Calling All Football Fans

[Mongo]

Regardless, you don't have to believe me.

Not believe you? I believe you to the point of questioning the maps instead of you. Your word is gospel.

 

[scoutpilot]

Not believe you? I believe you to the point of questioning the maps instead of you. Your word is gospel.

That's right! And don't you forget it!

See my edit. Honestly, there's nothing of significance down there. Just the softball field and Shea stadium (track/swifties). The good stuff starts at Ike Hall and on the level of the plain. Get to the parade at least 30 mins early. Before it starts they open it up to the nonticketed public.

 

[Just_A_Mom]

Pray for a clear sunny day. Not rain!!
My $.02:
Get breakfast at Andy's Restaurant. It's a little diner on the way into Highland Falls and they have terrific omlettes.
On your way to the parking lot, visit the Cemetery and the Old Cadet chapel. Note the plaques on the wall - one for each of Washington's Generals. Go up in the balcony and see the blank plaque which only says "Major General". No name because he 'who shall not be named' was a traitor.

Fully agree with ScoutPilot to park and take the shuttle up to the plain. While you are waiting for the parade - take a walk. There is coffee shop in the library, Jefferson Hall. You can also walk up the stairs and go out on the balcony and take in the view. Grab your coffee on the way out and walk down to Reconciliation Plaza.
If you have time - walk around Doubleday field, check out Kosciuszko Monument and on to Trophy Point.
Gaze up at the Battle Monument and admire Lady Victory on the top. The Battle Monument was sculpted by Fred MacMonnies and the great Architect Stanford White designed it. In fact, the model for "Lady Victory" was the showgirl Evelyn Nesbitt - Stanford White's lover. Stanford White was shot to death by Evelyn's jealous husband in Madison Square Garden.

Get your seat and get ready for a lesson on how to march.
After the parade you can walk to the stadium - it will take a while but worth it.
By then it will be game time!

Good places to eat for the 'Cadet experience' are of course Shades and The Park. Don't know about the Thayer Hotel. Might be too fancy after a football game.
There are also some good restaurants up in Cornwall on Hudson - hometown of General David Petraeus. I hear Painter's Tavern is good but have never eaten there personally.

 

[scoutpilot]

Well, everyone's an expert. I've eaten in the Thayer in a sweater and jeans. Not recommended, but you older gents usually dress better than us whippersnappers. The dinner is often a buffet, usually of excellent quality.

The only warning about Schade's or The Park is that both will be packed. Avoiding crowds will your biggest problem. If you like Irish fare, take 9W south to Bear Mountain Circle and then continue on 9W to Lynch's in Tomkins Cove.

If you have a USNA class hat or parka, consider wearing it. Grads get a bit more leeway when exploring.

 

[mom3boys]

I have never understood the attraction for Schades; it's like eating at Shoney's. We prefer Barnstormer Barbeque...it's not the greatest BBQ, but for yankees, it's not too bad!

If you want the "cadet vibe," go crash a tailgate! Most people are very welcoming!

 

[scoutpilot]

I have never understood the attraction for Schades; it's like eating at Shoney's. We prefer Barnstormer Barbeque...it's not the greatest BBQ, but for yankees, it's not too bad!

If you want the "cadet vibe," go crash a tailgate! Most people are very welcoming!

Indeed! It's good for reliving cadet days, but it's not good in an absolute sense.

 

[buff81]

... visit the Cemetery and the Old Cadet chapel. Note the plaques on the wall - one for each of Washington's Generals. Go up in the balcony and see the blank plaque which only says "Major General". No name because he 'who shall not be named' was a traitor. .

Sorry for the bad quality picture - but it IS a traitor's plaque.

This is what a plaque to a REAL hero looks like in the Old Chapel.

They also have some old chain links from the original chain across the Hudson to keep the British from going up the Hudson in 1776. (I Think)

One of the secrets divulged by Benedict Arnold was the existence and location of that chain.

Uh, yes it had many links... Even the ones on display at West Point are not original, but rather are reproductions because they don't have the original links at their disposal.

The Links

... the parade is at 9AM and of course I have to witness proper marching since I have never seen nor experienced it before.

THIS would be proper marching.

Walk around and soak it in if you have some time. A beautiful place with all the great statues ovelooking the Hudson on the far side of the parade ground.

... if you have some time go out to the point by the statues and the chain. One of the prettiest rivers in the US.

View of the Hudson from Trophy Point.

West Point IS a beautiful place.

Top that USNA, USAFA, USCGA and USMMA

 

[LineInTheSand]

Wasn't aware George Washington went to West Point. Also wasn't aware George Washington was buried at West Point and not at Mount Vernon....unless you're saying that they have random plaques with general's names on them (including traitors). I'm not sure it would be that hard to do the same.


What are those things called on the cadet's covers....look like microphones.

Concur about the view of the Hudson. That picture is the spot of the deepest point, right near the bend.

Are those links of the chain the reproductions Scoutpilot was talking about?

 

[Mongo]

Thanks everyone. I am getting excited. Honestly, I cannot believe that I have never been to WP. We did exchange weekends 'back in the day' and I went to Colorado Springs.

Crashing tailgates. I love it.

A lot of great ideas. Of course, it sounds like I will gain 10 lbs and since scout and JAM won't let me walk, I cannot exercise it off.

Yep, hope it is a nice day.

Note the plaques on the wall - one for each of Washington's Generals. Go up in the balcony and see the blank plaque which only says "Major General". No name because he 'who shall not be named' was a traitor.

Supposedly, one of the most exclusive societies in the world is the Society of the Cincinnati, reserved exclusively for the eldest male descendents of each of these generals, passed down from generation to generation. I am playing golf with one of these members today so I will have something to talk about.

 

[buff81]

Wasn't aware George Washington went to West Point.

Not sure where that was implied.

Also wasn't aware George Washington was buried at West Point and not at Mount Vernon....unless you're saying that they have random plaques with general's names on them (including traitors). I'm not sure it would be that hard to do the same.

Yep - last time I visited Mount Vernon, George is buried there.

The plaques are all around the chapel walls honoring the generals of the Revolutionary War. It appears that someone felt that Gen. Arnold should not be one of those honored. His name and date of death are scratched out.

What are those things called on the cadet's covers....look like microphones.

I'll let Scoutpilot respond to that if he so chooses.....

Concur about the view of the Hudson. That picture is the spot of the deepest point, right near the bend.

There is an amphitheater right behind where this picture was taken. It is very enjoyable to attend a concert there and to have this view.

Are those links of the chain the reproductions Scoutpilot was talking about?

Actually, I did not know they were reproductions but these are the ones that are displayed at Trophy Point.

 

[Luigi59]

Top that USNA, USAFA, USCGA and USMMA

Foolish to even try.

 

[scoutpilot]

I don't recall the actual name, if I ever even knew it. Cadets refer to them as a portion of a donkey's anatomy. The same term is also used for a fuel spout, should you need more of a hint.

Mongo, I fully recommend that you walk up to Michie. I advocate the shuttle from Target Hill in the interest of time. Plus, it saves you the otherwise unavoidable chore of walking past the wastewater treatment plant.

 

[Mongo]

I don't recall the actual name, if I ever even knew it. Cadets refer to them as a portion of a donkey's anatomy. The same term is also used for a fuel spout, should you need more of a hint.

Donkeys have refueling probes?? I have been off the farm way too long.

 

[LineInTheSand]

 

[scoutpilot]

Donkeys have refueling probes?? I have been off the farm way too long.

Really? I thought you were out to pasture!

I'll be here all week, folks. Try the veal, and tip your waitress!

 

[sprog]

I don't recall the actual name, if I ever even knew it. Cadets refer to them as a portion of a donkey's anatomy.

.

I'm happy to hear this. At VMI, it is also named after a part of the genitourinary system of a donkey.

 

[WAMom68]

I don't recall the actual name, if I ever even knew it. Cadets refer to them as a portion of a donkey's anatomy. The same term is also used for a fuel spout, should you need more of a hint.

In polite terms I think they are called "poms".

 

[LineInTheSand]

I'm happy to hear this. At VMI, it is also named after a part of the genitourinary system of a donkey.

And what do they call the brass buckles they wear?

 

[sprog]

And what do they call the brass buckles they wear?

No special name that I recall for the buckles. I think you might be referring to the white straps that go over the uniform for parade. They are "cross dykes."

The word "dyke" is used for a million things at VMI. Class uniform is "class dyke," gym uniform is "gym dyke." Also, as a Rat, you are assigned a first classman to mentor you, and he is called your "Dyke" (technically the Rat is also a "Dyke," but in practice is almost always referred to as "my Rat" by the senior).

It comes from the term "to deck out," but with the southern accent of many VMI cadets, it has morphed into "dyke." When this happened, I have no idea.

There is no correlation with women who wear comfortable shoes, although I'm sure it sounds bizzare to non-VMI people.

 

[Mongo]

Really? I thought you were out to pasture!

Yep. Just like Man O' War, Secratariat, Seattle Slew, et al.