Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie (Wappinger Native American for "reed-covered lodge by the little water place") has the reputation of a river town fallen on hard times, but it's in the midst of a revitalization including a $40 million waterfront project along the Hudson. The recent opening of a park and rare pedestrian walkway to cross the great river combined with the existing historic districts filled with shops, pubs and restaurants to invigorate the downtown area. The Victorian-mansion set Cunneen-Hackett Cultural Center, the ornate Bardavon 1869 Opera House and The Chance top the list of music venues for unique and impressive performances. A number of ...

Poughkeepsie (Wappinger Native American for "reed-covered lodge by the little water place") has the reputation of a river town fallen on hard times, but it's in the midst of a revitalization including a $40 million waterfront project along the Hudson. The recent opening of a park and rare pedestrian walkway to cross the great river combined with the existing historic districts filled with shops, pubs and restaurants to invigorate the downtown area. The Victorian-mansion set Cunneen-Hackett Cultural Center, the ornate Bardavon 1869 Opera House and The Chance top the list of music venues for unique and impressive performances. A number of galleries, not to mention Vassar, the first college in the country to have its own art gallery (today owning more than 12,500 works), offer art lovers a variety of styles to enjoy, including those of the renowned Hudson River School. Nature lovers enjoy hiking and biking along the Hudson and rolling hills famous for scenic horse farms, massive estates and manses. The tastiest of al fresco picnics can be created with sweet and savory delicacies from nearby CIA (Culinary Institute of America) Apple Pie Bakery Cafe, though true foodies will want to make advanced reservations and try one of the Institute’s more formal restaurants, each of the five award-winning, student-staffed eateries showcasing a different culinary theme.

About the Expert

Sascha Zuger is the author of the New York State Moon Handbook, the travel novel Girl Overboard (under the pseudonym Aimee Ferris), and is a freelancer for publications such as National Geographic Traveler, the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post.