Arts have played a leading role in the history of the Hudson River Valley. The Hudson River School of Painting made our area a major destination. That history is celebrated by towns along the Hudson celebrating the arts on specific Saturday’s every month.
Kingston opens its art doors on the first Saturday every month.
Kingston's renaissance is based on a terrific waterfront location, a stunning natural landscape, and charming historic districts, all accompanied by a lively arts scene. The vibrant First Saturday gallery receptions (from 5 - 8 pm) offer an easy entree into the scene: just pick up ArtWorks, the monthly magazine to find a comprehensive gallery guide and map. Uptown, midtown and downtown all offer a mix of venues with exhibits, music and other performance events. Visit www.askforarts.org for a complete listing or call ASK at 845-338-0331.
New Paltz celebrates its artists on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Visit New Paltz Arts.
New Paltz has a spirit of independence and vision that goes back more than 330 years when French-speaking Huguenots struck out on their own, eager to ctreate a spiritual haven for themselves. Today, New Paltz is still a haven for many – residents and visitors alike. The town features an eclectic mix of art venues, a university museum that has a special focus on Hudson Valley art and artists, restaurants, unique shopping, a strong agricultural community of family farms and orchards, hiking, biking, all with a view of the magnificent Shawangunk Ridge.
Vineyards and winery situated high on a hill overlooking the orchards, Hudson River and beyond. Open April-December, Sunday-Thursday, noon-6 p.m., Friday-Saturday, noon-8 p.m. with brick-oven pizza on weekends; January-March, Thursday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. or by appointment. Closed major holidays.
Enjoy elegant, natural hard ciders in the tasting room along with wood-fired pizza and burgers at the pavilion. Plus, homemade apple cider doughnuts on weekends. A farm stand features fresh produce, locally sourced specialty products from the Hudson Valley, New York State craft beer, wine and spirits. Open April to early-November. Tasting room hours: Thursday, noon-6 p.m.; Friday, noon-7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Food service available Friday-Sunday.Facebook: www.facebook.com/brooklynciderhouse
U-pick apples and cherries. Apples, peaches, pears, plums, vegetables and cider. Accessible, child, pet and group friendly. Open August-February, daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
By Allyson Macci, New York By Rail
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Autumn is, without a doubt, one of the best times of year to explore Ulster County. The region is filled to the brim with unique leaf-peeping locations and jaw-dropping colors to enjoy via scenic driving routes, mountain overlooks, riverboat rides and more.
Shawangunk Scenic Byway from Kerhonkson to New Paltz
The Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway is an 88-mile loop between with a section between Kerhonkson and New Paltz that is perfect for leaf peeping. The byway encircles the northern Shawangunk Mountains and travels through the Rondout and Wallkill Valleys taking you along country roads in the towns of New Paltz, Gardiner, Shawangunk (Wallkill), Wawarsing (Ellenville), Rochester (Kerhonkson/Accord), Marbletown (High Falls/Stone Ridge) and Rosendale.This drive offers views of rustic farmlands and mountain vistas, and ascends into the Shawangunk Mountains, which rise more than 2,000 feet above sea level. Beginning in Kerhonskon, where Route 44/55 meets Route 209, there is a 10.4 mile stretch of mountain road, with sharp turns and switchbacks. Drivers will pass two back-to-back overlooks, each with views of the Roundout Valley and the Catskill Mountains. The nearbyMinnewaska State Park offers the chance to walk, cycle, rock climb, and hike to a waterfall.. Another idyllic gem, Mohonk Preserve (www.mohonk preserve.org) near New Paltz, features more than 7,000 sprawling acres of natural areas and hundreds of trails providing access to some of the best views in all of Ulster County.
Rip Van Winkle Hudson River Cruise
Revel in the views of Hudson Valley foliage with a leisurely trip down the Hudson River. Cruises are a delightful excursion for the whole family and include guided tours, where you’ll see and learn about some of the region’s most notable landmarks — regional estates, picturesque lighthouses, quaint villages and scenic preservation sites, from Rhinecliff to Esopus and everything in between. The riverboat boards in Kingston, only a 15-minute drive from Ulster. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.hudsonrivercruises.com or call 1-800-979-3370.
State Road 214 from Phoenicia to Tannersville
Experience a full day’s worth of fall foliage as you make your way through the breathtaking Catskill Mountains with a route that offers plentiful opportunities to stop and explore landmarks along the way. From Ulster, take State Road 28 across the Catskills. From there, drive up State Road 214 until you reach Tannersville. For twice the enjoyment, make it a round trip by taking State Road 23A past the scenic North/South Lake Campground before heading south on Route 32.
Kingston to the Ashokan Reservoir
From NYS Thruway Exit19: Take Rt. 28 West approximately 23 miles to Boiceville. Turn left onto Rt. 28A for breathtaking views of one of New York City’s Largest water supplies. Rt.28A will take you around the entire reservoir and back to Route 28 just outside of Kingston. Head back to Kingston to have a terrific lunch or to visit some historic sites such as the the Hudson River Maritime Museum.
Ashokan Reservoir to Stone Ridge/High Falls/Rosendale/New Paltz:
At the junction of Rt. 28A and Rt. 213 turn onto Rt. 213/County Route 4 (Atwood Rd.) Stay on Rt. 213/CR4 for a very pretty drive into the charming town of Stone Ridge. Where Rt. 213 intersects Rt. 209 turn right onto Rt. 209 South. At the intersection of Rt. 209 and Rt. 213 turn left onto Rt. 213 East into High Falls (a magnificently quaint, tiny New England type town). In High Falls, turn right onto Mohonk Rd (County Rt. 6A). Follow CR 6A over the Shawangunk Ridge past Mohonk Mountain House. Stay on CR 6A until it intersects with Springtown Road (CR 7). Bear right onto Springtown Rd to Rt. 299. Turn left onto Rt. 299 to go into New Paltz where visitors can return to the New York State Thruway.
Falling Water Preserve
This dog-friendly preserve situated in Glasco encompasses several miles of trails featuring magnificent views and an abundance of natural areas to explore comprised of streams, forests and waterfalls. A portion of the trail also runs along the Hudson River, making it a local favorite for fishing and leaf-peeping during the fall months.
New Paltz to Highmount
Start your day in New Paltz heading west on Route 299. Turn right onto Rte. 44/55 following it past the Mohonk Preserve Visitors Center where you can enjoy free indoor and outdoor exhibits or explore 70 miles of carriage roads and trails for hiking, running, mountain biking and horseback riding.
After you travel through the 5 mile per hour hairpin turn, find the first overlook on your left for breathtaking views. Continue westward on Rte. 44/55 to Minnewaska State Park, listed as Best Park by Hudson Valley Magazine, this Preserve offers sights of the impressive Gunks. With 35 miles of carriage roads and 25 miles of foot paths, it’s a favorite among rocking climbing enthusiasts and attracts hikers, sightseers, and horseback riders. You will also find four pristine sky lakes and several waterfalls.
The next two overlooks offer views of the Catskill Mountains. Continue to the intersection of Rte. 209 and turn right onto Rte. 209 North. You’ll soon arrive at the home of the 200-year old family-owned and family-friendly Kelder’s Farm, 5755 Rte 209, Kerhonkson. Meet Chomsky, the biggest garden gnome you’ll probably ever see. This pick-your-own farm also has a farm market with local goodies, friendly farm animals, corn and meadow mazes, unique edible mini-golf, picnic area and playground, and amazing views.
Continue north on Rte 209 through the hamlet of Accord, make a right turn onto Lucas Turnpike (County Rte 1). Rondout Creek meanders alongside farms and pastures along the way. At the light, turn right onto Rte 213 into the delightful hamlet of High Falls. The D&H Canal Museum at 23 Mohonk Road (Rte 213), antiques, gifts, flowers and restaurants are all within walking distance of one another, with apple orchards and the High Falls waterfalls nearby.
Head west on Rte 213 one mile to Rte 209. Turn right at the light and enter the charming hamlet of Stone Ridge. From Rte 209, turn left onto Rte 213 (County Rte 4) for a very pretty ride. Continue on Rte. 213 to Olive Bridge. Turn left onto Rte 28A, then right onto Reservoir Road (Rte 42) which leads to a bridge with spectacular views of the Ashokan Reservoir. You can park nearby and take a walk. Or, from Rte 213, turn left on Rte 28A and continue around the western portion of the reservoir past West Shokan and to Boiceville, where you’ll reach Rte 28.
Turn left onto Rte 28. Follow Rt. 28 through Mt. Tremper, past Phoenicia and on to Highmount. Turn left onto Gallic Curci Road following signs for Belleayre Mountain. Take a left after the first parking lot onto Belleayre's upper access road. The lifts might not be running but the views from the deck of the lodge are amazing! Hopefully you brought a picnic.
Head home via Route 28. If time permits, follow Levon Helm Boulevard (NY-375N) to Mill Hill Road where you turn left to head to Woodstock's Village Green.
U.S. Highway 9W
If a scenic driving route is what you’re searching for, look no further than U.S. Highway 9W – heading south you’ll witness fantastic views of the Hudson River winding through Ulster County. On the way you’ll discover the picturesque towns of Malden, Saugerties, Glasco, Highland and more.
Autumn is, without a doubt, one of the best times of year to explore Ulster County. The region is filled to the brim with unique leaf-peeping locations to view jaw-dropping colors via scenic driving routes as well as fun fall activities and events for the whole family to enjoy.
Look no further than Ulster County for the most picturesque fall landscape. If you’re looking for a nice drive to take in the natural beauty of our region, the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway offers stunning panoramas and charming villages. The Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway is an 88-mile loop with a section between Kerhonkson and New Paltz that is perfect for leaf peeping. The byway encircles the northern Shawangunk Mountains and travels through the Rondout and Wallkill valleys.
Some of the country's most glorious fall colors await you at Mohonk Mountain House, a Victorian castle resort founded in 1869, only 90 miles north of New York City. For overnight packages and day visit specials, click here.
Get in the spirit of fall with hot apple cider and donuts on a tractor-pulled hayride at one of the many pick-your-own farms. Visit farm stands filled with the freshest goodies, while the kids enjoy farm animals and other activities. Navigate your way through the corn mazes, wander the orchards in search of the best apples, or choose the perfect pumpkin for the jack-o-lantern you have planned.
For a full list of farms in the region, click here.
If you’re looking for a Halloween-themed pastime head on over to Ulster Park to visit Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses. Guaranteed to provide a scary and memorable evening for all, the haunted attraction has had several national media features including Good Morning America and The Weather Channel.
View our calendar for a full list of events and fall festivals.
By Bridget Shirvell, Edible Brooklyn
April 18, 2018 –
There is something about that first week of real spring that calls for a getaway. You know the week I’m talking about: The sun drapes the city in new light, the winter boots and coats have disappeared and you’re hit with a need to get outdoors.
Less than 90 minutes from Midtown Manhattan, the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is an idyllic and delicious destination. Between the late 1800s through most of the 1970s this Ulster County route brought Hudson Valley produce to New York City. After the railroad closed, it became a 20+ mile stretch from Kingston to Rosendale to New Paltz to Gardiner. The trail is open to hikers, walkers, joggers and even horseback riders who have plenty of opportunities to stop and explore these charming historic towns.
Between the late 1800s through most of the 1970s this Ulster County route brought Hudson Valley produce to New York City. Image courtesy of Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.
In keeping with its history as a food delivery route, farmers markets, farm stands and restaurants to dine on fresh, local eats line the trail. Whether you want to plan a weekend of hiking or simply want to explore a bit of nature before returning to town to window shop, this stretch has something for you. Here’s where we recommend to eat along the trail:
Photo Courtesy of Brooklyn Cider House at Twin Star Orchards
We’ve been obsessed with the Basque-style meals paired with New York ciders at Brooklyn Cider House’s Bushwick location since they opened in 2017. See where the magic happens for yourself at their orchards in New Paltz. Roughly three miles from the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, Brooklyn Cider House at Twin Star Orchards treats visitors to natural hard ciders, wood-fired pizzas and burgers. If you’re starting the trail in New Paltz stock up on their homemade apple cider doughnuts, available on the weekends, before hitting the trail.
Don’t worry if you can’t decide which of the craft brews to try—you can always opt for a tasting flight. Photo courtesy of Gilded Otter Brewing.
It seems like there’s always something new on tap at this riverfront brew pub in New Paltz. Don’t worry if you can’t decide which of the craft brews to try—you can always opt for a tasting flight. If the weather is nice, snag a seat outdoors and toast to a day of well-spent hiking, biking or jogging along Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.
Image courtesy of Kingston Farmers Market.
Kingston is the farthest point north on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and the quaint town makes for a great weekend base. Before hitting the trail, stock up first at the Kingston Farmers Market (every other Saturday through April 21, indoors; then every Saturday outdoors) where you’ll find all the ingredients for trail snacks to a picnic lunch to a morning jolt of coffee. Along this part of the trail you’ll pass pretty lakes and historic ruins of industries like cold-air belching mines and a cement works factory.
Outdoor adventures were made to end with pizza. The seasonal, outdoor Rail Trail Cafe is located just over a mile from the Rosendale Trestle and is known for its delicious wood-fired pizza. They’re open for lunch and dinner on Fridays and breakfast, lunch and dinners on Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. The menu changes weekly and includes those pizzas, soups, salads, smoothies and snacks. Plus, your four-legged hiking companion is welcome to join you.
Head off the trail to the cozy Rosendale Cafe for a vegetarian lunch. Image courtesy of Rosendale Cafe.
By the time you’ve reached Rosendale (unless you’ve started here), you’ve worked up an appetite. Head off the trail and into Rosendale to the cozy Rosendale Cafe for a vegetarian lunch, or if you come later on in the day on a weekend of a Tuesday you can eat dinner while listening to live music.
Snap some grams at the picturesque Rosendale Trestle on this part of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail before walking into town and if it’s a Sunday (outdoors June through October) eat your way through the Rosendale Farmers Market. Grab some bread and cheese from Herman’s Erie Hotel, a pie from Wright’s Farm and made-to-order BBQ from Arkansas Tom Razorback Barbecue and you’ll have a feast fit for all that hiking.
Visitors to the region encouraged to check out Milk & Cookie Happy Hour, U-pick events, historic biking trail and local cafes
Many people know about the natural beauty, rich culture and fantastic recreational opportunities Ulster County offers – especially during the autumn season. However, there are also many “hidden gems” in the region that are only starting to receive the attention they deserve.
Enchanted Cakes in Kingston offers a Milk & Cookie Kids Happy Hour every Wednesday at 4 p.m. Families are invited to visit the shop for a choice of any two cookies and a jar of milk for $6. Enchanted Cakes offers many different types of cookies, including chocolate chip, double chocolate chip, peanut butter and white chocolate macadamia. It’s a local favorite for families to grab a snack and walk along The Strand on the Kingston waterfront.
At Black-Eyed Suzie’s in Saugerties, guests can choose from a diverse cafe menu that includes sandwiches, burgers, cod fish cakes, crusted chicken, rice noodle bowls and much more. Originally operating as a traveling food stand in the Hudson Valley, the owners just opened their Saugerties cafe location in 2015. In addition to its dine-in and take-out options, Black-Eyed Suzie’s also offers catering services.
For fans of U-pick, there’s Westwind Orchards in Accord. The organic farm offers numerous raspberry U-pick events – along with some pizza and cider tastings – throughout the summer and fall. Westwind is an historic orchard in the beautiful Hudson River Valley, tracing its roots back to the 1930s. It was revived by the Chizzola family in 2002.
And for those looking to explore our beautiful region on a bike, there are few better options than the Hudson Valley Rail Trail in Highland. The trail, which is more than four miles along a former railroad route, runs from the Highland business district up to Tony Williams Park, and then west toward New Paltz. Along the way, riders can check out the Hudson Valley Rail Trail Depot, Black Creek Wetland Complex and various restaurants, cafes and shops.
To learn more about these and a broad range of additional attractions throughout Ulster County, visit www.ulstercountyalive.com or call Ulster County Tourism at 1-800-342-5826.
For more information:
Enchanted Cakes
Address: 23 W. Strand St., Kingston, N.Y. 12401
Phone: 845-331-0935
Website: www.facebook.com/Enchantedcakesinc
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Black-Eyed Suzie’s
Address: 230 Partition St., Saugerties, N.Y. 12477
Phone: 845-247-3069
Website: www.blackeyedsuziesupstate.com
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m.; Friday, 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Westwind Orchards
Address: 215 Lower Whitfield Road, Accord, N.Y. 12404
Phone: 845-626-0659
Website: westwindorchard.com/events
Hudson Valley Rail Trail
Phone: 845-691-2066
Website: hudsonvalleyrailtrail.net
