Bard College
Route 9G, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504.
845-758-6822.
A liberal arts college founded in 1860, 600 acre campus overlooking the Hudson River. Center for Curatorial Studies Museum presents exhibitions of contemporary art. Jerome Levy Economics Institute hosts conferences and lectures on economic and policy issues. Also, musical performances, special events and summer programs, including the Bard Music Festival in August.

The Culinary Institute of America
Route 9, Hyde Park, NY 12538.
845-452-9600.
Offers bachelor’s and associate’s degree programs for careers in the culinary arts, baking and pastry arts. 2,100 students 800-285-4627. Continuing education programs for food service professionals offered year-round. Adult Education courses for food enthusiasts offered spring and fall. 800- 888-7850. Four award-winning, student-staffed restaurants are open to the public. Call 471-6608 for reservations.

Dutchess Community College
53 Pendell Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.
845-431-8000.
Serves over 25,000 local residents each year through credit and credit-free classes and training for business and industry featuring 52 academic programs and cultural opportunities. Main campus on 110 acres, several extension sites.

Marist College
Route 9, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.
845-575-3000.
A liberal arts college located on 150 acres on the Hudson River. 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The Center for Corporate and Professional Education provides full service training to business, government and nonprofit organizations. The Art Gallery showcases works by Hudson Valley artists. Musicals, plays and lectures are presented in the Nelly Goletti Theatre. Historic and personal effects of Lowell Thomas are exhibited in the Lowell Thomas Communications Center. Men’s and women’s Division I athletics are played on Leonidoff Field, McCann Baseball Field, McCann Recreation Center and crew races on the Hudson River.

Vassar College
124 Raymond Avenue,
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604.
845-437-7000.
Liberal arts, co-ed college founded by brewer/philanthropist Matthew Vassar in 1861. Beautiful 1,000 acre campus with 200 species of trees, two lakes, outdoor amphitheater, ecological preserve, Power-house Theater, Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center and Class of 1951 Observatory. Conference center facilities available during summer.