By Shanea Patterson

6/15/09

            It’s the question many residents and natives may ask on a daily basis. For those of us who’ve lived there for 10 years or more, Poughkeepsie may not seem like such an exciting place. However, there are some marvels about the four square miles of land that may be great for visitors and tourists to check out while in town.

            One of its greatest attractions for family get-togethers is Waryas Park, located in downtown Poughkeepsie, which is equipped with a mid-sized playground, cook-out grounds and events galore all summer long. It overlooks the Hudson River, which begins in the Adirondack Mountains, flowing from eastern New York down past the Capital District and then forms an estuary into the Upper New York Bay, separating New York City and New Jersey. Waryas Park is home to many of the city’s biggest events, from the end point of the Caribbean Day Parade to Gospel concerts and step shows that take up most of the summer days.

            Poughkeepsie is primed with entertainment venues, such as the Civic Center, which houses events such as WWE Wrestling shows, music concerts, benefits, hockey competitions, and other things of that nature.

            As for visitors to the small city, there are several hotels in the area. The Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel would be the closest to all of the entertainment located in downtown Poughkeepsie, such as the Children’s Museum and the Art Galleries.          Speaking of food, if you’re ever in town, check out Shadows, a fairly new restaurant located on the riverfront, directly next to the GrandView, a luxurious entertainment venue. Shadows is an exquisite, upscale restaurant, voted the Hudson Valley’s premiere dinning experience, with panoramic views of the Hudson and complimentary valet parking on the weekends. It offers choices such as Chicken Marsala, (Boneless Breast of Chicken Sautéed with Fresh Mushroom Slices, finished with Marsala Wine Served with Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables), Filet of Sole Francaise (Sole, Egg Battered then Sautéed in a Lemon Butter and, White Wine Sauce Served with Rice and Seasonal Vegetables) and Chicken Portobello (Sautéed Chicken and Portobello Slices, Reduced Marsala Demi Glace, over Mashed Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables).  Even the dessert screams, Eat Me! With choices like Alsatian Cheese Cake with Huckleberry Sauce and Bananas Foster, it’s no wonder this restaurant is a place you must visit before leaving.

            Transportation is plentiful in this four square mile-sized town. From city buses and trolleys, to trains and taxicabs, there’s always a way to get around in Poughkeepsie. Not to mention, walking is always another alternative since most entertainment can be found right around town.

            That is if you’re not planning on going to the movies or enjoy the Galleria shopping mall. But that’s no problem, just hop on a Loop 2 bus and it will take you down Route 9, where all the shopping is (excluding Route 44 in the Town of Poughkeepsie, which also offers pretty good shopping) and directly to the Galleria Mall, where the Cinema has recently just undergone rebuilding for more comfortable enjoyment.

Visitors and tourists shouldn’t be disappointed with the many attractions and fun-filled activities that Poughkeepsie has to offer.