Though it's located in a swanky part of Westchester County, White Plains is nowhere near as snobbish as Manhattan's Upper East Side. But just because the town is cozier than the New York, don't think it doesn't boast its fair share of larger-than-life homes.
The good news is that none of 'em are currently inhabited. Why? They're historic sites, former homes to famous New Yorkers of yore. In addition to mansions and manors, White Plains' proximity to arts-oriented college SUNY-Purchase means the town also has an active culture community.
Though it's known best for Vassar College, Poughkeepsie is more than just a college town--it's a city-dweller's getaway that's packed with trails, scenic views of the Hudson and Victorian homes.
Once there, visitors can hit the trails: Waryas Park follows the shore of the Hudson; the Springside Landscape Restoration winds through carefully-designed trails; and Spratt Park's paths are ideal for joggers or bicyclists. It's also close to the Appalachian Trail and the Hudson River Valley Greenway. If you wouldn't be caught dead hiking, the 1869 Bardayon Opera House and the city's art-packed Main Street should suit nicely.
Just a few decades ago, Beacon was little more than a small town left depressed by the loss of Industrial Age-factories. But, thanks to an influx of artists escaping sky-high rent in New York City, the town has had a resurgence in both culture and tourism. At the center of the transformation is DIA:Beacon, an expansive contemporary art museum that houses enormous sculptures and installations.
What makes it special is its size. DIA:Beacon can do what no museum in New York can: house works of art that take up multiple rooms. Though permanent exhibitions take up most of the center's space, a limited number of special exhibitions and ongoing projects keep things interesting. Currently, artist George Trakas is constructing an angled dock spanning 25 acres overlooking the Hudson Valley riverfront.
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by laurenuta
