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An outstanding day trip from New York City takes you to the former John D. Rockefeller estate along the Hudson River. Called Kykuit (meaning "lookout"), this was the beloved summer home of four generations of one of America's most well-known and wealthiest families.

The first generation focused on creating the magnificent Italian-style gardens that overlook the Hudson River Valley. Latter generations refined the interior of the home and added a great art collection to both the home and gardens.

John D. Rockefeller, the family patriarch, was once the richest person in the United States. In fact, in spite of humble beginnings, he alone once comprised some two percent of the U.S. gross national product, while controlling 95 percent of the oil refining capacity in the U.S.

Luckily for us, the Rockefeller family had money—and good taste.

You'll love how beautiful and interesting this trip will be.

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Getting there is half the fun.

NY Waterway offers cruises to Kykuit on summer and autumn weekends.

These leave from the NY Waterway terminal at the west end of 38th Street in Manhattan. Transfer from the dock in Tarrytown to the estate is included.

You absolutely must book this trip in advance. See the website, or contact NY Waterway at 1 800 533-3779 if you can't find the tour information on the site.

Although you won't travel via the main portion of New York Harbour, your cruise up the Hudson is a fantastically beautiful and fascinating trip.

Reaching Kykuit by train

From Grand Central Terminal in New York, Metro North Railroad offers daily, except Tuesday, rail service to Tarrytown near Kykuit from spring through autumn.

See "day trips" on its website for package details.

Note that a taxi fare is not included from the train station to Kykuit.

Also, note the choice of a "House and Inner Garden" tour throughout the day or an outside—garden and sculpture—tour at one specific time each day.

If you take the train, be sure to leave New York by mid morning.

Kykuit

Before your trip, please visit two websites:

The National Trust, and—more comprehensive—

Historic Hudson Valley. (Choose "Kykuit" from the "Select an estate" function.)

The late Nelson Rockefeller, former governor of New York and vice president of the United States, opened Kykuit to the public.

You will appreciate this decision.

Have a super trip!

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