Founded in 1861, Vassar College is a highly selective liberal arts college. A pioneer for women’s education and liberal arts education, Vassar opened its doors as a coeducational institution in 1969. Home to approximately 2400 full-time undergraduates, Vassar is known for its small classes and dedicated professors. The campus is situated in a suburban-feeling section of Poughkeepsie called Arlington. It's about a  5-minute walk to Arlington center from the Vassar dorms. The Juliet, their impressive campus bookstore, housed in a former theater is located there and worth a visit. 

Visitor Information: Tour Vassar

Transportation: Air service is available from Stewart International Airport (SWF) in Newburgh, New York, 35 minutes from Vassar. In addition, other nearby airports include Westchester County Airport in White Plains, Albany International Airport in Albany, or the three major airports in the New York City metro area (LaGuardia, JFK, Newark Liberty). Amtrak or Metro-North Commuter Railroad connects New York City’s stations with Poughkeepsie. NYC is a 90 minute train ride.

Stay: Alumnae House is a guest house located across the street from Vassar College. Also close by, you’ll find a Courtyard by Marriott and a Best Western. One parent, with a current student, recommends the Holiday Inn.

Fun Fact: Each dorm at Vassar has a parlor with its own Steinway piano. Students note how lovely it is to hear music coming from the dorms while walking around campus.

Anytime of Day: The new dining center, Gordon Commons (formally ACDC), has been transformed—with awesome new seating arrangements and a wide range of food offerings! One freshman remarked, “Vassar students get UNLIMITED visits to the dining hall and it's open from 7 am to 1 am! The space is gorgeous and modern and the food is absolutely incredible. There are many stations (grill, global, paninis, brick oven, Root/vegan.) They also have a section where you can cook your own food. The offerings are so delicious and fresh and varied-- I'm really not missing out on anything from home.” A current parent suggests eating here for lunch after your tour - it’s a true highlight.

Coffee:The Crafted Kup serves locally roasted high quality coffee. If you are looking for coffee on campus , head to the The Bridge Cafe in the biological sciences building.

Breakfast: BC Kitchen is a favorite eatery and neighborhood hangout for the Vassar College community and locals alike. The Eveready Diner and The Palace Diner are your typical diners serving pancakes and eggs (both are about a 15-minute drive away.) Closer to campus, enjoy the breakfast specials at Julie’s Restaurant. Great for breakfast or lunch, Big Tomato has something for everyone.

Lunch: Lola’s Cafe offers made to order sandwiches, chopped salads, vegetarian “bowls”, and homemade soups. According to Rossi & Sons, the best-selling sandwich by far among Vassar students is the breaded chicken cutlet and Prosciutto Panini. Vassar students feel lucky to have chain restaurant BurgerFi in their small town. Twisted Soul is a student go-to. Order the noodle bowls, bubble tea, and leave room for their cupcakes.

Dinner

Casual: Crew is popular for delicious local and organic fare. Closer to campus, The Mill House is well liked by students and parents for good pub food and a fun night out. On a recent visit, a parent recommended Bacio for pizza. For good Thai food, head to Thai Spice.

A Step Up: When parents are in town reservations are hard to come by at The Artist’s Palate the best option near campus.  It’s worth the 15-minute drive to dine at CIA, the world’s premier culinary college. Known for having some of the best food in the area, make your reservation well in advance of your visit. Shadows on the Hudson is an award-winning waterfront restaurant perched 40 feet above the Hudson River. Just 8 miles away, in Wappingers Falls, Aroma Osteria serves up excellent Italian food.

Local Attractions: A definite must-do for anyone visiting Vassar is the Walkway Over the Hudson, about a 10-minute drive from campus.  It's one of the longest, elevated pedestrian bridges in the world. One parent stated, “The views are unbelievable. This should be on everyone's list, it’s especially incredible in the fall at peak foliage.” Another great activity is a visit to Vassar’s Shakespeare Garden, where the plants and flowers mentioned in Shakespeare's works are abundant. The Vassar Farm and Ecological Preserve is located to the south of Vassar’s campus, across Hooker Avenue. Enjoy the gardening center or hike the many trails. Head for New Paltz, about 20 minutes from campus, where there are tons of restaurants and shops! The Water Street Market is a lovely area with antique shops and fun take-out places like Dohnut, Kosiner Bros Fry Shack and Kosiner Bros Organic Hot Dog Cart. Other nearby places to visit are Hyde Park (FDR ‘s home and the Vanderbilt Mansion- approximately 15 min from campus), Rhinebeck and Cold Spring (1/2 hour), and Mohonk Mountain House (35 min.).  Alternatively, drive 30 minutes to DiaBeacon, a premier destination for contemporary art.