What to Do in West Point, New York

West Point New York is an ideal weekend destination, with or without children. It's less than one hour by car from New York City and easily accessible from points North via the NY State Thruway to Newburgh, NY or from the East or West via Interstate 84. West Point has everything anyone could want in a weekend experience: beauty, history, outdoor activity, sports, and theatre.

West Point is on the Western shore of the magnificent Hudson River and was founded by George Washington during the Revolutionary War because of its strategic military importance. Consider the generations of soldiers and leaders produced by this institution: Generals Grant and Lee, Macarthur, Eisenhower, Patton, Schwarzkopf and Westmoreland are among the many outstanding Americans who have attended the U.S. Military Academy.

The most convenient place to stay is the Thayer Hotel, directly adjacent to the campus. Enjoy spectacular meals at the Main Dining Room of the Thayer while gazing at the Hudson and the surrounding cliffs. If at all possible, take in a show at Eisenhower Hall, which features performances of all types: Broadway theatre, jazz, comedy, opera, and symphony, just to name a few. If possible go when you can also catch a football, basketball or hockey game and cheer on the Army team! In close proximity to the USMA campus you'll find golf, hiking trails, lake swimming, and bowling among the many available activities.

The best way to orient yourself to the institution and surrounding community is to visit the West Point Museum, the oldest public military museum in the Western Hemisphere. If you want to see Revolutionary Ear fortifications and outstanding scenery, take a tour to nearby Constitution Island, a national landmark famous for the Great Chain that blocked the Hudson River to keep British warships out of range of the strategic Hudson Valley. If you are an antique lover, don't miss a stroll through Cold Spring New York, directly across the river, famed for its many stores devoted to vintage items.

The one time of the year to stay away from West Point is during their commencement week, which is generally the week after Memorial Day. The central reason for this suggestion is that all available hotel rooms and inns are booked years in advance by families of graduating cadets and it will be impossible for tourists to find accommodations.

West Point is in Orange County New York and borders Putnam County across the river. Among the many attractions to visit are the Bear Mountain State Park, the Castle Family Fun Center in Chester, NY, and the Boscobel House, a museum of the Revolutionary War era. Famed for its magnificent gardens and summer Shakespeare Theatre, Boscobel is directly across from West Point and has breathtaking views of the Academy across the Hudson River. For more information about West Point, go to www.usma.edu or check out the tourism websites of Orange and Putnam County.

West Point is truly a "don't miss" experience any time of the year. You cannot go wrong putting this destination on your agenda.