Community Chat

[On It]

My son wants to take a train to the Hudson Valley to see the autumn leaves. He is in NYC and would like to book a weekend trip. Does anyone have a recommendation for the train he should take and the best destination?  He would like recommendations where to stay upon arrival.

He was here during the NYC flooding, and I told him about your reports on the storm. He requested I ask you for help in knowing the best area to visit. Thank you for your advice.

[millieshops]

@On It   I don't have a train idea, but I do know your son most likely needs a reservation wherever he wants to stay.   According to my family's info from the finger lakes area, many hotels are full and the rates are at their peaks for leaf season.

[ScrapHappy]

I've heard of American-Rails.  I agree with previous poster about accomodations.  Chances are rooms are pretty much booked up and those that are not, will be expensive.  I looked into going to Ashville NC a couple of months ago as it gets closer to peak fall color.  Hotels pretty much booked, especially weekends (none to be had) and prices were high in my  opinion.  Some rooms were $500/night.  

[aroc3435]

@On It   He can take Hudson Line trains branch of Metro North from Grand Central.  Many  pretty towns to stop at. 

If he picks one of the larger  towns and is flexible about his weekend dates he can probably find lodging somewhere along the stations this line stops at. Booking will probably be tight for the weekend of October 6 through 9 since it is a federal holiday.

On November 4 Irvington, NY is part of a tri-village food festival coordinated by the River Towns Chamber of Commerce.  They provide a trolley service to take visitors around the event.

If he wants to use Amtrak he can check out their website to see their fall foliage suggestions.  He should join their free Amtrak Guest Rewards program to get points for any of  his travels with them.

All Amtrak trains depart and return to Penn Station.

I've traveled Metro North and Amtrak and Connecticut's Shoreline East for many years and they are all excellent.

If his trip doesn't have to be in NY state he could take Amtrak to New London, CT and view foliage on the train ride and take in the sights and food of a harbor city, home of the Coast Guard Academy.  Has great restaurants and shopping and at least one major hotel within walking distance of the train station.

Hope this helps.

aroc3435

Washington, DC

[On It]

@aroc3435 That is wonderful information. Thank you for taking the time to respond so thoroughly.

[FancyPhillyshopper]

We were just in Connecticut last weekend (Hartford and Mystic), and the leaves were just on the verge of changing. We stopped to visit Mark Twain's house, and eat in Mystic at the famous Mystic Pizza.

I do like going up to see the lovely woods and mountains of New York.  The Hudson Valley is a favorite stop for us, and our favorite towns near there are Tarrytown and  Sleepy Hollow, especially with all the quaint Halloween activity.

There are many beautiful and famous historic mansions (Lyndhurst, Kykuit, Sunnyside, etc.) to tour as well.

It is difficult to make recommendations for hotels without budget information, as prices can differ greatly and be very expensive.  

For splurges, I recommend the Castle at Tarrytown, or Beekman Arms, or the very pricey Mohonk Mountain House, but I do not know if you can get to any of those places without a car.

I hope he has a wonderful time!

[aroc3435]

@On It   I love travel and was glad to do some internet sleuthing.  I haven't flown since 1974--much prefer train travel. 

I am strictly an urban person so I don't drive.  Hence, trains, city-type busses and subways are my available choices.  I am planning a mid-February reeturn trip to Charleston, SC, and a return day trip or overnight this month or early November to Culpeper, VA.

I hope your son finds a suitable destination and reasonable lodging and has a wonderful trip.

Best,

aroc3435

Washington, DC

[Tori3569]

Not a train, but a boat.  We've taken this a few times and it's fabulous.  It leaves from Pier 11 (close to Wall St) and goes up the Hudson to Milton NY.  It's a beautiful trip and there are things to do when you get there.   If he checks the website, there are other destinations in NE too.  

[On It]

@Tori3569 What an interesting option! I think he may go this route. I am intrigued. Thank you for posting.

[Tori3569]

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@On It wrote:

@Tori3569 What an interesting option! I think he may go this route. I am intrigued. Thank you for posting.

Thanks for asking @On It !  I just decided to go again.  We're just picking the date.  

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