The Hudson River Valley in the lower part of New York State is rather narrow. In other words,  you can probably get from point A to somewhere else in less time than you think.  Take Bedford for an example.  The Bedford area includes such longtime vacation home hotspots like Katonah and Mount Kisco, yet it is also convenient to Bridgeport, Connecticut, to New York City, and to the Long Island Sound.

This makes Bedford an ideal spot for a home base, particularly if you’re planning on going with a group of friends with different plans.  A vacation rental might be a good choice for families and groups.  However, there is also another highly valid point for getting a vacation rental in the Bedford area - especially if you like to golf.  There’s no fewer than 20 golf courses (public and private) within a ten mile radius. 

While the golfers golf, there’s no reason for everyone else to sit indoors.  Bedford itself, founded in 1680, retains both some of its original village green and its original layout.  There are also several parks in the area, which provide the opportunity to swim, hike, play baseball or basketball or tennis.  If the golfing outlasts the patience of non-participants, take comfort in the fact the beach (as in the Atlantic) is half an hour away and the shops of New York City are an hour distant.