With a location midway between New York City and the state capital at Albany, Dutchess County is linked to those metropolises, and all the cities of New England, by superhighways and fast trains, but insulated from their turmoil by woods, streams, and vast country tracts. The major city, Poughkeepsie, is a charming historic riverside town and at the same time a fast-moving business center. Beacon, the smaller city, exhibits similar urban vitality.

A superb network of roads renders inter- and intracounty travel pleasant and speedy. U.S. Route 9, the scenic Taconic State Parkway, and N.Y. Route 22 are the major north-south roads; Interstate 84, U.S. Route 44, N.Y. Route 55, and N.Y. Route 199 are the main east-west arteries. Via these highways, extensive train service, and regularly scheduled flights in and out of Dutchess County Airport (near Poughkeepsie), people get around easily and freight shipments move swiftly.

But travel here is not always swift. Sometimes it's deliberately slow, as residents and visitors pause to delight in the magnificent views around every turn, relish the well-preserved artifacts of he area's long history, take time to cruise on the Hudson, or simply enjoy the unique Dutchess County life-style.

There are many attractions for newcomers, the Historic Hudson Valley http://www.hudsonvalley.org/. The cultural life and educational institutions enrich the lives of young adults, older adults and there is a diverse assortment of activities for the whole family to enjoy. From boating to visiting the historic homes and trails to shopping in antique centers or large shopping malls, there is something for everyone in the Hudson Valley Region.

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