CAMPUS ITINERARY: VASSAR COLLEGE

Just steps away from the Vassar campus, fuel up for the day at The Krafted Cup. Run by an alumn of The Culinary Institute of America, The Krafted Cup concots amazing caffeinated beverages and delectable breakfast bites. 

One of the Seven Sisters, Vassar College is known for its renowned arts programs; in fact, their free-to-visit on-campus art gallery, The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, gives visitors an up-close look at works by masters like Georgia O’Keeffe, Francis Bacon and Pablo Picasso—plus a collection of Hudson River School paintings only found here and an expanding modern collection. Make time to explore the masterpieces elegantly displayed in this gallery, designed by famed architect Cesar Pelli.

Exploring the campus reveals increible architecture, and we recommend stopping in the Thompson Memorial Library for tons of Gothic design, elaborate stained glass windows and dense atmosphere. 

Lunch options: Vassar is conveniently situated just off Raymond Avenue in Poughkeepsie's Arlington neighborhood, an area with a ton of delicious eateries. Twisted Soul brings a fusion of Asian, Argentinean and Colombian flavors to street-food offerings like dumplings, empanadas, ramen and loaded bowls. For an elevated old school burger joint, look no further than Meyer's Olde Dutch. Spettro is an Italian gastropub, and serves up artisanal pizzas, sandwiches and salads for lunch (come back for dinner to try their amazing pasta dishes.)

Looking for more fresh air? The Preserve at Vassar hosts a number of organizations on a scenic, century-old farm (including Poughkeepsie Farm Project, the Community Gardens and The Environmental Cooperative at the Vassar Barns.) A designated natural area, follow the cross country trails to explore wetlands, streams, forests and more.

See an event at one of Vassar's renowned performance spaces. During MODfest, enjoy a week-long winter festival of the arts of the 20th and 21st centuries that includes live performances of music, dance and theater, plus visual arts exhibits. Their six-week summer festival Powerhouse Theater has cemented its reputation as the place to see a new work and future Broadway smash while it’s in development. Each year, it features a superb lineup of imaginative and insightful plays and workshops.

Did you know? Lin-Manuel Miranda and other members of the original cast of Hamilton debuted the musical during Vassar College & New York Stage and Film’s Powerhouse Theater in 2013.

Spend some time shopping Arlington before dinner. Elizabeth Boutique stocks the latest in women's fashion including clothing, jewelry and accessories. Zimmer Brothers Jewelers is a legacy family business, bringing watches, bracelets, earrings, rings and vintate/estate jewelry to Hudson Valley visitors and locals since 1893. In Deaming Goddess, you'll find bohemian-styled clothing, unique greeting cards, all natural soaps, crystals and gemstones.

Dinner options: Right on campus, dine at the recently opened The Salt Line restaurant. It's conveniently located inside The Heartwood at Vassar, a stunning boutique hotel. The name refers to the Hudson River's salt line, where brackish water and fresh water mingle. Elegant dishes are brought to life with local, seasonal produce, fish and game. Outside the campus, Savona's Trattoria plates Old World Italian dishes while Juan Murphy's is an Irish pub crossed with a casual Mexican eatery - with very fun events.

In summer, stargaze at the Maria Mitchell Observatory, a National Historic Landmark named for the first female astronomer in U.S. history.

Stay right on campus at The Heartwood at Vassar