New Paltz’s roots go deep, reaching back many centuries to the days of the indigenous Esopus tribe, on to the start of the town’s colonial chapter in 1677. Catch a glimpse of what times were like for both groups of early settlers on transporting Huguenot Street, a 10-acre National Historic Landmark District fronting the Wallkill River.

New Paltz spills over with an assortment of cool bars, coffee shops, eateries, and mom-and-pop shops that propose a dose of inspired retail therapy. Most boutiques line the walkable main drag, Main Street, and the streets that offshoot it. Don't forget to try the town square-esque Water Street Market, a mini open-air shopping village containing stores like the Antiques Barn.

The 8,000-acre Mohonk Preserve offers scenic trails (like the Bonticou Crag), but is better known as the gateway to prime rock-climbing country, including popular steep-faced sites like The Trapps.

Better yet, base your stay at (or purchase a day pass to) the Victorian-style Mohonk Mountain House, a lavish all-inclusive resort dating to 1869. Perched on Lake Mohonk and adjoining the Mohonk Preserve.

Situated within Gardiner, the 12,000-acre Minnewaska State Park Preserve proposes plenty of hiking and carriage road trails leading to sites that include three “sky lakes,” sheer clifftop overlooks touting breathtaking Hudson Valley views, and waterfalls like Awosting Falls. (Check all State Park posted news for entrance rules!)

Sections of the 22-mile-long Wallkill Valley Rail Trail – following the line of the now-defunct Wallkill Valley Railroad, which ceased operations in the late ‘70s – runs right through the heart of New Paltz, continuing on to the neighboring towns of Gardiner, Rosendale and Kingston. (Check all construction and entrance schedules!)

The Hudson Valley has seen boom times of late for small-batch brewing and distilling. Taste local craft brews at spots like Accord-based Arrowood Farm- Brewery. Hard cider’s on the menu, too, at Brooklyn Cider House at Twin Star Orchards or Kettleborough Cider House. For spirits, Coppersea Distilling turns out whisky, bourbon and brandy using "farm-to-glass" distilling methods.

More traditional than trendy, New Paltz falls within one of the oldest wine-producing areas in the U.S. Two wineries are located in town, including Adair Vineyards and Robibero Family Vineyards; the latter is a stop on the Shawangunk Wine Trail, a regional wine trail featuring 13 Hudson Valley wineries.