Ulster County Blog

Ashokan Reservoir, NY

2008-06-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

New York City's water supply, courtesy of this beautiful reservoir in the Catskills. Great roads for biking or jogging surround the reservoir. Alas no swimming but fishing is allowed. Wikipedia has a great page about the history of the Ashokan Reservoir here.

Kingston City Hall, NY

2008-06-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

Constructed around 1873, Kingston's City Hall was recently restored and updated. According to the city website, it is a "prime example of High Victorian Gothic municipal style architecture". There is a nice page on the history there as well.

Best tacos in Kingston

2008-04-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

At 456 Broadway you will find the best kept secret for tacos in Kingston. I drove past this taqueria hundreds of times and never thought about stopping. Now, I can't drive by without stopping. The beef tacos are simple and served like my favorite taco truck in San Francisco. Authentic and delicious! The horchata is pretty good too. Best of all, tacos are only $1.50 and the folks there are really nice.

Cross-country skiing at Mohonk Preserve

2008-02-25T15:29:00.001-08:00

After a fresh snowfall, my favorite thing to do is head over to the Gunks for some x-country skiing. Amazing, groomed trails connect Mohonk mountain house to the Overlook area with views of the valley below. Bring a snack pack because you'll need the energy boost to make it back! There is also fantastic skiing nearby at Minnewaska State Park Preserve and Mohonk Mountain House. Ah... the joys of Ulster County living.

The Shawangunks, NY

2008-02-22T12:33:00.000-08:00

My client recently snapped this pic while we were looking at homes in the area. He and his family enjoy the world-class rock climbing here in the Shawangunks --otherwise known as "the Gunks". For those of you who are not quite so brave-including myself, there is an extensive network of amazing trails and rock scrambles.

This picture is at the Overlook parking lot with the Trapps behind me. Here is a google map. Wikipedia has a nice entry about the ridge.

After a memorable day exploring the Gunks, I recommend checking out the Gilded Otter in New Paltz. All beers are brewed on the premises and the food is great.

See you on the trails!

Q: Where do the locals ski? A: Belleayre Mountain

2008-02-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

Even on the busiest days I have rarely seen a lift line at Belleayre. Park at the middle lodge and enjoy a beer at the end of the day, then relax in front of the fireplaces. It's a great place to learn how to snow board or challenge yourself with some pretty interesting terrain. Best of all, there are lots of discount days where lift tickets cost as little as $10! By the way, you can ski FREE on your birthday. Take a look at Belleayre Mountain's site for more info.

Don't miss Kingston's Second Annual Mardi Gras!

2008-01-29T10:52:00.000-08:00

An "after the Holidays" break, there will be something for everyone. There's a parade at 4:30, if you'd like to participate, you can assemble at the police parking lot (Garraghan Drive) at 4pm.

There will be ice-sculpting, mask-making, jugglers, street musicians, and party festivities into the evening. Get your beads!!

Schedule is here: http://www.krbaonline.org/Event1.html

See you there!

New York Times article about Marbletown

2007-11-15T11:01:00.000-08:00

Here's a recent article in the NY Times about Marbletown. One of my favorite areas in Ulster County.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/09/travel/escapes/09havens.html?ref=realestate

Ulster Landing County Park

2007-11-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

Here is one of the lesser known parks in the Saugerties area that is perfect for a quiet fall hike to the river. I started from the free parking lot on Ulster Landing Rd which is just off of Rte 32 [map]. After you hike in a bit the path forks and if you go right it will lead to another parking lot with basketball courts and onward to more trails and recreation areas. If you go left it will lead to some wonderful state land trails down to the river. Look for an old road/path down a hill that leads to "Turkey Point" where there is a light tower and great views of the Hudson. Here is a nice link that lists botanical findings at the park.

The main recreational areas have something for everyone, including a boat launch, beach, bbq facilities, and cross country skiing - when there's snow of course... :-) Click here for brochure. Enjoy!

Woodstock 2007 Artists Studio Tour

2007-09-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

Here's a great opportunity to visit 34 local artists studios to see their current work as well as how they work. The 5th annual tour, it's a great way to see the area if you are visiting and take in the scenic beauty of the Catskills. The official starting point is at Westwood Metes & Bounds Woodstock office which is at 24 Mill Hill Rd (Route 212). There you can view the "Artists Wall", pick up a large tour map and a bag of complimentary snacks. For more information, click here.

Wallkill Valley Rail Trail

2007-09-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

We recently took a wonderful bike ride on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail from Rosendale to New Paltz and back again. Whether you bike, hike, jog, ride horseback or x-country ski, you will not be disappointed. The route runs along the Shawangunk mountain ridge from Gardner to Rosendale and there are beautiful views of the "Gunks", farmlands and wildlife.

For refreshments, The Gilded Otter is an award winning brewery right on the trail in New Paltz. If you finish your day in Rosendale, be sure to take in the views from the rail road bridge and then head over to The Rosendale Cafe which offers some of the best vegetarian food in the valley.

Hooley on the Hudson!

2007-09-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

In case you missed the Hudson Valley's only Irish festival on Sunday (and what a festival!), here's a little show of some highlights. Enjoy!

The Big Deep

2007-08-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

I'm always on the lookout for swimming holes and there are lots of good ones in Ulster County. If you are in Woodstock on a hot summer day, consider taking a dip in "The Big Deep". A popular spot for locals, it is aptly named. You can dive in off rocks without fear of touching bottom or do a cannonball off the rope swing (my specialty). All this in a secluded setting, just minutes outside of Woodstock . It's easy to miss though. Look for Gallo's plant nursery on Route 212 and the entrance to Big Deep is on the other side. Here is a google map with the approximate location. Walk down the dirt path to the swimming area and be sure to pack in/pack out!

Kingston Farmer's Market

2007-08-11T20:43:00.001-07:00

From May 26 through November 17 the place to be Saturdays is the Kingston Farmer's Market. Probably the best in Hudson Valley, you'll find everything you need for your gourmet country kitchen. Here is a list of vendors. Held rain or shine from 9am-2pm. Click here for a map.

Kingston Gallery Hopping

2007-08-08T17:05:00.001-07:00

On the first Saturday of every month Kingston's numerous art galleries and studios have openings and receptions from around 5-8pm. You can view the map here (courtesy of the Arts Society of Kingston). Something I want to try is the "Art Bus" which costs $1, has tour guides, live music and you can ride it from 6:30-8pm. Departs from the Rondout Visitor Center, 20 Broadway.

One of my favorite galleries is KMOCA at 103 Abeel street. Adam Snyder, a wonderful musician/songwriter and super nice guy runs this unique space with Brian Early. Always creative, interesting work there and cool crowds. Their current show is "earthscape": aerial photography by Paul Joffe and continues until August 25th. See you at one of the galleries!

Welcome!

2007-08-08T16:06:00.001-07:00

This blog is all about Ulster County NY and my adventures here. I will keep you up to date with cool events, activities, art, restaurants, culture, and anything else I can think of!

This is a community blog so please feel free to comment or email me if you have any questions or ideas for posts. I'll be happy to help in any way I can.

Best regards,
Andrew