CNBNews

By Nicole Pensiero

It was time for a little leaf-peeping, so we looked north to the mid-Hudson Valley for an autumn adventure. It’d been years since I’d visited the United States Military Academy at West Point – and my traveling companion had never been – so it seemed an ideal starting point. Along with its impressive campus, West Point is filled with incredible history, so history buffs will be especially keen on this destination.

During the Revolutionary War, the fortress was an important stronghold in George Washington’s defense against the British. Perhaps most notably, it served as the western point from which a massive, 75-ton chain stretched to prevent English troops from sailing further along the Hudson. (You can see parts of the actual chain if you take an official tour of West Point, something we considered a high point of our visit).

Since opening its doors as the site of the U.S Military Academy in 1802, the location has operated as the oldest continuously occupied regular army post in America and a highly competitive four-year college that prepares its graduates for leadership careers in the U.S. Army.

Located in Orange County, NY, just above the top of New Jersey, we knew we’d have plenty to see and do in West Point and its surrounding attractions. We were eager to stay at the famed Thayer Hotel, the only hotel located on the grounds of West Point. Built in 1926, and extensively renovated in the past 20 years, this 151-room property is located on the banks of the Hudson River and overlooks the academy’s campus. Because it is within an occupied military post, we had to show our I.D. to the guard at the gate whenever we returned to the hotel.

Our two-night trip started actually on the Hudson River, in the town of Newburgh, where we arrived after an easy 2.5 hour drive to enjoy a boat ride on the Pride of the Hudson. While the weather was a bit dreary, we still enjoyed the experience, especially getting an up close view of charming Bannerman Castle and the West Point campus.

From there, we enjoyed a visit to Jones Farm in nearby Cornwall. This is a special place, offering yummy baked goods (best cookies ever!), a café for breakfast or lunch, and a gift shop. There are also chickens wandering around, as well as ponies to pet. The views from this family-run farm, established in 1914, are beyond beautiful, and it’s well worth a stop.

We very much enjoyed our accommodations at the Thayer Hotel. Not only is the Thayer elegant, but it also offers a lesson – or should I say several lessons – in West Point’s history, with historical plaques and photos throughout the building. We enjoyed a buffet breakfast at the hotel’s charming, spacious MacArthur’s Riverview Restaurant.

If you happen to visit in December, the Thayer will host a Holiday High Tea with Santa on December 7 and 14. Enjoy freshly baked scones, tea sandwiches, and decadent sweets while awaiting Santa’s special appearance. 

Here are some ideas if you decide to visit this wonderful part of New York State: 

• Tour West Point. What a great way to start our first full day! West Point Tours offers both 75-minute and two-hour tours for all ages. We had a great guide, Marty, and especially enjoyed the opportunities to step off the bus and see things up close – like the amazing 1,000-seat West Point chapel. And we learned so much! For instance, did you know that the college campus of West Point is nearly the same size as Manhattan? Or that Edgar Allan Poe flunked out after one year? In addition to learning about West Point’s illustrious history, the tour also gave us greater respect for the young cadets who strive to uphold the motto of “Duty, Honor, Country.” (Don’t miss the excellent, free West Point Museum after your tour). 
• Enjoy art and nature at the Storm King Art Center. Named for nearby Storm King Mountain, this open-air museum in New Windsor, NY, contains what is likely the largest collection of contemporary outdoor sculptures in the country. Founded in 1960, it covers about scenic 500 acres and features pieces by modern masters such as Alexander Calder and David Smith. 
• Bring the kids and pick some apples at Apple Dave’s Orchards. This pick-your-own apples site in Warwick, NY -- which also features a distillery --has been in business since 1975 and features a gift shop with seasonal treats.
• Savor some pie at Noble Pies Bakery and Café, also in Warwick. Offering both sweet and savory pies in two sizes, this family-owned business – which has four locations in New York State -- is a big favorite with locals and visitors alike. Their sweet pies contain very low amounts of sugar, since they let the natural sugars from sustainably grown fruit do most of that work. 
• Take a drive. The scenery in the Hudson Valley is nothing short of spectacular, and you can find beauty around every curve of every winding road. We spent some time just wandering, ending up in the famous town of Woodstock, about 40 minutes north of West Point, where we enjoyed the boutiques and had a nice meal.

As we move into the holiday season, there are many wonderful things going on in the West Point region. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Take in Cirque Dreams Holidaze on December 15 at Eisenhower Hall Theatre in West Point. This family event combines Broadway-style production with contemporary circus arts.
• Enjoy Holiday Fineries at the Wineries on weekends only between December 7-22. Experience the magic of the holidays along the scenic Shawangunk Wine Trail, where participating wineries will be decked out for the season. Enjoy wine tastings paired with artisanal snacks.
• Be dazzled by Holiday Lights at the Orange County Arboretum between November 24 – December 31, when you can walk through a winter wonderland at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery, NY. This event features beautifully lit pathways, interactive shows, and a holiday train for the little ones.
• The Sugar Loaf Holiday Festival is set for December 7 in the charming Orange County town of Sugar Loaf. Explore unique holiday gifts, decor, and festive treats while enjoying live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a charming tree-lighting ceremony.

For more information about visiting West Point, NY, region, go to: www.pickocny.com.

Nicole Pensiero is a South Jersey resident and a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA).