How to Spend a Day in New Paltz
New Paltz is an artsy upstate town perfect for spending the day shopping or stopping by for a bite after hitting the hiking trail.
In any season, you can find enjoyment in spending time walking through the town of New Paltz, located in the Hudson Valley of upstate New York. It’s also an ideal location to stop by for lunch after hitting the hiking trails at the Mohonk Preserve or Lake Minnewaska (and others). But what exactly is not to be missed on your day trip?
For starters, if you are looking for a breakfast spot, you have to head to Main Street Bistro. I promise you the quaint atmosphere will not disappoint. Chicken & waffle, corned beef hash, eggs benedict, and many other dishes with creative names fill the menu.
For a coffee spot, there is a Starbucks, but of course you are looking for something more elevated. That’s why Mudd Puddle Coffee Roasters & Cafe should be on your list. While I personally have never been to this spot, I’ve heard good things. And it’s easy to see why with delicious cappuccinos, lattes, chai teas, matcha lattes, and food options on the menu. Dairy free milk options are also available in addition to unique flavored syrups. I want to get over there to try an iced chai with “campfire toasted” syrup-featuring flavors of marshmallow and salted caramel.
Mudd Puddle is located within the Water Street Market which is a must in New Paltz. This outdoor shopping area is filled with unique little shops that you can’t find anywhere else. My two favorites I have visited recently include Rhino Records (a record store with so many finds) and the Antiques Barn (seriously one of the best set-up antique spots in the Hudson Valley). There is also a little ice cream place open in the warmer months that I love (and they usually have dairy-free options).
When you’re looking to get yourself some lunch, you have to head to Lola’s for fresh food. My personal favorites are the chicken salad wrap (which has apricots, cranberries, and citrus aioli) and the ahi pita (if you love tuna). The peanut noodles are also amazing and an be ordered as a side dish.
Another cool feature about New Paltz is that the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is conveniently located right next to the village, not far from Water Street Market. It is the perfect path to enjoy an afternoon stroll. For dinner, I love stopping in to Burger Box and Tokyo Sushi. Both have a casual atmosphere, and they are located close to one another on Main Street. If you’re going to Tokyo Sushi, you have to get the dinner special (which comes with salad and miso soup, and your choice of sushi, sashimi, maki combo). At Burger Box my favorite burger is the garlic rosemary, which has garlic aioli and arugula. The frachos are also amazing, fries covered in nachos toppings.
Related: Exploring Hudson NY: What to Expect