As the last stop on the Metro-North line from New York City, Poughkeepsie is an easy retreat for weekend warriors who crave riverside views in spring and foliage tours in fall. No matter what time of year, the waterfront city in Dutchess County has it all. To make the most of a full day trip, intersperse local flavors with regional history and low-key recreation. By the time nightfall rolls around, you may never want to leave.
8 a.m. – Order your morning pick-me-up at The Poughkeepsie Grind
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While the central coffee shop is renowned for its Instagram-worthy waffles, The Poughkeepsie Grind is the ideal spot to grab your morning joe. The spot roasts its own coffee in-house under the Illuminated Coffee Company label with fair trade and organic beans from around the world. Go for the classic latte or cold brew, or spring for the Crema de Cafe for a deliciously whipped Italian coffee cream. If coffee isn’t your thing, the Harnold Palmer offers the perfect blend of house-made lemonade and Harney & Sons iced tea.
107 Main St, Poughkeepsie
845.345.9588
9:30 a.m. – Dig into a brunch spread at Savona’s
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With multiple locations across the Hudson Valley, Savona’s is a must-try brunch spot in the region. The Italian eatery brings a modern vibe to Poughkeepsie’s historic Arlington neighborhood with breathtaking ambiance and sidewalk seating in the warmer months that evokes that French cafe feel. Go big with brunch at Savona’s thanks to mimosas, Bloody Marys, and cold-pressed espresso martinis. When it comes to dining, the menu meshes traditional Italian dishes with local flavor for plates like lemon ricotta waffles, Sicilian street breakfast sandwiches, eggs in purgatory, fried artichoke Benedicts, and much more.
1 Collegeview Ave, Poughkeepsie
845.867.4505
11:30 a.m. – Stroll along the Walkway Over the Hudson
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If you can’t find a roadside spot, park the car in the Poughkeepsie entrance lot on Parker Avenue before beginning the trip across the Walkway Over the Hudson. The former railroad bridge is now one of Poughkeepsie’s top attractions, and for good reason. At the center point between Poughkeepsie and Highland, it offers walkers an unparalleled view of the Hudson River. Speaking of the middle ground, the bridge’s halfway marker may be where you choose to turn around and head back to the car. The complete loop to the Highland side and back is just shy of three miles.
61 Parker Ave, Poughkeepsie
845.454.9649
1 p.m. – Taste the flavors of Little Italy at Rossi’s
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Housed in the heart of Poughkeepsie’s Little Italy neighborhood, Rosticceria Rossi & Sons is a holy grail for locals and Marist College students alike. One step into the corner deli and you’ll understand why. Snatches of Italian fly through the air as the Rossi family slices fresh bread and roasted meat faster than seems humanly possible. Mix and match ingredients to form your own panino or order one of the hot dishes of the day. Visit the deli’s second location in Poughkeepsie’s Eastdale Village to grab a sandwich that’s bigger than your head.
Rosticceria – 45 S Clover St, Poughkeepsie
845.471.0654
Alimentari – 25 Eastdale Ave N, Poughkeepsie
845.470.2392
2:30 p.m. – Explore local history at Locust Grove
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Put down the phone and try the telegraph at Locust Grove Estate. The former home of Morse code inventor Samuel Morse is now a public estate that spans 200 acres in Poughkeepsie. Although the sprawling grounds are ideal for walks or hikes, take time to head indoors to explore the mansion that Morse commissioned in 1850 or join one of the guided tours, which run from 10:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Throughout the year, the visitor center houses local artist exhibitions as well.
2683 South Rd, Poughkeepsie
845.454.4500
4 p.m. – Shop and recharge at Eastdale Village
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Speaking of Eastdale Village, Poughkeepsie’s ever-evolving neighborhood is a hub for community with shopping, eating, and plenty of to-dos. Eastdale is its own unique village with a live-work-dine-shop-play mindset, making it the perfect place to get all your shopping done at once. Take a stroll down Eastdale Avenue to browse gift shops, pet stores, kitchenware, boutiques, and more. Grab a bouquet at Hudson Valley Floral, head to The Refillery Storehouse for sustainable grocery shopping, and upgrade your fashion at Freddy B. When you’re all shopped out, check out Hudson Nails for a manicure or Jolie Aesthetics and Wellness for med-spa services.
10 Otto Way, Poughkeepsie
845.454.6500
6 p.m. – Enjoy craft brews and global fare at Mill House Brewing Company
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A Poughkeepsie classic since it opened in 2013, Mill House Brewing Company is all about artfully crafted ales and regionally inspired eats. The restaurant goes above and beyond traditional bar fare with small bites like bang bang cauliflower and lamb gyro sliders, creative pizzas, bursting burgers and sandwiches, and entrees including truffled short rib gnocchi, shoyu ramen, kielbasa and pierogis, and sage and garlic sausage. Ask your waiter for a Mill House beer pairing or choose your own adventure with favorites like Kold One, Blueberry Blessings, or Oktoberfest.
289 Mill St, Poughkeepsie
845.485.2739
8:30 p.m. – Rest your eyes at The Heartwood
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Poughkeepsie’s new boutique hotel, The Heartwood is quickly becoming a favorite among tourists and locals alike thanks to an elevated bar and restaurant. The hotel is located adjacent to Vassar College, so each room yields stunning views of the campus and its historic architecture. From standard rooms to suites, The Heartwood’s accommodations include amenities like smart TVs, minifridges, coffee bars, and complimentary internet. Plus, the hotel is pet-friendly, so everyone is welcome.
165 College Ave, Poughkeepsie
845.714.2000
Related: What to Do in Warwick: A 24-Hour Guide to Food and Fun
