The name comes from the word which means the reed covered lodge by the little water place referring to a spring or stream feeding into the Hudson River, south of the present downtown area. Poughkeepsie is known as The Queen City of the Hudson.

It is a trade centre and was once a major manufacturing centre, but suffered severe economic decline in the early 1990s. It now has computer hardware and software research and development firms and light manufacturing.

Local attractions include the FD Roosevelt Home and Library, Vanderbilt Mansion and Gardens, Vassar College, Marist College, Woodbury Commons Factory Outlets, Dutchess County Fairgrounds,Culinary Institute of America, West Point US Military Academy, and nearby vineyards, golf and shopping.

When the sun goes down, the Hudson Valley late night scene heats up. Bars, lounges and restaurants fuse music, food and spirits to create a friendly atmosphere for locals, travellers and musicians.

For shoppers it is filled with specialty shops offering unique gifts, clothing and antiques created in the Hudson Valley by local artisans. It also is home to many beautiful wineries offering award winning wines. Its first rate restaurants offer unique dining featuring many of the Valleys local bounty.

The Mid Hudson Bridge crosses the river at Poughkeepsie, as does a former rail bridge which was the first Hudson crossing to be built south of Albany. The Mid Hudson Bridge is pretty bridge and a suspension bridge.However at night its lit with coloured lights and it is just beautiful. It is in red and blue. If youre in the area, go down to the riverside at night and admire. You can walk across the bridge, or to do it virtually visit.

Vassar College is a highly selective, residential, coeducational liberal arts college. Consistently ranked among the top arts colleges in the country, Vassar is renowned for pioneering achievements in education, for its long history of curricular innovation and for the beauty of its campus.

Spend a weekend or a week in the Poughkeepsie area and youll find many things to do and see. Book you trip and come and enjoy yourself any time.