When the county is pretty as a picture, it only makes sense that many of the best ways to enjoy it is through the arts. Tourists flock to Ulster County year-round for the scenic views, historic locations, and the music and artistry. Summer and early fall showcase the best Ulster has to offer.
Kickstart summer at the Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair
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For 35 years, thousands of visitors kick off their summer Memorial Day Weekend at the Woodstock-New Paltz Art and Crafts Fair at the Ulster County Fairgrounds. Art and craft demonstrations from high-end artisans are just the beginning. Enjoy regionally based musicians, dine on specialty foods from the area, and sip New York State wines. Let the Ulster County views serve as a backdrop as you explore everything from one-of-a-kind jewelry to handcrafted furniture to tiny houses. Wrap up the summer the same way when the fair comes back for Labor Day Weekend.
Tradition calls at the Ulster County Fair
“It’s a wonderful old country fair,” says Ulster County Tourism Director Rick Remsnyder. “It is really catered towards kids and families with great entertainment, rides, and food. The county fair has really blossomed over the last 10 years. It is all a county fair should be.” Enjoy racing pigs, tractor pulls, great music, rides, foods for every palate, and more from August 2-7 at the Ulster County Fairgrounds.
Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice celebrates Shakespeare and the British Isles
Now in its seventh year, the Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice fills the Ulster hills with music each August. This year, the theme is “Celebrate Shakespeare and the British Isles.” From August 4-7, events include Shakespeare on the Esopus: Peter Schickele in Concert; Rock the Beatles with young talent from the Hudson Valley; Latte Lectures with the people behind the productions; and much more. Kiss Me Kate, Othello and other performances are slated with a Festive Celtic Celebration for the Grand Finale.
“The event brings world-class music to this area,” says Remsnyder. “It is now organized by two of the founders of the event, mezzo-soprano Maria Todaro and baritone Louis Otey, residents of Phoenicia. Music has really been a big part of what has happened in Ulster County throughout the years. We still have a lot of musicians who live and record here.”
Take in the natural beauty
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Hiking and biking trails dot the county as well as a number of waterways for kayaking, tubing, and fishing. “The natural beauty is one of the things besides all the events and culture and history, which bring people from all over to Ulster,” says Remsnyder. “We are encouraging people to stay here in the county. There are many unique lodgings.” He points to the many ways to explore Ulster including the Walkway Over the Hudson, New Paltz and Huguenot Street, which is one of the oldest streets in the country.
Ulster County Tourism
20 Broadway
Kingston, NY 12401
845-340-3568
www.ulstercountyalive.com
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