We left Albany around 10 a.m., ready for the drive south to Queens. The day was bright, and with a few hours ahead of us, we decided to break up the trip with a stop at Hyde Park—the home of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

The grounds of FDR’s estate were peaceful, a blend of history and Hudson Valley scenery. We took the house tour, which offered a glimpse into the life of the 32nd President. Walking through the rooms where Roosevelt lived and worked felt like stepping back in time. Though we didn’t make it into the presidential library and museum, the house itself told plenty of stories, from its stately architecture to the personal artifacts that remain inside.

After our stop, we continued south, crossing into the bustle of New York City. By late afternoon, we arrived at our Airbnb in Queens. The neighborhood welcomed us right away—quiet, tree-lined streets and a friendly atmosphere, a nice balance from the energy of Manhattan just across the river.

It was a day that blended history with the excitement of arriving someplace new: from the legacy of FDR in Hyde Park to the comfort of settling into our Queens home base.