New Paltz, New York

1. Enjoy the outdoors at Minnewaska State Park

Minnewaska State Park sits amid the towering Shawangunk Mountains. Visitors only have to drive an hour and a half from New York City to enjoy the park's countless waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests. Minnewaska has more than 50 miles of trails, and plenty of space is available for visitors to ride their bikes, rock climb, swim, and even scuba dive.

Minnewaska can accommodate overnight visitors with its recently opened campground, which is fully equipped with bathrooms, showers, and cooking facilities. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-November.

2. Go hiking in Mohonk Preserve

The Mohonk Preserve covers more than 8,000 acres of land. Mountains, fields, and streams are just a few of the natural features the Mohonk Preserve seeks to protect.

Each year, more than 165,000 people travel to the preserve for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing, and rock climbers from all around the world visit Mohonk to tackle its famous routes.

Donors, volunteers, and staff collaborate to keep the preserve clean for visitors, and the staff offers informative programs to teach the public about the importance of land preservation.

3. Taste delicious new wines at Robibero Winery

You do not have to know anything about wine to enjoy a visit to Robibero Winery. Set on a picturesque 42 acres just outside of New Paltz, this family artisanal winery will charm you regardless of the time of the year you visit. Stroll between the rows of vines, check out the wine making process in the cellar, and sit on their lovely outdoor deck under the arbor to taste their exquisite award-winning wines.

Each wine is unique and cannot be tasted or bought anywhere else. Once you fall in love with one of them, you can order it online. Their modern indoor wine tasting room and picturesque deck can be rented for big parties or a wedding. You will have to get a caterer, but you will not have to worry about the wines.

Address: 714 Albany Post Rd, New Paltz, New York, Phone: 845-255-9463

4. Browse art at DM Weil Gallery

The mission statement of the DM Weil Gallery is “why can't fine art be fun?” Visitors are guaranteed an exciting experience as soon as they step into this modern art gallery in New York's Hudson Valley. The expansive, vibrant collection of artwork at the DM Weil Gallery is paired with complimentary wine, espresso, and other treats. Admission to the gallery is free, and it's not unusual for the gallery to use its unique 1911 Grotian Steinweg piano for complimentary mini-concerts. Additionally, you can socialize with DM Weil herself and tour her personal art studio.

Address: 208 Bruynswick Road, New Paltz, New York, Phone: 845-255-3336

5. Hike along The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail

The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is a renowned scenic destination for people who enjoy being outdoors. The 22-mile-long trail connects several small towns and features a variety of natural attractions such as orchards, streams, rivers, and farms. The Rosendale Trestle, a span bridge that rests 150 feet above Rondout Creek, is often hailed as the most beautiful spot in the entire park because of its panoramic views. The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail has access points in the nearby towns of Rosendale and Gardiner.

6. Pick your own apples in the fall at Dressel Farms

As a family-run operation, Dressel Farms offers fun activities for visitors of all ages. The most popular activity is picking apples from the trees that cover more than 300 acres of the farm. Apples that aren't grabbed by visitors get shipped from Dressel Farms to grocery stores throughout the East Coast. Aside from apples, Dressel Farms produces scores of staple fruits and vegetables, including peaches, strawberries, raspberries, and gourds. Visitors can also purchase and enjoy fresh ice cream and fruit from the farm's roadside stand.

Address: 271 State Route 208, New Paltz, NY, 12561, 845-255-0693

7. Have pizza and cider at Twin Star Orchards

Twin Star Orchards uses the one simple ingredient of quality apples to make its popular Brooklyn Cider House ciders. All of the ciders produced are made from the freshly harvested apples from the orchard and fermented in a stainless steel tank before being aged anywhere from 2 to 18 months. In addition to the cider, Twin Star Orchards also offers a U-pick apple experience, seasonal produce, freshly baked goods, spirits and wine, a burger and wood-fired pizza pavilion, and a natural hard cider tasting room. Dogs are also welcome at the orchard as long as they are leashed and well behaved.

Address: 155 N Ohioville Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561, 845-633-8657

8. Go bird-watching in The Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary

The Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary boasts 56 acres of unique grasses and plants, and is home to a variety of animals and birds. The sanctuary houses a specialized ecosystem complete with an area of wetlands and ponds that is known as an “oxbow.” Various types of birds take residence in the sanctuary throughout the year.

Majestic Great Horned owls visit in the winter, while the summer months attract Orioles and Snipes. Along with bird-watching, sanctuary visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the nearby Wallkill River and Shawangunk Mountains.

Address: 140 Huguenot Road, New Paltz, New York, Phone: 845-255-3003