For every major Ulster County town, there is an ever-brightening constellation of nearby communities. As New Paltz has grown in popularity and prosperity, so too have Gardiner, Highland, Kerhonkson, and Stone Ridge—offering locals and visitors a bounty of thriving businesses that call the Shawangunk Mountains home.
Whitecliff Vineyard
331 Mckinstry Road, Gardiner
(845) 255-4613 | Whitecliffwine.com
Whitecliff Vineyard is all about wine. The tasting room vibe is mellow, the view of the Gunks is spectacular, and the staff focus is on wine education for those who want it. Whitecliff is a beautiful and relaxing spot to finish a day of hiking on the Shawangunk Ridge, to gather with friends, or simply to discover the high quality of Hudson Valley wines. They have been open ince 1999 and have won more international awards than any other producer in the Hudson Valley. There are now two locations, one in Gardiner (home base) and one in Hudson, and both open year round. Stop in for one of their many food popups (all listed on the website events page) and see why they keep winning awards for Best Winery and Best Wine in the Hudson Valley.
Hero’s Journey® Foundation at Lifebridge Sanctuary
333 Mountain Road, Rosendale (845) 658-3439
Herosjourneyfoundation.org/lifebridge-sanctuary
Lifebridge Sanctuary, home of the Hero’s Journey® Foundation, is a 12,000 sq. ft. eco-friendly retreat center nestled on 95 acres of serene forest in Rosendale. With stunning views of the Catskill Mountains, they offer an ideal space for retreats, workshops, and gatherings. They host up to 50 day-use guests, and offer comfortable overnight accommodations for up to 33 visitors. Committed to sustainability, Lifebridge creates a peaceful environment for personal reflection, group connection, and transformation. They are honored to be serving as a local resource for growth and renewal in the Hudson Valley.
Century House Historical Society
Centuryhouse.org
Widowjanemine.com
Rosendale Natural Cement was used in the building of some of the most enduring landmarks of our nation-The Brooklyn Bridge, the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty and the wings of the U.S. Capitol Building, just to name a few. The Century House Historical society, stewards of the Widow Jane mine is dedicated to the history of the Rosendale cement region.
Full Circle
297 Bruynswick Road, Gardiner
Fcgardiner.com
Full Circle is a vibrant collective of small, locally owned businesses in the Hudson Valley. Come visit Gardiner Bakehouse for delicious pastries and sourdough breads, Benton for casual local fare and curated beer and wine offerings, and Full Circle Studio to enjoy live music and engaging classes and events.
Mind the Forest
High Falls, NY
Mindtheforest.com
The mindfulness practice of Forest Bathing has taken hold globally both as an essential part of our well-being, and critical to our role as care-takers of the earth. This guided experience is more saunter than hike, allowing us to shift from our thinking minds, where we spend most of our time, to a direct sensory experience of and connection with the natural world. Private walks and group retreats by appointment.
Sun Creek Center
8 Sun Creek Lane, Stone Ridge
(845) 687-6341 | Suncreekcenter.com
Sun Creek Center offers healing arts services in a homelike atmosphere: individual, group, and family psychotherapy, somatic treatment/body work, acupuncture, and psychedelic/ketamine assisted therapies. Visit their website for more information.
The Disgruntled Chef
125 Main Street, Gardiner
(833) 592-3353 | Thedisgruntledchef.com
The Disgruntled Chef is a thirty seat restaurant and market serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the heart of Gardiner. They offer a fully stocked grab and-go case packed with ready to eat bites and meals, and also a variety of housemade ice cream. During warmer months, outdoor seating is available.
Creekside Bar & Bistro
1128 Route 32, Rosendale
(845) 658-2000 | Creeksidebistro.com
Creekside Bar & Bistro, established in 2019 and located in the heart of Rosendale, offers seasonal American cuisine, indoor and outdoor dining with stunning creek views. Enjoy happy hour, weekday specials, and their ever-changing weekend features. Pair a meal with delicious cocktails or local and popular beers. Just 10 minutes from New Paltz.
This article appears in November 2024.
