10 Things to Do in New Paltz that Locals Love
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway from NYC, consider the lovely town of New Paltz! Here, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for socially distanced fun—from hiking the Mohonk Reserve to exploring the Shawangunk Wine Trail. Locals in New Paltz helped us put together this list of 10 things to do in their hometown.
Visiting somewhere new can feel overwhelming—especially now. So why not ask the people who know best? Locals can help you understand new rules around the coronavirus, let you know which places are open, and share why their hometown is so great. Connect with a local to custom plan a safe and fun trip.
#1: Choose your adventure in the Mohonk Preserve
Staying socially distant isn’t a problem at the Mohonk Preserve! With thousands of acres to explore, the Preserve encourages visitors to “choose your own adventure.” You can hike, bike, climb, run, or even ride horses. Exploring nature is one of the top things to do upstate, and Mohonk is a local favorite.
Locals tell us that the Sky Top hike is especially magical. You’re rewarded with an incredible view! Plus, you can choose your difficulty. Novice hikers can the Sky Top Path (it’s only about a 20-minute ascent). Or, if you’re looking for a challenge, take on the Labyrinth rock scramble. Just be warned—it’s tough!
Local tip: Keep in mind that the fee to enter Mohonk Preserve is between $15-20 dollars. If you’re traveling to New York on a budget, the nearby Minnewaska State Park may be a better choice. They charge a vehicle fee of between $6-10 dollars.
#2: Wander the past at Historic Huguenot Street
Escape the present day for a few hours by visiting Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz. Dating back to 1677, this well-preserved Huguenot settlement (Huguenots were French protestants escaping persecution) offers an exciting, hands-on history lesson. Locals tell us it will appeal to more than just history buffs—although history lovers will adore the extensive archives on site.
Local tip: Guided tours are currently suspended due to the pandemic. However, you can download the Historic Huguenot Street’s walking tour app to explore the site on your own.
#3: Raise a glass at a local vineyard
Eighty miles of wine? We’re sold! The 80-mile Shawangunk Wine Trail includes 15 local vineyards, which means plenty of chances to enjoy some local concoctions.
You may not be able to hit all the wineries along the trail, so get some local advice about which ones best fit your travel style. The wineries range in size and specialty. Some have activities for kids, and many are dog friendly.
Locals tell us that the Robibero Family Vineyard is a great start. One of New York’s newest wineries, Robibero is a family-run, boutique winery. That means you can’t get their vintage anywhere else.
#4: Bike along a converted railway line
Cycling is a fun form of NYC transportation—but you’ll have fewer cabs and speed walkers to watch out for upstate. Locals tell us there are some fantastic biking trails near New Paltz, and one local favorite is the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.
This former railroad track stretches about twenty-two miles through the towns of Gardiner, New Paltz, Rosendale, and Ulster. It’s a great place to hike or bike.
Local tip: Normally, the Bicycle Depot in New Paltz offers bicycle rentals. They’ve suspended this service because of the pandemic, but expect to offer rentals again next year.
#5: Take your pick (of apples, fresh produce, and more)
Picking apples is a classic thing to do in upstate New York—and New Paltz has several great orchards nearby!
Locals tell us that Twin Star Orchard is known for its great cider selection and live music. They even offer yoga in the summer. And Jenkins-Lueken is a great choice if you’re looking to enjoy more than just apples. This orchard also grows vegetables, peaches, cherries, and more.
Local tip: Dressel Farms in New Paltz normally offers pick-your-own strawberries. They’ve suspended this because of the coronavirus—but you can still visit their Farmstand for excellent fresh berries, as well as homemade ice cream and maple syrup.
#6: Class it up with some local art
Visiting art galleries is a great thing to do in NYC, but locals tell us you’ll find some fantastic art spots upstate as well. In New Paltz, they recommend starting at DM Weil Art Gallery. DM Weil’s mission statement is “Why Can’t Fine Art Be Fun?” It’s certainly a joy to explore the expansive space, which is packed with colorful paintings.
Locals upstate note that you’ll find more art to explore in New Paltz. The Unison Art Center has a beautiful (and free!) sculpture garden. And Mark Gruber Gallery features some gorgeous pieces inspired by the Hudson Valley.
Local tip: At the moment, DM Weil Art Gallery is appointment-only.
#7: Search for treasure at the Antique Barn
Locals tell us that New Paltz’s “Antique Barn” is exactly what it sounds like: a farm-style building packed with antique treasures. So if you’re looking for a unique souvenir—or something to spice up your apartment—then the Antique Barn is an excellent place to search.
Located within the Water Street Market, you’ll find everything from antique dressers to boxes full of old keys. The Antique Barn boasts that it contains treasures that date from the 1800s to the 1970s.
#8: Go wild at the Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary
Escape the concrete jungle of NYC for the wildlife of New Paltz! The Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary seeks to preserve the “forever wild” of the Hudson Valley.
The 56 acres of the Sanctuary include 1,300 feet along the beautiful Wallkill River. Here, you’ll find tons of twisting trails and 100+ different kinds of birds. (So, basically a birder’s paradise.) Locals tell us that it’s so peaceful here that it’s easy to forget that you’re close to the town.
#9: Enjoy a lovely meal Main Street Bistro
There’s nothing like starting the day with comfort food. Especially now! Main Street Bistro offers breakfast and lunch with an emphasis on American and vegetarian food.
The servings are big, the service is prompt, and you’ll find that most tables are occupied by hungry locals.
Local tip: You’ll find lots of great shops along Main Street. They may have new policies because of the coronavirus pandemic, so connect with a local who can let you know how things work in town.
#10: Imbibe on local brews
Cheers! Enjoying local craft brews that you can’t find in the city is definitely one of the best things to do upstate. Locals tell us you’ll have tons of choices in New Paltz.
Like...a lot of choices. Bacchus Brewery is a local favorite. New Paltz Brewing Co. (Pfälzerbräu) is also well-loved. Different places have different safety policies at the moment—so connect with a local who can help explain what you should expect. Some places have patios; others offer only curbside pick-up. (Perfect for a picnic!)
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And for more on travel to upstate New York, check out:
- 5 Easy Weekend Getaways from NYC
- 10 Things to Do in Upstate New York (Local Recs)
- 8 Beautiful Cabins to Rent in Upstate New York
- Is Upstate New York Safe for Travel?
- 9 Things to Do in Beacon NY
- Find a Local in Upstate New York to Plan Your Trip