New Paltz

Breathtaking views, intelligent people, great hiking, great food, local produce, culture and nature merges in New Paltz..which is why I chose to make it my home.

walk down main st. on a rainy afternoon and buy old records and candles…

have your tarot cards read

then have coffee and write in your journal

it will make you happy

If you’re passing through New Paltz, or are anywhere in the general vacinity, be sure to visit the Mohonk Preserve for fantastic hiking and beautiful scenery. In winter, cross-country skiing there is great, but the summer is fantastic as well. Going through New Paltz without seeing the mountains up close should be a crime.

Back when I was in college I visited friends at SUNY New Paltz often, and have great (if rather blurry) memories. Just recently I was back for a conference held at the Mohonk Mountain House. I had always wanted to stay there. It was really an experience, like going back in time. The hotel is charming and if you have to be trapped with your coworkers somewhere for a week, this is a great place to do it. Overnight stays are very pricey, but you can also visit for the day for a more reasonable fee. The food was pretty good, but I did expect a little better for the price level of the hotel.

Weather is definitely an element, there is so much to do outside that bad weather will really detract from your visit.

I also love the Stone Houses — these are preserved houses dating back to Dutch colonial days. Tiny and adorable! You can pay to tour them, or even appreciate them (from the outside) for free just strolling through the neighborhood.

Fitting for a college town, there are plenty of affordable places to grab a quick lunch or drink on Main Street.

The church that hosted our bike trip through there greeted us with watermelon on the front lawn. There is nothing better. And XC skiing at Minnewaska rocks too.