Things To Do
in Ulster
Ulster is a town located in New York State, United States. It is situated in the southeastern part of the state, near the border with Pennsylvania. Ulster is known for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, forests, and the nearby Delaware River providing opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The town is also home to several historic sites, including the Saugerties Lighthouse and the Trolley Museum of New York.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the beautiful Kingston Point Park, enjoying a leisurely walk along the waterfront. Grab a coffee at a local café before heading to the Hudson River Maritime Museum.
Visit the historic Rondout neighborhood and explore the shops and galleries. Have lunch at one of the local eateries and take a stroll by the canal.
Dine at a waterfront restaurant to enjoy the sunset views. Wind down your day with a relaxing walk along the water's edge.
Head to the Minnewaska State Park Preserve for some morning hiking. Experience breathtaking views and the tranquility of nature as you explore the trails.
Have a picnic lunch surrounded by the scenic landscape. Afterward, try hiking or biking on one of the park's many trails.
Finish your day with a visit to the local farmers market for some fresh produce. Enjoy a homemade dinner at your accommodation.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Natural beauty with picturesque landscapes and access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing.
- Rich history and cultural heritage, including historic sites and local traditions.
- Community-oriented atmosphere with friendly residents and local events.
- Access to cultural centers, art galleries, and music festivals.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors, leading to lower economic growth.
- Harsh winters with heavy snowfall, which can impact daily life and transportation.
- Some areas may be isolated, leading to longer travel times for certain services.
- Higher cost of living in popular areas due to tourism and demand.
Best Activities in Ulster
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful trails of the Catskill Mountains, with options ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. Enjoy scenic views, waterfalls, and rich wildlife.
Rent a kayak and paddle along the Hudson River, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and riverbanks.
Experience miles of hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and beautiful views in this stunning nature preserve, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Ride along the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, a flat and scenic route that offers picturesque views of the countryside, wetlands, and local wildlife.
Try your hand at fishing in the Esopus Creek, known for its great trout fishing and tranquil waters, perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Spend a night under the stars in one of the campgrounds at Minnewaska State Park, which offers stunning views, cliffs, and lakes for swimming and boating.
Test your climbing skills on the famous Gunks, known for its challenging rock climbing routes and breathtaking landscapes.
Enjoy a relaxing day of birdwatching at Kingston Point Park, where you can spot a variety of bird species while enjoying views of the Hudson River.
Tours
Uncover the best of Ulster with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Ulster
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning reservoir surrounded by the Catskill Mountains, offering picturesque views, especially at sunset.
Features cliffs, lakes, and beautiful hiking trails with breathtaking vistas from various lookout points.
A historic bridge converted into a pedestrian walkway, providing panoramic views of the Hudson River and surrounding landscapes.
A Victorian castle resort set amid a stunning landscape that offers beautiful views of the Shawangunk Ridge and Lake Mohonk.
A drive through the central Catskills offering numerous overlooks and opportunities to capture the beauty of the mountains.
One of New York's tallest waterfalls, this natural wonder provides a dramatic backdrop for photography.
Located in the Shawangunk Mountains, this spot offers sweeping views of the surrounding valley and distant mountains.
A charming lighthouse located at the mouth of the Esopus Creek, providing wonderful views of the water and surrounding areas.
Food in Ulster
Ulster Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Irish potato pancake often filled with savory ingredients like bacon and served with sour cream or applesauce. Try it at the Celtic Knot in Selkirk.
Must-Try!
A classic Irish-American dish featuring tender corned beef alongside boiled cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Find it at the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix.
A delicacy made from the liver of a duck or goose that has been specially fattened. Enjoy this dish at the Farm to Table Bistro in Fishkill.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Ulster better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Operates on Wall Street May through November, offering locally-sourced produce, artisanal goods, and ready-to-eat treats like empanadas and wood-fired pizza.
A vibrant market with a diverse selection of street food including tacos, falafel, and freshly brewed coffee. Open from May through October.
Visit the fair in New Paltz for a variety of classic fair foods such as fried dough, corn dogs, and caramel apples.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Ulster, people often communicate in a straightforward manner. While this is typically not meant to offend, it’s important to be mindful of the context and the emotions of those around you. Always approach conversations with respect and be open to varying communication styles.
Personal space is valued in Ulster. While people are generally friendly, maintain an appropriate distance during conversations, especially with those you don't know well. This shows respect for individual comfort levels.
Ulster is home to a mix of cultures and backgrounds. Embrace this diversity by showing interest in others' cultural practices and perspectives. This can foster positive relationships and promote a sense of community.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Ulster with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Ulster
Ensure a smooth experience
In Ulster, as in many parts of the United States, tipping is a customary practice in the service industry. It is common to tip restaurant servers, bartenders, taxi drivers, and hair stylists, typically ranging from 15% to 20% of the total bill. Tipping is seen as a way to acknowledge good service, and the amount can vary based on the quality of service received. In some cases, tips may be pooled among staff or shared.
Payment practices in Ulster generally align with national trends in the United States. Cash is still accepted, but card payments, especially credit and debit cards, are increasingly common. Many establishments also offer mobile payment options. When dining out, patrons may receive a bill that includes a suggested tip amount. It is not unusual for businesses to have minimum purchase requirements for credit card transactions, and some may add a surcharge for credit card payments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Ulster.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) in Ulster offers mild temperatures and beautiful blooming flowers. It’s a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking and enjoying the scenic landscapes. Expect occasional rain, so bring a light jacket.
Summer (June to August) is warm and bustling, ideal for festivals and outdoor events. Temperatures can reach into the 80s°F. Expect vibrant local culture, but also prepare for some humidity. It’s perfect for swimming, boating, and exploring local markets.
Fall (September to November) showcases stunning fall foliage, making it a prime time for leaf peeping. Temperatures start to cool down, ranging from the 50s to 70s°F. The area hosts various harvest festivals and apple picking is popular.
Winter (December to February) can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Snow is possible, making it ideal for winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing. The holiday season brings festive events, but it’s best to prepare for icy conditions.
Ulster at Night
Hiking in Ulster
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning park featuring cliffs, waterfalls, and picturesque lakes, with a variety of hiking trails offering breathtaking views.
This preserve offers over 8,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including diverse trails that lead to spectacular vistas, rock formations, and scenic landscapes.
Known for its extensive trail system and stunning mountain views, Catskill Park is a favorite destination for hikers of all skill levels.
An elevated linear park spanning the Hudson River, ideal for walking and biking, providing unique views of the river and surrounding landscapes.
A challenging hike in the Shawangunk Mountains that involves navigating through a narrow crevice and offers stunning views from the top.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Ulster through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Ulster by plane.
Located in Newark, New Jersey, this is one of the busiest international airports serving the New York metropolitan area.
Located in Queens, New York, JFK is a major international airport and a primary gateway for international travelers to and from the United States.
Also in Queens, New York, LaGuardia primarily serves domestic flights but has some international flights and is a major airport for travelers in the region.
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this airport serves as a key international gateway for the northeastern United States.
Located in Albany, New York, this airport offers both domestic and limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Ulster County, primarily of European descent, and often with deep roots in the area.
This group includes individuals of Hispanic or Latino origin, encompassing a variety of cultures and backgrounds.
This demographic consists of individuals who identify as Black or African American, contributing significantly to the county's culture and community.
Includes individuals of Asian descent, representing a diverse range of cultures and languages.
This group represents individuals who identify with more than one racial category, reflecting the increasing diversity in the area.
This group includes individuals who identify as Native American, contributing to the cultural heritage of the region.
This category encompasses individuals who identify with races not specifically categorized.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Ulster, with many local teams and schools participating in leagues and competitions.
Basketball enjoys significant popularity in Ulster, with numerous recreational leagues and school teams actively competing.
Baseball has a long-standing tradition in Ulster, with community teams and youth baseball leagues fostering a love for the game.
Soccer has been growing in popularity in Ulster, with youth programs and local clubs contributing to its development.
Ice hockey and field hockey are popular in Ulster, with kids and adults participating in various leagues and tournaments.
Running events, including marathons and fun runs, are popular in Ulster, with many residents participating for fitness and community involvement.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ulster.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Ulster offer vegetarian options such as fresh salads, veggie sandwiches, and plant-based entrees.
Visitors can find vegan-friendly dishes like tofu stir-fry, vegan burgers, and dairy-free desserts at select eateries.
Several establishments in Ulster provide gluten-free alternatives including pasta, baked goods, and dedicated menus for gluten-sensitive diners.