Written by Julie Jones, Travel Without Limits, October 22, 2025
If I say New York, most people will immediately think of New York City, the bustling metropolis known for its world-famous landmarks, Broadway shows and fast-talking locals. Like many, I’ve been wowed by the Big Apple’s energy and attractions but there’s a world of adventures beyond the city limits. In fact, the city is the perfect launch pad for exploring all that New York State has to offer.
New York State
Eleven unique regions make up New York State. From the beach to the mountains, the state has an impressive range of accessible opportunities for all abilities. There’s certainly too many to list, but the following is a taste of the diversity on offer.
Long Island
Long Island is a beach lover’s paradise and offers good accessibility at three of its beaches. Jones Beach (sadly, not named after me), Robert Moses Beach and Coopers Beach; each one offering beach wheelchairs free to loan.
Greater Niagara
Buffalo Niagara is the home of Letchworth State Park, known as the Grand Canyon of the East, where travellers can experience the first US Autism Nature Trail. Designed for visitors of all abilities, including those on the autism spectrum, this trail offers a sensory-friendly environment, interactive stations and stunning scenery year round.
Finger Lakes
In the Finger Lakes region, adaptive equipment ensures everyone can participate in nature and enjoy its beauty. Hoists make kayak transfers possible for wheelchair users and handcycles are available for exploring the lake’s trails.
Adirondacks
Sailors with disabilities can experience the freedom of adaptive sailing on the pristine waters of Lake George in the Adirondacks region. Stable, unsinkable boats with features such as transfer benches and grab bars are used to assist with access.
And nearby The Wild Center and Wild Walk is not to be missed with a wheelchair accessible treetop walkway providing unparalleled views of the Adirondack forest from above.
New York State’s regions, including the Catskills, Capital-Saratoga, 1000 Islands-Seaway, Chautauqua-Allegheny, Central New York and of course New York City, all offer a mix of outdoor activities, art and culture, history and family fun. But, with only four nights to spend in the state, Hudson Valley in Dutchess County was my pick. Conveniently located just a 90-minute train ride from the city it was easy to reach, and with mansions from the Gilded Age, a highly respected culinary scene and quaint towns, I had plenty to explore.
Need an accessible vehicle to see the sights? Accessible car rental is available from Bussani Mobility.
Hudson Valley, Dutchess County
Departing busy Penn Station on an Amtrak train I relaxed into my comfortable window seat keen to see what was beyond New York City. My destination: Poughkeepsie, a popular starting point in the Hudson Valley.
For most of the journey the train line hugged the Hudson River, a quick change of scene from skyscrapers to lush green fields – a glimpse of what was to come over the next four days.
Room at the Inn
After a short drive from Poughkeepsie Railway Station, I checked into The Inn at Bellefield in Hyde Park, a stylish hotel which offers accessible accommodation with the option of an interconnecting room. My suite was light-filled and comfortable with a variety of features and modern conveniences.
Guest rooms are generous in size with good circulation space throughout, including clearance on either side of the king size bed for transferring. For guests that like to be organised and not live out of a suitcase for their stay, the wardrobe has lowered hanging rails, open shelving and a set of drawers.
All amenities in the room are at a lowered height and the adjoining bathroom is fitted with grab rails and a roll-in shower with bench seat.
Self-catering is made easy with a kitchen complete with full-size fridge, dishwasher, microwave and a small table and chairs for dining. The cushy three-seater sofa in the lounge area was my go-to spot for putting my feet up at the end of a fulfilling day sightseeing.
If, like me, you fancy someone else doing the cooking, the hotel’s onsite restaurant, The Storyteller, features upscale meals, signature cocktails, craft beers and local wines. For me, a Hudson Valley Garden Spritz, concocted using the region’s indigenous botanicals, was the perfect accompaniment to my pan-seared lemon pepper chicken.
The Inn at Bellefield offers a peaceful stay for guests looking to embrace Hudson Valley’s country-style hospitality.
Investigating the CIA
My family was justifiably curious when I informed them I’d be visiting the CIA. There was nothing to fear as in this instance, the CIA is the Culinary Institute of America, a training ground for top chefs, including the likes of Anthony Bourdain.
Although I am handy in the kitchen, I was under no illusion that in my short stay in the Hudson Valley I could become anything but an excellent diner. I was dedicated to my mission, lunching on a delicious three course meal including salmon-lobster souffle, Meyer lemon herb ricotta gnocchi and a dessert I had never heard of. Vacherin, I soon learned, is strawberry ice cream, basil meringue, raspberry sorbet, honey Chantilly and poached sugar snap peas. Bocuse, the restaurant where I dined, is one of four award-winning student staffed restaurants open to the public at the CIA.
With prime viewing beside the observation window, I covertly watched the kitchen crew at work (I didn’t want to make the students nervous after all). Their skill set already seemed impressive and a sign of a positive future for the food scene wherever they choose to work. It’s pleasing to learn how many of the students graduate from the Institute and open their own cafes, restaurants and bakeries in the region. A definite win for Dutchess County’s culinary scene.
The CIA is conveniently, and temptingly, close to The Inn at Bellefield, being just across the road. But this CIA is terrible at keeping good things a secret, so booking in advance is the only way you’ll be assured of a reservation.
The CIA offers good accessibility from the carpark to the restaurant.
View of the Hudson
Working off the CIA’s indulgences has been made easy with an elevated accessible walkway over the Hudson River from Poughkeepsie to Highland. Aptly named, The Walkway Over the Hudson, the steel cantilever bridge was originally a double track railroad bridge. Reopened in 2009 as a pedestrian walkway, this is now a popular spot for sightseeing, biking and taking in the views of the Hudson River. It’s a level walk across the bridge but it can be hot in summer so make sure you pack a hat and sunscreen if visiting at that time of year.
Ensuring access for all, an electric tram is available and runs across the bridge seasonally (usually April to November). The tram is operated by friendly and knowledgeable volunteers who drive the 2km (1.28miles) round trip. Short on time, I opted to go part of the way and take the elevator down to the pathway that runs alongside the Hudson River. It’s the perfect spot to get photos of the bridge from below.
For wheelchair users the electric tram offers ramp access and the option of remaining in your wheelchair for the ride.
Cruising the Hudson
After seeing the Hudson River from the train and the Walkway Over the Hudson, it was time for me to hop on board Hudson River Cruises’ Rip Van Winkle II in Kingston to cruise it. On a warm summer’s day, being on the water provided a cool reprieve from the heat and a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. The sightseeing cruise was enhanced with commentary on the sights we were seeing along the river, including some of the mansions from the Gilded Age I would later visit.
As with many boat tours there is a steep-ish ramp to board the vessel, but once on the boat the open deck offers plenty of room to move around to get the best vantage point.
Stairs lead to the upper deck and to the toilet facilities on the lower deck.
The Gilded Age
After seeing the sprawling estate of the Staatsburgh State Historic Site from the river, I was keen to see it up close. The 79-room mansion is an elegant example of the beautiful homes built by America’s financial and industrial leaders during the Gilded Age. It was the home of Ruth Livingston and Ogden Mills but gifted to the state in 1938. The donation of the home also included the majority of its contents, creating a historical time capsule from the era the public can enjoy.
If the walls could talk, I am sure there would be many secrets revealed given Napoleon’s brother, Joseph, was one of the many guests invited to stay at Staatsburgh.
Ramp access is provided to the lower level of the house. A large staircase leads to the second floor but an iPad tour of the upper level is available to any visitors who are unable to go upstairs.
A presidential legacy
I’ll be the first to admit that when I saw a visit to the Presidential Library and Museum of Franklin D. Roosevelt included on my itinerary, I was less than excited. Being an Australian I didn’t have much interest in presidential history, but I am grateful I was encouraged to go along anyway. This for me was the highlight of my time in the Hudson Valley. I came away from this attraction with great admiration for the 32nd President of the United States and perhaps even a little more for his incredible ally and wife, Eleanor Roosevelt. Just one of Eleanor’s accomplishments was co-authoring The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the United Nations, so it seems fitting that one section of the museum is dedicated to her legacy.
My visit began in the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, the birthplace of the president, also fondly referred to as FDR. His family home provided not only an insight into the former President’s childhood, interests and life with his own family but also a more modest era. The guest rooms where the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and the King and Queen of England stayed seemed quite humble when compared to today’s standards.
Franklin D. Roosevelt contracted polio at the age of 39 so it was of particular interest to me to see the adaptations he’d made to his lifestyle and home, including a slimline wheelchair he had fashioned out of a kitchen chair by adding wheels. Modifications to the house included wooden ramps, railings and a lift he would use to move between the two floors in the house. FDR didn’t like electricity for fear of fire, so he used a thick rope and his own muscle power to pull himself up in the lift.
While FDR’s childhood home provides a glimpse into his personal life, the Presidential Library and Museum is filled with the history of his working life. FDR guided the US out of the Great Depression, through World War II and is the only president to be elected for four terms.
The museum includes interactive exhibits, immersive audio visual and even FDR’s personal car, a 1936 Ford Phaeton with hand controls custom made by the Ford Motor Company.
Although the house and museum have many reminders of FDR’s disability, it is also an insightful reflection of the era’s attitude to disability. FDR went to great lengths to not appear “weak” and used his upper arms to mobilise rather than use a wheelchair in public. Although FDR was careful to conceal his disability when in the public eye, he worked to assist others also affected by polio by opening a polio rehabilitation centre and launched a charitable foundation to treat patients and fund research that eventually developed a vaccine.
For visitors interested in FDR’s disability, his work-arounds and the work he did to improve accessibility, it’s worth taking a look at the First Things First FDR, Disability & Access exhibit which is located within the grounds and close to the house.
Ramp and lift access are provided in the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site and level access is throughout the Presidential Library and Museum of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Take a bite
From fine dining to local roadside produce stalls, the quaint towns of Rhinebeck, Beacon and Tivoli have plenty of options to keep you fuelled for your travel including these accessible venues:
- Fortunes Ice Cream in Tivoli – I recommend the butter pecan.
- Il Figlio Enoteca in Fishkill – the pasta gets a chef’s kiss from me.
- Montgomery Place Orchard Farmstand – if the cherries are in season, get some!
- Eveready Diner – a visit to a classic diner is a must.
- Bread Alone in Rhinebeck – pastries, snacks and hot drinks.
- Terrapin in Rhinebeck – there’s something on the menu for everyone at this venue.
My previous travels to the US East Coast had me starting and finishing my trip in New York City but venturing a little further on this trip delivered great dividends.