Weekend Day Trip from New York City: The Wine & Whiskey Trail

DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBE YOU?

• You relish drinking a glass of wine in a beautiful outdoor setting on a weekend afternoon. 
• You geek out about micro-batch anything (but especially bourbon & whiskey!). 
• You are visiting New York City for a few days or longer.  
• You venture off the beaten path when you travel and like to find unique hidden gems most tourists don't know about. 
• All of the above!

If you said 'yes' to any or all of the above, keep reading to find out why the Wine & Whiskey Trail itinerary is a day-trip designed for you! 

MICRO-BATCH WHISKEY 

Photo of the Distillery

Love a good libation? Sample micro-batch bourbons, whiskeys, apple vodkas and more from a distillery that uses only 100% New York corn, raw fruits and grains. Add splash of water or homemade bitters and compare the difference in flavors. As an added bonus, take a tour and learn how everything is made on-site. Enjoy your afternoon nip on the porch overlooking the historic gristmill and Shawangunkill creek and mosey around the country store. Bring extra cash to take a few of these sweet bottles with you for gifts (if you can resist keeping them yourself!). 

WINE FROM THE LOCALLY-GROWN VINE

Photo of the author with her two sisters enjoying a glass of Awosting White while overlooking the Whitecliffs

Just minutes from the distillery, sample red and white wines from two family-owned and operated vineyards situated in idyllic country settings with mountain and farm views. The grapes are grown, harvested and fermented on-site so you get the true taste of the Hudson Valley. 

LUNCH AT A HISTORIC GRISTMILL AND DINNER IN TOWN WITH NY CHEFS

Photo view of the outside of the Gristmill waterfall from the deck

Start your day at a historic gristmill founded in the late 1700's and situated on the Shawagunk Kill creek. Enjoy your lunch inside the gristmill or outside on the deck. Finish your day at an Italian-inspired restaurant owned and operated by NYC chefs with both a seasonal and regular menu and wine-pairings hand-selected to compliment the menu.  

THE INSIDE SCOOP

Photo of local shopping area in New Paltz with cafes, restaurants, boutiques, antiques, and more!

Check out the Appendix for insider's tips, suggestions for hiking and biking trails, all the local hotspots for additional eats and treats, and seasonal suggestions like snowshoeing or rock climbing in the 'Gunks (the best climbing on the East Coast!). The Wine & Whiskey Trail itinerary is recommended for a weekend during the months of April - November for day-trippers 21 years of age or older. This itinerary requires a car due to the off-the-beaten path destinations.

**Don't forget to bring a designated driver!**

NOT YET CONVINCED?

I chose to write the Wine & Whiskey Trail itinerary because The Hudson Valley and New Paltz was my home for nearly three years. Natives of the area know that the Hudson Valley is one of New York State's best kept secrets! Most people come to New York and spend all their time beneath the skyscrapers of Manhattan without realizing that magnificent outdoor scenes and vibrant towns lie just north of "the City" (a New Yorkers shorthand for "New York City"). A haven for artists, foodies, and nature-lovers, the wilderness of the Hudson Valley is undeniably enriched and infused by the talent and energy that flows up from the weekenders and former residents of New York City. In essence, visitors and residents of the Hudson Valley get the best of both the city and country worlds! Where else on the East Coast can you hike for miles in the wilderness, dine at a Zagat-rated restaurant with world-class chefs, and see a theater production in the same day?! Visit the Hudson Valley and see for yourself. 

If you have questions, feel free to email me at samantha@thetravelingadvisor.com. 

BONUS!

To create a three-day visit in the same area, check out my other two day-trip itineraries entitled Day Trip from New York City: Mountains, Falls & a Funky Little Town as well as Day Trip from New York City: Heights of the Hudson Valley (Bridges and Ridges).

Thank you for considering the Wine & Whiskey Trail Itinerary! I hope you enjoy. *CLINK, Cheers!