Top 10 Underrated Things to Do in Poughkeepsie

Date Published: June 4, 2020

Whether you’ve never been to Poughkeepsie or you consider yourself an expert visitor, there are so many underrated things to explore in the Queen City that you may have missed. Check out these ideas to help you discover the overlooked and hidden places in the City and Town of Poughkeepsie.

1. Springside National Historic Site

Explore the beautiful 20-acre grounds of Springside National Historic Site, the last surviving example of America’s first native-born landscape architect, Andrew Jackson Downing. View the landscapes and gardens and experience nature while still in the city limits! Walk the old carriage roads and see features designed for Matthew Vassar’s summer home and the restored gatehouse – the last of the original twelve buildings to still stand.

2. Crafted Kup

Enjoy a hand-crafted espresso beverage and a locally-made baked treat at Crafted Kup, a coffeehouse right near Vassar College. Their house specialties are so good, you’ll want to try more than one – the Café Miel (espresso, honey, cinnamon and milk) and the RPG (espresso, brown sugar, caramel and vanilla) are just the start of their coffee menu, and they also offer breakfast and lunch menus!

3. Darkside Records

If you’re a vinyl enthusiast or a music lover, don’t miss Darkside Records, the largest brick & mortar independent music store in the Hudson Valley. They have a huge selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, and cassettes – plus movies, turntables, and more. Hear performances from up-and-coming artists and find a unique souvenir or gift, too!

4. Tavern 23 Bar & Grill

Sip a beer from Tavern 23’s extensive beer list while enjoying classic, elevated American pub food. It’s a favorite among locals and you’ll understand why when you walk into the welcoming, laidback environment. You’ll find local and national brews on tap, plus plenty of bar snacks and comfort foods on the menu – and don’t miss the Tavern Burger.

5. Arts Mid-Hudson Dutchess Handmade Pop-up Shop

Looking for a unique, locally made souvenir or gift? Stop by the Dutchess Handmade Pop-Up Shop at Arts Mid-Hudson to find glass, jewelry, greeting cards, prints and other artistic items, made by over 75 local artists and artisans.

6. Nic L Inn Wine Cellar

Enjoy a locally sourced and delicious meal and a glass (or two!) of wine at Nic L Inn Wine Cellar, a neighborhood bistro and wine bar overlooking the Hudson River. Make sure you try one of the house made pastas (like the squid ink pasta) and don’t skip dessert!

7. Peach Hill Park

Explore walking trails through a former apple orchard and discover spectacular views in every direction of the Hudson Valley, the Catskills, and the Taconic Hills at Peach Hill Park. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of apple blossoms in the spring and pick apples in the fall at this 159-acre park, with great birdwatching and 3.5 miles of hiking trails.

8. The Chance

Hear live music from the same stage that The Police, Bob Dylan, David Bowie and other legendary musicians have performed from at The Chance Theater. Check out their packed event calendar filled with rock and punk bands, country artists, rappers, and tribute bands. Or, enjoy a more intimate concert in the smaller upstairs venue, The Loft.

9. Juan Murphy’s

For a truly unique dining experience, check out Juan Murphy’s – an Irish pub with Mexican grub! Enjoy the atmosphere of an Irish pub while eating a meal that combines the best of Mexican and Irish cuisines. Don’t miss the Mexican Shepherd’s pie, loaded nachos, and wings.

10. Laugh It Up Comedy Club

Enjoy hilarious, high-quality comedy shows at Laugh it up! comedy club, inside of Mahoney’s Irish Pub that brings some of the country’s best comics to the Poughkeepsie Waterfront. Enjoy dinner and drinks while you laugh through the night!

*To the best of our knowledge, this information is correct as of publish date.*