New Paltz, New York
New Paltz is located in the southeastern part of Ulster County, south of Kingston. New Paltz contains a village also named New Paltz.
Home to the State University of New York at New Paltz, it has been a college town for more than 150 years. Among the historic sites that can be found in New Paltz are: the Elting Memorial Library, the Huguenot Street Historic District, Walkill Creek and Phillies Bridge Farm.
According to the town’s website, it is best known for its outdoor attractions. “Throughout the centuries, the abundant resources of the region, the natural beauty of the area, the hospitable climate and the proximity to key metropolitan areas in the Northeast have made New Paltz a vibrant, cultural and richly historic place that is welcoming to residents and visitors alike.”
New Paltz features many beautiful trails with picturesque views of the Hudson Valley and a diverse array of culinary options. There are “twelve wineries on the Shawangunk Wine Trail that all follow the tradition of fine winemaking established by the early French Huguenot settlers who brought their wine making expertise to this valley over 300 years ago,” the site notes. “Our region's farmers, winemakers, bakers and chefs are proud to have been early and vocal adopters of farm-to-table principles, and the idea that relationship-building between farmers and consumers yields delicious results.”
Other outdoor attractions include the Shawangunk Ridge, Awosting Falls in the Minnewaska State Park Preserve and the Ice Caves in Sam’s Point Preserve. Rock climbers enjoy The Gunks, which has roughly 1,200 climbing routes.
New Paltz’s Chamber of Commerce notes the importance of the area’s art, education and culture. “History comes alive on Historic Huguenot Street, a National Historic Landmark District featuring seven unique stone houses dating to the early 1700s, a burial ground and a reconstructed 1717 stone church, all in their original setting.” The State University of New York at New Paltz has live music, theater and dance performances and art lovers enjoy the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art. The Unison Art and Learning Center has an outdoor sculpture walk that is open all year.
Photo Credit: Kathy Silberger