The Mohonk Preserve is an outdoor playground. The preserve covers 7,000 acres near the Shawangunk Mountains. The Nature Conservancy called the region one of Earth's "Last Great Places." It's home to more than 1,400 plant and animal species, including the endangered peregrine falcon. You'll see plenty of streams, ponds and forests. Activities include cross-country skiing, hiking, horseback riding and rock climbing.
For an uninterrupted stroll, check out the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. You'll cut through woods and open fields on the 12.2-mile walk. Vehicles aren't allowed except for those needed by handicapped people. You'll also get fantastic views of the Shawangunk Ridge and the Wallkill River. While you may not run into any animals, you might spot bear tracks and deer tracks after a fresh snowfall or rain.
You'll travel back in time while visiting Huguenot Street in the National Historic Landmark district of New Paltz. Refugees from northern France and southern Belgium settled there in 1678. Today, seven stone homes from the early 1700s still stand. They're decorated with Colonial period artifacts for taste of life 300 years ago. The village setting also has a burial ground and a reconstructed 1717 church.
New Paltz doesn't lack culture. The Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art specializes in art of diverse cultures. The museum, located on the campus of the State University of New York at New Paltz, has works spanning 4,000 years. The eclectic collection includes Asian art, Pre-Columbian art and local art.
The Shawangunk Wine Trail features 10 family owned wineries from New Paltz to nearby Warwick. The wineries offer a variety from sparkling wines to French/American varietals and blends. Throughout the year, the trail has special events, including strawberry festivals and jazz concerts.
Connoisseurs of art and fine crafts flock to the Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair each Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Aside from vendors, you get a behind-the-scenes lesson in craft making. Demonstrations include how to make Adirondack furniture, chip carved jewelry boxes and dolls.
The Ulster County Fair takes place in late July and early August. It attracts headline acts such as the Oakridge Boys. The annual event also has rides and exhibitions, like one featuring a police dog.
