If you are a student at SUNY New Paltz, you probably know about most of the adventures that can potentially take place during your time here. Here’s a compilation of all the things you absolutely have to do in New Paltz before you graduate:
1. Bar hop on Main Street.
You can jump from P&G’s to McGillicuddy’s to Oasis to Cabaloos. Maybe Murphy’s or Shea O’Briens. Jar’d, Snugs, Bacchus, and probably many more that I’m forgetting. Don’t waste your time in New Paltz on your one favorite bar, try them all.
2. Go to Oasis/Cabs on a Tuesday night.
If you’re amongst the lucky NP kids who don’t have class on Wednesdays (or even if you do) you will probably end up at Oasis on a Tuesday night at some point during your days here. If you live in New Paltz and don’t go to Oasis on a Tuesday night, did you really ever live in New Paltz?
3. Hike the Lemon Squeeze at the Mohonk Mountain House.
Self explanatory. You just have to do it.
4. Cliff jump at High Falls
High falls is absolutely beautiful during the warm months. You can cliff jump and swim, or just look at the gorgeous views it has to offer.
5. Walk the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.
The Rail Trail is a long 8 mile trek that you definitely don’t have to complete fully in order to appreciate. Even if you just walk along this trail for 30 minutes before your next class, you will likely stumble upon a gorgeous view of Mohonk Mountain or a beautiful lake. Put on your best comfy sweater, and boots, and bring your camera because there will definitely be Insta worthy photo ops.
6. Survive the Humans vs. Zombies week-long.
Say what you want about HvZ, but this game is just pure fun. It’s a campus-wide game of tag. What more could you want?? Surviving the week as a human is actually close to impossible. I’ve tried.
7. See the stars from the observatory next to the Alumni Soccer Fields.
(Photo creds to NP sophomore Emily Harr) This photo was shot when a bunch of NP students were out in the back fields watching the Super Moon lunar eclipse this past September. People brought blankets and watched the moon and stars while listening to music. Recreate this moment any time with your friends and just enjoy the beauty that this area has to offer in the night sky.
8. Picnic By “The Gunk”
Grab a blanket and some PB&Js and enjoy a nice Autumn day by the gunk. Sometimes it smells, but other times it’s just pretty and peaceful. Bring your camera here too, because Instas will be a definite.
9. Eat At Every Restaurant On Main Street At Least Once
I’m not going to even try and list all the restaurants on Main Street. Just make your way down the line. Some are just eh, and some are amazing. Go find out for yourself! Don’t forget about all the ones down towards Stop and Shop. Again, don’t forget to Insta any nice looking meals you get!
10. Go To Open Mic Night At The Cafeteria
This place is the absolute best. Every Monday night they have open mic night where anyone can perform whatever they want. If you’re a performer this is a great place to go, and if not, this is a great place to watch other people perform. Don’t even get me started on the Insta opportunities here.
Pro tip: Get a strawberry smoothie while you’re there. SO. GOOD.
11. Go to the Huguenot Haunted House on Halloween
This year’s festivities will be open from Friday, Oct 16, 2015 at 5:00pm to Sat, Oct 17, 2015 9:00pm. Entry is $20 for students.
12. Take a tour of historic Huguenot Street
Just one of those things you gotta do.
13. Make friends with a townie
It may be easy to forget that our school’s campus is in the middle of a subruban town. Get to know someone who has lived here their whole life and knows New Paltz better than anyone else.
14. Walk around Dorsky Museum
There is some really great work to be seen in there. Don’t forget to check it out every once and awhile.
15. Participate in a campus protest
Photo accreditation to Kristen Warfield via New Paltz Oracle
There will probably be one soon enough.
16. Get the breakfast special at Main Street Bistro
Two eggs, home fries, and toast for only $1.95. There will be a line on the weekends, but, like, you’re paying $1.95 for a whole meal so don’t complain.
17. Ride the Loop Bus to go grocery shopping
And regret the decision the whole ride back. Especially if you catch the bus that sits in BOCES for 20 minutes.
18. Walk around Water Street Market
Chances are you will end up here when your parents come to visit you. It’s super cute. Your mom will love it.
19. Pet Apple or Auggie on campus
LOOK AT THIS MUSH BALL! *Heart eyes emoji*
20. Feed the ducks!
21. Cross the Walkway Over the Hudson
It’s beautiful, and a great photo op!
22. Spend an afternoon in Peace Park
Probably the tiniest park in the world, Peace Park is right behind the police station and is a nice place to sit down and just relax for a bit. Grab a Starbucks with your roomie and hang out on the cute little bridge to chat.
23. Wait on the mail line for 25 minutes
This will most likely happen without your consent.
24. Buy something tie-dye from the Groovy Blueberry
You don’t have to wear it in public, but you have to at least own one.
What’s on your New Paltz bucket list?!