Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

Caffè Giulia, a new Italian eatery, will open this spring at 60 Raymond Avenue near Vassar College, offering focaccia sandwiches, 16-inch pizza, pastries, authentic Italian gelato & transforming into a destination for red sauce classics with cocktails in the evening.

Moonrise Bagels permanently closed its Kingston pop-up and will have its last day on Apr.

25 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.—the company will now serve only stuffed bagels at its three remaining sites, including its shop near Marist University in Poughkeepsie.

NBT Bank has resolved a technical glitch that duplicated transactions for customers, including those at its Poughkeepsie branch.

Although digital banking systems remain under maintenance, customers can now use debit cards + visit local branches to access their funds.

Dave's Hot Chicken, a fast-growing chain with A-list backers, has expanded to include 20 locations in New York including Poughkeepsie.

The restaurant gained buzz when Drake + Samuel L. Jackson invested in 2021 and Usher joined as an investor in 2024, fueling local growth.

Two Hudson Valley towns received national recognition from Food Wine for their exceptional food scenes.

Hudson (ranked fourth) and Kingston (ranked seventh) were named among the best small cities for food and drink, highlighting the region's growing culinary reputation.

Starting March 25, Walkway Over the Hudson reopens its 21-story glass elevator at Upper Landing Park—offering a 212‑foot ride with scenic views of the Hudson River and refreshed pavilion hours that invite family outings.

Several Hudson Valley & Upstate favorites are nominated in USA Today’s Best of Travel Poll.

For example, Saratoga is competing for Best Summer Travel Destination while Stewart’s Shops & Cumberland Farms vie in gas station categories; voters can cast ballots daily until early May.

Putnam County recorded the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 3.3 percent — tying Saratoga County — on January data.

Other Hudson Valley counties reported rates from 3.4 to 4.3 percent, a performance not seen since the 1980s.

City officials are investigating landlord Lester Runza after structural issues forced an emergency demolition on North Hamilton Street last Wednesday, causing tenant evacuations.

Displaced residents are organizing and seeking compensation while the city reviews further building code violations—steps meant to ensure public safety.

Town of Hunter opposes the DEC plan to restrict access to Kaaterskill Falls, saying such measures will hurt the local economy and shift congestion instead of solving it.

The DEC will hold public meetings on April 22 and April 29 to gather feedback.

Blu Pointe in Poughkeepsie serves an all-day brunch buffet featuring eggs Benedict, pan-roasted chicken, and Atlantic salmon, while vaulted ceilings and large windows offer views of the water (menu variations provide local flair).

Mother’s Day Buffet

11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — The Grandview — $60.95 — Treat Mom to a gourmet buffet with scenic views of the Hudson River featuring hand-carved meats and gourmet entrées.