Hi friends– Wanted to “scrapbook” a few more photos here of our vacation this summer– after we left New York City, we picked up a car and headed north– a few days of endless greenery, small historic towns along the highway and some tourist stops as we went. It all seemed so tranquil and restorative after the bustle of the city.
Our pathway wandered along the broad Hudson River and our first stop was at the Vanderbilt Mansion, one of the early Hudson River mansions, built in the 1890’s and set on 213 acres overlooking the river.
A section of the 25 foot wall in the new classroom building
The most delectable stop was at the Culinary Institute of America. A fourth year student led us on a tour, peeking into classrooms where students were baking cakes, cleaning vegetables, baking bread… I wanted to sign up for classes on the spot! Students cook and serve at the schools five restaurants and we had fun chats with servers over a couple leisurely lunches.
In Poughkeepsie, we enjoyed an evening saunter over the Hudson River on the State Park Walkway. Once it was a railroad trestle , but now it’s the longest footbridge in the U.S.
One morning, Ranger Bob guided us through Springwood, the home of Franklin Roosevelt, now a National Historic Site –estensive cultivated grounds, the beautiful historic rooms where F.D.R. was born and lived out his life, and the Presidential library, full of fascinating displays and artifacts.
We continued driving north on into the Catskill Mountains to land in the cozy town of Tannersville– and the Mountain Brook Inn. I was completely charmed. Sitting out by the fire in the evening, reading in the library in the morning, and a beautiful breakfast prepared by Terrance, our clog wearing innkeeper.
We spent a sunny afternoon, hiking up a wooded hillside to the Katerskill Falls, the tallest waterfall in New York state. We worked up an appetite, took too many photos and soaked up the beauty.
All in all, we were amazed by all the green wooded vistas, the charming small towns and the history all around. Our next stop was in the far north reaches of New York, was to drop in on our wonderful in-laws, Alfie and Karen, for lots of good catching up and a chance to get to know their part of the country. But that’s another post.
Beautiful photos! Love what I’ve seen of your blog, looking forward to following.
Fun to read trough your travels Sadie– and you’re so lucky to live in NY– what a place to eat!!
Your photo’s are just beautiful Rhonda. I love upstate NY particularly the Hudson Valley.
Hi Suzanne– hope you are well in these hard days– I agree it was so beautiful along the Hudson– I took way to many pictures, but wanted to remember it all!
Beautiful – I actually love the Catskills and I even had a short stay in Tannersville many years ago. Love that area. 😀
cate
Hey Cate– Isn’t it beautiful– I think coming fro drought stricken CA we really appreciated how lush it was– so much water and green everywhere. And Tannersville was adorable– cute shops and places to eat…
Beautiful pics:)
Thanks Lina– I kept making Larry stop the car for yet another photo– it was so beautiful and green there!
Lovely:)
OH SO BEAUTIFUL!!! I’ve always heard that up state NY was gorgeous and it sure is! Lovely pictures. Looks like you had a wonderful time.
Thanks Gloria– it was great fun– made me start making lists of other road trips!!
Wow looks like a beautiful time!!
Hi Mel! thanks– it was great– Lovin’ all your Mexican meals lately.
Rhonda, what a great trip! Love your photos and comments! We were in upstate NY many years ago and I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was. I especially liked your photos of all the green & lush scenery! Wouldn’t it be fun to attend the culinary Institute?!?!
hi Daisy– Where did you go in NY? I’d love to go back and hang out in the Catskills for a week with all our kids– such beautiful hiking and fun little shops– bought a few things in a thrift shop in an old clapboard church. — and I totally agree it would be awesome to take some classes at the culinary institute!!
We flew into Rochester for a conference and one of our friends rented a car on the last day. We drove into the country and went to eat at a place called Daisy’s Flour Mill. It was an unforgettable place — my husband had the Hunter’s Feast and we still talk about the dessert I ordered, Mississippi Mud Pie. We’ve tried it several times after that in other places but it’s never even come close!
That sounds like the best kind of day out– “Daisy’s” flour mill!! — sometimes the unexpected things you find on vacation are the best.
Wow! Thank you for sharing your journey, Rhonda! Wonderful photographs!
You are so sweet Serena– Hope and pray things are well with you and your father…
Thank you, Rhonda! 🙂
I loved your pictures. I don’t think you need a culinary class. You could teach them. You need to make a cookbook someday. Remember when we taught how to frost cakes at women’ s retreat?
Hi Joan!! So much unto hear from you. Oh gosh– I remember a lot of cooking and eating with you in those good years! Would love to sit down over a meal with you again. xox