7 Reasons Why You Need to Visit the Shawangunk Mountains This Summer

Just 90 miles from the hustle and bustle of New York City lies a serene, enchanting landscape of unsurpassed natural beauty which beckons visitors to slow down and indulge their senses with an unforgettable visit to one of the world’s Last Great Places.

Here are seven reasons why you need to visit the Shawangunk Mountains this Summer, and one great incentive to get your family on the road!

1. Jaw Dropping Natural Beauty 

The Shawangunks feature crystal clear sky-lakes, unbelievable waterfalls, glistening rock ledges, and miles-wide panoramic views. Visitors to the popular Minnewaska State Park can get a taste of it all with a peaceful stroll along well managed carriageways.

2. Unbeatable Outdoor Adventures

A hike around nearby Sam’s Point Preserve will reward visitors with an unforgettable crawl through unique “ice cave” caverns, a refreshing stop atop a spectacular 180 foot waterfall, unparallelled scenic views of the southern Catskill Mountains, and a tour around a glacial carved sky-lake.

3. Wonderful Wineries

The Shawangunks offer ideal conditions for a number of varietal vineyards, and local wineries have been producing extraordinary vino for centuries. The Shawangunk Wine Trail offers visitors a taste of the region’s best with stops at fourteen wineries offering demonstrations, cellar tours and wine-tastings year-round!

4. Life on the Edge

The impressive ledges of the Shawangunk Ridge have long been regarded as the Northeast technical rock climbing Mecca, and scaling the world-famous routes  throughout "The Gunks" remains a rite of passage for daring climbers everywhere.

5. Historic Houses

A trip to the Shawangunks region offers visitors an opportunity to step back in time and explore the Oldest Street in America.  An avenue of centuries old colonial buildings which have remained virtually unchanged since before the country was born, Historic Huguenot Street offers visitors tours and special events throughout the year which are sure to engage the imagination.

6. Hands-on Agriculture

Want to take part in a true farm-to-table experience? The Shawangunks region features dozens of family-friendly farms offering pick-your-own fruits and vegetables throughout the season. Nearby Kelder’s Farm invites guests into their fields to hand harvest everything from fresh greens, corn, potatoes and beans to fresh herbs, raspberries and apples. It honestly doesn’t get any fresher than this!

7. Delectable Dining

With the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America in the Shawangunk’s backyard and local growers offering the best fresh produce, meats and cheeses, it’s no surprise that the region boasts some of the most delicious and innovative eateries in the north-east. Offering a surprising array of world cuisines, the funky Shawangunks town of New Paltz has something for everyone, with an emphasis on farm-fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

You’ll find a hundred more reasons to return again and again when you explore the Shawangunks this summer, and we're offering an unbeatable $99 midweek room-only rate so you can stay in the center of it all!

Join us in the heart of the Shawangunk Mountains this summer and we’ll help you make the most of your stay, so call or click today to start planning your upstate family getaway!

Upstate Escapes: Summer Events and Attractions

Summer is just around the corner, and travel to the Hudson Valley Catskills is really starting to heat up!  With endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, an exciting lineup of fairs and cultural festivals, and a thriving farm-to-table and craft beverage movement it’s no wonder the Hudson Valley is quickly becoming one of the top US summertime escapes! 

Outdoor Adventure

Immortalized by the masterpiece landscapes of Hudson River School painters, the epic untamed beauty of the Hudson Valley Catskills offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration.

Winding through an unspoiled natural wilderness, the extensive hiking trails  and waterways of the Catskill State Park bring the traveler through serene forests, over cool, clear creeks and up to majestic views so beautiful they inspired an art movement.

 

The nearby Shawangunk Ridge is a hiking and climbing mecca, and you can experience its beauty at Minnewaska State Park Preserve.  Recognized by The Nature Conservancy as “One of the Last Great Places”, Minnewaska is famous for it’s stunning white cliffs, sapphire blue sky-lakes and unique ecosystem.  It definitely deserves to be on your summer "to do" list.

Canoeing, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, golfing- the Hudson Valley has something to offer everyone.  Other popular summer-time activities in the region include skydiving, river tubing, hang-gliding, and more!  

Fairs and Festivals

Home to countless fairs, festivals, and cultural events throughout the summer, there’s always something exciting going on in the Hudson Valley.  

Visitors have been flocking to the Ulster County Fair for more than 125 years, and it’s no surprise. There’s nothing like a good, old-fashioned country fair to celebrate the summer!  Featuring rides, games, agricultural exhibits, local crafts and specialties, musical events and entertainment, the Ulster County fair is fun for all!

 

America's longest running continuous summer chamber music series has been pleasing audiences since 1916, and this year is heating up to be their most exciting season yet! Maverick Concerts invites you to celebrate 100 years of glorious music performed and heard in the historic 1916 concert hall which has echoed in the surrounding woods for visitors to enjoy.  

Growing in popularity each year, the Hudson Valley Rib Fest is the regions largest and most unique BBQ food festival for whole family!  Featuring live music, demonstrations, and of course- the best BBQ ribs in the North East, it’s a two day summer event which is sure to have you coming back for more.

Farm to Table

A recent shift in consumer awareness towards healthier and more sustainable food options has put the Hudson Valley in the spotlight as more and more people are learning what our local growers have known for years- the secret to great food is fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

From fruits & vegetables to honey and maple syrup, artisan breads to small-batch cheeses, the Hudson Valley is producing some of the finest culinary delights on the market today.

Many local farms are inviting people to experience the farm-to-table movement hands-on. Nearby Kelder’s Farm offers educational events, fun for kids, and pick-your-own fruits and veggies allowing visitors a greater appreciation of Hudson Valley produce.

Open rain or shine, the Ellenville Farmers' Market is a small, family friendly market featuring fresh locally grown produce and regional products from Hudson Valley growers.  Live music, monthly visits from Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners, kids activities, cooking classes and more are offered to visitors each week.

Looking to quench your thirst?  The Hudson Valley is home to a thriving winemaking, brewing, distilling, and craft cider-making culture which is redefining the American drinks scene.  Explore the Shawangunk Wine Trail for tastings at 14 local wineries, or stop in any number of local craft beverage producers for demonstrations, tours and tastings. 

Whether you're visiting one of the regions many farmer’s markets, picking your own fruits and vegetables right from the vine, or taking time to savor the flavor of a craft beverage- visitors to the Hudson Valley are sure to the taste the difference.

Summer Escapes

Each summer, hundreds of thousands of visitors escape to the Hudson Valley for outdoor adventure, to experience the  fairs and cultural festivals and to enjoy the region’s agricultural bounty, and the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa is at the center of it all!  Ideally nestled in the heart of the Shawangunk Mountains and surrounded by gorgeous Catskill views, the Hudson Valley Resort is within minutes of the best summer Hudson Valley attractions. 

Offering guests clean, comfortable accommodations with world-class mountain views, the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa features a full service European Health Spa and so much more! Tennis and basketball courts, fitness and arcade centers, and a spacious conference center make the Hudson Valley Resort the ideal choice for your Hudson Valley Getaway, so call or click today, and we'll help make the most of your stay!

Hudson Valley: Top 10 Travel Destination for 2012

For those of us familiar with the Hudson Valley, it comes as no surprise to see who landed on Lonely Planet's list of Top Ten US Travel Destinations for 2012:

2. Hudson River Valley, New York
"It should be a given that any visitor to New York City breaks for a day or two ‘upstate’ in the Hudson River Valley, a slice of rural Americana just north. It’s a real city break, with leafy drives, wineries and plenty of farm-to-table foodie options that draw even spoiled-for-choice Manhattanites away from the city."

Only the exotic US Virgin Islands, half a world away, was ranked higher.

We’re honored to see the Hudson Valley region receive this kind of recognition from the largest and most well respected international travel authority- we all know the Hudson Valley is like no other place in the world!

Hundreds of thousands of travelers flock to the Hudson Valley each year to experience the exciting cultural events, sample the exceptional regional cuisine, and witness the region's magnificent natural beauty.

With so many opportunites for exploration, recreation, and relaxation, the Hudson Valley is truly in the midst of a travel Renaissance: With an abundance of food, wine, and film festivals, a thriving art and music scene, diverse sporting options, and a progressive focus on natural health and wellness, the Hudson Valley has something for everyone.

The Hudson Valley Resort & Spa is the perfect landing spot to explore this rich and diverse American Destination.  Surrounded by more than 400 acres of beautiful Catskill views and nestled in the heart of the Shawangunk Mountains, we’re within arms reach of all of the major Hudson Valley Attractions.

While you’re here, enjoy a round of golf on our Championship 18-hole golf course or pamper yourself in our European Health Spa.  Whether you’re visiting the Hudson Valley to explore or to relax, we’ve got you covered.

What do you love about the Hudson Valley?  What makes it so special?  Comment below, and tell us about it!