Newburgh / New York City North KOA

New York City Tour

Depart from the campground at 7:30 a.m. for your fully guided day in the “Big Apple.” First stop is the ferry to the Statue of Liberty. Enjoy an hour on Liberty Island. You can just walk around the island, enjoying the city skyline, or take the elevator to the pedestal observation area, and tour the museum. From the ferry, you will have the opportunity to see Ellis Island. Once you are back on land, you will continue your tour of the lower Manhattan area. Drive through the Wall Street area, and stop for lunch at the South Street Seaport. Lunch is on your own in this restored area of the city. Enjoy one of the many cafes and restaurants, shop on the pier, or see the Brooklyn Bridge. After lunch, you will continue uptown. You will have the chance to stop for pictures at the United Nations. The tour guide will narrate through the various neighborhoods and districts that you will be traveling through, such as China Town, Little Italy, the garment and lighting districts. Your day will also include the chance to drive through Fifth Avenue and see Central Park. One of the main stops of the day will be at the Empire State Building. Here you will have the chance to take the elevator ride to the 86th floor observation deck. Enjoy breathtaking views of this spectacular city. The tour escort will also walk with you through Rockefeller Center. See where the Today Show is broadcast, the world famous ice skating rink, and Radio City Music Hall. If time permits, you may have the chance to stop in at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. Your final stop of the day is on Broadway. Here you will have the chance to take pictures of the famous theaters, billboards, and Times Square. Every day is different in New York City. Your tour escort will make every effort to point out as much as possible, and answer all your questions. Your return to the campground should be between 6-6:30 p.m. You will be tired!

Take a drive and tour West Point....

This historic campus is a spectacular site, and one of the Hudson Valley’s most visited locations. Tours of the school are available from the Visitor’s Center, located at the Thayer Gate. Buses depart approximately every half hour to forty five minutes. Guides will provide you lecture stops at the Cadet Chapel and Trophy Point. You will learn about the historic role of West Point in our country’s military history, and about the famous graduates of the academy. The entire campus is quite scenic with spectacular views of the Hudson River. The museum and cemetery are of particular interest. If you are lucky, you may have a chance to see one of the many parades. (Specific traveling instructions are available in our “Points of Interest” map. A brochure about the tours is also available. Ask at our main office) 845-446-4724

Hyde Park and Hudson River Cruise

The homes/museums open at 9 a.m. In Hyde Park, there are several historic sites to visit. The Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic site is highly recommended. Self-guided tours include his home, Rose Garden, and grave site. Also, be sure to visit his Presidential library. Just next door is the Vanderbilt Mansion. This “Gilded Age” home of Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt is well worth visiting. After touring these famous homes, drive North and cross over the Hudson River to Kingston. Follow the signs for the Historic Waterfront and they will lead you to the Rondout Landing. Be sure to arrive by 1:30 p.m., at the latest. River cruises aboard the “Rip Van Winkle” leave promptly at 2 p.m. Sail past many lavish estates, lighthouses, and beautiful landscapes. Cruises are narrated. A snack bar is also available, in case you did not have time to stop for lunch. Upon return to the dock, you may like to stop in at the Hudson River Maritime Museum, to learn a little more about the legacy of the Hudson River. (Specific traveling instructions are available in our “Points of Interest” map - ask at our main office).

Scenic Drive

The Hudson Valley may be most recognized for its river, but our mountains are also worth seeing. Pack a picnic lunch and head out. Go North on Route 32 to Route 44/55 West. Follow Route 44/55 West through the town of Gardiner. If you are an antique hunter, you may want to stop. There are several quaint shops in town. Continue West to the Shawangunk Mountains. A number of scenic overlooks are open, as well as a visitor’s center. Stop at the “Hairpin Turn” and get a wonderful view of the Hudson Valley looking east towards the Hudson River. You may be able to see skydivers drifting in from the Blue Sky Skydiving Ranch, or a number of rock climbers tackling the faces of “The Gunks.” Continuing West, you will come upon the entrance to Minnewaska State Park. This beautiful area has hundreds of miles of hiking trails, leading to many lakes, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. A new visitor center has just been built. This is a perfect place to have a picnic or a relaxing lunch. If you continue to drive West, you will have the opportunity to get a view of the Catskill Mountains, which lie Northwest of the Shawangunk Mountains. Route 44/55 will end at village of Ellenville. Stop by Cohen’s Bakery for some of the finest breads you will ever have. Turn left onto Route 52 East. This will lead you through the Southern end of the Shawangunk Mountains. If you would like to take another scenic walk, stop at the Dwarf Pine Barrens, located in the former Ice Caves Mountain site. From the Sam’s Point overlook, the view extends as far as Pennsylvania and to New Jersey. Also on Route 52, are several scenic rest areas. This is a very popular area for hang gliding. You may get the chance to see several of the gliders spiraling through the valley. The Catskill Mountains are also visible from this area. Follow Route 52 to the intersection of Route 300 North. Turn left on Route 300 North to Route 32 North. Route 32 North will bring you back to Freetown Highway, and back to the campground.