Fishkill

Fishkill is one of the more noticeably growing areas of Dutchess County, and why not: it's located roughly at the junction of Interstate 84 and Route 9 and is home to some new housing developments and many, many relatively new businesses.

Along Main Street (Route 52) in the village, there are many quaint buildings and it sort of gives that small-town feel, but once you see the traffic crawling through, you realize that it's not really much of a small town -- it's instead become a very busy village despite looking the part otherwise. The traffic light at the intersection of Main Street and Route 9 usually sees backups.

A little further north, there is a supermarket (Shoprite) in a strip mall with restaurants and other stores. This is across the street from an elementary school, some gas stations, more restaurants, and a Dunkin' Donuts.

Further south of the light, in between Route 52 and Interstate 84 on Route 9, is where most of Fishkill's action is. Some of the highlights include a Wal-Mart, a Sam's Club, Starbucks, Cracker Barrel, multiple hotels (several of which are relatively new), and a large medical clinic. There are many other restaurants and shops available here, but mainly because of the Wal-Mart and the outflow from the interstate, this area is capable of experiencing heavy congestion.

There is a little of everything available here, also including public parks, bars, and a fitness center. With plenty of new housing having been built around here in the last decade (Merritt Blvd. comes to mind), it's clear that there's a push to grow the area, and it's succeeding. Fishkill has plenty of local commerce, though you won't find most of it in that quaint center of the village.

If you live in Fishkill, you'll get by with the conveniences available to you, which are plenty and increasing. Fishkill is far too busy to be quiet, but it's still safe and clean. With all of the hotels right off the interstate, it's also a decent place for tourists to spend the night.