For me, there are two reasons to visit Hyde Park: the restaurants and the antiques.

The restaurants are CIA, the Culinary Institute of America. There are 5 restaurants on the campus and reservations are suggested for all but the Apple Pie Cafe. These places are worth the trip, even just for the day. I only like to eat, not cook, but CIA offers one day programs such as “An Indian Feast” and “Gluten Free Holiday Baking”.

The antique shops in town range from reproductions to fabulous. The Hyde Parks Antique Center is a multi vendor “antiques mall” housed in a 9000 square foot historic building. Prices and quality vary from vendor to vendor, but there is alot to choose from!

I usually find something at the Village Antique Center. Rose, the proprietor, is always willing to strike a deal. They carry some quality reproductions, which won’t set you back as much as the real thing. Check out her cherub and dragon light fixtures. Cool stuff.

Across the road, Kings Highway Antiques is the real deal. Although his prices aren’t crazy for the items he carries, all I can afford to do is go in there and salivate.

Oh, look where my head is at….food and antiques. I suppose I should mention that Hyde Park was once home to FDR. You can’t miss that if you’re driving through town. There are plenty of historic places to see, such as the Roosevelt Home and Presidential Library. The Vanderbilt Mansion is also well worth the visit.

Best to drive. Metro North only goes to Poughkeepsie and then what? The village is also spread out and not all that pedestrian friendly.

Village Antiques Center: 4321 Rt 9, 845-229-6600
Kings Highway Antiques: 4312 Albany Post Road, 845-229-1669