Good recommendations above. You can stay local or head to the city. Maybe spend the night in the city or Brooklyn?
If you head to the city I recommend going across the river to Garrison and catching the train to Grand Central. Sit on the west side of the train so you can see the Hudson. Either get train tickets from the ticket machine there or down load the Metro North app. You can pay on the train but there’s a penalty for that.
With your timing you won’t have much time for museums in NYC. Most close at 5PM on Thursday’s, so if you do the city a Broadway show seems a better option.
Food… so many options covering the money and quality spectrum. Ask 10 people and you’ll get 10 different recommendations.
A couple that stick out from my youth.
McSorley’s Ale House. Not old by European standards, but one of the oldest pubs in NYC made famous in a John Sloan painting. Supposedly even Lincoln quenched his thirst there. The decorum hasn’t been changed since the early 1900s. And when I say hasn’t changed I don’t mean it looks the same, I mean it hasn’t changed. Look for the wishbones over the bar. Before going to World War I local boys would have a turkey and ale, then hang up the wishbone for good luck. When the soldiers returned they would take down a wishbone. The ones still there have been there for over a 100 years in honor of those who didn’t come back. Just don’t go expecting a nice mixed drink. You have two choices- light or dark (beer). They also have cheap but filling pub fare.
Ferrara’s Bakery in Little Italy. Again, ask 10 NYers where to go for pastries and you’ll get 10 different answers. Ferrara’s has been around since the 1890s. I have fond memories of going here with my mom after a show for cake and coffee.
If you stay local, there is nice hiking and apple picking. The leaves should be turning. Good recommendations above- Newburgh water front and Cold Spring. Caution- when doing searches there is also a Cold Spring Harbor that is on Long Island. Only one to add is the Bird and Bottle Inn which has been in Garrison since the 1700’s.
Thursday evenings Coach Monken does his radio show from The Firstie Club on post. I assume you would have access to post and be able to go. The Firstie is a converted armory that serves as a pub for upper class men. It would be a different experience. Also basic pub food. It can get quite crowded once the Cadets are released. 1900?
Below the John Sloan painting of McSorley’s. It looks the same.
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