March To West Point For A Quick Getaway

By: Valarie D'Elia

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Those looking for a getaway don’t necessarily need the Caribbean with West Point right in their backyard. NY1’s Valarie D’Elia filed the following report.

It's always Fourth of July at West Point, 50 miles north of New York City, where you can spend the night at the Thayer, the only hotel located on the campus of a military installation.

Dating back to 1926 and just coming off a multi-million dollar renovation, the Thayer is hardly a Spartan barracks. The 149 rooms have been spruced up to honor illustrious graduates.

The stained glass windows in the Cadet Chapel are also a nod to former classes at the academy, where grads are married and in the nearby cemetery, buried.

With all this history, it's a patriotic place to rise and shine in formation after an overnight getaway. There are outdoor activities in the surrounding Hudson Valley and more contemplative trappings at nearby historic sites such as the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor.

All the hotel packages include a guided West Point tour, with stops at Trophy Point, where guests can see the granite-columned battle monument to Civil War veterans as well as cannons recovered from war enemies.

The campus itself is at once pastoral and imposing, with its soaring gothic architecture and wide open spaces.

Since this is a high security area, visitors practically have to show their ID to sneeze, so make sure not to leave it at home.

Rates for the Thayer family getaway package for two adults and two kids under 12 start at $239 a night plus tax midweek, including breakfast at MacArthur's Riverview Restaurant and valet parking. The patriotic package for two, starting at $265 midweek, includes all that and welcome cocktails at the Zulu rooftop lounge.

For more information, visit www.thethayerhotel.com

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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.