And it’s a very pretty drive too.
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Now all I need is a way to stretch time - where’s Doctor Who when you need him!
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We ate at Blu Pointe the night before my older daughter got engaged. It was magical. Of course when she called me that night believing I was still home in the Midwest I was like “oh let’s see, we went to the local pizza place. Ho hum so boring.” Lololol. I was about dying from keeping the secret that her boyfriend would be proposing the next day!
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If you stay in Poughkeepsie, check out Vassar’s art museum. We spent an amazing hour by ourselves surrounded by masterpieces. It was my favorite art experience ever and I have been to many art museums around the US and Europe. Highly recommend!
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I vote don’t stay in Poughkeepsie, though, when there are so many more charming places to stay!
PS and for that reason, I also vote don’t stay in Montclair (a very nice suburb, but a suburb).
Apologies to those who live in those towns. (I myself live near POK).
We’re really just looking for a place to lay our heads after flying into Newark, with somewhere good nearby for dinner, and positioned to take off and see a couple of attractions the next day on our way up to Saratoga Springs. Hotel ideally will have a separated space for adult son and either use Hilton points or be reasonably priced. Extensive research narrowed down my choices to the two in my options. This is just a way to add an overnight and a bit extra to the 3+ hour drive, much as I would love to explore all the charming places!
(My cousins in Upper Montclair looked down upon Montclair - this was many decades ago.)
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I’d say check to see if there are any Hiltons in or near Hoboken - there are several decent to very nice restaurants there, and not far from Newark Airport.
That’s hysterical, Upper Montclair IS part of “Montclair”. It’s not like they are separate towns. (also, the southern half was the historically Black part, so…hmmm).
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I don’t really hear folks saying upper Montclair anymore, but I do remember when there was more of a division.
Just a quick follow up to say that everything went well and much appreciation for all the advice! Our flight and son’s flight were both on time so we could meet up at Newark and get the rental car. We drove up to Newburgh (such fun getting out of New Jersey at rush hour), checked into the Homewood Suites, then drove over to Blu Pointe for dinner. The town itself was not impressive but for dinner we sat outside overlooking the Hudson as the sun set and the moon rose. Beautiful setting; husband and son were impressed with my choice.
The next morning we headed over to Storm King Art Center - son had discovered it was First Free Friday so no admission and saved $65. It was extremely interesting! Also hot, so when I gave out we took the tram tour to see the entire park. My nephew later told us that after a NYC couple has been dating for three months, it is de rigueur to take the train up to Storm King for the day. He and his fiancée had been there. Then we grabbed lunch at a little place called Temple Hill Tavern and headed up to Saratoga Springs.
There was a family hors d’ouevre buffet, after which the three of us went to dinner in town at a fabulous Italian restaurant with excellent service and the best carpaccio we’d ever had - Chianti Il Ristorante. Again impressed husband and son with my research.
The next morning we did a walking tour of Congress Park, which was somewhat interesting. Then we strolled around town and got bagels at Uncommon Grounds. The rest of the day was getting ready for and attending the wedding. The next morning we had brunch with everyone then headed back down to Newark but at least the route out of town took us past the racecourse so we got a glimpse. Whirlwind weekend and fortunately got away before the smoke arrived.
Thanks again for all the suggestions!
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