New Paltz is weird, man. Delightfully so. It's a college town. It's a climbing town. It's a resort town. It is a destination for some and a place to escape for others. I really like New Paltz.

So that's the view from the patio. It's gorgeous. The view on a spring or summer day would make this place worth it even if there wasn't good food and beer there. And there is good food and beer. We got the pretzels, because that's what we do, as well as the truffle fries with beer cheese. They were delicious. We also got sandwiches which were good. The beer was good too! The portions were large and we ordered too much food.

It is on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and literally across the street from the trailhead for the River-to-Ridge Trail. It is less than two miles from the Testimonial Gate of the Mohonk Preserve (the start and finish of the Rock the Ridge 50 Mile Challenge, a race that I have DNF'd twice.) and a little bit further from some of the best climbing and bouldering in the world.

There are hundreds of reasons to have fun in New Paltz and if you need a homebase, this could be a good one. There were obvious cyclists (because they always look like they are ready to go pro when they are in their gear) and some others who look like they earned their burgers that afternoon.

Parking is ample. I am unsure about the puppers on the patio. There were none when we were there.

-EWA

Clemson Brothers Brewery