Poughkeepsie Holidays

Holidays in Poughkeepsie

This city is called home by about 33,000 people.

Albany, the state capital, is situated 65 miles north of Poughkeepsie, while Hyde Park can be found 6 miles to the north.

If you're travelling with the entire family, trips to Fun Central and the Dutchess County Fairgrounds should definitely be popular. Are the kids still not worn out? Keep the excitement going with a trip to SplashDown Beach and the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum.

Want to see the wildest spot in town? Then swing by the Trevor Zoo, where the entire family can marvel at a few of the wonders of the magnificent animal kingdom.

Wine buffs can spend a day discovering the region's glorious vineyards. A range of tantalising drops are available at the West Park Winery and the Clinton Vineyards. For a greater insight into the winemaking craft, continue to the Millbrook Vineyards and Winery and the Benmaryle Wineries.

Botanical experts and novices alike will be happy to find out about this region's rich plant collections. For a blossom-filled day, start with a walk around the winding pathways at Manitoga The Russel Wright Design Centre. Once you're done there, head over to Stonecrop Gardens, where the variety of species alone is worth beholding. For those travellers who are more devoted, the Innisfree Garden and the Northern Dutchess Botanical Gardens also have some unique floral displays.

How does an alfresco lunch sound? Grab some cheese and crackers and head to Minnewaska State Park or Hudson Highlands State Park for a chilled out picnic. If you're after more options, stake out a good spot and let the day go idly by at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site or Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park.

Watch in wonder as the dancing waters of Stony Kill Falls cascade into the bubbling surface below.

If you're hoping to recharge those batteries, you'll find a range of nature reserves and parks to explore. Start with a deep breath of fresh air among the plants and animals at James Baird State Park or Bowdoin Park. For those who haven't yet fully recharged, Constitution Island and West Point Foundry Preserve are two more worth visiting.

If you're in need of a couple of tranquil places to collect your thoughts and maybe even learn a thing or two, you can't go past Locust Grove and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Enquire about group tours or just study the interesting exhibits on your own. Need more? Also head to the Garrison Art Centre and the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site.

Pick up a coffee with an extra shot — you've got a long day of gallery hopping ahead of you. DM Weil Gallery is a brilliant place to start. Next on the map are the exceptional collections of the G. Steve Jordan Gallery and the Dia Beacon.

Step back in time and learn about the events and people that have helped shape this area at the Wilderstein Historic Site and the Van Wyck Homestead Museum. The Museum of Rhinebeck History and the Hyde Park Historical Society Museum are also worth a peek if you'd like a better understanding of the past.

Want to better understand Poughkeepsie's history? Then don't miss the Culinary Institute of America and the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site. If time isn't an issue, John Kane House and the Hyde Park Railroad Station are a couple more must-visits.

Take some time out to watch the water meander below Poughkeepsie Bridge and Mid-Hudson Bridge.

If you've ever had the challenge of decorating a room, you'll definitely appreciate the huge amount of effort that has gone into the plush interior of Vanderbilt Mansion.

Live like a prince or princess, even if it's just for an hour, at Wing's Castle and Lyndhurst Castle.

You don't need to be devout to explore Graymoor - The Holy Mountain and Chapel Restoration, two sites renowned for their spiritual and cultural value. Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church and Federated Church of Kerhonkson are some other historically important holy places to add to your itinerary.

They might not be on the cover of any travel magazines, but the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Centre and the East Fishkill Community Library are still worth a look. There's also plenty to keep you interested at the Rosendale Public Library and the Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Centre.