A Visit to Historic New Paltz, NY
New Paltz is a lively college town, a historic site, a hippie hotspot, and a center of outdoor activity in the beautiful Hudson Valley of New York. And it is only 90 miles from NYC, easily accessible from the NY Thruway.
You can check out a Huguenot settlement from the 1700s, shop in the funky Main Street and artsy Water Street Market, bike or hike on the Empire State Trail and enjoy other surrounding nature-related activities.
Water Street Market in New Paltz.
Exploring the Historic Huguenot Street District of New Paltz
A designated national landmark, the Historic Huguenot Street District showcases seven stone houses built by the Huguenot settlers in the 1700s that still stand intact. The Huguenots were French Protestant refugees who escaped religious persecution in their home country, and this settlement is considered the oldest continuously inhabited street in America.
When we motored into New Paltz, we first stopped at Lagusta's Luscious Café for coffee and a snack. It’s a vegan pastry & chocolate shop, and I have to say, though I am usually a vegan “scoffer”, it was really good! The people working there were super nice and enthusiastic. We sate outside with our snacks in pretty surroundings with bikers going by on the Empire State Trail. It was a lovely introduction to this area! I would recommend a stop there. It will definitely put you in a good mood.
It’s not far from Lagusta’s to Huguenot Street, but please don’t use up their few parking spots if you are going to explore around. You can park in the street and walk straight down to the historic Huguenot Street houses, or use one of the well marked public parking lots a little further up Huguenot Street.
What’s interesting about the Huguenot settlement is how it was set up like a little neighborhood by the settlers - it really could be any upscale suburban community of today - just with really old homes! The houses are all made of stone and have withstood the test of time. It was quiet as we walked around and the area is very green and sedate.
We didn’t go into the houses, but if that’s something you are interested in doing, guided tours are offered Wednesdays through Sundays from the end of May through October through the Historic Huguenot Street organization.
If you are walking to the settlement from one of the nearby parking lots, you will pass the Walloon Church & burial grounds, also known as the Huguenot Cemetery (Walloons a/k/a Huguenots - you will likely see either word used). Though the church on the site was reconstructed, the burial grounds date back to the 1700s, so if you like old cemeteries, as I weirdly do, it’s interesting to have a look.
What to see in Downtown New Paltz
John Lennon agrees that New Paltz continues to maintain it's "funky" reputation.
Just a short drive away from the Huguenot district is the funky downtown of the Village of New Paltz. Main Street has lots of eclectic shops and restaurants. There is a very artsy feel to it; it’s a rather hippie-ish town and people dress the part!
Nearby SUNY New Paltz brings in college students and the culture that comes with that - art galleries as well as pizza shops and bars. The university’s Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art includes five galleries. Education is a big part of New Paltz’s culture and economy.
We found parking easily on the street but there are also several public lots. The Parkmobile app can be used for meters downtown. The town was hopping in mid-July when we last visited but you could still easily find parking or tables at restaurants.
Located on Main Street is the Water Street Market. This is a fun area to explore: it prides itself in being a European-inspired shopping village and a community gathering place, where every eclectic little shop is independently owned by locals. I totally enjoyed browsing around here and made a few purchases - prices were very reasonable.
We also saw some tasty-looking eateries, particularly Clemson Bros Brewery and Lola’s Cafe.
Sculpture outside the Water Street Market.
Outdoor activities in and around New Paltz
New Paltz attracts an outdoorsy crowd, for good reason. There are lots of ways to enjoy nature nearby.
Minnewaska State Park offers lots of great outdoor experiences in the scenic Shawangunk Mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming &, scuba-diving, boating, rock-climbing, bouldering, or simply picnicking and appreciating the views. Horseback riding and cross-country ski trails are available as well.
Many people come to New Paltz to enjoy the Wallkill River, a tributary of the Hudson River that flows north from Sparta, NJ into New Paltz, NY before emptying into the Rondout Creek in nearby Kingston. (Pssst - you can read more about Kingston in our post about it - A Visit to Kingston, NY: what to see and do.)
Kayaking is one of the most popular ways to experience the Wallkill River Water Trail.
Sojourner Truth Park, also known as Ulster Landing Park, is a popular and easy access point and boat launch for kayaking along the Wallkill River Trail. Visitors are able to rent kayaks and equipment from New Paltz Kayaking located within the park.
Sojourner Truth Park offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River and is known as a great spot for bird-watching. There is also a beach area for sunbathing and swimming, with lifeguards on duty.
Bikers on the Empire State Trail.
What is the Empire State Trail?
Earlier I mentioned the Empire State Trail - and this is a hidden gem. Well maybe not too hidden, but still a gem!
Completed in 2020, this multi-use trail connects several regional bicycling and hiking trails from Manhattan all the way north to the Canada–US border! The regional trails maintain their identity but benefit from being connected, with several new sections of trail constructed specifically for this purpose. Maps and more detailed information can be found on the Empire State Trail website.
In connecting New Paltz to Kingston, the Empire State Trail includes the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, which runs along the former Wallkill Valley Railroad rail corridor, which had ceased regular traffic in 1977.
This is the bit of trail we saw from Lagusta’s, and from what we saw of it, the trail looks very well maintained. What a great re-use of an already laid-out rail line!
The Wallkill Valley Trail is also one of the only areas along the Empire State Trail where recreational horse riding is allowed
Other points of interest around New Paltz
Only fifteen minutes from New Paltz is Mohonk Mountain House, a very posh and famous resort spa, which describes itself as “a Victorian castle nestled in 40,000 acres of protected forest, overlooking a pristine glacial lake.”
The 265-room resort boasts tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course, and fine dining.
While the room rates may be very expensive you can purchase a day pass to take advantage of many resort amenities. The $35 hiking pass gains you access to 85 miles of hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced. There are also guided horseback rides, rock climbing, summer sports, and winter sports passes.
You can consult their day pass web page here.
One more little gem - if you are traveling between New Paltz and Kingston, there is a quaint little covered bridge that looks like it is straight out of The Bridges of Madison County - well, I guess we should say, the Bridges of Ulster County - as Perrine’s Covered Bridge is one of five covered bridges still standing in Ulster County.
Perrine’s bridge is worth a stop for a photo or two. It is located right below Rt 278, so it’s kind of fun to see this old-timey covered bridge, built in 1844, next to a modern highway. The bridge still carries pedestrian traffic across the Wallkill River. And it’s cute! ;)
So definitely check out New Paltz while in the Hudson Valley region. We found it better than expected!
This post was researched and written by Debbie of the Empty Nest Explorers. You can learn more about the Empty Nest Explorers here
Where to stay near New Paltz:
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Elmrock Inn
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