Based on everyone’s advice, I’m narrowing down to two scenarios:
Drive up to Newburgh and stay at the airport Homewood Suites, possible dinner at Blu Point, then tour West Point and Storm King Art Center Friday before heading up to Saratoga Springs (no idea yet when brother’s rehearsal dinner will start).
Drive up to Poughkeepsie and stay at the Hyatt Place, dinner at a CIA venue if possible, something FDR-ish or the Vanderbilt mansion Friday, maybe Walkway over the Hudson?
Much as I myself would love to wander charming quaint towns and shops, drawbacks are (1) time and (2) husband and son. I might fit some such in that Saturday in Saratoga Springs (staying at the Embassy Suites) but wedding activities begin at 4:00 and I’ll need time to get ready. (Not concerned with what to wear since I’ll be the mostly unknown out-of-town aunt of the groom. Mass of guests will be wedding couple’s NYC friends and bride’s Long Island relatives. Perhaps I’ll just show up in typical San Diego casual waterfront wear.)