Writes of Passage

168 Lighthouse Dr.
Saugerties, NY 12477

After Kingston, we went to this lighthouse. The parking space is limited. We’ve to wait a little while for someone to leave.

This lighthouse on the mouth of Esopus Creek on the Hudson was built in 1869. The following two photos are from their site. The black and white is the oldest known photo, circa 1886.

The walk from the parking lot to the lighthouse is about 0.5 miles, to Statue of Liberty is 103 miles.

Krause’s Chocolates (site). The lighthouse is a B&B now but isn’t taking any new reservation at the moment. The earliest vacancy is this coming December, 2021.

6422 Montgomery St
Rhinebeck, NY 12572

This Italian restaurant is on their main road, Montgomery St., across street from Tarrapin and next to the book store.

Really good restaurant, both food and service. The atmosphere is good too. A little less formal than Terrapin across the street. Both are good and would return. My mussels have not a single sand.

Got to watch the Wimbledon women doubles final which was really awesome.

45 E Market St
Rhinebeck, NY 12572

Before heading to Tanglewood, we stopped by this bakery. Not we’re hungry – just had our lunch at Gigi, not that Lenox has no good bakers but this place looks inviting, as we stroll the area.

More Rhinebeck

674 Thayer Rd,
West Point, NY 10996

The restaurant is on the left, half flat down from the lobby of the Thayer Hotel, which is on the compound of the United States Military Academy. Exposed brick walls, fresh flowers – mostly carnations, but overall it feels stuffy. $11 house wine: Merlot is better than Pino Noir.

The crab cakes (enough for an entry) are good, so is the salmon but the veggie cassoulet is subpar, tasteless.

Each table has a bell (not an astray) – I thought it’s pretty military-ish. We didn’t have to use it because the restaurant was very empty, even on a game night.

Patton

^{Wiki: Aerial view of West Point & Hudson River}

The town sits on the western side of the Hudson River, 50 miles north of Grand Central Station in Manhattan. The population in 2010 is 6,763. It is well known for the United States Military Academy, (which is commonly called West Point). It was identified as the most important strategic point by Gen. George Washington during the American Revolution.

To know more about the West Point Academy, a recent book (recent, is in relative term … )  Absolutely American: Four Years at West Point (2003) by David Lipsky provided me a lot of insight into this iconic institution. And please DO read his Preface too.

• 2020,

4097 Albany Post Road
Hyde Park, NY 12538

some events in 2020

The site is 2 miles north of FDR Library and 4 miles north of CIA, this park is worth stopping by. The panoramic view is paramount.

The Millionaire’s View

Four men built homes atop the bluff to command panoramic views of the Hudson River: Samuel Bard (1799), Dr. David Hosack (1829), Walter Langdon (1847), and Frederick Vanderbilt (1898). All maintained overlooks at this site just north of their homes. From where you’re standing, Shaupeneak Ridge stands out across the river, in front of the distant Catskill Mountains, while the mid-ground remains concealed. Step closer to the edge and the meadows and woodlands below the bluff, as well as the channel of the Hudson itself, come dramatically into view.

1946 Campus Dr. @ Roth Hall
Hyde Park, NY 12538

Will return, for the kids.

I rarely give a five star rating and this one, ran by the kids caught my fancy @ CIA. We were lucky, secured a table without a reservation – even on an open house day.

Thanks, perhaps to February blues.

It

1946 Campus Dr,
Hyde Park, NY 12538

The Italian restaurant @ CIA. Unfortunately it doesn’t open for lunch .. or at least not in February. Unlucky for us.

It’s the only one (of three) that is housed away from the Roth Hall, designed by the architect Roberto Magris.

1946 Campus Dr,
Hyde Park, NY 12538

the Egg, an open space on the Hudson River @ CIA, with multiple counters and a brewery. A colorful piano sits by the window. A billiard room and a gym are next to the brewery. Is anyone actually doing any work out?

We’ve a weekend trip to the north, even it meant that I’ve missed the Beethoven’s 4th and 5th at Carnegie Hall.

The trip was short and sweet:

^{Fri 2.21} CIA
^{Fri 2.21} Linde Center
^{Sat 2.22} West Point