I posted a while back as we started to plan this whirlwind roadtrip from Dallas, TX to NYC and then on to the MA,NH,ME coast.

You guys were great in suggesting a place north of NYC for us to overnight, park our car, and take the train in. It seemed that either Tarrytown or White Plains would be the best stations to pick up the train as we hope to return on July 4 and start our drive to the Boston/coastal area. I'm having the hardest time finding reasonable accommodations. If we are heading up from Harrisburg area of PA, would one (Tarrytown or White Plains) be easier than the other to get to? We will plan to be driving in on a Thursday afternoon.

Many thanks for any assistance.

I'm not too sure if I would stay in Tarrytown or White Plains. First of all, you're going to have to cross the Tappan Zee Bridge which is a $3.00 toll. You can stay at the Sheridan Crossroads in Mahwah and Ramsey just built a new train station that is right on Route 17 (not even a 5 minute drive from Crossroads). They have a huge parking deck there, as well and it's only a 40 minute ride into the city. You'll have to transfer in Secacus if you want to go to Midtown or you can stay on the train and go into Hoboken where you can get the PATH train. The PATH train has stops from Christopher Street up to 33rd St.

How much is reasonable?

I am from Westchester County and I love Tarrytown. It is a typical Hudson Town right on the river. You can walk down to River Park, which has great view of the bridge and wonderful sunsets. You can also take a road tour of 9A...going through Sleepy Hollow, Irvington and all of the costal Hudson Valley towns. In my opinion, you will enjoy it more if you stay in Tarrytown. White Plains is more like a city....Tarrytown is more charming. In terms of trains down to NYC....White Plains have about 3 an hour during non-rush hour times, during rush hours it's about 1 every 7 to 10 minutes. Tarrytown is still a train hub to nyc, but it's not as busy as White Plains. Have you thought about staying in Stamford, CT? It's a city environment, but it's right on the water. Also, how much are you looking to spend???

You know, we really aren't picky about where we stay other than I want to be able to get there from the Harrisburg area without divorcing my husband (Navigator versus driver! ha!). That means I just need to understand how to get where we are going. I love the idea of a quaint place to spend the evening and have dinner. I do know that Tarrytown has the more convenient parking according to their parking adminstrators (free on weekends and holidays witha $10 fee with the police dept for an early Friday morning arrival). The best rate I've been able to find per room is around $150.00. That's not horrible but not great for just a resting place for the evening. Is Stamford doable for the train ride in? Also, is it on our route to Boston/Portsmouth after the NYC visit?

I suggest White Plains would be better than Tarrytown or Stamford.

There is a Crowne Plaza (I believe) in the downtown area that my relatives have stayed at before. And they liked it. I think there is also an Embassy Suites (not as nice).

If you are only staying the night in the northern burbs, White Plains will have more restaurants and shopping to offer. Nothing special, but better than the other two.

And the access to Harrisburg would be just as easy as Tarrytown (and easier than Stamford).

It's not clear for how long you intend to park the car, but there is a big municipal garage adjacent to the White Plains station (as well as private garages nearby). However, I don't know what the parking rules are.

There is the Tarrytown Hilton.

There are both a Hampton Inn and a Courtyard by Marriott in the Tarrytown/Elmsford area. Have you tried them?
Tarrytown is right on your route to the Boston area, while White Plains is a few miles out of your way.
While in Tarrytown, you could also visit Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate in nearby Pocantico Hills. It's one of the best sites in the Hudson Valley.

I did find a Springhill Suites by Marriott for $160.00 for two doubles and a sleeper sofa. That would fit the bill for the four adults and one child. I'm sure we could handle those arrangements for one night. That might be better than the $140-$150 per night I found at Courtyard, Hampton or Comfort Suites. I really like the Tarrytown location as it seems to be the closest from the direction we will come from and the most "Westchester County-like" of the two options. We should arrive early enough in the afternoon/evening for a tour around the area. Can any of you locals give me an idea on weather/temperature that time of year (first week in July)as all my experiences in NYC have been in March and November.

Daytime temperatures could be anywhere from the 70s to the 90s.
Your are quite right about Tarrytown fitting in better with your travel plans. If you do come early enough in the day, seriously consider a tour or Kykuit. The starting point is only a couple miles from where you are staying.
You'll have a wide choice of dining options in the area.

As a Westchesterite (hmmm, does that sound right?), I would agree with Howard - stay in Tarrytown, especially if you are continuing on to Boston. Have a great trip!

Thanks folks. I'm finally getting excited about this part of the trip as it seems to be coming together now. Of course, my next step is selecting a broadway performance that will be enjoyed by all!

If you are planning to pick up your car on July 4th, you better check to see if they are having fireworks in Tarrytown - might be a problem getting your car. Also, most of the shops and restaurants are closed for the 4th.

Me again. I'm getting the final touches finished up on this exciting trip we leave for in just three weeks. Can I get a quick update on exactly how we should plan to get to Tarrytown from i-81 through PA? Any details would be helpful!

I-81 to I-78 to I-287. Tarrytown is right after you cross the Tappan Zee Bridge. It's a pretty direct route.

Many thanks, Suzanne!