New Paltz NY Homes For SaleNational Geographic recently added New Paltz NY to its 2012 list of “America’s Best Adventure Towns”. The National Geographic Society has been a respected authority on science, education, and preservation since the late 1800’s. To be featured by such an organization is recognition of New Paltz’s unique and unparalleled natural beauty. The “Adventure” part of the name is well known and well earned! The rugged Shawangunk Mountain Range which juts along the horizon in New Paltz offers world-class climbing and hiking. The, “Gunks”, as they are commonly known, as well as the nearby Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park have over 100 miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking, and climbing. New York City urbanites, families, young people, and the world’s…

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uc_400Ulster 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!

Saugerties NY

It's official:…

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hudson_riverAmerica'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,…

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woodstockLevon 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. 

Famous Drummer for The Band, Who Fell In Love With Woodstock NY

Levon Helm's impact on the Ulster County NY area will live on, both through the Grammy award winning albums he recorded at his Woodstock NY barn, and through the endless work he has done to benefit our community and advocate for our area. After a legendary music career: first backing up Bob Dylan, later…

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empty_bowls1Ulster 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".

Created by a Teacher - Organized by Students - Aided by Local Ulster County Businesses

It is a simple, yet powerful image: an empty bowl. This most basic of tools served as inspiration to…

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bistro_logoMuch 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.

A Family Owned Rosendale Restaurant With Local Roots

Owned and operated by Sam and Reuben Ullman, brothers and longtime residents…

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tractorFarms 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.

So…

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saugerties_welcomes_youHudson 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!

Great Food, Awesome Activities, New Hotels, and Fun Festivals in Saugerties!

As the HVMag article points out, Saugerties NY is full of fun…

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Back by popular demand! Readers loved our last post about luxury homes for sale in Woodstock NY, so we're bringing it back and branching out to the rest of Ulster County NY! There are so many amazing homes for sale in this area, of all different styles and time periods. The surrounding landscapes are one of kind, so each home is its own unique sanctuary. So without further ado, here are 10 amazing luxury homes for sale in Ulster County NY! 

152 Elwyn Quarry - Woodstock, NY

Woodtsock NY MLS 20120975
 

Available for sale for the first time in 30 years 152 Elwyn Quarry is truly a one of a kind opportunity! This home is literally perched over a clear quarry pond, with the high-ceilinged, screened-in porch extending over the water. Private and secluded, yet within walking distance…

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Brew SamplerIf you're dining in New Paltz, NY and looking for a place that has something for everyone and plenty of room take it from Taft Street Realty and visit the Gilded Otter! The Gilded Otter in New Paltz, NY is an amazing place to grab a bite and/or some delicious, fresh-brewed beer. Perched right on the Wallkill River at the edge of the village, the Gilded Otter is a brewery, a restaurant, and a great meeting place for friends. The building alone is beautiful: large and spacious with expansive windows that offer views of Mohonk Mountain and the Shawangunk Mountain Range. The interior is open and spacious with accents of rustic stone & wood-work. The shiny basins, kettles, and tubes of the micro-brewery wind their way around the restaurant. Belly up to the…

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