MOST people who travel to New York City overlook an easy and stunning destination starting just 25 miles from the Big Apple: The Hudson Valley Region in upstate New York.

A recent press trip there introduced me to the previously unknown area... Now I want to return to show it off to my family.

Leaving New York City, our first destination was the Philipsburg Manor Visitor Center in Sleepy Hollow — which, by the way, has a great little gift shop packed with diverse and unique collectibles.

It is here we obtained our tickets to visit Kykuit, home to four generations of the Rockefeller family. The house, extensive gardens, and private golf course overlook the Hudson River — and give fresh meaning to the words ‘privileged class.’

From there, continue on to Tarrytown, to tour Sunnyside, the charming home of author Washington Irving, famous for writing the early 19th century horror classic, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Here, one can enjoy a picnic lunch on the property while watching artists paint on the grounds and sell their work. There we also spent a good thirty minutes rocking on Irving’s front porch, admiring the nearby Hudson River.

From Sunnyside, we traveled on to White Plains. Our group was largely comprised of international journalists, and our hosts understood that shopping was a priority. Thus, they scheduled time to shop at the Westchester Mall. No matter their nationality, men are the same: They found a coffee shop and read while their female counterparts scoured the mall for bargains.

After the womenfolk had shopped themselves silly, the group settled in for the night at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel in White Plains, which offers both a convenient location and great food. The Renaissance is the upscale hotel line of Marriott hotels, and I’m particularly fond of them.

The Spurs of Lucky John

Following breakfast, we left White Plains to visit the US Military Academy at West Point, the oldest continuous garrison in the US Due to its strategic location overlooking the Hudson River, it has served as a key observation post since America’s Revolutionary War. In 1802, it was turned into a military academy, and is now attended by 4,000 cadets.

The academy offers bus tours that include information about the lives and careers of famous cadets and how West Point graduates have shaped the history of the United States from 1802 into the 21st century. Ulysses S. Grant and President Dwight Eisenhower are two West Point cadets who went on to become US Presidents.

America’s Civil War found cadets fighting on both sides in the war, and “professors often fought against the soldiers they had taught.” Confederate cannons were melted down for a monument after the war; other Confederate cannons were placed muzzle down to form a fence at one end of the campus “in hopes that Americans will never fire upon each other again.”

Another statue on campus is one most visitors and cadets touch. It’s a sculpture of Gen. John Sedgwick, or “Lucky John,” part of West Point’s folklore. Cadets are said to “spin the spurs of Lucky John” before final exams — the gesture is said to bring good luck. Who could resist? We all spun madly at the spurs, wishing for the moon and the stars.

Golfing & Art in Upstate NY

From West Point, we drove to the village of Garrison, on the banks of the Hudson River in Putnam County. While there, do yourself a favor and lunch at the Highlands Country Club, and consider playing at their scenic 9-hole golf course. You’ll need the exercise, as their food is delicious.

From Garrison, drive to Beacon, in Duchess County, and once you’re there check out the “Dia: Beacon,” one of the Valley’s newest arts center.

This 300,000-square-foot facility was a former Nabisco packaging plant, and still retains the original floors and walls, which helps enhance the eclectic space. The Dia houses a renowned collection and special exhibits of artworks from the 1960s to present, as well as conceptual and minimalist art. Not a modern art fan, I still found the tour insightful and worthwhile.

By now, you’ll be looking for a place to settle in for the night. The most convenient option is the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel. It’s in need of renovation, but is centrally located. We dined at the nearby Brass Anchor Restaurant, one of the most popular restaurants on the area, with a nice view of the Hudson River.

Franklin & Eleanor Country

Next morning, after breakfast at the hotel, head your car in the direction of Hyde Park to visit the home President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and tour the Presidential Library and Museum.

Hyde Park offers fascinating facts about a powerful couple that affected so many Americans prior to and during World War II. Roosevelt, the nation’s 32nd president, hid from the nation his paralysis due to polio, and few knew of his handicap until he left office. “Splendid Deception” is a book that details all the measures taken by FDR to conceal his disability from the public. (This was a time when there was little understanding — or sympathy — for the disabled.)

FDR’s wife, Eleanor, was also a force to reckon with, admired by many for her efforts to support minorities and the afflicted. Eleanor Roosevelt persevered and never backed down — despite the many threats made against her at the time for her support of racial equality.

Last year marked the 60th anniversary of the historic meeting between Saudi Arabia’s King Abdul Aziz and President Roosevelt on the cruiser USS Quincy at the Great Bitter Lake in Egypt.

From there, head toward Annandale-on-Hudson, and on the way visit the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry. The New Yorker Magazine called this venue “the best small concert hall in the US”; it is said to be acoustically perfect. People from around the world travel here just to attend a performance.

Now point the car toward the delightful community of Rhinebeck. We stayed at one of oldest continuously operated inns in America, the Beekman Arms hotel, which was built in 1766. The rooms are spacious and nicely decorated. From here it’s easy to walk the quaint shops in this pleasant town, which also offers many B&Bs and restaurants.

A Culinary Boot Camp

Our final evening, we were treated to a dinner at the famed Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Hyde Park, a short distance from Rhinebeck. Here you can have a behind-the-scenes tour where students from all over the world come to learn the culinary arts.

Created in 1946 for returning GIs, it is located just 75 miles from New York City. The CIA now offers four-year degrees and 18-month culinary programs. There’s also a one-week boot camp for anyone. It is said that those who attend the CIA are offered eight jobs upon graduation. They’ll need them; it’s expensive to attend. There’s also a hidden expense for the apprentices — the average CIA student easily gains 20 to 30 pounds while here.

We dined at one of the CIA’s three restaurants, the American Bounty. One of the unique treats of eating here is that the students cook and serve, which means service can be a bit wobbly when served by novices — it’s all part of the fun.

Be sure to check out CIA’s gift shop, laden with clever culinary tools, gifts and its own brand of cutlery, china, glass, and chef apparel.

If you’re a shopper, no trip to this region would be complete without a visit to Woodbury Commons, one the world’s largest collection of designer outlets that boasts 220 stores.

From Woodbury, it’s a short trip back to New York City where the hustle, bustle, noise and air pollution left us pining for the charming beauty of the Hudson Valley.