Location: Poughkeepsie
Top Things to do in Poughkeepsie
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Poughkeepsie That You Shouldn't Miss
A short ride away from New York City on the Metro North commuter rail, Poughkeepsie sits on the banks of the Hudson River. The close proximity of Vassar College and the Culinary Institute of America guarantees the presence of fun boutiques and fine dining. Main Mall Row, a group of 1870s Renaissance Revival storefronts along Poughkeepsie's Main Street is on the National Register of Historic Places. The twenty-two surrounding parks provide the opportunity to take a relaxing break from city life.
Restaurants in Poughkeepsie
1. Bardavon Opera House
2. Locust Grove Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 252 reviews
Overlooking the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie New York, the 200-acre Locust Grove Estate is a museum and nature preserve centered on a 45-room Italianate villa built in 1851. Begining in 1895 new owners William and Martha Young redecorated the mansion with their vast collection of art and antiques, and added new gardens. Mr. and Mrs. Young's daughter, Annette, lived at Locust Grove until 1975, preserving the estate essentially as her parents had used it. Inside the historic mansion, step back in time to the early years of the 20th century; the Young family's collection of Hudson River School paintings, early 19th-century American furniture, and personal possessions are still in place after more than a century.
Reviewed By LollyLongo - Bergenfield, United States
Toured the Locust Grove Estate Mansion summer retreat (25 rooms) of inventor Samuel F. B. Morse, father of the telegraph, including the Morse Exhibition Gallery. A beautiful estate with miles of carriage roads, historic gardens and Hudson River views. We were not allowed to take pics inside the mansion. You can visit the Museum Shop and Morse Gallery on the premises. As a painter and the founding President of the National Academy of Design, Morse was one of the most recognized artistic voices in 19th-century New York before he began experimenting with the electromagnetic telegraph. In 1895, two decades after the death of Samuel Morse, his family sold the estate to William and Martha Young who moved to the house with their two children and a staff of 12 servants. Their daughter, Annette, lived at Locust Grove until 1975 and at the end of her life ensured that the property would become a museum, education center and nature preserve. I strongly recommend taking the tour….our guide was so informative.
3. Marist College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By krk68
Beautiful campus on the Hudson River. I visited with my daughter as she is a senior in high school. Our tour guide was excellent and gave us a complete tour of the campus even though we could not enter any of the buildings. The campus is laid out well with pathways and lots of well maintained greenery. The campus is right off Rt 9 so there is some traffic noise but it's not disturbing at all. Marist has a great academic program and all the staff and students that we met were helpful, cordial and nice to deal with during our short stay. I would highly recommend a visit to Marist College for folks that are in the area or if you daughter or son has any interest in attending this school.
4. Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,305 reviews
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is a 19th century railroad bridge transformed into the world's longest elevated pedestrian park.
Reviewed By cdoe6281 - Poughkeepsie, United States
It is so nice to walk over the bridge! People go solo, for a romantic date, or with families of all ages! Beautiful views and make sure to take a ride on the glass elevator. ???? Also, have you kids use the toilets before you get on the actual bride. ????there are some porta-potties before you get on.
5. Vassar College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By tymetraveler222 - Bay City, United States
What a beautiful college this is. The buildings are stunning and an architectural delight. The entrances are especially interesting, as well as the library. A definite must if nearby. A great place to take a walk and sit on a bench under the lovely trees.
6. Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 156 reviews
Reviewed By LollyLongo - Bergenfield, United States
Photography is permitted for personal use only, and is restricted to works of art in the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center’s permanent collection (objects on loan to the Art Center may not be photographed). Hand-held cameras only may be used; tripods are not permitted. Large bags must be stored in one of the Art Center’s cubbies. Backpacks must either be stored or carried on the front of the body. Vassar College has been collecting works of art for over one hundred and fifty years, formerly as the Vassar College Art Gallery and since 1993 as the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center. The founding collection numbered over 3,000 paintings (mostly American) and works on paper (mostly European). It has since grown to over 19,000 works of art spanning all chronological periods and many cultures. The collections of the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center are intended to support all aspects of the curriculum and to enhance the cultural life in the Hudson Valley region of New York. While only a small percentage of the entire collection is visible in the galleries at one time, many fine works rotate through the galleries as part of temporary exhibitions as well as the permanent collection installation. Recommend while visiting the Loeb Art Center visit the Vassar Library, Church, and a walking tour of the beautiful grounds.
7. Sprout Creek Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
8. The Poughkeepsie Post Office
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 49 reviews
Historic post office contains murals depicting local history.
Reviewed By ericsE9052MD
Before you say "A post office is just a post office" consider the beautiful historic building that is this one. A few years ago I even attended a classical music concert held in the space. Worth visiting.
9. Mid-Hudson Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 133 reviews
The Mid-Hudson Children's Museum is the ideal destination for families with young children. With exhibits that promote play and early learning, the museum welcomes over 62,000 visitors each year. Exhibit galleries include: Early Learning Junction, River Town, a Science Center, Imagination Playground, My Backyard Adventure, and a Children's Garden. The museum also features weekly drop-In educational programs. The Mid-Hudson Children's Museum is the ONLY children's museum in the Hudson River Valley between the larger New York City and Albany areas. The museum is located in the heart of the historic waterfront in Poughkeepsie, just steps away from the Poughkeepsie Metro-North train station, the Walkway Over the Hudson's Elevator, fabulous restaurants, and a new city park. The Mid-Hudson Children's Museum is an independent 501(c)3 not-for-profit educational organization supported by admission and membership sales, program fees, donations, and grants.
Reviewed By Paaka75 - Poughkeepsie, United States
Small, very "doable" museum for kids ten and under. Fabulous place for a birthday party. Many interactive exhibits to keep the youngsters occupied and happy.
10. The Waterfront
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By CaptainSailorDan - Poughkeepsie, United States
2.5 hr cruise and or sailing on the Hudson River. exclusively for 6 passengers. Chartered by USCG Captain Dan
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