By: Carly Fisher @carlyfisher
48 Hours of Eco-Friendly Adventure in Ulster County
Craving a weekend escape rich in character but light on crowds? Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, Ulster County offers the perfect blend of past and future offbeat travel with a sustainable slant. Explore hidden hamlets, scenic trails, and local treasures that honor the region’s history while embracing low-impact living. From farm friendly dining and family-owned distilleries to nature preserves and thoughtfully restored landmarks, here’s how eco-conscious travelers can leave a light footprint while connecting with the local community.
Friday
Hit the Road
Get into vacation mode with a scenic drive along the Shawangunk Scenic Byway toward Kerhonkson and Accord, where the Shawangunk Mountains create a breathtaking natural backdrop. Early Friday afternoon is prime time to beat the crowds at Minnewaska State Park Preserve and snap photos of Awosting Falls without the photobombers.
Sunset Sips
Raise your glass at Arrowood Brewery, a sustainably-minded farm brewery, distillery, and hop farm where locally sourced and estate-grown ingredients power everything from their beer to their spirits. Enjoy a flight in the taproom or the sprawling 30-acre outdoor beer garden and concert pavilion.
Winner, Winner, Lutong Bahay Dinner
Satisfy your hunger at Harana Market, a Filipino restaurant, pantry, and mission-driven space committed to celebrating local food systems, BIPOC and queer programming, and sustainable labor practices. Nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award, this isn’t just a meal—it’s a cause worth supporting.
Have a Nightcap
If you still have room for one more, make your way to Sorry, Charlie in Kingston for craft cocktails and incredible pizzas. Keep the eco-friendly vibes going by staying at the Courtyard Kingston, where the carbon footprint is a modest 6.20 kg per room. Bonus: on-site electric car charging stations.
Saturday
Rise and Shine
Head to Rosendale, a tiny, under-the-radar town nestled along the Rondout Creek. Breakfast options are bountiful: fuel up at Truss + Trestle Diner, where local ingredients star in American classics (the house brined and smoked pastrami Reuben with locally sourced meat and rye bread is life changing), or indulge in the New York State lox and cream cheese sandwich at The Big Cheese, where you can also grab local snacks for later.
Take the Road Less Traveled
Stroll Rosendale’s Main Street, home to the Rosendale Library, a former Gothic Revival church turned library built in 1877 using locally mined cement, and the historic Rosendale Theater, a beloved local cinema that’s been around for 75 years.
Follow the Rondout Creek to the Rosendale Trestle, a stunning 940-foot truss bridge that kicks off the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. A quick drive brings you to the Century House Historical Society at the historic Snyder Estate, home to Widow Jane Mine, an underground amphitheater carved out of a historic cement mine.
Get Spirited Away
Wrap up the day with a tour and tasting at Hudson House Distillery, housed in a revitalized Italianate villa overlooking the Hudson River. Their award-winning spirits are made with locally grown corn from a seventh-generation farm. Dinner awaits at RMV Cellars, the sister location of Red Maple Vineyards and home of Great Life Brewing, featuring award-winning wines, beers, and seasonally-inspired food dreamed up by Culinary Institute of America grads.
Sunday
Sun salutations
Ease into the day with a morning stroll through the backwoods of Hasbrouck Park or along the waters of the Esopus Meadows Preserve. Prefer the forest? Find a serene escape hiking the trails at John Burroughs Natural Sanctuary.
Farm fresh
Make a pit stop at Saunderskill Farm, an 11th generation family-owned farm market that dates back to 1680 and among the few farms to earn the Tricentennial Award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Stock up on fresh, local produce, and, if you time your visit right, take advantage of their Pick-Your-Own harvests for an authentic farm-to-table experience.
Take the High Road
Next, head to High Falls, a small but buzzing hamlet witnessing a resurgence thanks to a handful of trendy businesses. Pop into Blue Heron Books for a new used read, browse the eclectic vintage finds at Fool for Love, and grab a bite at Ollie’s Pizza, known for its wood-fired pies and natural wines. If you need a little something for the road, stop by Green Cottage for locally made gifts and flowers.
Come Out Swinging
For a bit of fresh air, fit in a round at Stone Dock Golf & Café, a family-run 9-hole public course with a regenerative approach to eco-friendly groundskeeping. Their use of organic fertilizers, pesticide-free lawns, and an on-site garden that supplies the café menu make it a stand-out for sustainable recreation.
End With a Cherry on Top
Before heading home, treat yourself to handcrafted ice cream at Cherries Roadside and General Store, a reinvented historic hub with a focus on local dairy. And yes—every scoop comes with a free cherry on top.
