While I love history and learning new things, I'll be honest and admit that I'm not generally a fan…read moreof touring historic homes, it just doesn't do much for me, but even with that said, of the 4 old estates I toured this weekend, Kykuit was the least noteworthy. Though the guide's knowledge was great, the house itself... Meh. Age and apathy seem to have settled the house down into a state not quite approaching disrepair but not far off either. What once may have been grandiose is now just old, jaded, faded, and big, but not fancy, while the conservation service running the show seems disinclined to keep up with the grounds on any level other than blowing leaves away from the walkways. Even the cars in the museum have half flat tires. Waste of time and money.

Great experience at the Kykuit Highlights Tour…read more This tour is about 1.5 hours and covers the first floor of the estate and outside. There are other (longer) tours that include more of the estate if you like. All tours leave from the Visitor's Center. There is a large parking lot there...but there is also some overflow parking around the corner ii needed. The overflow lot is a short walk to the Visitor's Center. The center has a large shop with lots of gifts and souvenirs. There are also some snacks and bakery-items (coffee, tea, pastries) available for purchase. There are bathrooms and the ticketing area. You check in at the ticketing area and are given a hand band. A bus (very nice and comfy) will take the tour guests from the visitor's center to the estate...the ride is about 10 minutes. The tour guide will also be on the bus offering some information throughout the ride, including information on the structures and facilities within the larger estate as you pass those by. The tour itself was great...but I can see some may want to visit the other floors of the estate, which is only included in the longer tours. Lots of information throughout the tour. They do keep the schedule pretty tight though as I noticed our tour guide checking the schedule regularly to determine how much time to spend at each room. I understand this is crucial in order to accommodate the various timed tours but it does leave little room for asking questions and some of it felt a little rushed. Photography is ONLY permitted outside of the estate. You cannot take photos inside the estate. You are taken back to the visitor's center when the tour it completed. Overall I had a great visit. I would love to return to view some of the other offerings...such as the Philipsburg Manor. All staff I encountered were friendly and helpful.

Such a fun and engaging tour with Jean! I learned so much--not just about the lighthouse itself,…read morebut also the rich history of the Tarrytown area. Highly recommend if you're looking for something both informative and enjoyable.

What a beautiful sight this newly refurbished light house is. I'm only sad that it's not yet open…read moreto the public. The sign on the gate says it'll be open by the end of 2024. The River walk behind it is nice but there's a TON of construction going on around it that maybe is timed for end of 2024 as well. One can hope!

This is a great museum dedicated to history of West Point and wars from 1812 and beyond. If a…read moregeneral fought in a war and was a graduate of West Point, you will get a nice history of it here. There have multiple floors within the museum, if you have stroller or need assistance with steps, there are elevators. The bathrooms are located on the basement level. Basement level also contained small arms (guns, knives) exhibits. This floor is musty and my allergies were impacted. Subbasement is large arms (jeep, canons). Alot of really cool artifacts collected over the years and different wars is worth the see. The Visitor Center is next door. I recommend to come to the West Point Museum first because this will take 2+ plus hours to complete. Then go to the Visitor Center to watch a short video and then do the life of a cadet of West Point and see photos of famous graduates of West Point to our time. Price: free Bathroom: needs renovation, but large enough to move around if you have a stroller or wheelchair.

Excellent military history museum!…read more The West Point Museum provides a very thorough history of West Point Military Academy from the American Revolution to the present. Also presents the history of war, the history of small arms, the history of large arms, some fascinating military items seized during war, etc. Example of fascinating items taken in combat or surrendered- Hitler's tiny gold piston, Goering's baton, a dagger from Okinawa.... Fascinating history seen through the eyes of a unique military institution. Cost: Free Time budget: 2.5 hours Bathroom cleanliness: Average (it's a government facility)

How much does one know about the history of the Revolutionary War in the Hudson Valley?…read more Like a well-written mystery novel, the Hudson Valley unfolds its secrets, luring history buffs for good reason. The American Revolution played out along the Hudson's banks--from the first riots protesting the British Quartering Act on Golden Hill in Lower Manhattan to the chaining of the Hudson and Benedict Arnold's attempted betrayal of West Point in the Highlands. Just north of the New Jersey border, Tappan, derived from a Lenape Indian word thought to mean "cold water," has the oldest surviving building in Rockland County. The DeWint House, owned by Patriot Johannes DeWint, holds a special place in American history as it served as a temporary headquarters for George Washington during the American Revolution. Washington was a guest of the house twice in 1780 and twice in 1783. It was here that Washington signed the death warrant of British Major John Andre, a spy who conspired with American General Benedict Arnold to betray West Point. Upon arrival as first-timers yesterday, my partner and I were the only vehicle in the spacious parking lot. The house built using brick and indigenous stone is a prime example of Hudson Valley Dutch Colonial architecture, showcasing the unique blend of Dutch and American styles that were prevalent during the colonial period. The house's bottom floor (the top floor is off-limits) houses the North and South Rooms. The South Room was where Washington and his staff resided. The North Room was where work was done, especially with regard to the trial and execution of Andre. The rooms are both open to the public for viewing through glass partitions. Period furniture, bedding, and desks are among the items one sees. An adjacent 19th-century carriage house contains displays of artifacts uncovered at the site during archaeological digs. A 15-minute video about the historic site can be seen, and an over 150-year-old grandfather clock keeps the correct time. So much history happened in this spot that changed this country forever. Don't miss it.

Lovely self guided tour for this history geek; takes about an hour, but guided tours ARE available…read more Stop by nearby Piermont Pier or village for bites after!

A nice find in Peekskill. The tour guides were great - they brought the history of Peekskill to…read morelife. They highlighted its beginnings in the 1600's, its revolutionary war significance, life in the 1800s, and showed off all their artifacts including a giant ball of string. Well priced and a good way to spend an hour or so.

If you are in Peekskill and have an hour or two, stop by the Peekskill Museum! The town has a rich…read morehistory and wonderful exhibits to show it. We were given a tour by one of the docents, totally unexpected!! Where do you get that kind of attention?? Peekskill! If you're a history buff or have an interest in iron stoves, go there. And also check out that old cookie!

We had a great docent, Robin, who was so well-informed & fun! We had a small group, we 4 & another…read morecouple who lives right nearby us. I highly recommend taking the tour - so interesting & enjoyed every moment

Very cute arts and crafts show! I happen to see this event through Yelp and decided to stop by…read moresince my passion is in arts. Every craft was truly unique in its own way and very affordable. I've never been to an arts and crafts show so I thought maybe the creators would be there to describe their work as well as how their business (if any) is going. However, they weren't there. Also the event runs quite long! I believe it started 10/27 and ended 12/3! I learned there were other arts and crafts shows around the area. My boyfriend and I purchased this super cute snowman :)

Spent s very relaxing & enjoyable 2hrsa here on a beautiful spring weekday…read more Had always heard sboiy these gardens but hsf never been I'm so happy that I went Took lots of picturesas everthing was blooming. Everyone wanted to know where I took such beautiful photos. With only a 2hr visit I'm sure I only scratched the surface & so I know that I will have to visit again

Untermyer Gardens is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in the New York area. The grounds are…read morealways stunning, but they're especially spectacular in September when everything is in full bloom and the gardens are filled with vibrant colors. Admission is completely free, although donations are accepted to help preserve this incredible place--which is amazing considering how well maintained it is. It's the perfect destination to spend about two hours, whether you want to enjoy a peaceful stroll, take plenty of photos, or do a little of both. The breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the Palisades make the visit even more memorable. There's also plenty of free parking, which makes getting there easy. The only reason I'm giving four stars instead of five is that it can get fairly crowded on beautiful weekends, but it's absolutely worth visiting and returning to throughout the year.

Very cool, well restored, first home in the area owned by Thomas Bull who had the original patentread more

Went here as a kid on a school trip. Very interesting, even for a young child…read more Too, I lived only two miles down the road and knew many of the kids who lived in the house at the time, Lisa Brown, Tim Brown, et al. Nice family. WELL worth your time to go (if they still give tours).