The Hudson River Valley region is a delightful place to visit for its dramatic natural beauty, Gilded Age historic homes (including those of the Roosevelts and the Vanderbilts), amazing culinary options (including the Culinary Institute of America’s restaurants and the vibrant dining scene in nearby Rhinebeck), as well as lush gardens, trails, and a couple of great wineries. When my husband and I visited recently, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Journey Inn, in Hyde Park, which is wonderfully comfortable and ideally located.
Journey Inn: 1 Sherwood Place, Hyde Park, NY | 845-229-8972
DISCLAIMER: My husband and I have stayed in many hotels, inns, and other properties in our travels, but a few stand out above the rest — this is one of them. Although I am highlighting this property that we enjoyed, we have not accepted free trips, endorsements, or gratuities from it. All the opinions, along with the photographs (unless otherwise noted), featured on this page are my own. I simply share this property profile because it was unique in its location and hospitality, so I think others may consider staying there as well. Happy travels!
Why Journey Inn?
- Owners Valerie and Eric are hosts who want their guests to get the most out of their stays at the inn and the general Hudson River area. Upon greeting new guests, both Valerie and Eric inquire about interests and provide a plethora of activity options. But that’s not the first time guests are likely to get ideas of places to visit and things to do. Just ask while booking your stay, and you’ll likely receive some excellent suggestions on how you can fill your time in this lovely region.
- Valerie and Eric have created relaxing common spaces. There’s a den with comfy upholstered easy chairs near bookcases filled with a variety of reading materials. Just a few steps away is the dining room where guests gather for breakfast. In the den and dining area are essentials including coffee, tea, and sodas available 24 hours a day. Across the foyer is a living room with additional comfortable seating. They’re great choices when guests have a few extra minutes to unwind. In addition, the guest rooms are comfortable and well-appointed. The second level has a mini-fridge for guests to keep their own goodies during their stays.
- The bountiful breakfasts are absolutely delicious and a perfect way to begin the day. Any questions about your plans for the day? No problem. Valerie will set you on the right track while serving your breakfast.
- The Journey Inn’s location can’t be beaten. The inn is about 14 miles south of Rhinebeck (a charming town with lots of great restaurants and shops) and about 6 miles north of Poughkeepsie. Getting to Rhinebeck and Poughkeepsie are direct and easy drives.
- Speaking of location, the Journey Inn sits right across the street from the expansive Vanderbilt estate (that offers guided tours of the mansion). What this means is that crossing the road provides trails (paved as well as woodland, packed-earth paths) that are open to the public daily at no charge. A great place for a morning or evening stroll or jog.
- There’s so much to do in the general area (all short drives away) including historical homes (FDR’s Hyde Park home, Eleanor Roosevelt’s Val-Kill retreat, the Vanderbilt Estate plus some lesser known – but very interesting late 19th-early 20th century homes of prominent artists, philanthropists, financiers, and business leaders); walking and hiking trails; wineries; and impressive gardens.
Hospitality Focus: Recipe
This was one of the elements of a delicious breakfast served one morning at Journey Inn. This fruit tart, a clafoutis, can be enjoyed as a dessert and snack – in addition to making a great morning treat with coffee or tea. It’s super simple to make and can be switched up seasonally to showcase various fruit.
Journey Inn Clafoutis
Equipment
- 2 quart gratin dish
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 2-3 cups fruit (stone fruit and/or berries)
- sliced almonds (about 1/4-1/2 cup)
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray 2-quart dish with cooking spray.
- Mix all non-fruit ingredients with a whisk until smooth.
- Prepare fruit by slicing into (roughly) uniform size pieces.
- Pour batter into a baking dish.
- Arrange fruit in batter.
- Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes.
- Add almonds to the top; bake for 15 more minutes.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10-20 minutes before serving.
A Brief History of Journey Inn
Journey Inn sits directly across from the Vanderbilt mansion (that’s open to the public). Generations ago, the Journey Inn property was part of the Vanderbilt estate, and Frederic Vanderbilt’s bodyguard and chauffeur lived in the house that stood at the time. Years later, the Vanderbilt property was subdivided. A prominent Hyde Park family lived in the home before it was converted to an inn many years later. Valerie and Eric purchased the property from the previous innkeepers in 2013. (The current building is not part of the original home that stood here during the Vanderbilt era. That was lost to a fire.)
Things to Do In and Around Hyde Park
As mentioned, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the area including historic homes like the Vanderbilt mansion across the street plus Franklin D. Roosevelt’s home and FDR’s presidential library a short drive south; charming Rhinebeck; the Culinary Institute of America with several tempting restaurants (book reservations early!); Walkway Over the Hudson (the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world); along with beautiful gardens (check out Innisfree Gardens) and trails. My detailed guide to a visit to the Hudson Valley may help you plan your trip.
Final Thoughts
My husband and I visited the Hyde Park area for several days. Journey Inn was the perfect spot to serve as a home base for us. We began each morning with a delicious and filling breakfast before heading out to explore the area. Each afternoon we returned and relaxed in our room and the common spaces before venturing out for dinner. A perfect stay at a comfortable inn hosted by two very gracious and helpful innkeepers!
