• Poughkeepsie is located about 80 miles north of New York City.New York Skyline image by sival from Fotolia.com
  
  Located on the east side of the Hudson River, the city of Poughkeepsie lies between New York City and Albany in New York State. Poughkeepsie offers visitors a variety of scenic views, from mountain peaks to lush trees. Travelers in the city during the summer months can enjoy a number of free activities, some of them affording a chance to get fresh air and take in nature.
  
  

Poets' Walk Park

• Poets' Walk Park spans across 120 acres of rolling hills and meadows protected by the Scenic Hudson organization. Legend has it that a visit to this park by Washington Irving was the inspiration for the classic tale "Rip Van Winkel." The park has two miles of trails open daily to the public at no charge. Features of the trail include benches, pavilions and views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains.
  
  Poets' Walk Park
  One Civic Center Plaza, Suite 200
  Poughkeepsie NY 12601
  845-473-4440
  scenichudson.org
  
  

Locust Grove Gardens

• The Locust Grove Estate has been an established presence in Poughkeepsie since the 1700's. Once a private residence, the grounds are now run by a not-for-profit foundation. The property's gardens can be toured for free--visitors can elect to take a guided tour or pick up a complimentary map and tour the gardens at their own pace. Victorian style gardens and a kitchen garden replete with produce are among the botanical plots on the property.
  
  Locust Grove Gardens
  2683 South Road
  Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
  845-454-4500
  lgny.org
  
  

Vassar Free Concerts

• The Department of Music at Vassar College offers a free concert series every summer; as of 2010, the series was in its 15th year. The concert series typically consists of three total performances that take place in the months of June and July. All concerts are held in the Martel Recital Hall on Vassar College's campus and feature the performance of classical music, such as Beethoven, Wilson and Mozart.
  
  Vassar College Office of Summer Programs and Special Events
  124 Raymond Ave.
  Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
  845-437-5900
  vassar.edu/summer