Mid-Hudson Valley Linux Users Group
Free Internet Spots in Mid-Hudson Valley
This is a list of known restaurants/cafes/random hotspots where you can get Internet (free or pay, wired or wireless) access while you are there. Although not directly Linux related, it is definitely of interest to all of us when looking for some good grub and some good net at the same time.
If you have a hotspot that you know about it, please add it to the Wiki. If you have never added content before, HowToHelp has some of the basics of how to add content.
CAUTION -- know the policies of the provider, especially for free wireless service. Just today (2007-05-23) there was a report of a Michigan man facing up to 5 years in prison for "theft of computer services". His crime was to sit in his car outside a coffee shop with wi-fi and check his email! This is so absurd that he'll probably do no time (if he's even convicted), but it still must be a pain in the butt for everyone involved.
Blue Mountain Coffee, Poughkeepsie
I found this in the Dec 4 (or so) Poughkeepsie Journal:
- NEW BUSINESSES Coffee-Internet cafe comes to Dooley Square -- Blue Mountain Coffee opened in Dooley Square at 35 Main St., Poughkeepsie. The shop features fresh, gourmet coffee, flavored teas, smoothies and bakery items as well as high-speed Internet capability. Sue Mahabir of Rockland County is the owner. The store employs three.
I haven't checked it out or anything. -- OjustOjohnO
Good coffee, good cookies. Wi-Fi is free but must ask for WEP key at counter. -- MikeThomas
The New York Bagelry, Poughkeepsie
The new Bagel Cafe in the new plaza with EMS, PierOne, and Ruby Tuesday's (across from Barnes & Noble) in Poughkeepsie advertises free internet: wired and wireless. They also make good bagels and soup.
Full Hotspot Details -- SeanDague
(Once this spring, I tried it at the Bagelry with an IBM laptop with both kanotix live boot and WinXP-- no dice, no competent answer from the cashier, no desire to let me communicate this to owner. Anyone have actual success? FWIW, Greg M. Johnson).
I never had trouble connecting with my iBook there. But alas, this place went out of business some time ago. -- MarnenLK
Adriance Library, Poughkeepsie
At the last MHVLUG meeting I noticed open wireless access points with the essid "adriance" from the auditorium. I was able to connect, and had full net access (from the auditorium none the less, which means it has some decent power). I'm in process of verifying that it is supposed to be official. -- SeanDague
It's official. Apparently they also have Wi-Fi at the Arlington branch. -- MarnenLK
Office Depot, Poughkeepsie
In Poughkeepsie Plaza, on South Road (US 9) near Spackenkill Road (NY 113). Next to Barnes & Noble. Only problem is that there's no good place to set up a computer, so I haven't actually tried connecting yet. -- MarnenLK
Panera Bread
East Fishkill
Yet another Panera, this one is just north of the Route 84 on Route 9, next to a 24 hour Starbucks. I have used this one and it is great. Although they close at 9pm on weekdays they let me and a friend work until 10:20pm the other day while they cleaned up. -- JohnnyLeHane
Kingston
1165 Ulster Avenue, Kingston. This is in the new plaza with the Barnes and Noble. I never tried their wireless access, but they have great sandwiches and good coffee.
Some details -- Adrianne
Wappingers Falls
This is right across from the Poughkeepsie Galleria. I haven't tried this one specifically, but Panera always comes through for me. -- JohnnyLeHane
I'm often there with my iBook. No problem connecting, and the managers seem interested in making sure that the network is working properly. -- MarnenLK
Non-Free Internet Spots in Mid-Hudson Valley
Various businesses offer pay-for wireless access. These sites typically work by capturing all traffic and redirecting you to a login/signup portal. Directions are usually available in the form of posters or table stands as well. Some businesses use a common provider (T-Mobile, for example) which usually will let you use the same login (and same billing) for the service in different stores.
Barnes and Noble Bookstore
The B&N across from Starbucks and IBM, near IHOP, etc.
Commercial wireless, hourly rates or monthly unlimited time. Don't remember the rates, but they were expensive. Posters and table stands describe how to get on. -- DraGorn
Every now and then they have periods of free access -- December 2006 was one such. Run by AT&T, although I think they also have arrangements with other providers -- MarnenLK
Borders Bookstore
In "Plaza 9" south of South Hills Mall.
Bandwidth provided by T-Mobile, hourly and monthly rates available. Also expensive ($40/mo) -- DraGorn
Starbucks Coffee
In plaza across from Marist College, (unconfirmed) in plaza near IBM across from Barnes and Noble. Commercial wireless provided by T-Mobile, likely the same rates as Borders. -- DraGorn
Confirmed. The plaza is called Spackenkill Plaza. -- MarnenLK
A lot more Starbucks have cropped up in the Valley, for better or worse. There is the 24 hour one in East Fishkill, on Route 9 north of Route 84 for one.
The East Fishkill Starbucks now closes the café at midnight, although the drive-thru is still 24 hours. -- MarnenLK
Taste Budds, Red Hook
I hope you all include Red Hook in 'Mid Hudson Valley', even though it is northern Dutchess. You have to buy something to use their wi-fi and get a login code. I have had mixed success here, but some mac users I know have not had problems. -- JohnnyLeHane
Lenahan and Lopez, Red Hook
This is on Route 9 just south of Red Hook. It is a bar on the right. Great connection, and they pour Guinness to boot. -- JohnnyLeHane
Hotspot Search
Google Maps can list hotspots in the area automatically.
During the editing of this page, we found http://intel.jiwire.com/. This is a search engine for Wireless Hot Spots (not wired). It has some of the entries above listed, and includes maps.