"TIE DYE, TREES, BEER, FOOD, WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED" Top 5 Page for this destination New Paltz by moiraistyx

New Paltz Travel Guide: 151 reviews and 292 photos

Catskill Mountains as seen from Minnewaska

sunset over minnewaska

New Paltz's history dates back to the 1600's, but where oh where did the name come from. Well that's simple, it comes from the name of the region which the patenees left in 1675; Mannheim, in what was then Die Pfalz or The Palatine region of Germany.

New Paltz is an area rich in art, music, wine and nature. Yes there are lots of hippies too. As of late, New Paltz seems to be the playground of the hot to trot yuppies. All over the town upscale mini bars and cafe are popping up that just don't seem to go with the original feel of the area. It should be interesting to see in which direction the town moves, yuppie or hippie.

I live in a small town about 10 miles outside of New Paltz, so I get to visit here often. There is a great shopping area located between route 32 and route 208. There are also a number a fantastic eateries that one should check out. New Paltz also has several parks that are great for the kids. When here one should take an hour or so and go for a stroll down the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. Please don't miss the Stone Houses and Huegenot Street.

Just outside of New Paltz one can find several options for outdoor fun including the Mohonk Preseve, the Mohonk Mountain House and Minnewaska state park. I am a huge fine of Minnewaska. Check out my albums for Minnewaska through the seasons. Now that I have a hiking buddy who I have to keep up with, expect tons more pictures and lots more tips on specific trails that we explore. Rumor has it that there is a sculpture garden hidden off one of the trails up in the mountains. I intend on finding it this summer.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Lots of stores and eateries.
Cons:Watch out for jay walkers.

Last visit to New Paltz: Aug 2006
Intro Updated Mar 24, 2008
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Reviews (45)

Banitou Crag-Hiking and Rock Scrambles - New Paltz

Banitou Crag-Hiking and Rock Scrambles Things to Do (10)

Richie and I decided to stay home for our vacation this year and spend it together doing what we love most, HIKING.... more travel advice

ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL FALL COLORS - New Paltz

ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL FALL COLORS Favorites (2)

New Paltz is loaded with the most beautiful foliage during the Fall. Everywhere you look you will see brillants reds,... more travel advice

ANNUAL BARN SALE/COLLECTION OF... Local Customs (1)

Every fall this family that lives off of route 32 in New Paltz, holds a huge barn sale. This barn sale unlike other barn... more travel advice

A NICE LUNCH WITH MOM Restaurants (9)

Finding a place to enjoy a somewhat decent meal with my mom tends to be a little on the difficult side to her her having... more travel advice

Warnings Or Dangers (1)
JAY WALKERS
Nightlife (4)
See All BEER AND DANCING
Shopping (14)
See All ANTIQUES, ANTIQUES AND MORE ANTIQUES

Travelogues (6)

1 - 4 of 6

Comments (19)

virtualpatrick Jun 10, 2010 at 4:55 PM Report Abuse

I must return to the Gilded Otter to sample all their micro brews. I think I tried the Pale Ale last year.
mikelisaanna Oct 21, 2008 at 7:03 PM Report Abuse

We've lived in the NY/NJ area for 20 years and never made it to New Paltz. Shame on us. Looks like some pretty country with good hiking.
angiebabe Oct 20, 2008 at 7:59 PM Report Abuse

wow some lovely new photos here - thanks for the tips and info too - great place to come for Fall shots I see!beautiful colours through all the seasons too. and just in your backyard!
AgentBrittany83 Oct 20, 2008 at 9:06 AM Report Abuse

Gorgeous pictures! I love all the fall colors in your Peters Kill Trail travelogue. I need to make it to New York State one of these days!
MM212 Sep 24, 2008 at 1:31 AM Report Abuse

Thanks - I'll probably make the same apple-picking trip again this year. Cheers from NYC!
tonyd873 May 14, 2008 at 2:53 PM Report Abuse

Hey Trish, finally got around to your virtual tourist stuff, this is a wonderful side of you I never knew. You have a truly great talent.
raytor Mar 28, 2008 at 8:52 AM Report Abuse

Snobber snob? that sounds painful! :-)
aussirose Dec 25, 2007 at 9:10 PM Report Abuse

Hiya Thalia. I can see why you love visiting this place!! Looks lovely :o) I can relate to the taking of pix shops...I had the same problem...a candle shop in Perth :o) ....needless to say my comments on vt were'nt so nice :o) Great pages!! Cheers, Ann xx
Mr.Sparkle Sep 13, 2007 at 7:35 PM Report Abuse

Good bar tips. Have you ever been to Bacchus? It's a great places to get a brew!
DAO Feb 24, 2007 at 2:39 AM Report Abuse

I am in Somalia, leaving today for Ethiopia, back home tomorow. Will cath up this week!