The Hudson River as seen from West Point
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THE NEW YORK - BERKSHIRE CONNECTION
One of the most beautiful journeys in the country is to follow the course of the Hudson River. It's waters lick Manhattan's West Side, after trickling down from the Adirondack Mountains. Along the way while traveling enroute from New York City to the Berkshires, one can enjoy and marvel at its majestic scenery, its impressive history and legends, and its unique culture. ANIMACTIONS UNLIMITED is pleased to be of service in helping you create a wonderful adventure of a day of travel between these two destinations with a menu of exciting stops along the way for your group to choose from. Let's begin from Manhattan and travel north.
After crossing the Hudson River into New Jersey, it's not long before leaving the metropolitan area into the scenic wonderland of the Hudson River Highlands to arrive at our first stop, just 50 miles from Manhattan.
The
Hudson River as seen from West Point
THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY AT WEST POINT
This is where scenery, history and
tradition join together. ANIMACTIONS UNLIMITED can arrange for a step on
guide to board your bus to conduct a one hour tour to include Eisenhower Hall
(America's 2nd largest theater after the Radio City Music Hall), cadet barracks,
classrooms and mess halls, as well as the West Point Museum. If traveling
from the Berkshires to New York City, allow time to have a lunch or dinner at
the magnificent Thayer Hotel - http://www.thethayerhotel.com
HYDE PARK
Continue north, paralleling the Hudson River. While proceeding along the West Shore, your group may wish to stop for a tour at one of several wineries. Or, they might prefer to cross over to the East Shore for a visit to another historical shrine.
THE FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT HOME AND LIBRARY AT HYDE PARK
"Springwood", the lifelong home of
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born in 1882, married Eleanor in 1905, and inaugurated President in 1933 during the Great Depression. Although he was mostly away from his beloved "Springwood", resulting from political obligations, he loved his home, and whenever possible returned here to "charge his batteries". There were over 200 return visits made by him before his death in April, 1945. His grave is located on the grounds. Guided tours of the house will include many personal associations with him and Eleanor. Visits to the FDR library are self guided. The FDR home is open all year.
Hyde
Park also contains another magnificent domicile, which your group may choose to
visit.
THE VANDERBILT MANSION
In 1895 Frederick Vanderbilt, grandson of Cornelius "Commodore" Vanderbilt purchased this ornate chateau like mansion overlooking the Hudson River and the distant Catskill Mountains. Being an heir to perhaps the richest family in America, money was no object to his "bon vivant" lifestyle. The Vanderbilts usually visited their Hudson River Castle in the spring and fall of each year, along with an occasional winter visit. During the summer months, they were usually at their other mansion at Newport, Rhode Island, or sailing on their private yacht. Of course in the winter, they were in residence at their New York City mansion on Fifth Avenue partaking of a busy social season. Guided house tours will show the impressive elegance and flamboyance of this home which was designed by Stanford White, the prominent American architect. Visitors should allow time to enjoy an additional unguided visit to the beautifully landscaped grounds that surround this 50 room American palace. The National Historical landmark is open all year.
Ten
miles north of Hyde Park is the city of Kingston. This was the first
capital of New York State as well as being one of its oldest towns.
Located upon the West Shore of the Hudson River, Kingston possesses a great
amount of history, and is the gateway for several exploring possibilities.
KINGSTON
Celebration of
Colonial Days by the Old Senate
House
Ride a 1920's street car at the Trolley
Museum
Founded in 1629 by the Colonial Dutch, much history is set in stone, brick and wood in building landmarks throughout this city of 23,000 people. An orientation sightseeing tour is recommended to view the "uptown" Stockade District to see the Senate House and the Old Dutch Reformed Church. At the Hudson River waterfront, one can see the city as it appeared in the 19th century, as well as the Trolley Museum, or the Hudson River Historical Museum. If time permits, enjoy a two hour cruise on the Hudson River (available from Memorial Day through to Columbus Day).
HUDSON
30 miles upstream
from Kingston on the east shore of the Hudson River is the time honored city of
Hudson. Hudson has been in the process of renewing itself and a drive
along Warren Street, its main thoroughfare shows evidence of this. For
antique lovers, a stop in Hudson is well recommended for much of Warren Street
is lined with antique dealers. Perched on a hill nearby is...
OLANA
This
was the dream of Frederick Edwin Church(1826-1900) of the Hudson River School of
painting. The Persian style hilltop home was begun in 1870 and took two
years to complete, while its decorating took four years. The artist
contemplated Olana, firstly as a work of art as well as a home for his
family. He initially conceived Olana in sketches, in the way he would plan
to render a painting. However, instead of creating a painting, he designed
a real palace. The house has been restored in the original manner as
designed by Church, including furniture, objects d'art and decor. The view
of the Hudson River Valley and distant Catskills as seenfrom the hilltop terrace
is alone worth the visit.
THE BERKSHIRES
Forty
miles northeast of Hudson, or just an hour of travel, one arrives at "America's Premier Resort". The day (or two if you
wish) of the "New York-Berkshire Connection" is fulfilling with the
numerous possibilities of educational, historic and scenic landmarks that are
available. Feel free to contact animtour@aol.com
for more specific information about reserving transportation, visiting arrangements
and other services along this incredible "connection".
home
Your group adventure continues with your arrival in the Berkshires
Museums and Landmarks of the Berkshires
Continuing on to or from Boston? Please refer to the Grand tour of the northeast for descriptions.