Spend a weekend - or a week in the Poughkeepsie area, and you'll find many things to do and see. How do you choose? Here are a few more attractions that are well worth a visit.

1.The Culinary Arts Institute

While we were in the area, several people asked us if we planned to
visit one of the Culinary Arts Institute’s five restaurants. Luckily,
we had reservations for Caternia de Medici, the institute's Italian
Restaurant.

We both love Italian food, and we were not disappointed. We shared the mouth-watering Bistecca alla Fiorentina - Grilled Rib-Eye Steak for Two with Roasted Tuscan-Style Potatoes and Broccoli Rabe, which was wonderful. As impressive as the food was, the hospitality and service were also excellent. Be sure to check out the stunning chandeliers

The other four restaurants are the American Bounty Restaurant, featuring ingredients from the Hudson Valley; Escoffier Restaurant, serving French cuisine; the Apple Pie Bakery, which offers baked goods and café items; and the more casual St. Andrews Café.

The Culinary Institute of America has a reputation as a world-class premier culinary college, and recently earned the James Beard Foundation Award. Check the website CIA or call 845-471-660 for hours of operation and the dress code for each restaurant.


2. Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid Hudson Bridge comes into Poughkeepsie
carrying US 44/55 across the Hudson River. It’s a pretty bridge – a
suspension bridge – but at night, it’s lit with colored lights, and it is just beautiful! I’ve seen it red and blue, and another time, just blue. If you’re in the area, go down to the riverside at night and admire. You can walk across the bridge, or to do it virtually, visit:
Bridge.

More Info

For more information on the Poughkeepsie area, visit the
Dutchess County Tourism Website, which has loads of information and links to many of the attractions above. Or call 800-445-3131.

If you need a place to stay, I can highly recommend the Inn at the
Falls, which bills itself as a bed and breakfast hotel. The bed and
breakfast part comes in with their wonderful continental breakfast,
served in the lovely lounge overlooking Wappingers Creek or brought to
your room, and the outstanding service. You’ll also find homemade
goodies available in the lounge in the evenings, and complimentary hot
coffee available 24 hours a day. Visit Inn at the Falls or
call (845) 462-5770 for more information.