July 28 - 29, 2018 (2D1N):  As a frequent visitor to the Hudson Valley, I've only had the pleasure of staying on the east side of the Hudson River.  This time, I decided to check out the west side of Hudson and stay overnight at New Paltz.  I find that New Paltz offers more affordable Airbnb options than Rhinebeck.  You can also choose Kingston or Woodstock as your base and plan your trip by incorporating my itinerary below.  New Paltz is known for local wineries and hiking trails! The most popular hiking areas are Minnewaska State Park and Mohonk Preserve (see tips below for more details).  Rhinebeck is a super charming town known for its antique and food scene.

*Highly Recommended

Day 1

• 10:30 am: Drive to New Paltz from NY (~2hr)

• Lunch @ The Village Tea Room

• Hiking @ Minnewaska State Park ($10 entrance fee per vehicle):

  • Lake Minnewaska Loop* (2 miles, swimming is possible at an enclosed area)

  • Hike to Awosting Falls (follow orange Sunset Carriage trail 1.6 miles RT)

  • Awosting Falls* (~1 mile RT from the top of the Fall to the bottom, swimming is possible at the bottom)

• Robibero Family Winery* ($12 tasting for any 5, $10 pizza on weekends, try 87 North white wine)

• Check-in @ Airbnb by Dee* (1 bedroom with private bath inside a gorgeous house with pool)

  • Pool time

• Drinks @ Terrapin (old church converted to a restaurant; skip food, go for drinks only)

Day 2

• Lounge by the pool

• 10:30 am: Brunch @ The Cake Artist Cafe*

• Walk around the town of New Paltz

• Wallkill View Farm Market*

• DM Weil Gallery* (free tour; complimentary wine/espresso/water)

• Montgomery Place* @ Bard College

• Drive through Bard College

• Quick stroll of the town of Red Hook

• Ferncliff Forest* (free):

  • 1.2 miles RT hike to climb the tower (must do, the view is amazing!)

• Walk around the town of Rhinebeck:

  • Beekman Arms Antique Market (fun to browse if time permits)

  • Dinner @ Smoky Rock BBQ*

• Optional: Grab an ice cream at Moo Moo's Creamery at Cold Spring & watch the sunset by the Hudson River

Other points of interest & food:

• Wilderstein Historic Site

• Visit local farms

• Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery

• Coppersea Distilling (Tastings are $5 for a single pour, $10 for a 3-spirit flight, and $15 for a 5-spirit flight; tours on Saturday only)

• Rondout Lighthouse (check the website for tour schedule)

• Calico Gourmet Food & Dessertery

Tips: 

• We opted to hike in Minnewaska State Park given its cheap entrance fee ($10 per vehicle) vs. Mohonk Preserve ($21 per person). If you plan to only hike 1-2 trails during your visit, it is more economical to visit Minnewaska. We really enjoyed the 2 trails in Minnewaska, it was a great way to enjoy the park, the view, and even the option to swim!

• I also considered buying a day pass for the Mohonk Mountain House (the other option is to spend lots of $$$ to stay overnight), but the reviews on TA were not very stellar.