Hudson Valley Escapes: Poughkeepsie
1/30/2008 at 4:20 PM
Tags: Hudson Valley Escapes, Hudson-Valley-Map, Hiking, Restaurants, Hotels (all tags)
Though it's known best for Vassar College, Poughkeepsie is more than just a college town--it's a city-dweller's getaway that's packed with trails, scenic views of the Hudson and Victorian homes.
Once there, visitors can hit the trails: Waryas Park follows the shore of the Hudson; the Springside Landscape Restoration winds through carefully-designed trails; and Spratt Park's paths are ideal for joggers or bicyclists. It's also close to the Appalachian Trail and the Hudson River Valley Greenway. If you wouldn't be caught dead hiking, the 1869 Bardayon Opera House and the city's art-packed Main Street should suit nicely.
Our Guide to Poughkeepsie
Where to Stay: When in the Hudson Valley, take advantage of the area's Victorian architecture by staying overnight at one of Poughkeepsie's bed and breakfasts. Try the Copper Penny Inn, a four-room B&B inside an 1860s farmhouse. Copper Penny is within walking distance of Vassar, and it's a short ride from Beacon and other Hudson hotspots.
The larger, and more expensive Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa, located five miles from Poughkeepsie in Milton, New York, sits on 70 acres of countryside, and has 13 rooms, one apartment and one suite. In addition to traditional baked goods, Buttermilk also provides a selection of spa services to its guests; a long day of hiking does warrant a dip in the jacuzzi.
Where to Eat: Though it's home to thousands of college students, don't expect just pizza joints. For a taste of New Orleans, check out Spanky's Restaurant on Main Street, where chefs serve up clams on the half shell and a slew of reasonably priced Cajun dishes. On Fridays and Saturdays, Spanky's resident pianist makes you feel straight classy.
Another Poughkeepsie standard is Gentlemen Jim's Restaurant. In addition to its great name, it has dishes heavy on the meat and seafood, along with super-rich appetizers, like cheddar cheese soup.
Getting There: With service via Amtrak and Metro North railroad, getting there is simple, and won't leave a dent in your wallet: A 90-minute ride on Amtrak is under $35, and Metro-North tickets are less than $25.
Related Stories:
· Copper Penny Inn [Official site]
· Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa [Official site]
· Spanky's Restaurant [Official site]
· Gentlemen Jim's Restaurant [Pubcrawler.com]
· Hudson Valley Escapes [Jaunted]
[Photo: cerealfan]
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