THE UPPER EAST SIDE: CULTURE AND SHOPPING
As high a concentration of wealth and culture as exists anywhere in
the world, the posh
Upper East Side is a serene preserve. "Museum Mile"
stretches from 106th Street
to 70th- 306 blocks that contain the Metropolitan Museum, the
Guggenheim, the Jewish
Museum, the Frick Collection, and many more. Stately homes, posh
private schools and
luxurious apartment buildings line the avenues and streets, as do
boutiques, intimate
restaurants, and tiny coffee shops.
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Suggested Sights: |
Park Avenue; Madison Avenue; Central Park; Museums |
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Lunch suggestions: |
Le Refuge; Le Pain Quotidien; Lobster Club; Sofia
(pizza/pasta) |
THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT
Home of the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve Bank,
brokerage houses,
historical landmarks such as Federal Hall, Lower Manhattan is a
concentration of sites
that represent the past and symbolize the future. Stroll the former
boundaries of the
island, visit the Gold Bouillon Room of the Reserve.
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Suggested Sights: |
Battery Park and Battery Park City; Ellis Island;
The Visitors' Gallery of the New York Stock Exchange; North
Cove Yacht Basin;
The Wintergarden at World Financial Center |
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Lunch suggestions: |
The Grill Room, World Financial Center; American Park at the
Battery; Hudson River Club;
14 Wall Street |
THE HUDSON VALLEY
Henry Hudson first chronicled the beauty of the Hudson Valley, with
its majestic cliffs
and forests on his voyage up the river on the Half Moon. Ever since,
the Hudson Valley has
inspired dreams and reveries. In the 19th century, this natural
treasure inspired an
entire art movement: The Hudson Valley School. A drive through the
Valley, with stops at
historic homes and quaint inns makes for a relaxing day of
reverie.
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Suggested Sights: |
Boscobel: Federal House overlooking the River
Storm King: Magnificent outdoor sculpture garden
Lyndhurst, Tarrytown: Fabled home of J.P. Morgan |
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Lunch suggestions: |
The Culinary Institute of America; The River Club |
WOODBURY COMMONS DISCOUNT SHOPPING
A mecca for serious shoppers: Calvin Klein, Barneys New York, Rodier
Paris, Tommy
Hilfinger, Bally, Timberland, Polo Ralph Lauren and the Home
Collection, Versace, Nike,
Liz Claiborne, Geoffrey Beene, Christian Dior, Champion, Dana
Buchman, Donna Karan,
Mikasa, OshKosh B'Gosh, 220 shops in all!
Ride time to Woodbury Commons: 1 hour
Lunch suggestions: Numerous fast food outlets at the mall
WEST POINT (Hudson Valley)
The storied military academy perched on a strategic cliff on the
Hudson River
boasts graduates such as General Norman Schwartzkopf. Stroll on the
fabled grounds and a
visit to the Academy's fascinating museum is a must for history
buffs. On a good day,
cadets parading in uniform make for colorful memories.
Ride time to West Point: 1.5 hours
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Lunch suggestions: |
Hotel Thayer, on the grounds of the Academy; Plum Bush Inn
(Victorian inn, fireplaces) |
VANDERBILT MANSION AND FDR HOMESTEAD
The Vanderbilt's "cottage on the Hudson was one of the smaller
Robber Baron
summer residences along the river. Though "small," the
home is grand by any
standard. The FDR Homestead is a study in "old money," the
restrained
ostentation of Dutch families that got here first and set the tone
until the Civil War.
The guided tours at both homes are not to be missed. There is a
small admission/tour fee
at both homes.
Ride time to Vanderbilt: 3 hours
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Lunch suggestions: |
Culinary Institute of America (requires one month advance booking);
1776 Tavern at Rhinebeck Inn,
Larry Forgione, Chef |
PRICING
Sedan: $675 Stretch: $750
Rate includes use of the vehicles for 8 (eight) hours, driver
tips.
Meals, tolls, entrances and use of the cellular car phones
are additional.
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