Positioned on the Wallkill River, New Paltz is a laid-back New York township with a heritage-laden main street and nearby nature reserves. This tight-knit town hosts numerous community-focused events and combines its 18th-century structures with art galleries and sprawling parks.

Things to do

Begin your New Paltz holiday by strolling down the charismatic Main Street, where you’ll find locally-owned boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants housed inside historic red brick and timber buildings. Stop in at Krause's Chocolates of New Paltz for a sweet treat, visit B-Side Grill for traditional American burgers or dine alfresco on Middle Eastern cuisine at Moon Light Cafe.

Are you interested in the local history? You can see seven iconic stone houses built in the 1700s along the Historic Huguenot Street. Step inside these centuries-old structures to explore recreated 18th-century living quarters and keep an eye out for live history demonstrations by locals dressed in period costumes. Jean Hasbrouck House is the centrepiece of Historic Huguenot Street, showcasing circa-1721 American Colonial architecture.

Active travellers should tick off the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, a 38-kilometre-long route that is popular among hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders. The nearby Mohonk Preserve is renowned for its expansive collection of dramatic cliffs, forests, streams and ponds. Combine the outdoors with a bit of luxury at Mohonk Mountain House, home to a day spa and Scottish-inspired golf course.

Time your visit for one of New Paltz’s annual events, such as the Halloween night parade, which has been going since 1960. There’s also the popular Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving and the New Paltz Regatta boat race in May.

Getting around

New Paltz is about 30 minutes’ drive from Stewart International Airport and 20 minutes from the Poughkeepsie Metro-North station, which has Amtrak services. Public buses run throughout New Paltz, which is easy to explore on foot. You’ll need a hire car to venture further afield.