New Paltz Real Estate & Area Update - 2012 Regatta Boat Race Huge Hit among Locals and Visitors
Posted by Dylan Taft on
Ahoy there! When you hear the word "regatta" it may conjure up images of million dollar sail boats and funny boat shoes. The New Paltz Regatta, though certainly a regatta by definition, may not be the haughty affair you'd expect. It features wacky boats, live music, a town parade, and free ice cream! We'd prefer that to the typical Regatta any day, and the 2012 New Paltz Regatta this weekend did not disappoint! The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day as contestants braved the mighty Wallkill River on hand-made boats, colorful rafts, and even a floating house or two! Fun, homegrown events like these, that seem to pop up every weekend, are part of what make New Paltz one of our picks for the Coolest Ulster County Towns in 2012.
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Ulster County NY is an amazing place to live! A very diverse selection of homes for sale in Ulster County are available depending on your tastes, lifestyle and budget. A virtual paradise for the outdoors type; mountains, rivers, forests, and creeks provide endless options for activities during any season. With New York City less than 2 hours away, we get alot of the culture, arts, and dining that naturally migrates north from the Big Apple. It's an added perk that comes with being close to the most influential (and coolest!) city in the world. Of course each and every town in Ulster County is cool in its own way, but here's a quick look at what many consider to be the 5 coolest and certainly most popular towns in the area!
Taft Street Realty presents our latest listing at 6 Washington Avenue Kingston NY. This spacious 2-story is sited in a very convenient location, close to Downtown Kingston and the waterfront, and within walking distance to Uptown Kingston and the historic Stockade District! Listed at $219,000 this home is very well maintained and ready for a new owner!
America's Great Water Coalition, an alliance of regional and national organizations that work towards river and watershed restoration, recently named the Hudson Estuary and watershed one of "America's Great Waters". More than just a fancy title, this designation officially recognizes the river's national importance and will increase federal support for Hudson River restoration and development projects. It is a victory for Hudson River advocates, who for decades have been working to repair the damage done to the Hudson River by pollution. Their dedication makes the Hudson River, according to some, the birthplace of the modern environmental movement. It is also an extremely positive development for those who own, or are interested in riverfront property,…
Levon Helm, longtime Woodstock NY resident and advocate for the entire Ulster County NY area, died yesterday due to complications with cancer. He was 71 years old. The famous drummer for The Band was known for his smoky southern voice, and muted, bluesy drums. Originally from Arkansas, he long ago fell in love with Woodstock NY where he lived, performed, and recorded since the mid 1970's.
Ulster County living is simple yet rewarding; forever focused on benefiting the community. The annual "Empty Bowls" program by the Rondout Valley High School puts a creative spin on the usual charity event. It's one of those positive, homegrown movements unique to Ulster County NY. It is a simple yet brilliant premise that benefits the community, promotes the arts, and teaches students the valuable lesson of helping those in need. How does it work, and how can you participate? It's easy! Taft Street Realty gives you the 2012 Guide to Rondout Valley's "Empty Bowls".
Much like the town itself, the Bywater Bistro in Rosendale NY is trendy and unique! Over the years it has grown into a favorite meeting spot for friends. Whether you're a couple seeking a quiet meal, or a group of friends who'd like some cocktails and tasty snacks, the Bistro is a great choice! Its lush and private garden out back is also one of our favorite venues for an outdoor meal during the spring and summer months! The Bywater Bistro contributes greatly to the popularity of Main Street Rosendale NY, where you can find everything from great food and drink, to art, films, and more on this small but thriving main street.
Farms have always been a part of the culture and history here in Ulster County NY. It's home to the 2nd oldest farm in NY State, (Accord's Saunderskill Farms, see below) and arguably the best tasting corn in the Hudson Valley. Now that spring is in full bloom, the Ulster County farmer's markets will be in full swing! Our cravings started with the opening of Davenport Farmstand in Stone Ridge, NY and like many others we've been waiting for this time of year. Residents of Ulster County can now enjoy fresh and nutritious food, grown on the farm and brought straight to their dinner tables. The abundance of fresh (and affordable!) produce from the spring through the fall is yet another reason why Ulster County real estate is so desirable among buyers.
Hudson Valley Magazine recently called Saugerties NY one of the Top 7 Hudson Valley Towns to Live In for 2012. We here at Taft Street Realty couldn't agree more! In our opinion Saugerties NY embodies all of the great things about life here in Ulster County. It is a delightful mix of natural beauty, rich history, quirky culture, and a shared sense of local identity. Like Hudson Valley Magazine, Taft Street Realty has been keeping tabs on Saugerties' rapid growth and endless potential. We've written extensively about this cool little, 200 year old(!) town in posts about Main Street Saugerties NY and much more!
Public officials have initiated an annual burn ban for the entire Ulster County NY area. The ban is in effect from March 15th through May 15th and it prohibits open burning of any kind. What does this mean for residents of Ulster County? Burning tree branches, logs, and other forms of dead wood (including, "brush") is normally allowed in Ulster County, as are campfires and bonfires. However, from March 15th - May 15th open burning of any kind is strictly prohibited due to an increased risk of unintended wildfires. History has shown that this particular time period is when the region is most at risk. Many don't realize that open burning is the single greatest cause of wildfires in New York State. People who live in Ulster County undoubtedly remember a 2008…