New Paltz, New York
Get Giddy in the Gunks
I first heard of New Paltz in the 80s. Its State University of New York campus was known as a haven for hippie holdovers — creative, free-spirited, but not particularly academic. By the 2000s, SUNY New Paltz had surprisingly become known for its academic excellence, while still being arty and free-spirited. It was no longer a shoo-in for admissions. It was hippie and smart.
In the 2000s, my oldest child became a student at the university, and I regularly took trips to visit. On those visits, I fell completely in love with the town to the point where Rosie and I took our first trip to New Paltz together shortly after we first met! New Paltz is that kind of wonderful.
What is there to love about New Paltz? First, there are Pride flags everywhere. Arty types are often the most tolerant and inclusive people. Queer folx can just be folx in New Paltz. And yes, I did use that spelling. Look up the meaning and you will know why.
Water Street Market features antique shops, clothing boutiques, coffee, ice cream, and more
Second, New Paltz has the most delicious food for every palette. We have two favorite places right now, but there are many others. Personally, I love Karma Road. It is entirely vegan and the food is off-the-charts good. It has that hippie vegan food that I was raised on. One of my favorite dishes is the Climber's Plate. Loaded with scrambled tofu, potatoes, beans, rice, and toast, it will give you all the energy you need for the day. Rosie loves the vegan Reuben, and we both agree that the smoothies are delicious. There are even desserts like peanut butter and jam cookies. Think Linzer tarts, but vegan!
Enjoy scrumptious vegan fare at Karma Road
Our other favorite is Lagusta's Luscious, where everything is vegan and ethically sourced. Lagusta has awesomely good consciousness and her vegan chocolates beat any chocolate treat anywhere, hands down. We recently had a S'more-like chocolate treat that elevated S'mores to fine dining.
Vegan chocolates, hot beverages, and pastries…they're all at Lagusta's Luscious!
Third, New Paltz is surrounded by the Shawangunk Mountains, commonly known as the Gunks. Indeed, not far from the town is Minnewaska, one of the top ten state parks in New York State. From trails to waterfalls, time spent in Minnewaska State Park is time well spent. Quite simply, a day in New Paltz is a day with so many possibilities that you just have to keep going back to maximize its good vibe. There are lots of cute shops, from antique and thrift stores to those selling jewelry and books. Got New Paltz? You'll know, because you will feel so good.
Awosting Falls at Minnewaska State Park
New Paltz is more than a great town. It has good consciousness — if a town can have such a thing. The Hippie Spirit is alive and well in New Paltz, and the university is amazing. So pack your rucksack, don your tie dye, let your freak flag fly, and get thee to New Paltz.
Liz
