FDR Presidential Library & Museum: Franklin D. Roosevelt was deeply devoted to documenting history and making it available to all. To that end, he built the first Presidential Library to house his personal and family papers, manuscripts related to his public career at the state and national level, photographs, sound and motion picture recordings, books and periodicals. FDR also had a vast memorabilia collection, including ship models, prints and paintings, state gifts, gifts from the American people, and family items. Immerse yourself in history spanning The Great Depression, World War II and Pearl Harbor, and the women's and civil rights movements, or simply enjoy the beautiful serenity of the rose gardens and the Roosevelt family home. 

Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Val-Kill Cottage: Once the personal retreat of Eleanor Roosevelt, the Val-Kill Cottage became a National Historical Site to commemorate her life and accomplishments. Often referred to as the "First Lady of the World," Eleanor continued diplomatic duties after her husband's death by entertaining several heads of state at Val-Kill Cottage, including Winston Churchill, Nikita Khrushchev and Jawaharlal Nehru. National Park Rangers offer a wealth of information about the famous first lady in this charming, picturesque hideaway retreat.

Dia Beacon, Riggio Galleries: Located in a former Nabisco box-printing factory, Dia Beacon presents Dia's collection of art from the 1960s to the present. The vast building, filled with incredible natural light from huge windows and skylights, showcases a small number of contemporary artists, including Dan Flavin, Donald Judd, Andy Warhol, Richard Serra and Michael Heizer. In recent years, the museum director has introduced more Japanese and Korean sculpture and featured contemporary women artists like Nancy Holt and Charlotte Posenenske (her factory-made sculptures will be on exhibit during our visit). The distinctive house style at DIA is minimal with a focus on process, materials and environment. Large-scale installations and galleries specially curated for single works allow you to fully immerse yourself in these thought-provoking works.

Storm King Arts Center: This open-air museum contains what is perhaps the largest collection of contemporary outdoor sculptures in the United States. Experience large-scale sculpture and site-specific commissions under the open sky at this 500-acre museum. Storm King connects art, nature and people with a vibrant bond through dynamic exhibitions and programs. Be sure not to miss the winding stone wall by Andy Goldsworthy, Wavefield by Maya Lin (the artist who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall) and an interactive sculpture by Isamu Noguchi that invites you to touch, enter, or sit to unite yourself with the work.

Boscobel House and Gardens Museum: This iconic 1800s Historic House Museum features guided tours of the Neoclassical mansion and its fine collection of decorative arts, such as lavish furniture pieces from the Federal period. Outside, explore extensive, lush gardens or quiet, woodland hiking trails. With such rich history, captivating art and peaceful communion with nature, there is something for everyone at Boscobel.

Bannerman's Castle: A quick boat-trip to Pollepel Island reveals the remains of Bannerman's Castle. Scottish-born arms dealer and Brooklyn resident Francis Bannerman purchased the remote island property in 1900 to store all his munitions. While a 1969 fire left the castle in ruins, the family's summer home has been restored and now functions as a museum and visitors center. In addition to exploring the unique history of this crumbling, yet still impressive structure, you'll be treated to some of the most stunning views of the Hudson River. (Note: Some parts of the path are quite rocky and there are many stairs. Be prepared for some serious walking!)

Facts about United States Military Academy West Point

• West Point is the oldest continuously operated Army post in the United States - American soldiers first occupied West Point on January 27, 1778.

• A portion of the Hudson River Chain is on display at Trophy Point. These giant iron links were strategically placed to protect colonists from British ships in 1778.

• The majority of the campus's Norman-style buildings are constructed from gray and black granite. 

• In 1790 Alexander Hamilton, then Secretary of the Treasury, purchased West Point for $11,085.

• West Point is the site of Benedict Arnold's infamous betrayal. 

• Founded in 1802, the academy is the oldest of the five American military academies.

• West Point's impressive list of graduates includes Ulysses S. Grant, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Duke Coach Mike Krzykzewski, Mike Pompeo and Buzz Aldrin. Edgar Allan Poe and Timothy Leary were West Point dropouts.

• West Point grads designed almost all early American railways, roads and bridges as it was the only engineering college in the country until 1824.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15 | ARRIVAL DAY

3 p.m. Roundhouse check-in is available

6:30 p.m. Dinner and rally draw party – 

Roundhouse Restaurant

Overnight: Roundhouse Beacon

MONDAY, AUGUST 16 | RALLY DAY

Morning: Rally opening session

Afternoon: Return to the hotel

Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant

Overnight: Roundhouse Beacon

TUESDAY, AUGUST 17 | THE HUDSON RIVER VALLEY

Morning: Rally continues

Afternoon: Check in at Thayer Hotel

Evening: Bus takes us to The Garrison for dinner

Overnight: Thayer Hotel at West Point

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18 | RALLY DAY

Morning: Final rally day

Afternoon: Free time to visit what you like

           Return to the hotel

Evening: Closing dinner and award ceremony at Thayer Hotel

Overnight: Thayer Hotel at West Point

THURSDAY, AUGUST 19 | DEPARTURE DAY

Plan your departure for any time on this day

Check-out time for the Thayer is 11 a.m.

CARS

You can drive your own vehicle or we'll rent one for you.

The Roundhouse at Beacon Falls

Beacon, New York

History meets luxury at The Roundhouse in Beacon Falls. Originally one of the first factories in Beacon in the early 1800s, the owners painstakingly renovated the property with an eye to preservation. With original windows and beams and reclaimed bricks and wood, this boutique hotel celebrates the past while embracing the future. Inside you'll find light and airy rooms with a modern flair, outside you'll be swept away by a charming waterfall and creek. 

The Thayer Hotel at West Point

Lauded as "The Historic Hotel of America," the Thayer Hotel has offered sweeping views of both the Hudson River and the U.S. Military Academy since it opened in 1926. The completely renovated executive rooms provide modern elegance and comfort. Past, present and future converge at this majestic hotel, all while being surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Hudson Valley.