Plan A Trip To New Paltz, One Of New York’s Most Charming Historic Towns
New Paltz has a rich history that dates all the way back to the 1600s. The area had been inhabited by Esopus Indians when French Huguenots settlers arrived in 1677, seeking to form a community where they could settle and worship freely. They purchased 40,000 acres of land near the Wallkill River from the Esopus, establishing the village of New Paltz in what became known as the “New Paltz Patent.” Today, New Paltz has maintained its rich and historic culture, and boasts ten landmark sites that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It’s definitely worth taking a stroll through the picturesque New Paltz Downtown Historic District.
It is home to a number of unique, local boutiques, as well as plenty of critically acclaimed restaurants, bistros, and cafes where visitors can stop in for a break and enjoy the delicious cuisine.
The State University of New York at New Paltz can trace its history all the way back to 1828, when early settlers established a normal school to educate future teachers.
The school was updated to an academy in 1833, and a graduate program was established in 1947. It was included in the SUNY system shortly after, and the campus remains a vibrant hub of intellectual life.
The Elting Memorial Library was founded in 1817, and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2004.
Although it has outgrown its original building and been expanded many times, it has had only seven librarians in the last 100 years.
For those more interested in exploring New Paltz’s natural beauty, the 8,000-acre Mohonk Preserve offers a place for visitors to hike, bike, ski, and even climb the Gunks cliffs.
The stone houses give visitors a glimpse of what life was like over 300 years ago, and guided walking tours are available for $12.
Go to the town’s website to check out more about New Paltz and plan your visit to this charming village.
What do you think? Do you enjoy exploring historic places in the Empire State? Have you explored this historic village? We’d especially love to hear about your experiences in New Paltz in the comments.
