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Have you ever been to the beautiful town of New Paltz, New York? Located in Ulster County, New Paltz is a charming town with plenty of things to do and see. Here is a list of 10 fun things to do in New Paltz.
1. Take a Hike
One of the best things to do in New Paltz is to get out and enjoy the stunning natural scenery. With its abundance of outdoor activities, New Paltz is the perfect place for hikers. Take a stroll on the nearby Wallkill Valley Rail Trail or explore more than 11,000 acres in the Mohonk Preserve.
2. Visit the Farmer’s Market
Every Sunday from May through October, the New Paltz Farmer’s Market brings together local farmers, artisans, and craftspeople to sell their wares. Enjoy a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and locally-made products.
3. Explore Historic Huguenot Street
One of the best historic things to do in New Paltz is to take a stroll down Huguenot Street. This National Historic Landmark District dates back to the 1600s. Take a guided tour of the eight remaining stone houses and learn about the history of the Huguenots who settled the area.
4. Visit the Mohonk Mountain House
The historic Mohonk Mountain House is a Victorian castle perched on a mountain overlooking Lake Mohonk. Enjoy a wonderful view, take a hike, or relax in the spa. This is definitely one of the must see things to do in New Paltz
5. Take a Tour of the Oldest Brewery in New York
The New Paltz Brewing Company is the oldest brewery in New York State. Take a tour of the brewery and sample some of their delicious craft beers.
6. Visit Minnewaska State Park
Located just outside of New Paltz, Minnewaska State Park is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and swimming. Enjoy views of the Shawangunk Ridge, Lake Minnewaska, and the Catskill Mountains.
7. Go Apple Picking
New Paltz is home to several orchards where you can pick your own apples. Enjoy a day of apple picking and sample some of the delicious varieties of apples grown in the area.
8. Go Wine Tasting
The surrounding area is home to several wineries where you can sample some of the delicious local wines. Enjoy a glass of vino or take a tour of the wineries and learn about the history of wine-making in New Paltz.
9. Visit the Water Street Market
The Water Street Market is a vibrant shopping destination with over 25 unique stores and restaurants. Enjoy a bite to eat or browse through the shops to find something special.
10. Visit the Museum Village
The Museum Village is an open-air museum with historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and interactive exhibits. Learn about the history of the area and explore the immersive exhibits for a fun and educational day out.
New Paltz is a town with so much to offer. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or a day of shopping and dining, New Paltz has something for everyone. Be sure to check out these 10 things to do in New Paltz next time you’re in town.
How to get to New Paltz
The best way to get to New Paltz is to drive. Take the Thruway from New York City, or you can take Interstate 87 north from Albany. If you’re coming from the east, take Route 9W, which will take you all the way to the town. From the west, take Route 299 through the Hudson Valley. Once you get to New Paltz, you can take Route 299 east until you reach the town center.
You can also travel to New Paltz with public transport from New York City. The most convenient way to get there is to take the Metro North train from Grand Central Station or Harlem-125th Street Station to Poughkeepsie, then take the Short Line bus from Poughkeepsie to New Paltz. The train ride takes about an hour and a half, and the bus ride takes about 30 minutes. The total cost for the trip will be around $20. Once you arrive in New Paltz, you can get around using the Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) bus system.
The closest airport to New Paltz is Albany International Airport.
Where to stay in New Paltz
If you’re looking to stay overnight (or a longer stay) in New Paltz there are a few accommodation options, from hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts. Try some of the recommendations on our interactive map:
Booking.com