GREEN ITINERARY: RETREAT INTO NATURE ³³ HIGHLIGHTS Enjoy hands-on nature study at a 100 acre preserve along the majestic Hudson River Bird watch at the retreat of the world famous naturalist, John Burroughs Sanctuary Commune with nature in the 6,500-acre Mohonk Preserve Directions to all locations are on back IMPORTANT NOTE: To do this itinerary, arrangements MUST be made in advance. Dates, times and descriptions of events and activities hosted by these locations on an ongoing basis are available at our on-line events calendar: www.ulstertourism.info Photo courtesy of G. Steve Jordan Mohonk Images Gallery, www.gstevejordan.com ³³ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: MORNING DAY 2: ALL DAY EXCURSION The day starts at Commune with nature at the Esopus Meadows Environmental Center, Mohonk Preserve 257 River Rd., Ulster Park www.scenichudson.org 3197 Rt. 44/55, Gardiner www.mohonkpreserve.org Just beyond the 3,500-foot shoreline of this 100-acre preserve lies The day will be spent hiking, mountain biking, or snow shoeing at the one of the Hudson River's most important spawning grounds for 6,500 acre Mohonk Preserve in the Shawungunk Mountains. Known as striped bass. Here there are abundant opportunities for nature study. one of the best places for mountain climbing in the country, The Scenic Hudson, with the help of staff from the famed Hudson River Preserve offers a variety of education programs which reach over Sloop Clearwater, provides hands-on learning opportunities in an 8,800 adults and children annually with the goal of fostering a special ideal natural setting that allow students and families to learn about connection to nature that will strengthen an individual’s wetlands, vernal pools, watersheds, wildlife habitats and environ- commitment to protecting the natural world today and for mental stewardship. Educational activities can include seining, fish tomorrow. Hikes for adults over the age of 18 are hosted on an and aquatic macroinvertebrate study and beachcombing. The park ongoing basis every Saturday and Sunday. Visit the Mohonk Preserve includes two miles of wooded trails across varied terrain and views website for details and more programs. of Esopus Meadows Lighthouse and historic Mills Mansion. To discuss a customized environmental education program, contact Kathy Ambrosini, Director of Education, 845-255-0919 ext.233. For educational resources and programs, contact: [email protected], 845-473-4440, or visit their website for more information. ³ ³ PLACES TO STAY DAY 1: AFTERNOON Super 8 Motel—Highland, 3423 Rt. 9W Travel for bird watching to 800-800-8000/ [email protected] John Burroughs Sanctuary Burroughs Rd., West Park, www.research.amnh.org/burroughs Minnewaska Lodge, 3116 Rt. 44/55, Gardiner 845-255-1000/ [email protected] Home to Slabsides, the rustic retreat of famous late 19th & early 20th century naturalist, John Burroughs, this 192 acre site Mohonk Mountain House, 1000 Mountain Rest Rd., continues to draw nature lovers of all types and is a good place to New Paltz 800-772-6646/ www.mohonk.com spot a wide variety of birds including Wood Thrush, Scarlet Tanager For a complete listing of accommodations please see our Travel Guide & Eastern Bluebird. It was here that Burroughs wrote some of the essays that made him one of America's foremost nature writers, and its guest books contain the names Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, ³ ³ PLACES TO EAT Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford. The trails are open to the public for hiking and bird watching on own throughout the year. Stonehedge, 1694 Rt. 9W, West Park, 845-384-6555 For education programs call: Lisa Breslof, 212-769-5169 or email: Global Palate, 1746 Rt. 9W, West Park, 845-384-6700 [email protected]. Slabsides Open House, a program of talks & Harvest Café, Waterstreet Market, New Paltz, 845-255-4205 nature walks is Sat., May 17, & Sat., Oct. 4, 2008 , 12 pm - 4:30 pm. Admission is free. Gilded Otter, 3 Main St., New Paltz, 845-256-1700 GREEN ITINERARY: RETREAT INTO NATURE ³³ DIRECTIONS ³³ INSIDERS’ BEST BETS IN NEW PALTZ: DAY 1: MORNING Be sure to check out the terrific restaurants, coffee houses and nightlife Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 18 New Paltz (90 minutes from New York City) to Esopus Meadows Don’t miss the unique shops at Water Street Market and Environmental Center by bearing right off exit onto Rt. 299 along North Front and Church Streets East. Follow Rt. 299 for 4.9 miles to junction of Rt. 9W. Turn Visit historic Huguenot Street left onto Rt. 9W North 8.1 miles. Turn right onto River Rd. Take a bike ride or walk along the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, AFTERNOON a 12 mile linear park linking New Paltz and Gardiner Return on River Road to Rt. 9W South 8.3 miles to a right onto Floyd Ackert Rd.; cross railroad tracks; in 1/2 mile turn left onto Burroughs Rd. to visit: ³³ THIS ITINERARY IS BEST FOR: Tour Operators & Groups OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS Student/School/Youth Groups (ages 8-25) Super 8-Highland: Follow Burroughs Rd. back to Floyd Ackert Rd to Rt. 9W. Make a right onto 9W South. Take Rt. Adults (25-54) & active lifestyle Seniors 9W South 4 miles to hotel on right. Families with children age 7 & older Mohonk Mountain House: Follow directions above to Rt. 9W South. Remain on 9W S for 2.8 miles to junction of Rt. 299. Bear right onto Rt. 299 West 6.9 miles to New Paltz. After the green bridge at the bottom of Main St, turn right onto Springtown Rd. At first intersection bear left up hill onto ³³ Mountain Rest Rd. following signs for Mohonk Mountain PHOTO CREDIT House (3.4 miles) Front photo, “Clove Evening, No.2” courtesy of: To Minnewaska Lodge: Follow directions above through New G. Steve Jordan Photography Paltz. After bridge remain on Rt. 299 W 6.6 miles to To see more of his work go to: www.gstevejordan.com intersection of Rt. 299 & Rt. 44/55. Turn left onto Rt. 44/55 or visit G. Steve Jordan Mohonk Images Gallery, Water drive .1 mile to lodge on right. Street Market, 10 Main St, New Paltz, NY 845-255-6800 DAY 2: MOHONK PRESERVE Please consult their website: www.mohonkpreserve.org ³ ³ FOR MORE INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE ³ ³ BAG LUNCH/PICNIC SUPPLIERS (fine, gourmet food suppliers for groups or individuals) Call Lisa M. Berger, Director of Marketing & Group Sales, Bistro Mountain Store, 3124 Rt. 44/55, Gardiner Ulster County Tourism, 845-340-3567 845-255-2999/[email protected] [email protected] www.bistromountainstore.com www.ulstertourism.info Harvest Café, Water Street Market, 10 Main St., New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-4205/ harvestcafenp@aolcom www.harvestcafenp.com Toscani & Sons Authentic Italian Deli 117 Main Street, Suite 6, New Paltz, NY 12561 (845) 255-6770/ Fax: (845) 255-2941 Main Street Bistro, 59 Main St., New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-7766/[email protected] www.mainstreetbistro.com .