Heading north on 9W traveling through Highland Falls, Ft. Montgomery and finding our way into Ulster County we saw a sign for (and had a vague plan on visiting) the Benmarl Winery in Marlboro, NY.  The NYTimes travel section recently wrote about this very same winery! Talk about timing….

Benmarl Winery

Vineyard at entrance of Benmarl in late winter

Entrance to Benmarl Winery

Entering the Tasting Room @ Benmarl Winery

What we didn’t know was that the Benmarl Winery at Slate Hill Vineyards.  Benmarl Vineyards is located at 156 Highland Avenue, Marlboro, NY 12542 in Ulster County and holds the claim to America’s oldest vineyard!  While I’m not the best when it comes to describing wines, I will say that the atmosphere was warm and relaxing and everyone seemed to enjoy the tasting!  Though I did taste the Merlot and Cabernet, I most enjoyed their Sangria a sweet wine.  To learn more details about Benmarl, you may enjoy reading The Story of Benmarl Vineyards blog by stagingrockland.com  

 The views from Benmarl are absolutely beautiful! I can imagine during the spring and/or summer months with the bounty of colors surrounding the mountain sides it’s even more spectacular.  On this weekend we caught a glimpse of a White-breasted Nuthatch dinning from a birdfeeder just outside the entrance way. 

Nuthatch Bird eating from feeder @ Benmarl Winery

After our visit at Benmarl we had no specific plans or thoughts of where to go next so we simply continued driving along Route 9W then turning onto Route 299 and driving for a bit e found ourselves in the quaint eclectic village of New Paltz. 

New Paltz NY

New Paltz is located about 80 miles north of New York City and 70 miles south of Albany.  The Village of New Paltz is located within the Town of New Paltz. New Paltz is also home to the State University of New York New Paltz, founded in 1828.

Typical of most towns/villages, everything happens along “Main Street”!  From antique dealers, art galleries many eateries and more, Main Street is the place to be on a warm spring day! 

Alook down Main Street-New Paltz NY

Eclectic-ism at its best in New Paltz

We enjoyed a “wonderful” stroll around Water Street Market – antiques and shops located at 10 Main Street.  One of my “Top Picks” places to visit! 

Water Street Market-Antiques and shops

Harvest Cafe @ Water Street Market

Enjoy a feast for the palate and eyes at this Hudson Valley favorite featuring fresh-from-the-farm cuisine, a global wine selection, and a second-story deck with spectacular views of the ridge and river. It’s truly a lunch or dinnertime experience to savor.   “Awesome views of the Shawnagunks.”
-New York Magazine

Mudd Puddle @ Water Street Market

We first stopped off at The Mudd Puddle and sampled their flavored coffee; I simply loved the Irish Cream Latté while my honey enjoyed the strawberry – all we can say is hmm hmm good!

The on to Paws of Distinction – Adorable pet boutique featuring dog and cat clothing, accessories, and toys as well as its own ‘petisserie’ serving all-natural home-baked pet treats. Four-legged friends are welcome to join their human parents as they shop!

Maglyn's Dream at Water Street Market

Next I feel in love with Maglyn’s Dream!  Oh my gosh, from the minute I walked in I was in heaven and wanted one of almost everything!  This unique store features fashions, art, and décor created by 80 local and regional artists. From handmade jewelry to decorative lighting to woven shawls, there’s a gift here for everyone with an eye for the original.  I found the absolutely, better than “wonderful.” wall art that I would love to have.  I told Maggie and Lynn (the owners) that I’m hoping to come back in about a month and get that great piece!!

As my honey says, we had an “action packed fun filled day” and yes, we were now starving and couldn’t wait to try out one of the many eateries along Main Street.  There are so many places to choose from but we finally decided on The Moon Light Cafe located at 53 Main Street.      Serving  a Mediterranean/American dishes we shared a delighful shrimp dish served with a variety of veggies mediterain style. 

Moon Light Cafe - New Paltz NY

Shrimp & Veggies served mediterranean style

There are so many great shops here to visit I highly recommend stopping by here the next time you are in the area, or make it a trip there are so many places to say and things to do in the area including these Water Street Market events:

WATER STREET CINEMA

MONDAYS
JUNE 14TH THROUGH AUGUST 30TH
FILMS BEGIN AT DUSK

They show thought provoking and enlightening films for free on Monday nights throughout the summer. Some of our big hits this season were Cinema Paradiso, The Laya Project and The Visitor. Always expect free popcorn on movie nights 

JUNE THROUGH AUGUST WATER STREET MARKET SUMMER SERIES

Heading into the third season of Water Street Market’s summer series one of their goals at Water Street Market is to hold events which support sustainability, while providing thought provoking ideas and creating a cohesive community. They strive to support locally owned businesses and the environment, while fostering community and acting as a catalyst to local charities. Their courtyard setting has often been compared to an Italian piazza, a place where locals come to co-mingle, eat, celebrate and collaborate. Throughout the summer they make this happen each week at their free weekly events

As always, I wish you days filled with happiness and “wonder” – take the time to “wonder” what it is that made you smile today!