New York By Rail presents Connections, suggested two-day rail/drive itineraries, perfect for group and individual travel! Here are a few summer getaway ideas including tours of wineries, small historic towns, famous destinations, craft breweries and distilleries, Hudson River Valley attractions and much more!
All of these locations are accessible via Amtrak and Enterprise*!
Reference account # NYTRAIN for a special discount!
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| Photo from Hilltop Hanover |
Visit Westchester (7.7 Miles from Croton-Harmon Amtrak Stop)—Westchester, a site of natural beauty and famous architecture. Begin your visit at Kykuit for a remarkable gardens, history and more. Eat at the Stone Barn farm, restaurant and educational center, then head to Union Church of Pocantico Hills. Enjoy a night at the Sheraton—complete with indoor pool, spa and full-service restaurant, or stay at the Doubletree—complete with a sauna, fitness center and more. Spend the next day hiking the 187-acre farm trails at Hilltop Hanover, exploring Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, or Lyndhurst, one of America's Finest Gothic Revival mansions.
Catskills Beverage Trail (1.1 Miles from Hudson Amtrak Station)—More than the home of a historic village and picturesque views, the Catskills have their very own beverage trail. Visit Honey Hollow—the only farm-brewery in Greene County, Crossroads, voted "Best Restaurant in Green County," or enjoy tastings at Hudson-Chatham winery. Enjoy a beautiful view of the Catskill Creek and stay a night at Caleb Street's Inn, or enjoy some more craft beverages at Hammo's Brewpub & Lodge—pairs with comfort food and a warm bed. Enjoy the next day continuing down the beverage trail or exploring the historic village of Catskill.
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| Photo from Stoutridge |
Hudson Valley Craft Spirits and Wine (16.3 Miles from Poughkeepsie Amtrak Station)—Enjoy a two-day stay in the Hudson Valley, home to a handful of wineries and craft distilleries, and the vast Minnewaska State Park. Start with a tasting at Tuthilltown, explore the 20,000+acres of Minnewaska or continue your tasting tour at Stoutridge for locally-produced wines and spirits. Stay the night at the luxurious boutique country hotel, The Rhinecliff, and experience another day of tastings at vineyards, or catch the region's annual food festival.
City of Hudson and Beyond (2.2 Miles from Hudson Amtrak Station)—The City of Hudson is filled with an array of fine restaurants, pubs, galleries, and more to keep you busy for quite some time. On Day One we suggest starting in Downtown Hudson, then heading over to Wm. Farmer & Sons for some "proper drinking" and simple supper, or Helsinki Hudson for homespun seasonally-selected foods. Enjoy a night of eclectic boarding in one of Wm. Farmer & Sons' comfortable suites, and rest up for a fun day of art and history at the Martin Van Buren Historic Site, or Mac-Haydn Theater. Treat yourself to amazing BBQ, comfort food and prohibition-style cocktails at American Glory.
Albany Craft Beverages and History (2.3 Miles from Albany Amtrak Station)—The Albany area is abundant with art, history and a beverage trail promoting local farm-based craft beverage producers. Start you first day at the Albany Institute of History and Art, visit the MiSci museum and planetarium, and grab a bite at Jack's Oyster House. Spend the night at the "Ultimate Urban Inn," the Morgan State House. On Day Two, tour C.H. Evans Brewery and the Albany Beverage Trail's three other craft breweries and ciders, grab a bite at Crossgates Mall—featuring over 250 stores and restaurants.
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| Photo from Gideon Putnam |
Saratoga Spas and Culture (2.8 Miles from Saratoga Springs Amtrak Station)—With rich history, cultural hotspots and spas, what's not to enjoy about Saratoga Springs? Have a relaxing day at the Roosevelt Baths, then tale a tour of the Automobile Museum or the Museum of Dance. Rest for the night at the elegant and historical Gideon Putnam, or the state-of-the-art Pavilion Grand. Spend the next day exploring downtown Saratoga, grab a cup of coffee at the oldest coffeehouse in the U.S., Caffe Lena, or visit the "Revolutionary" landmark, Saratoga Battlefield.
