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All United States New York State Poughkeepsie

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Poughkeepsie

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Poughkeepsie, New York

Updated September 26, 2023

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Unusual Attractions in Poughkeepsie

A white suspension bridge across a large river

Poughkeepsie, New York

Bridge Music

This sound-art installation features songs composed using only the Mid-Hudson Bridge as an instrument.
Permanently Closed
Hudson River State Hospital

Poughkeepsie, New York

Hudson River State Hospital

This mouldering abandoned mental hospital was once a center for progressive healing.
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The Vanderbilt mansion in Hyde Park NY

Hyde Park, New York

The Hyde Park Vanderbilt Mansion

"A hideous albatross in the Hudson River Valley."
6 miles from Poughkeepsie
Slabsides

Highland, New York

Slabsides

The rustic think-space of famed naturalist John Burroughs stands exactly as he left it.
7 miles from Poughkeepsie
The southern tip of Esopus Island.

Staatsburg, New York

Esopus Island

An unassuming island in the middle of the Hudson that hosts campers, including Aleister Crowley.
8 miles from Poughkeepsie
The 1717 Reformed Church of New Paltz.

New Paltz, New York

Huguenot Street

The oldest continuously inhabited street in America.
9 miles from Poughkeepsie
Innisfree Garden.

Millbrook, New York

Innisfree Garden

This once-private estate is now a dreamy, meditative garden that's open to the public.
9 miles from Poughkeepsie
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Stories About Poughkeepsie

Same-sex “smashes” or “crushes” — ranging from one-sided adoration to mutual devotion — were common at women’s colleges in Victorian America.

In the Victorian Era, Valentine’s Day Was a Celebration of Same-Sex Romance

Such "smashes" were encouraged when women were considered "passionless."
by Anya Jabour
February 14, 2023

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