Poughkeepsie, New York might not be the premier city in its great state, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a hidden Hudson Valley gem that deserves exploring. If you aren’t exactly interested in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or Long Island, and you aren’t looking for the headache of trying to find a cab to get around those parts of New York, Poughkeepsie offers a quieter, more accessible experience in the Hudson Valley.
So Poughkeepsie sounds like a nice weekend, but what exactly should you plan to do? Maybe you’re looking for a romantic date night or a great activity for the kids. Luckily, Poughkeepsie has both. Book a chauffeured vehicle so you can enjoy the beauties of the Hudson River Valley without glancing back and forth from the road to your window. Your Chauffeur can even be a trusted advisor on the best spots in Poughkeepsie to take the kids or your significant other. If you want to have a few ideas in mind beforehand, check out our list.
Poughkeepsie Grand HotelWant to enjoy a nice getaway? Reserve a room at this hotel, where you and your loved one can experience a comfortable atmosphere and eat a free breakfast every day. Guests will enjoy rooms equipped with microwaves and refrigerators, as well as free copies of USA Today. If you want to experience a “staycation” with the family, the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel is quite close to both to two of the places featured in this list: Locust Grove and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Home and Library.
Walkway Over the HudsonNatural beauty and delight never took a more accessible form than in the popular Walkway Over the Hudson, which offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the newly-transformed railroad bridge which spans 1.8 miles over the Hudson River. The Walkway was opened in October 2009, and is looking forward to celebrating four years of bringing people from all over the Poughkeepsie area to enjoy its bird’s-eye view of such a beautiful part of the state and country.
Mid-Hudson Children’s MuseumIf you’re a family with small children, and you’re looking for a great outing in the Hudson River Valley that is family-friendly, consider stopping in at the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum. Not only does the Museum feature plenty of interactive exhibits, your children will have tons of opportunity to explore, build, collaborate, create, and simply have fun. Family days are few and far between; why not spend one letting your kids explore the world that is so new to them?
Locust GroveOne of Poughkeepsie’s most picturesque destinations for family or romantic getaways, Locust Grove prides itself on being a destination of luxury and beauty. Built in 1851, the estate features a mansion, miles of well-kept gardens and groves, and gorgeous views of the Hudson Valley. It functions as a not-for-profit museum where families or couples can go to experience some of Poughkeepsie’s history and natural beauty.
Home of Franklin Delano RooseveltFranklin D. Roosevelt, lovingly known as FDR, was president of the United States for an unprecedented four terms and considered the Hudson River Valley the home of all homes. Springwood, the estate that he kept in Poughkeepsie, has now become a living artifact, complete with a Presidential Library and Museum, so you and your family can make a day trip out of one of Poughkeepsie’s most educational and enjoyable historical locations.
Exploring new places, especially locations in a region as beautiful as the Hudson River Valley, often yields beautiful memories and even better photographs. Even though Poughkeepsie might not be the marquee city in New York, it has a quiet charm and an unassuming glitter to it that make for the perfect weekend destination for a couple or a family. Book car service to ensure that your trip is as effortless and enjoyable as possible, and discover all that Poughkeepsie has to offer.
photo credit: Roadgeek Adam via photopin cc
Posted on Aug 16 2013