New Paltz NY is a wonderful travel destination that can be found in the southeastern Catskills region. You can more specifically find this charming university town approximately 10 miles west of the Hudson River and the city of Poughkeepsie. The New York capital city of Albany is approximately 70 miles north, while New York City lies about 85 miles away to the south. Because of its location near these cities, New Paltz NY is a popular day trip destination. Many people also treat it as a place for weekend escapes, as there is plenty to see and do while in the area. Among these things is the village of New Paltz’s Hugeunot district, which has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. Among other things, New Paltz visitors can also interest themselves in the Shawangunk Mountains area. Found just west of town, this area offers swimming lakes, hiking trails, mountain climbing opportunities, and plenty more for the outdoor enthusiast to indulge in.

Huguenot Street

The New Paltz area is known for its satisfying mix of cultural history and natural attractions. As far as cultural history is concerned, the most renowned attraction in the area is New Paltz’s own Huguenot Street – the oldest residential street in the United States. The name of this street and historic district is inspired by the fact that New Paltz was founded in 1678 by French Huguenots settlers. Huguenots were members of the Protestant Reformed Church of France during the 1500's and 1600's. Many of the members eventually fled from France, seeking religious freedom. Lower New York was among the various world areas that they settled. Some of the houses in the Huguenot Street Historic District are Colonial-era homes that represent some of the region’s oldest surviving architecture. The earliest example – the Jean Hasbrouch House – was built way back in 1692. Like several other original stone houses in the district, it is now a museum and features period heirlooms and furnishings. Guided tours of the Huguenot Street Historic District can be arranged, with May to October being the general tour season. This doesn’t mean that out of season visitors can’t enjoy the district. Sure, you might not be able to take guided tours of historic structures during the off-season, but it is possible to at least walk along Huguenot Street and perhaps take a peek in some of the windows. Some people have gone as far as to label a walk along Huguenot Street as an almost spiritual experience due to the history and unique architecture of the place. One thing is for sure – this isn’t a district that people with an interest in history or architecture should overlook when planning their New York vacations.

New Paltz NY Hotels

There are so many options for things to do when you stay at one of the hotels in New Paltz NY. In addition to exploring Huguenot Street and enjoying recreational activities in the nearby Shawangunk Mountains, the possibilities include taking tours of the nearby “American Homestead Farm” that is known as Locust Lawn and visiting the charming nearby village of High Falls. Enjoying a side trip to the Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery in Gardiner is just one more idea. Partly due to the fact that it is a college town, New Paltz boasts its fair share of chain brand motels that cater to the budget conscious. The local lodging options certainly don’t end there, however. Two delightful bed and breakfasts figure among the New Paltz NY hotels. These B&Bs are the Le Fevre House Bed and Breakfast and the Moondance Ridge Bed and Breakfast. Of course, no discussion about lodging in the New Paltz area would be complete without mentioning the Mohonk Mountain House (pictured). Found at 1000 Mountain Rest Road in New Paltz, this renowned Victorian castle resort is wonderfully set atop a ridge and overlooks Lake Mohonk. Even if you aren’t planning on staying at this sumptuous retreat while in the area, it is worthy of a visit. The scenic appeal is impossible to deny. Mohonk Mountain House day passes can be obtained at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center on Route 44/55.

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