About New Paltz

Historically, New Paltz is an integral part of American culture. Containing the National Historic Landmark District on Huguenot Street, which happens to be the oldest street in America, it has a vital part to play in remembering the earliest days of our great nation. Huguenot Street still features seven original stone homes and a church. Although the latter has been reconstructed, the street dates back to the 18th Century French settlement and is protected and preserved via the care of the Huguenot Historical Society. Although it was a notorious French Protestant area during its early history, the area is now a diverse and fascinating place to live with Dutch, English, German, Italian and Latino families having moved in.

Outside of New Paltz town, the historical tour continues! Mohonk Mountain House has been around since 1869 and is currently a 251-room hotel. Firmly Victorian in both style and age, the beautiful landscapes are hard to beat with 2,200 acres of mountainous woodlands in full view. On this ground, you will find various lakes and gardens to enhance the natural beauty in addition to a 9-hole golf course! Minnewaska State Park, Mohonk Preserve and Shawangunk Mountain Ridge (also known as “The Gunks”) provide amazing and breathtaking hiking trails and rock climbing, as well as luring thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. If hiking is not your thing then why not take full advantage of the fruit industry and visit one of the many wineries and vineyards in the local area? Or maybe visit the Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair, which is there over Labor Day weekend and can be found at the Ulster County Fairgrounds?

If you decide to venture closer to the SUNY New Paltz campus then you will see a different side to the peaceful and beautiful area. The downtown business district is always lively and features establishments like shops, clubs, galleries and restaurants. As such, no matter what your tastes and hobbies, there is always something to do!
New Paltz is a wonderful place to live for all of the above geographical reasons but if you have children then you may want to know about the level of education. With New Paltz Central Schools, SUNY New Paltz, some private schools and a range of pre-schools within the New Paltz New York area, there are plenty of high quality educational facilities to choose from!