson River Valley. One can take a boat trip on the Hudson but unlike the Nile, one cannot cover long distances. In the NYC area there are many boat outfitters. In the Albany area (about 2 hours north) there are river boats which can take you on excursions for one hour or two. Try Captain JP Cruises in Troy, NY. However, if you really want to take in the beauty of the Hudson River, visit some state parks in the valley that offer great views of the river and historic homes. Or even better, hike some of the local mountains that line the river. I would suggest Oleana State Park- it's like Italy. Visit Hyde Park and eat dinner at the CIA. For an easy hike, go to Overlook Mountain in Woodstock, NY. Great town and there is a fire tower at the top with breathtaking views of the river. Afterwards, reward yourself with a burrito at Taco Pete's. Good Luck.

To the unknowing, the CIA cited in Cheryl's post stands for the Culinary Institute of America, and it is definitely worth a visit, but make reservations well in advance! <BR>I would add the following to Cheryl's excellent list: <BR>1. Kykuit (the Rockefeller estate in Pocantico Hills, near Tarrytown, NY) <BR>2. West Point <BR>3. A host of restorations throughout the lower Hudson Valley.

My husband and I traveled to Albany last summer for a wedding, which was actually in Rhinebeck, about 2 hours north of NYC on the Hudson. Something you might consider, as this is something we'd sure like to try, is the train from NYC up to Albany. The scenery along the river looked gorgeous. Any comments on this would be welcome...

I would go to Bear Mountain park for walking, hiking and some fantastic views. May is the best time to be there.

Rhinebeck, mentioned above, is a neat little town, a good place to stay for a nite or two. There's an historic inn there, the Beekman Arms, as well as plenty of other lodging choices.

Check out these two Hudson Valley websites: <BR>www.hudsonvalley.com <BR>hvnet.com