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New Paltz
If one town had to represent all the best facets of Hudson River Valley terrain and culture, it would be New Paltz. It's combination of spectacular wilderness, bucolic farmlands, vineyards, historic landmarks, vibrant arts scene, and quaint locally-owned shops and eateries regularly earn it spots on Top Places to Live and Play lists compiled by national magazines like National Geographic and Outside. And if you talk to current residents, they'd always bestow upon it the #1 ranking, adding the great school system, active civic scene, and abundant services to the list of town attributes. Hikers, bikers, cross-country skiers, rock climbers, leaf peepers, foodies, wine aficionados, history buffs, artists and photographers flock to New Paltz year-round, assuring a healthy town economy and lively scene season after season. And yet, the town never feels like a tourist attraction or a place on the verge of losing its charm. The local culture favors independent shops over national chains and zoning has kept large-scale development of homes and hotels to a minimum. The Birches is one of the only recent projects to be approved by the town as an example of building that doesn't come at the expense of the area's environment or quality of life. For those less familiar with the area, below is a brief guide:ATTRACTIONSHistoric Huguenot Street
featuring the 17th-century dwellings of the area's first European settlersWalkill Valley Rail Trail
for strollers and cyclersMohonk Preserve
for hiking or rock climbing
Lake Minnewaska State Park
featuring hiking, swimming, canoeing, biking, and rock climbing at its Peterskill PreserveThe Shawnagunk Wine Trail
featuring 10 area wineries located between the Hudson River and the Shawnagunk RidgeMohonk Mountain House Resort
a classic American lodge with hiking, skating, golfing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and spa
SUNY New Paltz
a New York State University with a lively arts and entertainment calendar that's open to non-students.
EVENTS• Taste of New Paltz• New Paltz Winter Carnival• Woodstock-New Paltz Art and Craft Fair• Ulster County Fair• Around the World in 80 miles winery tour event
• And so much more listed at newpaltzchamber.org
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