<p>My S and I are going to be attending the Bard Fall Admissions Conference this Columbus Day weekend. We’re from Chicago and for a variety of reasons (mainly cost), we’re flying in to Newark and driving up to the Hudson Valley, staying in Poughkeepsie (we’re visiting Vassar too).</p>
<p>I could really use some routing advice. Google Maps advises me to avoid the New Jersey turnpike, but it seems like the fastest route? I am a city driver, but have never driven on the east coast before. We’re getting in to Newark around 3:30 on Sunday.</p>
<p>Also, anybody have any advice on what we should try and see? We’ll have some time on Sunday evening, and we’re attending Vassar’s morning open house session, and the afternoon at Bard. </p>
<p>I’m hoping for some Hudson Valley Fall color, too</p>
<p>I hate the NJ turnpike with a passion. It’s confusing and people drive way too fast. However, I don’t think there’s any other way from Newark airport that wouldn’t take you way out of your way. Have your son read all the signs carefully and guide you so you won’t have to take your eyes off the road. Head for the George Washington bridge upper level and stay in the right hand lane. (Btw, last time I did this, I sat in traffic for 2 hours on the NJ side waiting to get across the bridge. I am sorry in advance if this happens to you.) From the bridge, take the Henry Hudson Parkway north. (It’s $8 to cross the bridge and another $4 on the Henry Hudson, so have cash ready. If you have an EZpass, it will go faster.) Once you cross into Westchester, take the Cross County, then the Sprain north. The Sprain becomes the Taconic, and you should have a pleasant trip after that point. Lots of pretty leaves.</p>
<p>Columbus Day weekend is a four day break for the kids, so the campus may be emptier than usual. If you have time, you could visit Dia Beacon in Beacon, NY. It’s a modern art museum that’s large enough to hold very large pieces, and is very impressive. If its nice weather, you could visit the outdoor sculpture garden at Storm King, across the river.</p>
<p>You could take the NY Thruway up (287 North) by crossing over the GW Bridge. That’ll take you up on the other side of the river by New Paltz. There’s an exit for Poughkeepsie, I believe. It is a safer route than the Taconic (though I don’t know by how much. People drive faster but the Taconic is windy and narrow), but the Taconic is much more beautiful and will take you right to Poughkeepsie and/or Red Hook.</p>
<p>I don’t really know what you should see. You can try going to the Culinary Institute of America which is in between Vassar and Bard. There’s also a museum at Bard, but I don’t know when it’s open. It usually has interesting stuff though.</p>
<p>Woodstock is about 45 minutes away across the river, if you’re looking for a funky side trip.</p>
<p>Can you get to the Garden State Parkway from the airport? This leads you to the Tappan Zee Bridge, and then you can hop onto the Taconic up to Poughkeepsie. There are speed traps on the Taconic, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the speed limits.</p>
<p>lilygraces and stradmom are right: You can stay on the west side of the river all the way up to Poughkeepsie. That never crossed my mind since I live on the other side. Both 287 and 87 are large highways. I think they both charge tolls, but you won’t get lost. Yes, watch your speed if you take the Taconic. Don’t drive faster than everyone around you.</p>
<p>Highly recommend that you go from Newark airport to Garden State Parkway north (MapQuest it and then follow the signs). The Parkway merges into the New York State Thruway (87) north, which you then take to the Kingston bridge. Crossing the Hudson there is beautiful and leaves you about 10 minutes from Bard. DO NOT USE THE GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE! You will get stuck in Sunday traffic and other unpleasant (though of course not insurmountable) obstacles. Also recommend against the Tappen Zee/Taconic Route. This is much easier (and we have tried them all). Assuming no traffic (by the proposed route you are going against the traffic coming in from “the country”), it should take about two hours total, maybe a bit more, from the airport. (And by the way, price aside, Newark is a good choice among the New York airports.)</p>
<p>As noted, Woodstock is a nice town to visit, and the Bard museum is great. Rhinebeck is another nice town, with restaurants and shops, about 15 minutes from Bard.</p>
<p>Sorry – re-reading your post, realize you are going to Vassar first. Still suggest this route, but cross at Poughkeepsie. Or even cross at Kingston, and stay around there, between Vassar and Bard. There are a lot of nice places and the two campuses are an easy drive apart.</p>