Wake Up to Mountain Mornings
Ulster County’s lodging options are as diverse as its landscape. Whether seeking the luxury of a boutique hotel with farm-to-table dining, the vintage charm of a mid-century inn, or the rustic appeal of a room tucked into the woods, visitors can always find their ideal stay.
Pro tip: Choose lodging with a porch or balcony. Summer sunrises over the Catskills are not to be missed, and a front-row seat with morning coffee is an ideal way to start each day.
Days Built for Hiking
This is where Ulster County truly shines. With 35 peaks and 350 miles of growing trails, visitors could spend an entire summer exploring and barely scratch the surface.
The beauty of hiking here is the variety available for all skill levels. Families with young children will find Minnewaska State Park Preserve’s carriage roads perfect for strollers alongside more challenging foot paths. Rock climbers flock to the legendary Shawangunk Ridge cliffs. Solo adventurers can discover the solitude of the forest and the achievement of summiting a peak.
Summer hiking essentials: Plenty of water, sunscreen reapplied often, a light rain jacket, and bug spray. Mosquitoes are present during summer months in the Hudson Valley, but they’re a small price for the beauty surrounding you.
Water, Water Everywhere
The Hudson River isn’t the only way to cool off during July and August. Ulster County is blessed with incredible aquatic adventures.
The Walkway Over the Hudson isn’t just a landmark, it’s a 1.28-mile pedestrian bridge offering jaw-dropping views of the Hudson River and the surrounding landscape. Walk it at sunrise for solitude, at sunset for stunning photography, or midday when the river sparkles below.
Or, for those who want to get on the water rather than over it, kayaking opportunities abound. Launch a kayak on the Hudson and paddle alongside riverbanks dotted with historic estates. It’s a perspective of the region visitors are always grateful to experience.
Don’t Overlook: The lakes and swimming holes throughout the area. These spots have a timeless quality; they’re the same places where families have made memories for generations.
Eat Your Way Through Summer
One of the highlights of an Ulster County summer is farm-to-table dining. Farmers markets open early on weekends throughout the region, offering just-picked vegetables, local cheeses, and artisanal goods.
The restaurant scene reflects this commitment to local ingredients throughout Ulster County. From casual taco shops in Woodstock to sophisticated farm dinners hosted at working vineyards, the culinary landscape honors both tradition and innovation.
Summer dining philosophy: Keep it simple and let local produce shine. Grab wood-fired pizza with vegetables from the market down the road. Sip local wine on a winery patio as the sun sets behind the mountains.
Arts, Culture & Community
Summer isn’t just about outdoor adventures. Ulster County’s cultural scene is thriving, particularly during these months.
The region has attracted artists, musicians, and creative minds for generations. Galleries showcase local and international talent, theaters host performances that rival major city venues, and concert series animate parks and vineyards.
Live Like A Local: Check out what’s happening at local venues and galleries , support a local artist, or take a workshop that teaches something new. These moments of cultural connection are what transform a vacation into lasting memories.
Find Your Pace
Summer in Ulster County isn’t something to read about—it’s something to experience. It’s the way shoulders relax when stepping out of the car and breathing in mountain air. It’s the unexpected friendliness of a stranger in a small-town bakery. It’s the pride felt after summiting a peak, the contentment after a long day in nature, the magic of fireworks reflected in a river.
Come to Ulster County this summer and leave the email notifications behind. Trade your to-do list for hiking boots. Embrace the slower pace, the natural beauty, and the genuine warmth ofthe community. Your Hudson Valley summer story is waiting.
