WHY GO: Whose official motto remains “Duty, Honor, County”? Hint – it’s the same institution that upholds its unofficial motto: “Sink Navy.” That’s right. It’s our country’s preeminent military academy, West Point. And yes, you can tour this Revolutionary War stronghold and actually stay in relative luxury on base.
This Getaway includes an often ignored, but incredible Hudson River-set State Park and one of the country’s largest outdoor sculpture museums, for a few days of patriot games, art, and Hudson Valley vistas so sublime, they sparked a whole School of Art. Read on for one of the most Patriotic Getaways in the Northeast USA.
What To Do in West Point NY and Surroundings
TOUR: Take the Bus Tour of United States Military Academy at West Point
Civilians are allowed a sanctioned peek at cadet life on one and two hour Coach bus tours through the ever-growing West Point campus. It’s the only way that a non-family civilian can get on base, actually.
West Point is the oldest garrisoned military post in the United States – constructed in 1778 at this strategic bend in the Hudson River. In 1802, when Thomas Jefferson was president, West Point became a military training academy.
Begin at the Visitor’s Center – aka the “Pershing Center” named for Black Jack Pershing, the only six-star general in the US Army. You’ll find it just outside the FIRST Main Gate of the USMA. As you wait for your bus, learn about the tough criteria to apply here.
Prerequisites For Application
An applicant must obtain nominations from a Congressman, Senator, the Vice President, or President; be Academically, Medically and Physically fit; and between 17 and 23 years old on his or her first day of class. Among several exhibits, there’s a replica of a Cadet’s room, a concrete canoe from an annual engineering contest, and other examples of life at the US Military Academy.
Day one, plebes are considered enlisted men and women, and subject to “The Beast,” a 6-week boot camp that makes Tough Mudder seem like a skip in the park. If a cadet can withstand the physical and academic rigor, he or she graduates after four years as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army.
With free tuition comes great responsibility. Alumni must serve at least five years and another three in the Army Reserves. Since the early 1800’s over 70,000 cadets have graduated as part of the Long Grey Line.
On the Tour
You’ll need some form of picture ID to board the bus and get through two layers of security – the first, a Gothic-style gatehouse that was a gift from the Class of ’43. Guides are lively and knowledgeable, with lots of human-interest anecdotes and quirky trivia.
For example, “Stormin’” Norman Schwarzkopf sang in the choir, General George Patton was most likely learning disabled and struggled academically, and General Eisenhower was a prankster and class clown.
There are two stops: one at the remarkable non-denominational Protestant “Wedding Factory” Cadet Chapel. While in school, cadets are not permitted to marry, and so the day after graduation, there’s a rush to the alter.
You also stop for the “Million Dollar View” of the Hudson and Constitution Island. During the Revolutionary War, an enormous chain was stretched across the Hudson River as a way to prevent British war ships from reaching our fledgling nation’s stronghold. You can see all that remains of this “Great Chain” near the stop: thirteen links out of its original 1,700-ft. Tours run daily throughout the year. $14 for one hour tour, $16 for 2 hour tour. All leave from the West Point Visitor’s Center. Consult the website for schedule.
VISIT: West Point Museum
The West Point Museum, right behind the Visitor’s Center, first opened in 1854. History buffs interested in the chronicles of the United States army, or the annals of arms and warfare, will find it second to none.
A formidable array of weaponry – from tomahawks to atomic bombs – is on display throughout several floors within this fortress-like building. Whether you’ve got a ROTC leader or a draft-dodger living under your roof, a working knowledge of our military past and present can add scholarship to any debate. Open daily 10:30am-4:15pm, free.
TOUR: Storm King Art Center
Billed as “American’s leading outdoor sculpture museum,” this undulating 500-acre expanse of lawn highlights massive masterworks in every conceivable material known to be impervious to the elements.
You must be in decent shape to hike up and down hills dotted with 120 large-scale abstract sculptures. As an alternative, you can also jump on a tram that runs every 20 minutes. Open April-November. Wed-Mon 10-5:30. Car with one person $20 scales to car with 6 people $84.
VISIT: Bear Mountain State Park and Zoo
Often overlooked, this gem of a park just fifty miles north of New York City has been a harried city-dweller’s diversion for a hundred years. I just adore the Trailside Museums and Zoo, arrayed along a mile plus long paved path a short stroll from the Bear Mountain Inn.
Bite-sized stone buildings showcase local natural and historical artifacts. Caged Red Fox, Coyote, owls and a Bald Eagle, in various stages of rehabilitation, just might engage you in a staring contest. (FYI- they usually win).
But what makes this one of my absolute favorite spots is its location – at the Western foot of the Bear Mountain Bridge with stunning views of the Hudson River. There is no other zoo like it.
Even in inclement weather, head to the enclosed Carousel. You can “ride” a bobcat, fox, raccoon, or other creatures indigenous to the park system, for just a buck. Park open year round 8am-sunset. Fee for pool, paddleboats, skating. Trailside Museums open 10-4:30 daily. Free.
Restaurants In and Around West Point NY
EAT: Restaurant 1915 at Bear Mountain Inn
Thankfully, the last renovation kept the original massive walk-in fireplace, mounted moose and buck heads, original rather gaudy (but very beloved) oil painting of Rip Van Winkle, and Arts and Crafts style chandeliers, in this massive dining room. Cuisine is so fine, foodies have (re)discovered this place.
EAT: MacArthur’s Restaurant at Thayer Hotel
Food is fine, and the service wonderful if you get a “Five-Star Employee” like Sandy. She will keep you company, make recommendations, and see to your culinary needs. Sandy recommended the French Onion Soup. And now I will as well. Blistered, deeply rich and tasty, it’s a meal in itself.
Where to Stay In and Around West Point NY
STAY: Thayer Hotel, West Point
Perched like a fortress just inside the West Point gate, the Thayer allows past, present or future army officers – and curious civilians – the chance to bunk down in luxury. Several years ago, a group of West Point grads chose to purchase this hotel from the government. They turned it into lodging that reflects the standards of the Academy. The effect is understated luxury and an upscale hotel experience.
Clocks set to Baghdad and Kabul Time
But, there are quirks galore! Where else will you see clocks set to Baghdad and Kabul time behind the reception desk? Or rooms named for astronauts, commandants, Major Generals and other West Point notables.
What other hotel boasts pictures of Collin Powell, the George Bushes, the Clintons and other US Presidents in each room? Many rooms are “Dedicated,” (mostly to West Point dignitaries, but at least one to Army Baseball).
Dining rooms and the new Rooftop Lounge offer unobstructed views of the Hudson River and Valley. On warm summer evenings, watch boats plying the Hudson – or a wicked game of woman’s softball – from your window.
Spring for a luxury Executive Suite. Two rooms in subtle silvers and golds afford you an ironically “peaceful” night, considering we are on an Army base. Rates range from $119-$509 per night depending on room size and time of year.
STAY: The Abbey Inn & Spa, Peekskill
About 20 minutes away, this newly opened repurposed hotel is so marvelous, it warrants its own review as a “Maven Favorite.” See our review of the Abbey Inn and Spa here.
STAY: Bear Mountain Inn, Bear Mountain State Park
The Bear Mountain Inn was originally constructed as an open-air pavilion in 1915. It began operating as a rustic hotel in the 1940’s for city slickers in search of bears (at the Trailside Museum and Zoo) and wilderness experiences on five thousand Hudson Riverside acres.
When lodge rooms became a bit too rustic, the beloved Inn closed for renovations. It now serves as a Mountainside-Luxe establishment. Guests who stayed here as kids will recognize timber benches and seating handcrafted by park workers in the 1920’s, preserved in the Inn’s lobby. Plaid blankets, log-pole furniture, leather and carved-wood seating and granite and marble bathrooms in woodland hues speak to a change in “camping” styles and expectations. Rates $159-$229 per night.
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I have done overnight stays at the Thayer . Rooms are remarkably comfotable and stylish . Stayed on the river side of the hotel where railroad tracks are . Trains didn’t bother me at all. Bathroom was spacious . Just the design and the History are remarkable. We go to Hockey games at the Tate arena and always hit MacArthurs Lounge for a snack .