Gee, I didn't mean to start a debate between the virtues of New York City and the Hudson River Valley. I did live in New York for a year, many years ago, and I have seen the regular tourist attractions of the Hudson River area. It has been many years and my interest is not in "attractions" such as West Point and Hyde Park. I would like to enjoy the scenery, find some interesting hotels or bed and breakfasts, just wander around. Perhaps spend a few days at a spa being spoiled. I am thinking about middle October and I know this is a busy time with the leaf peepers. My timing is fairly flexible. A few old friends to have tea with. I have spent time recently in New York City but do not need to be there again in October .. Maybe later. I want to keep driving down to a minimum. Especially around cities and busy freeways ... too much time spent on country roads makes me uncomfortable on highways/cities.

Here are three websites to help you plan:

www.hudsonvalley.org
www.hvnet.com
www.berkshires.org

If you haven't been there yet, put Storm King in Cornwall at the top of your list in the Hudson Valley. This wonderful sculpture paradise is great anytime, but especially during the fall foliage season when you plan to be in the area.

As for the Berkshires, don't miss Mass MOCA, a unique museum in North Adams and the Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield.

These three suggestions are just starters. There'a lot more in both areas as your research should show.

Consider one of our favorite autumnal destinations - a drive thru Harriman State Park checking out the many lakes and Bear Mountain with some light hiking, in NY. It is so bucolic that time of year.

If you go that far north in the Berkshires, we also love an autumnal drive up Mount Greylock, under a canopy of yellow and orange and green.

Ooops, I just suggested two drives and you want to keep driving to a minimum! Do still consider though if you land in either area.

I think the simplest idea is to fly into Newark then take the train north: NJ Transit commuter line (cheaper, more frequent) AND Amtrak stop at the airport, and will get you to Penn station. Then from Penn station -- no need to taxi or shuttle across town to Grand Central -- you can take Amtrak to the towns on the Hudson.

Pick up a rental car at the first convenient town -- less traffic the farther north you go == and you're on your way.

You can fly into any of the 3 major airports. Airport buses from JFK or LGA go directly to Grand Central where you can get a train to numerous towns up the Hudson. Once there - and probably anyplace from White Plains north is good to rent a car - you can explore the whole area using side roads - no need to really drive on highways at all.

And there are numerous places from Tarrytown north - for historic sights, homes of the wealthy and/or famous, several great small museums and a plethora of parks/natural areas to hike in. There are a lot of great inns, several wonderful restaurants (a couple from the CIA) and a lot of shopping and antiquing if you want

there's also the headless horseman!

The closest and easiest trip to Grand Central is by far LGA.

If you go into EWR, you need to take a tram to Newark, a train to Penn Station NY and then get across town to Grand Central.

LGA is one $35 cab ride away. Metro North is cheaper than AMTRAK.

To the OP,

As you can see, it doesn't really matter which airport you choose. All three metro-NYC airports have airporter bus connections to Grand Central Terminal, from which you can take a Hudson line MetroNorth train. Choose the best flight for your budget and schedule and go from there.