HBGALLAVANTERS

After visiting Elenor’s retreat it was time to go see FDR’s birthplace, Visitor Center and Presidential Library/Museum.   First, the Visitor Center was “open” meaning you could walk inside but most of it was closed to the public. The theatre showing movies was closed, the gallery was closed so basically you could walk in get a map and ask the ranger where to go.  There was a very cool mosaic map of the grounds built into the floor that you could see.  As for his home, you need timed tickets to enter. We were unable to get tickets because they were totally sold out three weeks before we arrived.  You can walk around the grounds which are lovely.  The home sits on a bluff high above the Hudson River.  It is a serene spot as is the garden where FDR and Eleanor are buried.  We were lucky to get tickets to visit FDR’s library/museum.  The Presidential Libraries are controlled by the US Department of Archives - NOT the Department of Interior (Park Servi...

 What a beautiful location. This is the house that FDR built for his wife. He purchased the property next to his ancestral home on the Hudson River to add to his families holdings but he eventually built homes for his wife and a small get-away for himself so they had places that they could control. Since he was the only child of his mother Sara, he would eventually inherit Springwood, the family estate on the Hudson, but until her death, Sara controlled the house and she did not really like Eleanor.  The house and it’s adjoining buildings were Eleanor’s retreat. She and two friends stayed in the house during here lifetime.  She and friends started a company to teach local folks trades. The company housed on site made beautiful wood furniture and pewter works but as the depression deepened, fewer orders were placed and the company folded after about 10 years.  This park like many we have visited was short staffed so you could not go in and visit her home.  She mo...

Stayed at Interlake Campground in Rhinebeck, NY so we could visit attractions in Hyde Park. This campground was beautiful but a little tight for larger rigs (our motor home is 32’).  Really beautiful wooded sites. Great pool and pond. It even had a phone booth. Can’t remember the last time I saw that.