Lake Minnewaska + New Paltz
Whoa, another solo road trip including a visit with my sister and her boyfriend, in the books! I told myself 2017 would be the year I would take road trips, I would step out of my comfort zone, and I would explore places both near and far!
Having a 4-day holiday weekend, worked in my favor allowing me to drive to upstate New York for the night! My sisters boyfriend grew up there, so I planned to stay overnight with them. On Monday when I arrived we took a quick tour of, Ellenville before the big clam bake & seafood fest his mom cooked up!
It's a small town with a few restaurants and home to one of the cutest post office buildings I have ever seen. After driving through the town we drove past Ulster County Correctional Facility before driving up the mountain to a beautiful overlook!
Back home for clams, mussels, seafood pasta, and all the cookies a girl could ask for. We hung out for the rest of the afternoon in the backyard. I saw a few fireworks from the pool before calling it a night.
Tuesday the plan was to visit Lake Minnewaska and drive around the mountain to New Paltz, a town I've heard about, but had never visited. We woke up early, grabbed some coffee and breakfast and hit the open road. There was a small debate between blasting the AC or driving with the windows down, which in the end won! Fresh air for the win!
We arrived early to the lake and had no problem paying the $10 parking cost. I was told the views would be breathtaking, but let me tell you, I had no words at first. How could this beauty be so close yet so far and I had never heard of it. Time to start visiting National Parks, and all the beautiful lakes in the Northeast!
It's about a 2 mile trail, which we didn't do as I was wearing flip-flops and wasn't prepared. The plan is to go back in August and hike the trail and visit the waterfall! If you get up there I highly recommend bringing your camera. I loved so many shots, even ones not on my iPhone.
We spent about a half hour at the park before driving the rest of the way over to New Paltz, an artsy town filled with fun-loving people and cool restaurants and shops.
Upon our arrival we headed straight to Gilded Otter Brewery for a flight tasting. We sat on the outdoor patio and grabbed warm, fresh pretzels and nachos with guacamole to share!
From the antique shops to the quaint bookstores, the entire town is too cute to just try and share in pictures. Rent a car, head north of NYC and just start exploring!
The quick 45 minute drive home gave me enough time to close my eyes before my 2+ hour drive home to New Jersey. With it being close yet far enough I look forward to many more trips to different areas in upstate New York!
Where is your favorite place to hike?
XoXo,
Tracy
Having a 4-day holiday weekend, worked in my favor allowing me to drive to upstate New York for the night! My sisters boyfriend grew up there, so I planned to stay overnight with them. On Monday when I arrived we took a quick tour of, Ellenville before the big clam bake & seafood fest his mom cooked up!
It's a small town with a few restaurants and home to one of the cutest post office buildings I have ever seen. After driving through the town we drove past Ulster County Correctional Facility before driving up the mountain to a beautiful overlook!
Back home for clams, mussels, seafood pasta, and all the cookies a girl could ask for. We hung out for the rest of the afternoon in the backyard. I saw a few fireworks from the pool before calling it a night.
Tuesday the plan was to visit Lake Minnewaska and drive around the mountain to New Paltz, a town I've heard about, but had never visited. We woke up early, grabbed some coffee and breakfast and hit the open road. There was a small debate between blasting the AC or driving with the windows down, which in the end won! Fresh air for the win!
We arrived early to the lake and had no problem paying the $10 parking cost. I was told the views would be breathtaking, but let me tell you, I had no words at first. How could this beauty be so close yet so far and I had never heard of it. Time to start visiting National Parks, and all the beautiful lakes in the Northeast!
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| Beauty is the key to life, when we see it in the people and places around us. |
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| My favorite picture |
We spent about a half hour at the park before driving the rest of the way over to New Paltz, an artsy town filled with fun-loving people and cool restaurants and shops.
Upon our arrival we headed straight to Gilded Otter Brewery for a flight tasting. We sat on the outdoor patio and grabbed warm, fresh pretzels and nachos with guacamole to share!
From the antique shops to the quaint bookstores, the entire town is too cute to just try and share in pictures. Rent a car, head north of NYC and just start exploring!
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| Coolest Hot Dog Cart Ever |
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| ILoveNY |
The quick 45 minute drive home gave me enough time to close my eyes before my 2+ hour drive home to New Jersey. With it being close yet far enough I look forward to many more trips to different areas in upstate New York!
Where is your favorite place to hike?
XoXo,
Tracy
You sold me with antique stores and bookstores! This isn't too far from where I live, so I want to do a day trip there now! :)
ReplyDeleteSeriously, some of the best antique stores I've ever visited. I could have spent hours in each store! You should totally visit!
DeleteI am a big sucker for bookstores and murals. Seems like such a great mix of quaint old town and nature here!
ReplyDeleteIt's the best of both!
DeleteWhat a lovely little weekend you had! Lake Minnewaska is absolutely GORGEOUS.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Had a blast.
DeleteThis is exactly the kind of thing I like to do over the summer... how good do those mussels look?! So glad you got to spend a good weekend with those you love!! xx
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteWow, we practically crossed paths out there trekking upstate New York! I am saving this post for whenever I go back. Thanks for all the great tips!
ReplyDeleteThank you!! Hope you had a great time up there, it was beautiful!
DeleteYou're inspiring me to take solo road trips! I've been saying I'll do it for about a year now but I just never get around to it! Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chiera. To be honest, I said it for about 4 years before I took my first one up to Boston. Once I finally went, I was so happy! I can't wait to hear where your first solo road trip takes you!
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