November is the last official month of fall, which means it’s the final chance to take advantage of fun fall activities — and this New York town that should be on your fall travel radar. This Hudson Valley community seems almost as if time stopped decades ago. It’s a place where the 1960s are still alive and well, and tie-dye is all the rage. Neighbors know each other by name and spend their weekends hiking and gardening together. This town is none other than New Paltz, New York, and even though it’s only about 1.5 hours from Hoboken, it can feel like an entirely different universe.
New Paltz is a small village in the Hudson Valley of New York that is the ideal fall getaway destination. There are outdoor activities at every corner, and it is perfect for groups of any age. The town is a hiker’s paradise, and Main Street is full of amazing shops to visit. It’s ideal for a weekend away with friends or a day trip with the kids. We’ve rounded up a weekend getaway guide with some fun things to do in New Paltz, NY (particularly in the fall) — like where to shop, where to eat, where to hike, and more. Keep reading for the must-see spots in New Paltz.
Fruit Picking + Farm Stands
Though peak apple-picking season usually ends in October, warm weather (like we’ve had this year) and other seasonal circumstances often means apples continue to be pickable into early November. And even if U-Pick isn’t available, many farm stands continue to sell their farm-fresh products and are still absolutely worth the visit. Be sure to check directly with the farm to see their seasonal availability.
There are multiple apple-picking destinations to choose from in and around New Paltz. If choosing to stay close to the village, Dressel Farms offers apple picking, hayrides, and a farmstand with homemade apple goodies, local jams, and cider. Jenkins-Lueken Orchards, which is confirmed to be open through November 6th, has apple picking, pumpkin picking, and berry picking available for visitors. When looking for some adult refreshments to indulge in on a breezy fall afternoon, Twin Star Orchards, home of the Brooklyn Cider House, serves hard apple cider to sip on while lounging by their pond. Just outside of town is Minard’s Family Farm, known for having sunflower picking available in the early fall months. No matter which farm you choose, don’t forget to grab some homemade apple cider donuts on the way out — yes, please.
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Hiker’s Paradise
Fall is the perfect time of year to enjoy a nature-filled hike in the mountains. New Paltz offers trails for both beginners and advanced hikers — always offering some of the best views in the Hudson Valley.
^ Rail Trail
The “Lemon Squeeze” hike is the most popular, but don’t be fooled by the cute name — this hike requires squeezing through and scaling rocks on your way up to the top. Hikers’ hard work is rewarded with a gorgeous mountaintop view where, during peak foliage time, New York trees show off their brightest fall colors. The views are still amazing even just past peak foliage time, though.
For those not looking for a rigorous hiking trail but are more interested in a peaceful walk through nature, the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is a great option. The trail is a hop-on-hop-off style pathway through the woods and it spans for over 20 miles, through the towns of New Paltz, Gardiner, Rosendale, and Kingston. There are multiple entrances onto the path within the town of New Paltz, and the trail offers great views of the famous New Paltz mountain ridge.
Explore the Village
The village of New Paltz has a quaint Main Street filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and boutiques. The many small shops nestled together on Main Street make it the perfect place to find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces made by local Hudson Valley craftspeople. Grab some New Paltz souvenirs and homewares from Cocoon, get some tie-dye clothes from Groovy Blueberry, and get lost in the stacks at Inquiring Minds Bookstore.
It’s impossible to go wrong stopping in at one of the many restaurants lining Main Street. Main Street Bistro is famous for its heaping breakfast special that only costs a couple of bucks. Lola’s is a somewhat newer spot with burgers and giant milkshakes, plus a large deck for outdoor seating. B-Side Grill, a 1960s-inspired diner filled with vinyl records and rock and roll album covers, is perfect for the whole family and will bring back fond memories for many. Bacchus, located just off Main Street, is known for its wide selection of craft beers. Cool autumn nights call for a rustic dinner at Huckleberry followed by drinks aside the fire pits in its garden. We can’t think of anything cozier.
Walking down Main Street will lead to the picturesque and quaint Water Street Market, an outdoor shopping village with even more boutiques and restaurants. Walk through the market and feel like you’ve been transported to an old-timey village. There are multiple antique shops to find unique home decor and collectibles, and Rhino Records is a great place to stop and pick up some rare vinyls. Afterwards, grabbing coffee at Mudd Puddle is a must, as is getting an artisan sandwich at Grazery. If looking for a heftier meal, The Parish offers rooftop seating with a gorgeous view of the mountain and Cajun-inspired dishes.
Go to a Tasting… or Three
The Hudson Valley is home to some of the best vineyards in New York State, and New Paltz is lucky to have great wineries in town and nearby. Spend a cool autumn afternoon munching on doughy brick oven pizza and sipping on freshly-made wine at Robibero Family Vineyards in New Paltz. The vineyard is nestled in between the village and Shawangunk Mountain, giving it great views and a premiere fall foliage experience.
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Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery is just down the street from New Paltz in Gardiner, New York. Whitecliff is a family-run vineyard that has been around since the 70s. It has a whole calendar of fall events taking place on the property, and the deck is the perfect place to enjoy the gorgeous New York state fall weather. Get in the fall spirit with hard apple cider from Kettleborough Cider House — all of the ciders are made with local Hudson Valley apples.
Step Back in Time + Get Spooked
Historic Huguenot Street is 10 acres of perfectly-preserved history. Stone houses line Huguenot Street and have been standing for over 300 years. Today, they serve as museums that paint the story of America’s beginnings and the French Huguenot settlers.
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Tours are given during the daytime, but one of the most popular fall events the team puts on takes place at night: Haunted Huguenot Street. In mid to late October, costumed guides lead the group by candlelight through the historic streets and into the old homes in an immersive theater experience of haunting retellings that are sure to send a chill down your spine.
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Get Some R&R
Whether looking to be closer to the mountains and hiking trails, or if you’re just interested in a luxurious getaway with 5-star views, Mohonk Mountain House is the perfect fall escape. The Victorian-castle-turned-resort was originally founded in the 1860s and now serves as one of the Hudson Valley’s most iconic getaways. The views cannot be beaten and the spa services are to die for. The resort is nestled up on top of the infamous Shawangunk Mountain, out of the main village, but easily accessible by car. Visitors can choose to stay at Mohonk, or simply visit for a day of relaxation and wellness. No matter how much time is spent there, it will certainly not be time wasted.
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From food to outdoor activities, there is no shortage of things to do in New Paltz, a town that truly has so much to offer visitors. Whether spending the day upstate or the entire weekend in town, it will be impossible to miss the sense of community and positive vibes from the locals. There truly is something magical happening in the tiny town, just 90 miles from New York City, and fall is the perfect time to experience it.
