West Point is home to the future military leaders of our country. It has been educating and training leaders from the U.S. Army for over 200 years. It is also a popular attraction for visitors to tour the facilities and learn the history of the U.S. Army. Visitors are not permitted to self tour the academy. Plan a getaway to eat local family-style cuisine, tour West Point’s museum, cemetery and grounds or view historic sights from the Hudson River.

Getting There

Regardless of where you begin, you’ll want to get on Interstate 84 going west to travel from Connecticut over the border into New York. After crossing the border, you will continue on 84 for about 35 miles until crossing over the Hudson River via the Newburgh Beacon Bridge. Then you should take US 9W south and exit on Academy Avenue. Make a slight left onto Hudson Street and then a right onto NY 218 south. Follow this for a few miles until you see signs for West Point.

Where To Stay

The Thayer Hotel at West Point
674 Thayer Road
West Point, NY 10996
(845) 446-4731
thethayerhotel.com

Escape reality by staying overnight at the Thayer Hotel, offering breathtaking views of the Hudson River and West Point’s military academy. Join the likes of presidents and celebrities by reserving your room in the best offered: the MacArthur Suite. This luxurious suite providers river views, a living room and comfort. For more affordable accommodations, consider the executive suite with high-end amenities and a break-out room. The romance package offers a room, champagne, valet parking and dinner credit at the hotel’s restaurant. For families, consider the family package for room, breakfast and a West Point tour. Dining options in the Thayer include MacArthur’s Restaurant with American cuisine or cocktails at Patton’s Tavern.

Hudson House Inn
2 Main St
Cold Springs, NY 10516
(845) 265-9355
hudsonhouseinn.com

Located south of West Point is the country-style Hudson House Inn. The inn offers standard, Main Street suites and river-view suites with or without a balcony. Room prices range from $175 for a standard room on weekends to $250 for river-view rooms with full balcony suites. Dine in for brunch, lunch or dinner cuisine with water views of the Hudson River. Early reservations for dining at the River Room are recommended for large parties.

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Where To Eat

Schades Restaurant
457 Main St
Highland Falls, NY 10928
(845) 446-2626
schadesrestaurant.com

Schades Restaurant is a local favorite in Highland Falls. Since 1961, this family-run business has pleased locals and visitors with mouth-watering meals. The menu will appeal to steak lovers, seafood eaters and pizza fans. Wraps, soups, salads and sandwiches are also available for lighter lunches or dinners. The wines, cocktails and beers are sure to pair perfectly with your meal of choice.

Park Restaurant
451 Main St
Highland Falls, NY 10928
(845) 446-8709
parkrest.com

This family-run restaurant has the perfect recipe for making you feel like you’re eating in your own home. Don’t worry, you don’t have to do the cooking. Park Restaurant is well known for its hospitality and full menus. This spot pleases early risers for breakfast, families seeking a comfortable meal and even late-night snackers. The bar is open late and features a special late-night menu to fill your hungry stomachs while you enjoy your vacation.

What To Do

West Point Museum
2110 New S Post Road
West Point, NY 10996
(845) 938-3590
usma.edu/museum

While at West Point, be sure to learn some history by visiting the West Point Museum. The galleries highlight West Point’s history, the U.S. Army, the history of warfare and American wars. Head downstairs to see small and large weapons including fire arms, swords, machine guns, cannons and tanks. Touring the museum will give you and your family a rich history into training, wars and weapons.

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Hudson River Adventures
Newburgh Landing
Newburgh, NY 12550
(212) 209-3370
prideofthehudson.com

A unique way of viewing West Point is from the water. Hudson River Adventures offers family-friendly river cruises along the Hudson River. The two-hour, narrated tour displays historic sites such as Pollepel Island, Breakneck Mountain and West Point. The boat provides heating and air conditioning. Tour admission is $20 per adult, $18 per seniors (65+) and children ages 4 to 11 and children three and under are free.

Kimberly Ord is a freelance writer and lifetime resident of Connecticut. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.