Hyde Park

The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park is a highly reputable institution throughout the Hudson Valley and across the nation; widely recognized as the world's premier culinary college. The campus is majestic with a sense of glory. The grounds overlook the amazing Hudson River offering the visitor great views and tranquility along with a great meal. Before being bought by the CIA in 1970, the campus used to be a Jesuit monastery which explains the beautiful stained glass windows visible in most of the original buildings on campus. The student cafeteria is adorned with some beautiful stained glass windows as it used to be the chapel of the monastery. The CIA is a great destination for diners looking for a unique experience. The five award winning restaurants are operated by the students and offer an amazingly delicious experience. Your meal and service could be someone's final exam! Reservations ahead of time are required. In addition to dining, a visitor to the CIA can also make reservation for a public tour of campus for a behind scenes firsthand experience of the CIA. The CIA restaurants are:
American Bounty Restaurant - http://www.ciarestaurants.com/diningatthecia/american-bounty-restaurant/
Apple Pie Bakery Café - http://www.ciarestaurants.com/diningatthecia/applepie-bakery-cafe/
Ristorante Caterina de’ Medici - http://www.ciarestaurants.com/diningatthecia/caterina/
Escoffier Restaurant - http://www.ciarestaurants.com/diningatthecia/escoffier-restaurant/
St. Andrew’s Café - http://www.ciarestaurants.com/diningatthecia/st-andrews-cafe/

There are two things everyone will mention first when talking about Hyde Park: It's the birthplace and final resting place of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Culinary Institute of America is located here. Both of these go a long way toward defining Hyde Park. Not only is this hamlet where FDR was born, but it's also the site of his home, presidential library and museum. There is a lot of history to love here, so if you're a big fan of American history, especially the times of the Great Depression and WWII, Hyde Park could be the place for you.

The Culinary Institute of America is also a big draw. It's one of the biggest cooking schools in the country, if not the world, and it's renowned for its quality. You will meet future chefs if you're in Hyde Park. This is not a bad thing, as you are likely to get a few great dinners out of the experience.

These two defining characteristics bring a lot of tourists, and therefore business, into Hyde Park. The population is much larger than most hamlets in Dutchess County, and this larger population has made Hyde Park a great place to live if you're interested in having more to do. Whereas many hamlets are small and sleepy, Hyde Park feels far more alive and entertaining. There are a fair number of restaurants and hotels for tourists, and this benefits the locals with not only business, but also more things to do. There are a fair number of shops in Hyde Park, and you can always find something fun to buy or do.

Hyde Park is one of the few hamlets that I suggest for singles because of the larger population. At the very least you have a chance of meeting more than one or two single people. That's a huge plus for single guys and girls out there.

Outside of the attractions, Hyde Park is very nice and welcoming, safe, clean and a fine place to raise kids. I think having all the history around will give kids a great appreciation where we've come from here in the US, and the schools are supposed to be pretty good, so no worries about getting a decent education.

From the historic buildings to the kind community, Hyde Park is definitely a place to check out for at least a visit, if not to live!