Visiting West Point - MAPS R-day

S

supreme1

10-Year Member
5-Year Member
Joined
May 23, 2009
Messages
36
Hello. The family will be visiting West Point July 19th through 23rd (R-day 23rd for MAPS); Daughter will be attending. We are planning to fly to WP from West Coast on the 19th and fly out on 24th, so we will have some time to check things out. I would like to know what some of the WP veterans think we should see while there. I hear the museum is really interesting. Would also like to see the cadets during BEAST. Any good suggestions on where to go to see cadets do their thing. Also, what are some good places to eat. Am thinking about staying at Thayer hotel a couple of nights before R-day (21st and 22nd) and somewhere else a little less expensive the other nights. Any hotel recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
I would recommend spending a day or two in NYC if you or anyone in your family hasn't been there yet (I am surprised by the number of cadets who have never been to NYC after their first semester here). West Point itself can be explored in a day or two, in my opinion. At West Point, make sure you go to Redoubt 4 - it's an amazing view! Go to the barbeque place in Ft. Montgomery (though you don't have to do that right now -- it's within walking privileges, so when your DD becomes an USMA cadet, you can drive her there!). Cornwall and Newburgh, north of West Point, have delicious food, too! Highly recommended (I don't remember in which town I went the night before R-Day, but I gotta say, it was good! Whenever I go on pass or leave, I make a point to go on gourmet trips because if there's one thing I miss is delicious food :) ) And, of course, Trophy Point, check out the million-dollar view.

I cannot offer any other suggestions. I apologize! Best of luck and congratulations for your DD!
 
supreme1 said:
Hello. The family will be visiting West Point July 19th through 23rd (R-day 23rd for MAPS); Daughter will be attending. We are planning to fly to WP from West Coast on the 19th and fly out on 24th, so we will have some time to check things out. I would like to know what some of the WP veterans think we should see while there. I hear the museum is really interesting. Would also like to see the cadets during BEAST. Any good suggestions on where to go to see cadets do their thing. Also, what are some good places to eat. Am thinking about staying at Thayer hotel a couple of nights before R-day (21st and 22nd) and somewhere else a little less expensive the other nights. Any hotel recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Across the river and a little north is Hyde Park. FDR's house and Eleanor's cottage is there. Also the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) is a must. Students train to be premier chefs. DH said he never went during his 4 yrs at the academy and it took 30th reunion for us to finally dine there. They have a café for quick meals but to eat at one of their restaurants, you would need reservations. We made ours online at their website. Students take turns waiting tables, or being the chefs and are fun to talk to.
 
Dixieland said:
Just my gustatorial opinion, but if you are from the South and are used to great barbecue, don't order it at Barnstormers. Ew. :thumbdown:
Click to expand...

Oh yeah, I mean, once you're stuck at West Point and can't go anywhere good, then Barnstormers will do the trick I think... but if you have the option to get out of there, go to a real bbq place :) :thumb:
 
BillSL said:
hmm is that within walking privs?? please tell me yes :)
Click to expand...

Unless they have changed the boundaries since last year, I don't think so. From memory it used to be the road Washington gate is on to the west, and the North Dock to the north. But that can vary by comm, and certainly interpretation varies.

I was not impressed with the one in Ft Mtgomery.

If you like Southern BBQ keep an eye out for tailgates. I know one state nearly always imports some deep south BBQ!
 
Last edited:
In Newburgh you can find decent hotels and eats. It is also home to Orange County Choppers, it's worth a look and if you have an interest in motorcycles don't miss Motorcyclepedia in Newburgh. It is really amazing.
 
Dixieland said:
I'll have to try that.....but Prima Pizza is so good, I don't know if I could go to Cornwall and not stop by! :biggrin:
Click to expand...

This is the info I am seeking.

I get the world's best 'Cue in central Texas.

The Italian food and pizza, howevah, tends to be extremely lacking in comparison with the Empire State.
 
If you've never been to WP then do the extended bus tour from the Visitors Center... it's over two hours long but it'll give you a great overview of the site and it's history. The museums -- you can do both in an hour and a half. And definitely leave time for gift shops. They are at the visitor center and the museum and at the AOG. All different items. No idea how or when you could possibly see cadet candidates in Beast. Their first 3 weeks are basic and some field....second half is pretty much all field. Aside from seeing squads of them maybe from afar you may be disapointed. Like others above have said it is a very nice area with lots of restaurants and other attractions. Based on our many trips there, both early on when DS was in high school and we went pretty much as tourists, and up through DS admission and all the plebe year trips, I would say plan on two full days to do it justice your first time. Good luck!

Sent using the Service Academy Forums® mobile app.
 
I'm a USAFA appointee, So I can't comment on WP itself. But I am a NY native (I live about the same distance from WP as NYC) so I can give tips to people on things to do. Esp where NYC and Westchester County are involved. And I know some good food places all over the area.

Feel free to PM me if you want help finding something to do in the area.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top