New Paltz New York: Things To Do And Best Activities

Things to do in NY New Paltz include getting back to the colonial history of the town. Historic Huguenot Street is the place to stop by.

Located around 90 miles north of NYC, this 10-acre National Historic Landmark District houses structures built in the early 18th century. In addition to that, there is a 1717 stone church, a visitor center, and many more.

Seven houses here are Bevier-Elting, Abrahan Hasbrouck, Jean Hasbrouck, DuBois Fort, Freer House, Deyo House, and LeFevre House. All these properties carry reflections and stories of different time periods.

Even though it is not one of those free museums in New York, every single buck you pay for the entrance is worth it. The wall here tells the stories of Native Americans, French Huguenot refugees, and Dutch settlers.

So make sure to stop by to experience over 300 years of history across those seven historic stone house museums and the surroundings.

Location: 81 Huguenot Street

Open Hours: Saturday and Sunday (10 am-4 pm)

Strolling around Main Street is one of the fun things to do in New Paltz. You won't even notice how time passed so quickly.

Main Street is the heart of downtown. It is the central hub to pick great things, and you will get to sight much more than that too without paying a penny. 

From fone casual dining options to cafes and wine bars, from beautiful antique shops to branded stores, this street is home to all. You can duck in from store to store or chill at a place with some refreshing drink.

Why You Should Go?

This street has some of the buildings built around since 1678. Looking at those as there stuck in the past can be a once-in-a-blue-moon moment for you. Besides food-hopping and shopping would be always fun.

Treat yourself with some gifts or buy one as a souvenir of being to the town full of history and mesmerizing views. 

One of the unmissable things to do near New Paltz NY is stepping into Denizen Theatre. This non-profit organization is known for live theatre performances. 

Established in 2018, the property has a 70-seat black box theater, where no two experiences are alike. Each year, the art theatre produces a season of professional contemporary plays which focus on powerful themes.

Even though it has no permanent stage, the theatre's concrete design blocks out noise from outside. It truly immerses guests in each intimate theatrical moment.

Maybe you will feel like watching a performance like New York City Broadway shows but in a small place. But it's gonna be worth it in favor of the ticket you buy. 

Denizen commits to making the art experience accessible to everyone with affordable ticket prices. They feature film showings, workshops, and local visual art showcase programs as well. 

Where: 10 Main Street, Suite 501

When: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +1 845-743-5364

Things to do in New Paltz New York at the time include shopping for some fresh products from an open market. They are available from June through October end.

New Paltz Open Air Market starts from 10 am to 2 pm every Sunday. All the products are collected within a 40-mile radius of the town. Eighteen vendors are present with welcoming faces at the market.

Why Should You Go

If you want to buy some locally grown products and handmade goods, you should definitely visit the NPOAM at Church Street between Main and Academy. 

What To Do

Buy fresh honey, cheese, meats, eggs, straight-from-farm veggies and fruits, handmade goods, and more. It is a great way to support local businesses and consume some healthy foods.

Connect with the local farmers and enjoy musical performances of the local talents. 

Address: 45 Main Steet

Trying some luscious foods is definitely one of the things to do near New Paltz. How about trying some Italian cuisine at a local restaurant?

A Tavola Trattoria, the Hudson's premiere Italian restaurant is at your service. In fact, the Hudson Valley magazine voted the eatery as Best Restaurant in Hudson Vally 2013-2014.

Delight yourself with some elegant Italian cuisine and must-eat food New York with a rustic country touch focused on farm-to-table dining. They offer a delicious menu in a romantic atmosphere.

You will feel like love is in the air when you dine here. It makes a fine addition in case you're on a date.

What to order?

• Grilled Octopus
• Rib Eye
• Black Truffle Mac
• Beet Salad
• Pappardelle Bolognese

Make sure to try their homemade Sweet Potato Gnocchi and Orecchiette. You can pair them with some house cocktails.  

Where?

46 Main Street

When?

Thursday to Monday ( 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm)

Things to do in New Paltz this weekend comprise attending the third annual musical festival. Big Lawn Music Festival will be held at Plan Bee Farm Brewery.

Big Lawn Music has been organizing this annual outdoor DIY festival for the last three years. Like past events, this year, the program is set for August 5 on Saturday.

Reach Plan Bee Farm Brewery at 11:30 am and enjoy for the next 10 hours. The festival features live music, food stalls, and many more fun activities.

Talented artists of various genres will have something for everyone to enjoy. 

Location: 115 Underhill Road Poughkeepsie

Admission: $15

Some other events on the day are:

• Hudson Valley Craft Beverage Festival 2023
• Barbie Bash At The Bistro
• Out Loud Hudson Valley's Summer Tea Dance Series (free admission)

Things to do in New Paltz near me include exploring art exhibitions. One in Hudson Valley, DM Weil Gallery is one of them.

Renowned artist DM Weil owns the 3000-square-foot modern art gallery. It is one of the largest modern art galleries in the Hudson Valley.

It is just a short drive from the center of New Paltz. Here, you can witness an exclusive Soho-style exhibition space with the majestic Shawangunk mountains as a background.

Seeing Weil's vibrant works in front of your own eyes gonna be a novel experience. You can bring some of them home by getting prints from the house shop.

If you want to explore art exhibits in the neighborhood, there are many at a distance of around nine miles. Same as the DM Weil, Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center is making it up on the list of things to do in Poughkeepsie.

Or stop by the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art to admire the arts for around three hours.

Address: 208 Brunswick Road

Wondering what to do in New Paltz? Considering picking up some fresh apples directly from the tree at Apple Hill Farm.

The family-owned farm for several generations is located in the heart of the town overlooking scenic Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains. They are open to the public from early September through October.

Apple season begins in September. You can start picking McIntosh, Cortland, Opalescent, Spartan, Red, and Golden Delicious. For this year, October 15 and 16 will be the last weekend for pick-your-own and hayrides.

They have a vintage fire truck to drive you up the hill to pick apples. First, you need to pay for a bag right outside the apple and vegetable stand. 

Or you can try their freshly pressed apple cider and famous apple cider donuts. On the festively decorated stand, they show yummy apple donuts, corn, jams, pies, and pumpkins for sale. They also provide tables for a picnic or sightseeing.

Address: 124 State Route 32 South

Open Hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (Friday to Sunday)

For over three decades, the Testimonial Gateway was the answer to how to get to New Paltz from Lake Mohonk Mountain House. Or it was the entrance to the LMMH.

Surrounded by 110 acres and lined with large oak trees, this iconic Hudson Valey site served as the entrance from 1908 to 1935.

Once you are done with your New York City itinerary, travel for the next one and half hours to reach this beautifully preserved spot. Its round arch is one of the unique things you will see in the town.

Grab your camera and shoot a number of pictures here. It is known for its cameo in the 1980 horror picture The Stuff. Many people might get spooked to be here looking at the movie, but it doesn't look as eerie as it did in the film.

This gateway now marks a trailhead into the Mohonk Preserve Foothills featuring the historic tower Humpo Marsh and the historic Brook Kleinekill.

Address: 5-9 Gatehouse Road

Occupied on over 8000 acres, Mohonk Preserve is one of the things to not miss while you are at New Paltz. You can hike or bike to the destination.

The main mission of this non-profit preserve is to protect Shawangunk Mountains by inspiring people to enjoy and care for the natural world. Thus, they conduct programs in environmental education, land protection, and balancing the protection of wildlife. 

At present, the nature preserve has been a major destination for rock climbers, horseback riding, cycling, trail running, and snowshoeing. They meant it while priding itself on "Choose Your Own Adventure."

Nature lovers gonna love exploring the expansive grounds around the Shawanguk Range. Better to wear comfortable clothes and shape to appreciate the hikes encountering few rocks around the area.

Rain or shine, the preserve is open to the public from nine in the morning till 5 in the evening. Lemon Squeeze and Eagle Cliff are among the best 7.0-mile trails to hike here.

Address: 3197 Route 44 55, Gardiner

Phone: +1 845-255-0919

Is any sommelier asking what to do New Paltz during their vacation here? How about touring around a local distillery?

Coppersea Distilling welcomes the public to the farm three days a week. Choose your preferable time on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays. Even a normal traveler can visit Coppersea to learn more about local wine and whisky. 

Why should you visit?

To learn the process of how they make their world-famous spirits and taste one of their finest selections. Besides, they regularly organize musical live events featuring notable musicians like Pete Newman and Billy Pearson.

What to do?

Taste a variety of drinks, including corn whisky, pear brandy, and the Peach Eau de Vie. Exploring these properties is actually more local and more exciting than the New York City food-wine tour.

Where?

239 Springtown Road

Confused about what to do NY New Paltz? Consider getting wise to the fact related to the town's history and village of New Paltz.

This athenaeum was founded as New Paltz Free Library in 1909 and outgrew its space in 1919.  As of 2019, it has served over fourteen thousand residents and visitors annually. An average of 101,000 items are circulated within a year.

The collection here features house books with detailed information on the history of local buildings, homes, and historical structures. In addition, there is the Haviland- Heidgerd Historical Collection.

Moreover, they often organize workshops dedicated to the kids. For instance, they are organizing Bew Creative: Cardboard Kingdom this Saturday, a hybrid workshop and show for kids under 12.

The Eling Memorial Library Fair is set for October 14th and 15th.

Address: 93 Main Street

Phone: +1 845-255-5030

Things to do in NY this weekend is going biking in New Paltz. The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail follows the path of the former Wallkill Valley Railroad.

It is famous among visitors for biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and walking leisurely. The 22-mile trail is surrounded by picturesque hillsides, woods, and streams.

This is proof that you don't need to travel very fark in New Paltz to get in touch with nature. Beginning at Denniston Road, the southern part of Gardiner, the whole trail connects Gardiner, New Paltz, Rosendale, and Kingston.

Don't have a bike? No need to worry, as Bicycle Depot covers your back. You can rent bikes for around $40 for a whole day from them.

Make sure to observe several bird species, flora, and fauna during your trip.