Calling all lovers of sweet treats - don't miss the Gardiner Cupcake Festival, a popular annual event featuring more than 30,000 cupcakes and a variety of fun activities on Saturday, May 19th from 12 to 6 p.m.

The event is a day full of cupcakes, food, music, local vendors, wine tastings and activities for children. Previously held on Main Street in Gardiner, this year the festival moves to Wright’s Farm, a much larger venue to allow for more cupcakes and fun. Wright’s Farm is a 453-acre farm with a 200 year history and is currently run by three generations of the Wright Family. With the new location the ability to expand the event has become possible, this year – in addition to more than 15 cupcake vendors – there will be more activities for kids including face painting, cupcake decorating, helicopter rides, pony rides, wagon rides, bouncy house. 

New to the festival this year is a cupcake eating contest in addition to the ever popular amateur cupcake contest. Amateur cupcake makers from around the Hudson Valley will be judged in such categories as: Best Decorated cupcake; Best Tasting cupcake; Best Tasting Vegan cupcake; Best Gluten Free cupcake; and Most Creative cupcake. 

The festival showcases creations from Deising’s Bakery in Kingston, Main Course in New Paltz, Sweet Maresa’s Upstate Cupcake in New Paltz, Crave Cupcakery Bakery in Bloomingburg and Bettie’s Cakes from Saratoga Springs who will be  returning with its popular double-decker bus. Other food vendors include Full Moon Farms, Meadow View Farms, Pasquale Pizza, Twisted Pretzels and the Village Market and Bakery. There will even be cupcake flavored ice cream from Lazy Crazy Acres, a boutique, family-owned Catskill Mountain farm and creamery based in Halcott Center.

The event is free with a small donation for parking. Proceeds of this year’s event will benefit the Gardiner Fire Department and Rescue Squad. Wrights Farm is located at 699 State Road 208 in Gardiner. For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/gardinercupcakefestival 

Before cable food channels gave rise to a nation of self-appointed “foodies” and paved the way for slow food and local sourcing as an aspirational lifestyle, before adjectives like “artisan” and “craft” and “organic” became household words associated with the dinner table, the Hudson River Valley was quietly nurturing a hyperlocal culinary and libations scene rooted in the area’s rich, diverse agriculture and sense of community.

Now, the region, especially the foodie’s paradise known as Ulster County, is considered a destination for city-dwellers seeking to awaken their palates with an authentic culinary experience rooted in the produce and livestock of the region.

A weekend getaway to Ulster County involves myriad choices—from where to watch the sunset (cough Sam’s Point cough) to which art galleries to visit. Dining, too, presents an overwhelming set of options to sate any taste. How do you relish so many flavors over a scant 48 hours? How do you even scratch the surface with such a cornucopia of culinary delights within reach?

One solution: follow an itinerary. On that front, we have you covered. Here’s a two-day dining tour of Ulster County, crafted for maximum diversity and geographic coverage while following a manageable driving route that leads you from historic waterfront towns to scenic byways across the beautiful Catskill Mountains.
 

Day 1

Breakfast at PAKT in Kingston

Photo by PAKT Kingston

Start your culinary tour of Ulster County at this beloved breakfast/brunch spot in New York’s first capital. PAKT, 608 Broadway, has attitude to spare, as evidenced by its gleefully off-color dining room décor and menu (the name of one of its most popular dishes is too blue to print here), a full bar, and a refreshingly country sensibility that celebrates historically southern bites like chicken and waffles, chicken fried steak, biscuits and gravy, and cheese grits. Vegetarian and more health-conscious patrons will find plenty to love as well.  

Also try Oriole 9 in Woodstock

Mid-morning coffee at Lagusta’s Luscious Commissary in New Paltz

Photo by LL Commissary

Though SUNY New Paltz is certainly not the only school in Ulster County, New Paltz is widely known as the “college town” of the county, and with that title comes a healthy coffee culture. For a vibe less collegiate and more classic, stop by Lagusta’s Luscious Commissary, 11 Church St. If you’re traveling with a partner, consider the “Chemex With Chocolates For Two” option, which pairs expertly made pour-over coffee with Lagusta’s famous handmade chocolates (yes, it’s a little early for dessert, but you’re on vacation). Then walk off the calories by exploring the colorful boutiques that dot the town’s main drag.

Also try Cohen’s Bakery in Ellenville

Lunch at Tuthilltown Spirits in Gardiner

Photo by Tuthilltown

New York’s first post-prohibition whiskey distillery is beloved across the country for its Hudson Whiskey brand, and Tuthilltown, 14 Grist Mill Lane, is a must for any spirits connoisseur. But they also host Char 1788, an acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant with a mouthwatering lunch menu of grass-fed beef burgers, oyster po’ boys, Nashville hot fried chicken, and flat iron steak sandwiches, among other things.

Also try P&G’s in New Paltz

Afternoon Intermission: Hike Sam’s Point, cool off at Verkeerderkill Falls, explore the ice caves.
 

Dinner at Aroma Thyme Bistro in Ellenville

Photo by Hudson Valley Green Restaurant/Aroma Thyme

Executive chef and owner Marcus Guiliano is a Hudson Valley treasure who’s spent nearly 20 years preaching the gospel of local, sustainable, organic food. The culmination of his philosophy can be found within the elegant, low-lit dining room behind the unassuming storefront of Aroma Thyme Bistro, 165 Canal St. Guiliano cooks with passion and discipline, and his always-evolving menu boasts a wide range of seasonal showcases that are often much healthier than you’d ever guess (Zagat called his cooking “stealth health”).

Also try Boitson’s in Kingston

Day 2

Breakfast at Phoenicia Diner in Phoenicia

Photo of the Phoenicia Diner by The Hangry Channel

Start your second day off with a leisurely drive up Rt 28 across the lush Catskills Scenic Byway, then pull off the highway to experience the rustic charm of the Phoenicia Diner, 5681 NY-28, a staple of the area that’s been elevating diner food for over 30 years. They have all the diner classics, but their thoughtful re-imaginings are where it’s at—like the “Morning in Tunisia” skillet, a blend of polenta, summer squash, eggplant, bell peppers, tomato, black olives, feta, and scallions, topped with a poached egg.

Also try Hash in Stone Ridge

Morning Intermission: Pay a visit to Sleepy Hollow Campgrounds (across the street from Phoenicia Diner) and dip your toes in Esopus Creek.

Lunch at Joshua’s Café and Restaurant in Woodstock

Photo of Joshua's Cafe by Yes to Crumbs

Joshua’s, 51 Tinker St., has been serving Mediterranean-inspired global cuisine in Woodstock since 1972, and it’s still wowing locals and visitors today. Dishes like shwarma salad, zucchini flatcakes, moussaka, and falafel showcase the well-traveled palate of chef and owner Stefanie Schachter, who took over the restaurant in 1992.

Also try The Rosendale Café in Rosendale

Afternoon Brews at Arrowood Farm Brewery in Accord

Photo by Arrowood Farms

Taste a true Ulster County beer at Arrowood Farms, 236 Lower Whitfield Rd., where they cultivate their own hops and grains from the local soil and rely entirely on solar power. Arrowood’s tasting room features a heavenly patio with an epic view of the sunset overlooking waving fields of grain.

Also try Rough Cut Brewing Co. in Kerhonkson

Dinner at Annarella in Saugerties

Photo by Annarella

Perhaps more than any other cuisine, Ulster County is home to a number of Italian restaurants ranging from take-out pizza spots to white tablecloth fine dining. Annarella Ristorante, 276 Malden Turnpike, specializes in Tuscan fare, with recipes whose origins can be traced back decades to Manhattan. With a formidable wine selection and dishes like Polpo alla Griglia (grilled Portuguese octopus), Annarella brings a taste of the Tuscan coast to the Hudson Valley—a fitting way to end your dining tour of Ulster County.

Also try Mountain Brauhaus in Gardiner

Two days isn’t nearly enough time to fully immerse in the mouthwatering wonders of the area’s dining scene, but this is a great start. Get to know the kitchens of Ulster County and start planning your dining tour today at ulstercountyalive.com.

Nestled in a lushly forested stretch of southwest Ulster County at the foot of the Shawangunk Ridge, Ellenville is a quiet mountain village of 4,100 whose laidback rural spirit belies a sophisticated dining scene and one of the most acclaimed professional theatre companies in the Hudson Valley, in addition to the outdoor recreation and scenic beauty the area is known for. Here’s a two-day guide to exploring the hidden delights of Ellenville.

Day 1

Interior of Cohen's Bakery

Start your morning with a coffee and pastry from the famous Cohen’s Bakery on Center Street, a staple of downtown for nearly 100 years. The company’s founder, the late Harry Cohen, is the purported inventor of raisin pumpernickel bread, and his original recipe is still used at the bakery to this day. You can also grab a breakfast sandwich at Wilson’s Market on Canal or a quick cup of Joe at B&B Coffee Shop on Main Street.

Once you’ve had your morning coffee, grab your mountain bike and drive north on 209 a few miles to Lippman Park, then spend the morning exploring the winding, elevated paths of the 14-mile Lippman Park Mountain Bike Trail. This famous trail system is known for its raised boardwalks, bridges and berms, and it can get quite challenging as you ascend the mountain. (Novice tip: for an easier time stick the trails near the base of the mountain). If mountain biking isn’t your thing, consider an adventure tour of the surrounding forest and mountains with Northeast Off-Road Adventures, which also offers off-road driving lessons, as well as wilderness survival skills and first aid classes.

After a morning of high-impact physical activity, cool off with a local brew and German-influenced bite from New Paltz Brewing Co. Or, for a full sit-down lunch, head back to Ellenville and grab a sandwich, salad or wrap from The Publik House or chow down on BBQ from Smoken Mos.

After lunch, pop into the Ellenville Public Library’s Terwilliger House Museum on Center Street, a late 19^th Century Queen Anne Victorian House built in 1895 and today houses a fascinating collection of local historical artifacts. Spend the rest of the afternoon window shopping and exploring the quaint charm of Ellenville’s Downtown Historic District.

For dinner, treat yourself to one of Ellenville’s upscale eateries along Canal Street. Trattoria Marbella is a white tablecloth Italian spot serving fresh Tuscan-inspired cuisine Pasta con Tuna and Risotto Primavera. Down the street, Tony & Nick’s Italian Kitchen pulls double duty as a family-run classic Italian joint that’s also one of the best spots in town for live music. 

After dinner, catch a show at Shadowland Stages, regarded as one of the best New York playhouses north of the City. Their 2019 season line-up includes the chamber drama “The Roommate” by award-winning playwright Jen Silverman and the salon-set comedy-mystery “Shear Madness” by Paul Porter.

Cap your evening with post-show cocktails at one of a handful late-night spots in walking distance.

Day 2

Hang gliding with Mountain Wings

Start your second day with a high-flying adventure. Mountain Wings offers thrilling hang-gliding trips for both experienced hang-gliders and first-timers, giving you a gorgeous bird’s eye view of the mid-Hudson Valley.

Exterior of Sook House.

For lunch, grab a gourmet pizza from Arianna’s Restaurant & Pizzeria on Market or a New York slice from Dominick’s on Center Street. If you’re not feeling pizza, step into the aromatic wonderland of Island Pepper Pot & Lounge on Liberty Street (serving delicious Caribbean fare like jerk chicken and oxtail soup) or try the sushi at Sook House on Center Street, which also serves Korean fare like dumplings and bibimbap. If you’re looking for a quick takeout bite, New China One has you covered.

After lunch, hop on Highway 52 heading west and take a drive down the gorgeous Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway. From there, you’ll find yourself on a stretch of the 80-mile Shawangunk Wine Trail. Stop by Brimstone Hill Vineyard for a tasting, then grab a glass from Baldwin Vineyards. From there, you can keep going west and hit several more wineries, or you can double-back to Ellenville in preparation for another stellar dinner. (Just remember, have a designated driver and don’t drink before you get behind the wheel.)

If you prefer fresh fruit to fermented, skip the wine trail and head to Barthel’s Farm Market on Rt. 209, where you’ll find freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, homemade baked goods and apple cider, and locally made ice cream.

Appetizers at Aroma Thyme Bistro

For dinner, you have several amazing options besides the ones already mentioned. The Green-certified Aroma Thyme Bistro on Canal Street has cultivated a national reputation as one of the most beloved farm-to-table restaurants in the country, thanks to the uncompromising ethos and innovative seasonal menus of co-owners Jamie and Chef Marcus Guiliano. If you’re in the mood for Mexican, Gaby’s Café, also on Canal, features a sprawling menu of traditional Mexican fare (along with killer margaritas) in a classy casual space.

Ready for an Ellenville adventure? Start planning your trip today at UlsterCountyAlive.com. 

Farm fresh fruits and vegetables. Cheeses, gourmet coffees, fish and meats. Hot meals for takeout. Bakery. Gifts. Candy counter. Garden supplies, plants and nursery stock. Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Stop in for a simple lunch, great desserts and baked goods. Tuesday through Saturday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.

With over a dozen exciting events this weekend, there's something for everyone in Ulster County this Halloween!

THURS., OCT. 30

Carvers of all ages are welcome at the Kingston Library Pumpkin Blaze where they will contribute to decorating grounds for the following night, on which all will be a-blaze! Pumpkins and snacks are free. 5 - 8 PM at 55 Franklin St., Kingston

BYOP (Bring Your Own Pumpkin) to the Pumpkin Carving Party and Jack-O-Lantern Contest at Olive Free Libarary. Carving tools and books on hand as well as snacks and prizes! 6 PM at 4033 Route 28-A, West Shokan

Enter your pumpkin in The Bakery's Night of 100 Pumpkins Pumpkin Carving Contest by bringing your entry in between 7 AM and 7 PM. All entrants recieve a free Jack O'Lantern cookie. On Friday (Oct. 31) at 6 PM experience the 24th Annual Night of 100 Pumpkins. Free hot cider, cocoa and pumpkin bread. Local artist judges will award prizes; adults and childrens entries judged separately. 13A North Front St., New Paltz

Guaranteed to provide a scary and memorable evening for all, Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses has had several national media features including Good Morning America and The Weather Channel. Attend the last weekend of the season at this famous haunted attraction. 778 Broadway, Route 9W, Ulster Park www.headlesshorseman.com

FRI., OCT. 31

Mohonk Mountain House Presents: Halloween Haunts and Happenings for dining and overnight guests. Experience Mohonk's haunted castle, get up close and personal with live timber wolves, and listen to spooky stories around a crackling campfire. Join us on Friday evening for the Haunted House featuring Fears and Phobias, or on Saturday evening (Nov. 1) for the Halloween Costume Ball (event takes place on Sunday as well).www.mohonk.com

Bring the kids to the Center for Photography at Woodstock's (CPW) Annual Halloween Portrait Event for their in-costume closeups during Woodstock's Halloween Parade! Proceeds support CPW's programs for teens including workshops, mentorships, scholarships and more! 3 - 6 PM at 59 Tinker St., Woodstock

The Woodstock Library hosts a Halloween Story Journey led by wood elves and fairies after Woodstock's Halloween Parade for ages 2-7. 6 - 7 PM at 5 Library Lane, Woodstock

Families are welcome to trick-or-treat at the historic houses on Haunted Huguenot Street from 4 - 6 PM. Then from 7 - 10 PM, experience special interpretations of the Jean Hasbrouck House, the burial ground, the Deyo House, and the Abraham Hasbrouck House. Guests will hear legends of hauntings, participate in Mrs. Gertrude Deyo-Brodhead’s infamous Conundrum Party, and explore the art of haunted interpretation (also on Saturday and Sunday from 4 - 8 PM). 81 Huguenot St., New Paltz Register here

Visit the unique Cantine Haunted Estates for a Mystifying Maze, the Trecherous Tunnels of Terror and more! 7 - 10 PM at 455 Washington Ave, Saugerties www.puttinplus.com

Chronogram & OUTPUT AGENCY present Nightmare on Wall Street at BSP with three rooms of horror, dance party, live music, psychic fair and a costume contest with prizes. 9 PM at Back Stage Productions - 323 Wall St., Kingston

Attend a spook-tacular evening of dinner, dancing, specialty drinks, a costume contest with prizes and more at theHalloween Costume Bash at The Tavern at Diamond Mills. Come early and dine on fall menu favorites (for reservations call 845-247-0700). Raise the dead from 9 PM to midnight with DJ KUE. www.diamondmillshotel.com

Celebrate All Hallow's Eve with the music of Pink Floyd, performed live. Connor Kennedy & Company and The Bearsville Theater present The Pink Floyd Halloween Freak-Out. Costumes encouraged; suprise special guests. 9 PM at 291 Tinker St., Woodstock

SAT., NOV. 1

Runners of all ages are welcome to attend UlsterCorps' Annual Zombie Escape in Rosendale. Be spirited away on a five kilometer trail run through the spooky woods, tunnels and caves of Williams Lake at the Fifth Annual UlsterCorps Service Sprint and Zombie Escape. Top finishers will receive certificates in gender and age group categories. The event is open to all levels of competitors and includes a FREE 1K Fun Run for kids, a 5K Zombie Escape timed race, and a 1K fitness walk/hike. All proceeds from the event will benefit UlsterCorps, a countywide resource hub for volunteerism, collaboration and service with a deep commitment to engaging high school and college age students. 11 AM at 434 Williams Lake Rd., Rosendale www.UlsterCorps.org

Attend the coolest, over the top party at the Halloween Gong Show & Masquerade Dance Party at the Bearsville Theater. An old-school Gong Show contest (open to all 21 and over), VIP judges, fabulous prizes, music by house band Paul Green & The Internet Trolls. Late night munchies and super-sounds-of-the-70s dance party after a winner is crowned. 7 PM at 291 Tinker St., Woodstock

SUN., NOV. 2

Experience the ultimate vintage, spooky film: Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1920); part of the Rosendale Theatre's Sunday Silents series. Thomas Edison's Frankenstein (1910) will also be shown. Live accompaniment by Marta Waterman. 3 - 5 PM at 408 Main St., Rosendale

Monday through Saturday, 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday, 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Perfect Places to Warm-Up

What could be better than a cup of steaming hot chocolate and something sweet to eat after a few hours in the cold? Try these great spots; some are even well-kept secrets only locals know!

After you’ve called it a day skiing or snowshoeing at Minnewaska or Mohonk Preserve head into the picturesque farming community of Gardiner for something yummy to eat and hot to drink at:

Café Mio
2356 Rt 44/55, Gardiner NY, 12525
845-255-4949
www.cafemio.com
Enjoy fresh local fare found in the middle of an agricultural small town. With food prepared with care and love to feed everyone like they are part of our family, you’ll be warmed inside and out. Open for breakfast and lunch six days a week from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (closed Tues.)

Village Market & Bakery
125 Main St., Gardiner, NY 12525
845-255-1234
www.villagemarketandbakery.com
This turn-of-the-century country market with a cozy café seating area is the perfect place to grab a cup of coffee and indulge in some delicious homemade bread and pastries. 

For those enjoying the great outdoors at Mohonk, cross-country skiing on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail or ice skating or sledding in New Paltz you’ll want to head to these places to warm-up:

The Bakery
13a North Front St., New Paltz, NY 12561
845-255-8840
www.ilovethebakery.com
The Bakery, with its rustic outdoor cafe and beautiful gardens, to be the center of social life in New Paltz, a place to meet people, bump into old friends, or sit quietly and read the papers. Known since 1980 for great bagels, croissants, rolls, rugulah, danish and butter cookies, The Bakery includes a coffee bar and full lunch menu.

Village Tea Room
10 Plattekill Ave, New Paltz, NY 12561
845-255-3434
www.villagetearoom.com
This cozy landmarked building with hand-hewn beams and romantic nooks serves a variety of scones, muffins, cookies and cakes, freshly made in their kitchen from pure wholesome ingredients. Lunch offers a choice of soups & sandwiches made with Bread Alone’s Organic award winning bread & fresh seasonal ingredients. Their a la carte dinner menu showcases seasonal local produce in a variety of delicious homey, but sophisticated comfort foods. 

P & G’s Restaurant
91 Main St, New Paltz, NY 12561
845-255- 6161
www.pandgs.com
This venerable New Paltz institution is literally a cornerstone of Main Street. Serving the very best burgers in town, the warm, friendly service, hearty food and kid friendly atmosphere make it the perfect place to stop with the whole family after an afternoon in the outdoors. 

Looking for a place after you’ve spent the day in Saugerties? Mosey into the village and stop at:

Love Bites
85 Partition Street, Saugerties, NY

845-246-1795
This cafe’s cuisine knows no boundaries. The cozy space (16 seats) is open for breakfast and lunch six days a week, dishing up favorites like the carrot coconut bread french toast, vegan pancakes and plenty of creative sandwiches. Thursday through Tuesday, 8:30-4:30.

The Dutch Tavern
253 Main St, Saugerties, NY 
845-246-0073.

Pub grub and icy brew define this village tavern. It's a great local haunt to grab a bite at after a day in the cold air.

European-style, full line bakery and cafe. Winner of the "Best Bakery in America" award, "Best Breakfast" and "Best Cookies" from Modern Baking Magazine. Incredible value with a tremendous selection. Over 300 Bakery items baked fresh everyday. Serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Group friendly - can accomodate 40 people, please call for a reservation.

By Allyson Macci, New York By Rail

Meet Me in Marlborough Farm Trail (Milton, Marlborough)

The Meet Me in Marlborough Farm Trail, one of the region’s most recognized farm trails was organized by a group of local farmers and business people. This agriculturally-focused route takes you past different farms, orchards, vineyards and shops, including the picturesque Prospect Hill Orchards, that has been in the same family for nearly 200 years and that grows gorgeous apricots, cherries, peaches, and plums. As you walk through the farm trail, visiting the various farms, orchards and wineries, take a minute to admire the Catskill Mountains in the distance and the sparkling Hudson River below.

Frida’s Bakery & Café (Milton)

Frida's Bakery and Cafe Display Case | Photo by Andrew Frewy

Known for its delicious cookies, cakes, tarts, and brownies, Frida’s also offers breakfast and lunch and breakfast. Everything is made on the premises, incorporating the region’s finest ingredients. Check out the California Wrap, a whole wheat wrap with bacon, avocado and turkey inside. It’s one tasty sandwich!

The Falcon (Marlboro)

The Falcon Overlooking Malboro Falls | Photo by Andrew Frey

The Falcon, a jazz club and restaurant, is a gathering spot for music, food and drinks. With a rotating menu based on fresh, local Hudson Valley and New York produce, it offers appetizing pizzas, burgers, salads and desserts. This place exudes cool. There’s often a band playing upstairs and a jam session downstairs, where musicians just show up to improvise together. Outside, the beer garden overlooks Marlboro Falls.

Hamlet of Highland

In the mood for some beautiful views and a more relaxing atmosphere? Visit the hamlet of Highland with its quintessential small-town vibe. Highland is situated alongside the Hudson River and is Ulster County’s agricultural hub. Highland is also home to the Walkway Over the Hudson and the Bad Seed Cider Company, which strives to advance the craft cider industry through the mixing of old and new techniques. Highland offers a diverse range of activities and places to eat, stay, and explore.

Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa (Milton)

Maynor Flat Suite at Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa | Photo by Andrew Frey

Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa is a gorgeous place to stay. It has unique rooms, an organic kitchen garden, an orchard and a full-service spa. With the Hudson River flowing below and Buttermilk Falls cascading through the property, it has picture-perfect views throughout its 75-acres. Part of the grounds is home to an animal sanctuary, where chickens, peacocks, donkeys, llamas and alpacas delight guests. Ask for the Maynor Flat suite, a cozy suite with a claw-foot bathtub and a great view of the meadow and pond.

Henry’s Restaurant (Milton)

Filet Mignon at Henry's Restaurant at Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa | PHoto by Andrew Frey

 Henry’s Restaurant at Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa is a farm-to-table restaurant that offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with wine from local vineyards. Try the Peking duck dish – roasted duck served with soba noodles, Millstone Farm sour cherries and julienned vegetables char siu – while sipping a Smoked Black Dirt Manhattan, made from local Black Dirt Bourbon.

Jack’s Meats and Deli (New Paltz)

For a quick bite on-the-go, Jack’s Meats and Deli has organic deli sandwiches and burgers. Their Philly cheesesteak is tasty, too.

Managed by Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa, Frida's Bakery and Cafe brings the quality, service and hospitality you've come to expect from our team. Offering artisan breads, pastries, and coffees, Frida's also presents house-made breakfast and lunch options.

History in Ulster County runs as deep as the Catskill Mountains are beautiful, with legacy as rich and diverse as the Hudson Valley fall foliage is vibrant. From famed abolitionists and legendary guitar heroes to prominent laureates, sports figures, and politicians, Ulster County has been shaped by the tremendous work and endeavors of African Americans.

No doubt one of the most influential names is abolitionist trailblazer Sojourner Truth. Born into slavery around 1797 and raised in Ulster County, the words and message of this social justice warrior hold their power still today. It’s ambition and truth like hers that has paved the way for future African-American activists and politicians, like Saugerties-born Kirkland Leroy Irvis, the first African American to serve as a speaker of the house in any state legislature in the United States since Reconstruction.

A few miles north, Kingston is home to the story of prominent ball-playing barber Henry C. Rosecranse Jr. Rosecranse gained freedom in 1827, later opening his own barbershop that laid the track for the many Black-owned businesses open across the area today. In 1881, The Kingston Daily Freeman published a story featuring Rosecranse, in which he spoke about his love for the game of baseball; that interview led to him becoming one of the first documented African Americans to ever play the sport.

Speaking of sports legends, Floyd Patterson, a twice-reigned heavyweight champion of the world in the ‘50s and ‘60s, was a longtime New Paltz resident, as was famed veteran broadcaster, Charles Davis. A notable football alum of the Tennessee Volunteers, Davis is now a mainstay at the NFL Network and NFL on CBS. Traditional sports not your thing? One of the tap dance world’s brightest lights, Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates, overcame the loss of one of his legs in a cotton gin accident to go on to perform on Broadway, the Ed Sullivan Show (for a record 21 times), and on tour with Louis Armstrong. He also opened a namesake resort, the Peg Leg Bates County Club, in Kerhonkson that catered to African-American guests. At the time of this writing, the resort is currently abandoned.

The art world also has strokes of Ulster County influence flowing throughout. Osi Audu, a Nigerian-born multimedia artist whose work has seen the inside of the Smithsonian Institute, now calls Ulster County home. Audu exhibits frequently at local museums, namely the Dorsky and the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild. On your next trip upstate, you could bump into Andrew Lyght, an award-winning contemporary visual artist living in Kington; and Ben Wigfall, the longtime SUNY art professor who was a pioneer in African-American arts. Of course, the power of the pen shouldn’t be left out here. Ione, a noted playwright and the director of Njinga the Queen King, lived in Kingston, as did chef Edna Lewis, whose cookbooks and talent in the kitchen refined the art form that is Southern cooking.

Just as Lewis hit all the right notes with her recipes, so, too, did the many famed African-American musicians who have hailed from this region. Beyond punk rockers Bad Brains, clarinet prodigy Don Byron, saxophone sensation Sonny Rollins, and influential jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette, Ulster County has seen the likes of bassist Gail Ann Dorsey, who’s performed with Lenny Kravitz; percussionist Joakim Lartey, who helped found the Woodstock band Futu Futu; and vocalist Kitt Potter, who’s a Kingston musical festival founder, pass through its hills.

We just threw a lot of names at you, we know – so many names you might be in a purple haze of sorts. But that’s just the right state of mind to be in when reading about rock star Jimi Hendrix. One of the biggest names to ever call Woodstock home, Hendrix was a guitar legend whose fierce imprint on rock and roll elevated the genre to peak levels. A Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, he is arguably the best instrumentalist to have ever plucked a Stratocaster. Not to mention his influence extends to modern stages occupied by contemporary rockers including Kravitz, H.E.R., and, before his passing, Prince.

All this is to say, Ulster County owes much of its cultural landscape to African Americans. So the next time you visit, be sure to seek out the many Black-owned businesses in the county and champion their causes. There’s Benny’s Tropical Ice and We Got the Juice to quench your thirst, and Urban Fork and Violet’s Bakery to fill your belly. And that’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The Hudson Valley is also hosting several events in honor of Black History Month that are worth your attention. And remember, as you explore and walk in the footsteps of these inimitable leaders, spread kindness, bring awareness, and do your part.

Check out our lodging options and start planning your trip!

<p>History in Ulster County runs as deep as the Catskill Mountains are beautiful, with legacy as rich and diverse as the Hudson Valley fall foliage is vibrant. From famed abolitionists and legendary guitar heroes to prominent laureates, sports figures, and politicians, Ulster County has been shaped by the tremendous work and endeavors of African Americans.</p>
<p>No doubt one of the most influential names is abolitionist trailblazer Sojourner Truth. Born into slavery around 1797 and raised in Ulster County, the words and message of this social justice warrior hold their power still today. It’s ambition and truth like hers that has paved the way for future African-American activists and politicians, like Saugerties-born Kirkland Leroy Irvis, the first African American to serve as a speaker of the house in any state legislature in the United States since Reconstruction.</p>
<p>A few miles north, <a href="https://ulstercountyalive.com/explore/city-kingston">Kingston</a> is home to the story of prominent ball-playing barber Henry C. Rosecranse Jr. Rosecranse gained freedom in 1827, later opening his own barbershop that laid the track for the many Black-owned businesses open across the area today. In 1881, <i>The Kingston Daily Freeman</i> published a story featuring Rosecranse, in which he spoke about his love for the game of baseball; that interview led to him becoming one of the first documented African Americans to ever play the sport.</p>
<p>Speaking of sports legends, Floyd Patterson, a twice-reigned heavyweight champion of the world in the ‘50s and ‘60s, was a longtime <a href="https://ulstercountyalive.com/explore/new-paltz">New Paltz</a> resident, as was famed veteran broadcaster, Charles Davis. A notable football alum of the Tennessee Volunteers, Davis is now a mainstay at the NFL Network and NFL on CBS. Traditional sports not your thing? One of the tap dance world’s brightest lights, Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates, overcame the loss of one of his legs in a cotton gin accident to go on to perform on Broadway, the <i>Ed Sullivan Show </i>(for a record 21 times), and on tour with Louis Armstrong. He also opened a namesake resort, the Peg Leg Bates County Club, in Kerhonkson that catered to African-American guests. At the time of this writing, the resort is currently abandoned.</p>
<p>The art world also has strokes of Ulster County influence flowing throughout. Osi Audu, a Nigerian-born multimedia artist whose work has seen the inside of the Smithsonian Institute, now calls Ulster County home. Audu exhibits frequently at local museums, namely <a href="https://ulstercountyalive.com/listing/samuel-dorsky-museum-art">the Dorsky</a> and the <a href="https://ulstercountyalive.com/listing/woodstock-byrdcliffe-guild">Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild</a>. On your next trip upstate, you could bump into Andrew Lyght, an award-winning contemporary visual artist living in <a href="https://ulstercountyalive.com/explore/city-kingston">Kington</a>; and Ben Wigfall, the longtime SUNY art professor who was a pioneer in African-American arts. Of course, the power of the pen shouldn’t be left out here. Ione, a noted playwright and the director of <i>Njinga the Queen King</i>, lived in <a href="https://ulstercountyalive.com/explore/city-kingston">Kingston</a>, as did chef Edna Lewis, whose cookbooks and talent in the kitchen refined the art form that is Southern cooking.</p>
<p>Just as Lewis hit all the right notes with her recipes, so, too, did the many famed African-American musicians who have hailed from this region. Beyond punk rockers Bad Brains, clarinet prodigy Don Byron, saxophone sensation Sonny Rollins, and influential jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette, Ulster County has seen the likes of bassist Gail Ann Dorsey, who’s performed with Lenny Kravitz; percussionist Joakim Lartey, who helped found the <a href="https://ulstercountyalive.com/explore/woodstock">Woodstock</a> band Futu Futu; and vocalist Kitt Potter, who’s a <a href="https://ulstercountyalive.com/explore/city-kingston">Kingston</a> musical festival founder, pass through its hills.</p>
<p>We just threw a lot of names at you, we know – so many names you might be in a purple haze of sorts. But that’s just the right state of mind to be in when reading about rock star Jimi Hendrix. One of the biggest names to ever call <a href="https://ulstercountyalive.com/explore/woodstock">Woodstock</a> home, Hendrix was a guitar legend whose fierce imprint on rock and roll elevated the genre to peak levels. A Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Famer, he is arguably the best instrumentalist to have ever plucked a Stratocaster. Not to mention his influence extends to modern stages occupied by contemporary rockers including Kravitz, H.E.R., and, before his passing, Prince.</p>
<p>All this is to say, Ulster County owes much of its cultural landscape to African Americans. So the next time you visit, be sure to seek out the many Black-owned businesses in the county and champion their causes. There’s Benny’s Tropical Ice and <a href="https://ulstercountyalive.com/listing/we-got-juice-broadway-arts">We Got the Juice</a> to quench your thirst, and <a href="https://ulstercountyalive.com/listing/urban-fork">Urban Fork</a> and Violet’s Bakery to fill your belly. And that’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The Hudson Valley is also hosting several <a href="https://ulstercountyalive.com/calendar?month=February&amp;year=2022">events</a> in honor of Black History Month that are worth your attention. And remember, as you explore and walk in the footsteps of these inimitable leaders, spread kindness, bring awareness, and do your part.</p>
<p><b>Check out our <a href="https://ulstercountyalive.bookdirect.net/#/lodgings">lodging options</a> and start planning your trip!</b></p>

U-pick apples and pumpkins. All varieties of apples, including Norther Spy and Macoun, pears, peaches, cherries, blackberries, raspberries, tomatoes, and other vegetables in season. Honey and cider produced on the farm. Bakery on premises. Open daily, July - May.

Vegetarian deli, bakery, juice and smoothie bar.

Gourmet cafe and deli in downtown Woodstock. Take-out, eat in, bakery and catering.

A second location for Outdated: An Antique Cafe in midtown Kingston. Outdated Lite is a unique experience in upstate New York offering an eclectic mix of vintage goods and antiques. Outdated is a vegetarian café making a conscious effort to use all local and organic foods. Everything in our bakery is made in-house from scratch. Catering and custom dessert orders available. Open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Classic cakes and sweets- with a pinch of whimsy- Baked with love in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. Special order cakes and wholesale goodies for Woodstock locals and markets.

U-Pick strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pumpkins. Vegetables and fruits in season. Flowering annuals and perennials, herbs, vegetable plants, nursery stock. Bakery, maple syrup, honey, jams, jellies. Gift and holiday items. Horse-drawn hayrides in the Fall. Daily except Mondays 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tantillo's Farm is a family owned and operated Orchard, Market, Bakery, and Ice Cream Shop. We offer 4 varieties of pick your own fruits and vegetables. School Groups, Leashed Dogs, and Picnics are Welcome!

Neighborhood delicatessen and grocery store. A treasured neighborhood deli for over 50 years. Terri’s sells macaroni and potato salads and fresh roast beef and turkey roasted on site. Offering daily homemade soups and chili, including soups from Le Canard French restaurant in Kingston. Milk and other dairy products are from the local Boice’s Dairy Farm. Hard rolls and subs made fresh daily from Deisings Bakery; bagels made and delivered daily from local Sunrise Bagels shop.

The Bakery, with its rustic outdoor cafe and beautiful gardens, tends to be the center of social life in New Paltz; a place to meet people, bump into old friends, or sit quietly and read the papers. Known since 1980 for great bagels, croissants, rolls, rugulah, danish and butter cookies, The Bakery also has a coffee bar and full lunch menu.

High Falls, NY – The Editors of the Hudson Valley Magazine have named The Gunks Art Trail “Best of” in the New Arts Initiative category. “It’s no secret that the mid-Hudson is home to artists of all types,” writes the magazine on its website. “Viewing the work of our creative neighbors got easier last May with the debut publication of the Gunks Art Trail. This colorful guide gives the locations of museums, galleries, artist studios, libraries — along with restaurants, B&Bs, and other attractions — in the eight communities that surround the Shawangunk Ridge. Paper copies of this fun and funky map are available from Ulster County Tourism, but the online version, which can be found at the Web site below, is a cinch to navigate — and just a click away www.gunksarttrail.com.” The map covers the communities of New Paltz, High Falls, Stone Ridge, Rosendale, Accord, Kerhonkson, Gardiner, and Highland. “We are very proud of our region,” says Sevan Melikyan of Wired Gallery. “It boasts a multitude of venues that show the works of local artists and our map is there to recognize their efforts. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all our sponsors and advertisers for believing in our initiative and making The Gunks Art Trail possible.” Michele Riddell, director of Unframed Artists Gallery says “We look forward to our second edition of the map, updated and expanded, and to be released in May 2015.” The Gunks Art Trail was made possible by the following Sponsors: Principal Sponsor: Ulster County Tourism Platinum Sponsor: Mohonk Mountain House Silver Sponsors: Androgyny House of Design Arts Mid-Hudson Barner Books Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty Doug Adams Mohonk Preserve New Paltz Chamber of Commerce PDQ Printing Rondout Valley Business Association Ulster Savings Vine Van Gogh Additional support was provided by the following advertisers and donors: 1850 House The Bakery Blue Willow B&B Cafeteria Coffee House Cami Fischer Studio D.M. Weil Gallery Egg’s Nest Restaurant G. Steve Jordan Gallery Gomen-Kudasai Noodle Shop Gray Owl Gallery Groovy Blueberry Historic Huguenot Street Kaete Brittin Shaw Karma Road La Bella Pizza Main Street Bistro Mark Gruber Gallery Prudential Nutshell Realty Rock and Rye Tavern Roots & Wings Rosendale Cafe Samuel Dorsky Museum Stacie Flint Studio Stone Ridge Wine and Spirits Stone Window Gallery Team Love Ravenhouse Treehouse Gallery UNISON Arts Center WIRED GALLERY shows works by contemporary artists and artisans from mid-Hudson Valley. 11 Mohonk Road, High Falls, NY Hours: Saturday & Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 682.564.5613. UNFRAMED ARTISTS GALLERY 173 Huguenot Street, New Paltz Hours: Saturday & Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. 845.255.5402

The Meltaway Bakery is a micro-bakery located in the heart of the Hudson Valley in Saugerties. The menu features goodies such as coffee cakes, eclairs, black and whites, danishes, oversized delicious cookies and other bakery delights. There is a rotating menu with announcements on Facebook page indicating the featured item for the upcoming weekend. Everything is made and baked on the premises each day to ensure quality and freshness by the owner and baker, Andrew Pineiro, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America with over 30 years of experience in the industry.

Early 20th-century bakery highlighting the 19th- and 20th-century social and cultural history of the Rondout-West Strand Historic District. Currently undergoing restoration. Gallery open weekends May-October and for special programs and events.  Go to the website at www.rehercenter.org to make a reservation for one of the historic bakery tours.

Day One

We took an Amtrak from Grand Central in New York City to Poughkeepsie, where we hailed a cab to the Budget Rental and picked up our car, a boxy, bright red Kia. We headed north towards Kingston.

It was a mild, sunny day holding firmly in the mid-70s. The sun shimmered over the Hudson River as we crossed the Mid-Hudson Bridge into Highland, heading west on 44, driving around the perimeter of Franny Reese State Park, whose verdant brilliance reflected in the mid-day sun. We exited onto Route 9W and drove north for 20 miles, glimpsing hamlets and villages like West Park and Esopus along the way.

We arrived at our hotel in Kingston around noon, cleaned up, and headed down to the Stockade District.

This eight-block area on the west end of the city is where Dutch settlers first established Wiltwyck (later renamed Kingston), a trading outpost in in the colony of New Netherland. It’s also where, on Oct. 16, 1777, a British soldier lit the first match that would send the city up in flames, thwarting state leaders’ recent establishment of the city as New York’s capital.

Ironically, today the district is one of the city’s best-preserved monuments of the revolution and the site of many beautiful buildings and structures showcasing the Dutch-colonial architecture of the era. It’s also the only Dutch-settled stockade in New York where evidence of the original stockade remains to this day.

We wandered down Wall Street and found ourselves standing in the shadow of the Old Dutch Church, affectionately known as the Cathedral of Kingston, a beautiful stone structure originally built in the 1660s as fortification for the Stockade and rebuilt and expanded several times since.

On Front Street we spotted a playful black-and-white sign reading “Records” hanging over the Wright Gallery Records storefront—a local shop that came highly recommended from a friend. Inside, an incredibly well-curated selection of new and used vinyl. For a moment I considered purchasing a used copy of David Bowie’s Hunky Dory but remembered I’m on a budget and, with some encouragement from my better half, I reluctantly put the album back.

Based on the appeal of its signage and the mystery of its opaque, Tudor-style windows, we blindly entered the nearby Stockade Tavern, a fitting name for the day’s adventure. The walnut bar held court over the elegant, low-lit lounge designed from pieces of history—tables made from the bases of old iron sewing machines, lights repurposed from the nearby Governor Clinton when it was still a hotel (it’s now a retirement community). This humble little tavern was named by Esquire in 2014 as one of America’s best bars and has been credited as one of the main players in the country’s resurgent interest in craft cocktail culture. The concise menu featured a small selection of classic cocktails, dated according to their first creation. We ordered the oldest featured cocktail, the Rum Flip (1700s), a velvety, potent concoction of Angostura 1919 Rum and maple shaken with a whole raw egg and garnished with nutmeg, and a Scotch cocktail called The Godfather. We shared a small but outstanding nosh, a modern twist on classic bruschetta.

Owner Paul Maloney, who’s run Stockade Tavern with his wife, Jenny Vis, since 2010, graciously offered us advice on where to eat dinner, and we landed on Boitson’s, an upscale gem on Front Street with a gorgeous patio view and a colorful origin story.

Today, Boitson’s carries a sterling reputation as one of the best restaurants in the Hudson Valley, and our experience—from the service and environment to the food and drink—lived up to it. We shared the gorgonzola mac and cheese and a plate of raw oysters.

After dinner, we wandered through the city and admired the striking, oversized murals adorning various buildings, many of them created during the annual O+ Art Festival.  Through the storefront windows we gazed into the stylish interior of Rough Draft Bar & Books, which unfortunately was closed for the day.

Day Two

The next day, we departed Kingston and drove 15 miles southwest on Route 32, crossing over the Wallkill River and through Clearwater Park to New Paltz, a trendy college town (home to State University of New York at New Paltz) with a bit of grit. The two main drags, Main and Church Streets, are full of used bookstores, hip boutiques, and popular brewpubs—like Arrowood Outpost on Church Street, which brews its beer “from the ground up” via hops and grains grown at Arrowood Farms in Accord, and The Gilded Otter on Main Street, a stately space with killer outdoor seating.

For lunch, we hit P&G’s, a century-old local spot on Main Street with a backstory straight out of “Cheers”: in 1951, the place was bought by one of its bartenders, Storm Nickerson, who, like Ted Danson’s character Sam Malone, was a former baseball player (though by all accounts Nickerson carried a much better reputation than Malone). With a full bar, extensive food menu, and spacious dining room, Nickerson cultivated an open, friendly atmosphere for locals, students, and bikers to find refuge in good food, drink and company. Nickerson died in 1994, but on our visit his legacy appeared well-preserved, and lunchtime was hopping with diners and bar patrons alike.

After lunch, we peaked into Krause’s Chocolates on Church Street, first founded in Saugerties in 1929 and now operating locations in New Paltz and Rhinebeck, and lusted after the hand-made pieces of edible art (regrettably, we resisted temptation). We perused the musty, worn gems on display at the neighboring Barner Books, operating in what looked like a quaint, two-story house.

We left town and drove west on Route 299 to Route 44/55, crossing through the majestic Minnewaska State Preserve and the edge of the Mohonk Preserve. For naturalists and outdoors enthusiasts, this area is one of the biggest draws of Ulster County, a place one goes to climb a mountain, stand under a waterfall, descend into a cave, or just sit on a cliff and process the vast beauty of nature.

Our destination: Ellenville, an unassuming little mountain town of 4,000 that holds a variety of hidden gems and curios. It’s home to the 14-mile Lippman Park bike trail and the birthplace of raisin pumpernickel bread (via the famous Cohen’s Bakery). It’s home to Shadowland Stages, a well-respected playhouse that’s staged a variety of acclaimed productions (it recently mounted the American premier of John Cleese’s new play, “Bang Bang!”). For such a small town—or any town for that matter—the dining scene is eclectic and sophisticated.  A few doors down from Shadowland on Canal Street is the beloved farm-to-table beacon Aroma Thyme—our dinner spot for the night. We shared a small pitcher of fresh-fruit-filled Sangria and a cheese plate to start, then split the meatloaf, a blend of pork and beef from a nearby farm topped with a tangy, made-from-scratch tomato sauce and roasted potatoes.  

Our original plan was to leave Aroma Thyme and head to Sam’s Point Preserve in time to catch the epic sunset overlooking the pine barrens, but a friendly exchange on the patio with a gentleman named Tim turned into a two-and-a-half-hour conversation that lasted well after the sun had gone down and the restaurant had closed.

Tim was a regular at Aroma Thyme and a local businessman who owned several properties and businesses in Ellenville and nearby Stone Ridge. He was a wealth of information, and for several hours he regaled us with stories of Ellenville’s complex socioeconomic history—the immigrants that flocked here, the rise and fall of industry, the new great migration from New York City to Ulster County.

The area used to be known as the Borscht Belt, aka the Jewish Alps, where well-to-do Jews from New York City would vacation for the summer. The resort in the movie “Dirty Dancing” is said to be loosely based on the nearby Mohonk Mountain House, and our new friend told us that an elderly Ellenville resident claims to be the basis for Jennifer Gray’s character, Baby, in the film.

It was a fascinating conversation that helped us better grasp Ellenville’s sense of place, and though we were disappointed to miss Sam’s Point, we were thrilled to have met Tim.

Day Three

We spent the majority of our last day exploring Woodstock, the famous namesake for the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair—but not, as many people don’t realize, the site of the festival itself. That happened in Bethel in nearby Sullivan County; though festival organizers had planned for Woodstock as the site, a last-minute revolt from local residents, worried what thousands of pilgrimaging music fans would do to their community, forced the festival south.

It’s somewhat ironic that much of Woodstock’s tourism economy today is based on the legacy of a music festival that did not happen here, but this fact is one of the many idiosyncrasies that make this town so interesting.

We grabbed coffee at Bread Alone Bakery on Mill Hill Road and explored the quirky gift shops and clothing stores, many of them packed to the gills with music tees, memorabilia, and collectables that spilled out of the business doors and onto the sidewalks and lawns.

We ate a late lunch—a charcuterie plate of cured pork, various cheeses, tapenade and bread—at Oriole 9, a busy breakfast/lunch spot with excellent service and a welcoming dining room full of old locals and upwardly mobile bohemians, artists and fashionistas.

After lunch, we drove out to the Byrdcliffe Arts Colony, a rustic compound nestled in the rolling, forested hills just outside of Woodstock where, for a century, artists and writers have retreated to find solitude and inspiration. Today, its artist residency program continues, but the compound is open to the public and the surrounding woods have several hiking trails. We started our hike right next the Byrdcliffe Theatre and ascended the heavily wooded slopes for a mile, circling the main cluster of buildings before doubling back to the car.

Afternoon turned to evening, and the summer dusk made everything in Woodstock—the woods, the streams, the people, the buildings—glow with an otherworldly luminescence.

We drove back towards Kingston, away from the sunset, occasionally glimpsing it in our rearview mirror and wishing we had more time. It was our last twilight in Ulster County—for this trip.

Just because summer is coming to an end does not mean outdoor activity must conclude as well. The crisp temperatures, the changing landscape and the smell of autumn in the air all offer a nice backdrop to the harvest, and there may be no better way to enjoy the season than by taking advantage of Ulster County’s apple and pumpkin picking opportunities. Visitors can even enjoy special accommodations planned for them to enjoy the season.

By picking your very own apples and pumpkins, you get the satisfaction of knowing that they’re fresh. You also get to take part in one of the classic agrarian pastimes, which is enjoyable for people of all ages. Here’s a closer look at some of Ulster County’s many apple orchards and pumpkin patches. Regardless of where you go, these sites promise a delightful fall day in a scenic and pleasant landscape.

Below is a listing of just a few of Ulster’s many farms. For a full listing, visit www.ulstercountyalive.com/landing/farmsand start experiencing the bountiful harvest this fall.
 

AppleOrchards

Apple Hill Farm
Self-service apple picking starts on Sept. 11 at this active New Paltz orchard, which features 11 types of apples. You will want to visit soon after picking season starts, as most apple varieties will no longer be on the trees after Oct. 18. Check the schedule online to see when your favorite will be available. There are also hayrides and the opportunity to take a spin on a fire truck. If you wish to stay a while, consider a picnic at one of the available tables.www.applehillfarm.com

Dressel Farms
A popular spot for the much-coveted Honeycrisp apple, you can pick your own sweet treats here every weekend and even on some holidays in September and October in New Paltz. Other apple varieties include Cripps Pink Lady, Gala, McIntosh and SnapDragon, a rare New York apple hybrid because it was recently introduced in 2013. Check out the calendar to try a type you’ve never sampled before, or get that old standby for pies or snacks. There is also homemade cider and cider donuts to enjoy. Just be aware that this orchard does not allow pets due to FDA rules.www.dresselfarms.com 

Jenkins-Lueken Orchards
Apple picking begins during Labor Day weekend at Jenkins-Lueken Orchards in New Paltz. Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Golden Delicious and Gala are just several of the apple varieties you can pick at their orchards. Check the online calendar to see what is available. www.jlorchards.com 

Mr. Apples Orchard
A low-spray orchard in High Falls, you not only get to pick your favorite kinds of apples here, but you can also rest easy knowing they are treated with fewer chemicals. Called “The Garden Spot of Ulster County,” the site is surrounded by mountains and features waterfront space near Rondout Creek. McIntosh apples are available in early September, and October is Red Delicious Month. While apples are the primary attraction of this orchard space, you can pick pears and pumpkins here as well. www.mrapples.com 
 

PumpkinPatches

DuBois Farms
Open every day through Nov. 1, DuBois Farms was voted the best Pick-Your-Own farm in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Its spacious pumpkin patch offers great choices when it comes time to pick a Halloween pumpkin. In addition, the Highland site has extensive orchards featuring nectarines, peaches, plums, apples and pears. Your family can also enjoy a corn maze, a tractor-pulled wagon and “Tiny Town,” a child-sized village where the young ones can play.www.duboisfarms.com 
    
Hurds Family Farm
Hurds Family Farm in Modena enjoys spreading the news that it offers all shapes and sizes of pumpkins at just 50 cents per pound, meaning you can stock up for Halloween and seasonal decorations as well as pies. In addition to pumpkins, you can also help yourself to the vegetable garden and enjoy a spread of different salad greens. Kids will especially love the Big Apple Bounce air pillow. www.hurdsfamilyfarm.com 

Saunderskill Farms
Find your next jack-o-lantern at Saunderskill Farms in Accord. Pumpkins are the featured crop starting weekends in October. You can also enjoy tractor-drawn or horse-drawn hayrides and experience the corn maze. The Hudson Valley Draft Horse Association also puts on demonstrations, so you may enjoy more than you planned when you visit Saunderskill Farms. www.saunderskill.com/seasonal.shtml

Wallkill View Farm
Situated along Route 299 in New Paltz, Wallkill View Farm is proud of its pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Open daily, the farm also has a corn maze and offers a variety of activities for kids every weekend during the month of October, including hayrides. Wallkill View Room stays active year-round with Christmas trees, flowers, produce and a celebrated bakery. www.wallkillviewfarmmarket.com 

With dozens of farms offering apples, pumpkins or both, along with an array of other fruits and vegetables and activities for the whole family to enjoy, Ulster County truly comes alive during the autumn months. 
 

PickandStayPackages

Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa
Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa in Milton is offering a fall “U-Pick Picnic” package in partnership with Dubois Farms. Book a two-night stay and enjoy the following complimentary amenities:
(1) souvenir Buttermilk Falls picnic cooler
(1) $25 voucher to use for U-Pick produce at Dubois Farms
(2) Buttermilk Falls Spa lunch items to be packed in your picnic cooler
(2) 15 percent off coupons for services of 60 minutes or more at the spa (1 coupon per service)

Other packages are available. Call an innkeeper to add on additional items.
(845) 795-1310 or www.buttermilkfallsinn.com

Crystal Spring House
Crystal Spring House in Big Indian offers “Non-Profit November” – a third-off the weekend rate ($1,200, Friday-Saturday only $800 for up to 10 adults) and deeper discounts on weekday stays.
(845) 586-1080 or www.crystalspringhouse.com

Diamond Mills Hotel
Stay at Diamond Mills Hotel in Saugerties and bask among the region’s most scenic views right from your in-room balcony. This package includes an overnight stay at a 15 percent discounted rate, and 10 percent discount on all meals at the Tavern. Online booking only. Rate does not include tax, gratuity or beverages. Package is valid beginning Sept. 20. 
(845) 247-0700 or http://goo.gl/lsHpNp

Emerson Resort and Spa 
Emerson Resort and Spa in Mount Tremper is offering its Fall Escapes special, which entails a mid-week promotion starting at a total of $356 for a minimum stay of three nights and includes the monthly spa special. The spa features an expansive array of Indian holistic wellness treatments. Other property offerings include an outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the Esopus Creek, striking views of Mount Tremper and the world’s largest kaleidoscope. Offer is valid through Nov. 8 (blackout dates may apply). Reservations are based on double-occupancy, three-night minimum.
(877) 688-2828 or www.emersonresort.com     

The Gallery Inn
The Gallery Inn, located in Kingston, has a mid-week special where guests can book two nights and get the third night free (Monday-Thursday)
(845) 338-8473 or www.thegalleryinnkingstonny.com

The Homestead at Catskill Animal Sanctuary
The Homestead at Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties is offering an autumn and winter special: November through March reservations receive a 20 percent room rate discount.
(845) 336-8447 or www.casanctuary.org

Hudson Valley Resort & Spa
Hudson Valley Resort & Spa in Kerhonkson is offering two fall deals this year: a $99 room rate through the end of September and a Fall Foliage Driving Tour. Some restrictions apply, subject to availability.
(845) 626-8888 or www.hudsonvalleyresort.com

Click here for a list of other outdoor activities.

2020 Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Open

Meet Me in Marlborough

What Will You See In Ulster County?

Explore the Railroad Corridor

Golf in Ulster County

Taste of Craft Beverages

Fairs & Festivals

Levon Helm

A Bigger Playground

Places to Stay

Things To Do

Ellenville Applying for TV Show Makeover

Support the Arts

Support the Arts

GROCERY-BAKERY-KITCHEN-DELI-REFILLERY-COFFEE. Now open! 8-8 everyday!

This is a place where you can find Violet's Bakery's amazing pastries, pies, cakes, bars and cookies all sold from the Saugerties Farmer's Market.