Metro-North Lets New Yorkers Take A Presidential Getaway

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A Metro-North package getaway includes a convenient shuttle bus ride to historic Hyde Park to learn about the life and times of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. NY1's Valarie D'Elia filed the following report.

Leaving the city behind for a day trip is easier than ever with Metro-North’s Getaway packages that, for the most part, include discount rail and admission to select locations in the Hudson Valley, Connecticut and beyond. Details are at www.mta.info.

"There are either shuttle buses available that connect with the train, or they’re within walking distance," says Donna Haynes of Metro-North.

One of the getaways that includes a convenient shuttle bus is a visit to historic Hyde Park, where the so-called Roosevelt Ride picks riders up at the Poughkeepsie station in the morning.

The free shuttle operates regularly between prominent sights connected with the 32nd U.S. president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The “Historic Hyde Park” sites are spread out over a considerable area on a leafy compound on the Hudson.

New this summer at Springwood, the home of FDR, is a "History Speaks" tour, complete with costumed interpreters portraying life as it was in 1939. This particular tour is available throughout the day on four Saturdays through October.

Both FDR and his accomplished wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, are buried along with two of their dogs in the rose garden. Eleanor, a ground-breaking first lady, spent much of her time in the more modest cottage of Val-Kill.

Both Springwood and Val-Kill belong to the National Park Service, as does the nearby Vanderbilt mansion, which is introducing a behind-the-scenes perspective to visitors, who all assume a role as a member of the household staff. This tour requires climbing stairs, allowing access to formerly off-limits rooms such as the food prep area and servants' quarters.

Adult admission to three of the historic sites is $22. Kids are free. Rail fare is extra. Details are at HistoricHydePark.org.

As is common practice in the travel industry, Travel With Val often receives complimentary travel or reduced "media" rates at hotels, resorts and attractions, including those that may be featured in these reports. Such consideration is not taken in exchange for any express or implied promise or understanding of any nature, particularly regarding the content of these reports. These reports only feature travel providers personally recommended by Valarie D’Elia in the exercise of her independent editorial judgment, and do not represent the endorsement of Time Warner Cable or any third party.