There's something about the Mid-Hudson Bridge that stands out, and it's the structure, design, and…read morealso the LED lights at night. It's well supported and every time we've driven across it, we've never had any issues. The bridge only contains three lanes, and the middle lane is only served during rush hour in the morning (east) and in the late afternoon until the evening (west). During this time, a lot of traffic will occur especially when merging together from each side. Dealing with this procedure on a regular basis will eventually build in, and get the hang of it. The Ez-Pass is fully electronic now which will move things quicker when approaching eastbound. To end, there is a walkway on the side that's part of the Walkway Loop Trail. A great bridge with a lot of history and useful details.

Everybody has their version of a "happy place." For me, that "happy place" has always been the…read moreHudson Valley. When I was a kid, my parents took regular trips up to the FDR homestead in Hyde Park (my late mother was a staunch Republican, but she was a big admirer of Eleanor Roosevelt), the Vanderbilt Mansion (as a kid, I used to think I'd like to live in just such a grand palace someday, with its breathtaking views of the Hudson River below and the mountainous landscapes beyond...well, maybe in another life!), West Point, and an antiques fair every October in Salisbury, CT. Even as a restless kid with a short attention span, I loved our car rides up there and thought of the region as the epitome of nature's majestic grandeur and calming, historic beauty-- as far as I'm concerned, if God does exist, he exists in the Hudson Valley (although the residents of the City of Poughkeepsie or the City of Newburgh might tend to disagree with me). When I was in grade school, we were close enough geographically to the area to enable our class to take field trips upstate, and we always came across this bridge. I never paid much attention to how we got to the bridge, but I remember vividly the slanting, sloping ride down from the tolls to the bridge itself. Years later, exploring the area as an adult, unsure of where I was going, I stumbled onto the Rt 9W entrance to the bridge, and was delighted at the old memories it immediately brought to mind. Taking that ride down from the tolls to the actual bridge as an adult brought back memories in the same way that listening to "The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia" on the radio does. Talk about time machines! Its 1930 opening was attended by then-Governor, soon-to-be President Franklin Roosevelt (probably my favorite President, with apologies to Abe Lincoln, although I have to say I've just finished a biography on Ulysses Grant by Ron Chernow...which I highly recommend...that upped my admiration for that particular White House occupant appreciably...but again I digress...), and Eleanor, who cut the ribbon on the west side of the bridge (the wife of former Governor Al Smith...who lost his bid for the Presidency because of his Catholicism...cut the ribbon on the east side). It's probably wise to keep your attention focused on the road once you're on the bridge itself, but I've always been unable to keep from sneaking glances over at the glittering Hudson below, the train tracks snaking along beside it, the trees and foliage beyond (I used to take photographs at the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery on the east bank of the river, but you really can't see it from the bridge, even though you can clearly see the bridge from the cemetery). Reviewer Ruth H. of Milton mentions that caution is necessary if you take the exit off the bridge for Rt. 9 South, and I couldn't agree more. It's the only unpleasant aspect of the passage from Ulster to Dutchess County. If you take the exit at a time of day (or night) when traffic is relatively light (or your car has great acceleration), it's not especially dangerous. At other times, though...it's dangerous. Stress inducing, at the very least. Vehicles speeding south from the north will come bearing down on you with potentially disastrous results. She suggests continuing on to Market St., making a right, and following that route to a safer Rt. 9 exit. I've never gone that way, but I will the next time I find myself making a journey in the area. You can also go straight when you pass over the bridge, drive through the depressing urban blight of the City of Poughkeepsie (my apologies to the residents there, but that's how it struck me), and eventually enter the pastoral allure and spiritually restorative tranquility of Dutchess County's countryside-- i.e., my "Happy Place." Not just a bridge, for me...but memories. Good ones.

What a great little historic spot tucked along the Hudson River. We were trying to kill time before…read morean afternoon wedding and I came across this place while searching online. This historic site was home to pivotal decisions during the Revolutionary War, made by George Washington himself. The museum/buildings themselves have limited hours (which are listed on the parks website) but we were able to walk the grounds freely which was nice. There are gates/fencing surrounding the site, which were locked as we went around - but toward the opposite side of the site (where I believe their designated parking lot is? We weren't sure but it looked like their lot) there is an opening where you can walk a gravel path that will take you through the site. It was really cool being able to see the buildings here. Even though the park is nestled in a neighborhood/town, I felt pretty immersed in the history just walking along the paths. We got to see the buildings that George Washington was present in, plus the various monuments that were erected on site. The state parks put up informational signs around the area so we could easily read up on the history. It was a really nice way to get even just a taste of history while we were here, which was perfect for our constricted time frame. If I'm ever traveling this way again, I'd definitely try to make it for a tour of the interiors.

Very nice park to walk around. There are few historic monuments here. Great views. If you are…read morenearby, definitely worth visiting.

Another great historical estate in the Hudson River Valley region. This free park/ estate has many…read moreinteresting attractions including a villa you can tour, miles of walking paths, gardens and an event venue. When we arrived on a gloomy Saturday there was only one car in the parking lot. We were not sure it was even open but it was. The staff member was very friendly. I had no idea of the history of this place and its connection to the famous inventor Samuel Morse. I wish we lived closer so I could spend more time in this area exploring the history of places like Locust Grove.

Love going to Locust Grove! It's such a cute place for parties, business meetings etc. Always clean…read moreand the grounds are gorgeous too!

While part of the F. D. R. National Historical site in Hyde Park, a visit to Top Cottage requires…read morethe purchase of an additional ticket, a parks service provided bus ride (included in the Top Cottage ticket price) and about 90 minutes total commitment to see it. (About an hour at the cottage and the remainder bus time) For some or all of those reasons, many folks do not have Top Cottage on their list of things to do when visiting the FDR site. That is a shame because for four of us visiting the FDR site earlier this month, Top Cottage was one of the highlights. Not only of the F.D.R. site but of the three days we spent in the Hudson River Valley. Highly recommended! Built during his second term of office, Top Cottage is where Roosevelt would "escape the mob" (although you'll learn that neither he nor anyone else over nighted here during his time as President) to recharge his spirit. FDR also entertained visiting dignitaries here - like the King and Queen of England for the famous "hot dog picnic". Sadly, after FDR's death one of his sons and his wife moved into Top Cottage and it was eventually sold to settle the son's divorce, then sold again and only came into the possession of the Park' service in the late 1990's (?). It opened to the public in 2001. At Top Cottage you'll be able to browse around the inside on your own and if it is a nice day you'll have the great pleasure of sitting out on the same back porch as did FDR, Winston Churchill and others and listen to the wind and watch the same hills in the distance. It's easy to understand why Roosevelt felt his spirit revived by time spent there. And if you are very fortunate you will have Bob to drive the Top Cottage bus (such a nice guy) and remarkable "Ranger Charlotte" leading the tour. (That's her providing a wonderful tutorial on the Top Cottage porch in one of our photos.) You can find more information about Top Cottage at the National Parks service web page listed here. http://www.nps.gov/hofr/planyourvisit/top-cottage.htm If you're in Hyde Park, treat yourself and visit it. (Open daily from May through October.) Only a few tours (maybe four?) are offered daily and only a limited number of people (maybe 16?) are permitted on each tour. So just as Roosevelt used Top Cottage to "escape the mob", that's also true for those who tour it now. A tip: After riding the bus up, you'll have an option to ride the bus back to Wallace Center the FDR site or walk down a forest path to Valkill when weather permits.

Excellent spot. 1)…read moreThis is FDR's retreat during his presidency. 2) Also known for the famous visitors such as Churchill. 3) The tour is nice, and you can sit and touch most of the stuff inside. 4) I would not say to put this on top of your to do list, it is something is you saw the other 4 spots and just want to get this out the bucket list.

I have to admit, this little piece of history reminds me of the colonial era spots in Virginia…read more They offer tours (I had just missed one when I got there) but there are info plaques at the houses, and there is a map you can use to pretty much do your own tour.... the pictures I got were totally awesome. I think the grave yard was one of my favorite spots... all of that history, and the artwork that goes into the memory of those that are gone. The churches and houses all were so pretty and well kept. The whole town itself is absolutely cute, and there are plenty of places to eat after you explore.

I loved the tour and all of the details of the homes and residents. Fascinating piece of American…read morehistory.

This cave is actually Fulmer mine area. Enjoy the hike up the mountain. Extremely hot, that day so…read morewe stood at the mouth of the cave to cool down! Area known for being a source of hematite. Will hike around the area again as there are several trails to hike. Delaware river is at the base and got a nice view of tubers enjoying the river along the way. We'll have to try that too sometime.

Great hike! I would recommend this hike to everyone. Very nice views. We did the whole loop and was…read moreworth it

Oh Beloved Poughkeepsie…read more The last stop on the train from the City. Home of Marist and Vassar College. Home to my local favorites, shout out to Good Night Kenny, Lola's Cafe & Emiliano's. Home to a couple movie stars, and in the 90's a serial killer. Historical and Beautiful, a sight to see in the Fall. Signed, The Happy Hour Huntress

The gentleman I dealt with was super friendly and helpful. That's the ONLY good thing. It is…read morebureaucracy after all and if it weren't slow it wouldn't be government. I'm trying to file a FOIA and they're not helpful at all.

The city of Beacon is a crap hole! Main Street is the busiest street but it's also short and not…read morevery long. The only time I was ever remotely interested in visiting this small city was to visit the Retro Arcade Museum which drew attention from both tourists & the city of Beacon. The city had that business removed so there really isn't anything grand to visit there anymore. If you want a very quiet place to visit then Beacon may be just right for you as you sit on a park bench watching the birds & squirrels. But if you're looking for a "happening" place to visit steer clear of this city because it is boring and they want it to stay that way. You're probably wondering why I dislike the place so much and it's exactly because I wasted my time & money to visit this crap hole returning to the Retro Arcade Museum with friends only to find out it was gone after spending money to travel to Beacon! I'm just glad we found out before we wasted money on dinner in this city, we took our money elsewhere rather than dine in Beacon. Stay on the Metro North & visit Poughkeepsie instead or just head right into NYC. At least if the place you want to visit is closed there are tons of alternatives.

Great coffee house Bank Square Nice water front. Not to bad. Nice walk down main streetread more