• Don’t miss the water-powered grist mill at Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate. The estate, just 25 miles from New York City, is so immense one could spend a week taking the different tours. (Judy Crowell / Noozhawk)
  • A breathtaking view of the Hudson River from lawns at Kykuit. The estate sits on the highest point of the Pocantico Hills. (Judy Crowell / Noozhawk)
  • The entrance at Kykuit. (Judy Crowell / Noozhawk)
  • Kykuit, home to four generations of the Rockefeller family. (Judy Crowell / Noozhawk)
  • Mint Premium Foods & Restaurant. (Judy Crowell / Noozhawk)
  • Tarry Tavern. (Judy Crowell / Noozhawk)
  • Washington Irving’s Sunnyside is considered one of the most authentic examples of mid-19th century life anywhere in the United States. He began building it in 1835, wrapping it up in a wisteria vine. (Judy Crowell / Noozhawk)
  • The Castle Hotel & Spa in Tarrytown, N.Y., is the perfect place to begin your exploration of the Hudson Valley. (Judy Crowell / Noozhawk)
  • Chess at The Castle Hotel & Spa. (Judy Crowell / Noozhawk)

— Noozhawk associate editor Michelle Nelson can be reached at mnelson@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.