Top 10 Activities in the Hudson Valley
Image of the Hudson Valley. Photo by minka6 via Flickr
As the semester settles in, and freshmen and transfers alike grow more comfortable with the sights of Marist College, it is easy for those new here to wish to expand outwards and explore the Hudson Valley. Luckily, the Hudson Valley is flourishing with opportunities for adventures and hang-out spots. From exciting cinema to a nice dinner out, there are an infinite amount of places to go to, including:
The Poughkeepsie Galleria
With 110 national and local stores, the Poughkeepsie Galleria is a perfect year-round destination spot for a shopping trip. You can spend the day exploring the food court, retail stores and catching up on the newest flicks at the Regal Galleria Mall movie theater. If you are looking for a fun place that is a short drive away to hang out with your friends, the Galleria is the way to go.
Walkway Over the Hudson
A spot that you can see from campus; check out the Walkway Over the Hudson – a wide bridge made for pedestrians to explore the sights of the Hudson River. As fall begins, look at the changing color of the leaves on the trees from above and enjoy the crisp weather before it gets too cold. The beauty of it all will not disappoint.
Cosimo's
For a nice, fresh dinner with a significant other or just for a casual night out with your friends, make a reservation and take a seat at Cosimo’s right across the street from Marist’s campus. Cosimo’s serves delicious, authentic Italian food, including wood-fired pizzas and brick-oven garlic bread. With its wide menu, everyone will surely find something to enjoy.
Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
If you are looking for an informational yet interesting adventure, take a trip up to Hyde Park and hop on a tour of FDR’s home. Settled in a large mansion, you can enjoy learning about one of America’s most famous presidents for just 10 bucks. Afterward, you can explore the library and fields attached to it while gazing out over the Hudson.
Overlook Drive-In Theatre
If the Poughkeepsie Galleria movie theater does not fit your fancy, take a ride to the Overlook Drive-In Theatre, where you can catch a movie or even a double feature from the comfortable atmosphere of your vehicle. With a six-story tall screen and a flat-wide field to park in, this adventure is a great way to have a calming, fun night without paying more than 10 dollars to see a movie and buy snacks.
The Culinary Institute of America
Right up the street, the Culinary Institute of America houses first-class, up-and-coming chefs as they learn how to cook and bake their way to the top. To show off their handiwork, the CIA houses several delicious restaurants and bakeries to check out any time of day.
Hudson River Cruises
If you have some time and money to spare, check out the Hudson River Cruises. These tours take you down the Hudson and show you all the beautiful shores and sights the Hudson River offers. You will pass shining lighthouses, mansions, and even Marist itself.
Dutchess Rail Trail
The Dutchess Rail Trail is a lovely area to bike through during the fall season or for a simple stroll without passing over the Hudson. Just off campus, this trail covers around 13 miles along an abandoned railway. It cuts through several restaurants and shops and can be a great way to explore the nature of Dutchess County right before it gets too cold.
Bardavon Opera House
Located in Poughkeepsie, the Bardavon Opera House is the oldest continuously operating theater in New York State. The large theater has been open since 1869 and is as stunning inside as it is out. It exists as a cinema in Poughkeepsie’s business district and hosts concerts and other performances with popular artists and up-and-coming stars.
Stay at Home!
To have fun here in the Hudson Valley, you don’t need to step off the Marist campus! The Student Programming Council continuously hosts fun events, including comedians, movie nights and more. Marist Theatre hosts plays and musicals, and there will always be a show to catch with the Marist Singers. RA’s host game nights, and there is never a shortage of clubs to be affiliated with. Although there are hundreds of fun events to do right outside campus, never forget to check what is happening inside, too.