In the small hamlet of Accord, where Route 209 meets the Shawangunk Ridge, Harana Market serves as more than just a convenience store—it's a vital community gathering place that has been serving locals and travelers for years.

The Catskills are experiencing a hospitality renaissance. Where golden-age resorts once closed, a new generation of design-forward boutique hotels has opened — and the big brands are coming. Hoshino Resorts, One&Only, 1 Hotels, and Soho House all plan properties in the next few years. Here are eight standouts to book now.

Nestled in the woods of Woodstock, New York, the Byrdcliffe Colony stands as a living monument to the American arts and crafts movement. Founded in 1902 by Jane Byrd McCall and Ralph Radcliffe Whitehead, with artist Bolton Brown and writer Hervey White, Byrdcliffe was conceived as a utopian community where artists could live and work free from the pressures of commercialism. The colony's name was drawn from McCall's maiden name ("Byrd") and Whitehead's estate in England ("Cliff").

More than 120 years later, Byrdcliffe remains the oldest operating arts and crafts colony in America — a distinction that speaks to the enduring power of its founding vision.

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) helps unemployed adults ages 55 and older who have poor employment prospects gain the skills, training, and experience they need to find work. The program provides paid community service assignments, job training, and support services to help seniors re-enter the workforce or start small businesses. In today's rapidly changing job market, many older adults find themselves unemployed after years or decades in the workforce, struggling to update their skills or compete with younger workers. SCSEP provides a bridge, offering both income and the training needed to succeed in today's economy.

When it comes to leaving your beloved pet in someone else's care, trust is everything. Pet N Play Luxury Pet Resort in Newburgh has earned that trust through veterinary ownership, certified staff, and a commitment to making every pet feel at home — only better.

Residents across Ulster County are once again feeling the pinch as gasoline prices continue their upward climb, sparking significant concern for daily commutes and household budgets.

This recent surge is deeply impacting local families and small businesses, affecting everything from essential errands to school pickups.

Moreover, diesel prices are also seeing notable adjustments, adding further complexity for commercial vehicles, truckers, and agricultural operations vital to our local economy.

These price hikes are largely attributed to a volatile global market and persistent geopolitical uncertainties, causing supply disruptions that ultimately affect us here.

Even typical seasonal fuel blend changes are not offering the usual relief, as international tensions overshadow any potential downward pressure.

Observers expect continued price fluctuations, urging residents to prepare for ongoing volatility at the gas station for the foreseeable future.

Community leaders are keenly aware of the financial strain these elevated costs impose on hardworking individuals and local enterprises throughout Ulster County.

Saugerties continues to cement its reputation as a destination for live music this fall, with three diverse concerts scheduled at The Local Center for Arts and Culture throughout October 2026. The venue, located at 16 John Street in the heart of the village, has become a key stop for touring artists bringing world music, indie rock, and bluegrass to Ulster County.

For anyone looking to experience the dramatic cliffs of the Shawangunk Mountains with expert guidance, Alpine Endeavors is the name locals and visitors trust. Based in Rosendale, this guide service has earned a flawless 5.0-star rating across 94 TripAdvisor reviews — a testament to the quality and safety of every outing they lead.

In the heart of the Hudson Valley, Ulster County thrives on a close-knit community spirit that makes living here truly special. From vibrant local events to grassroots initiatives, residents find many ways to connect and support one another throughout the year.

Ulster County has become one of the Hudson Valley's premier destinations for craft beer and wine. From the hop farms of Gardiner to the vineyards of Marlboro and the brewery-lined streets of Kingston, beverage makers here compete in a crowded and fast-growing market. With hundreds of options across the region, a single bad review can steer weekend visitors toward the next taproom down the road — and a glowing five-star rating can pack a patio on a Saturday afternoon.

Research shows that 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. For breweries and wineries that depend on foot traffic, tourists, and event bookings, reputation isn't just nice to have — it's the difference between a sold-out weekend and a quiet Tuesday.

October in Ulster County means crisp air, turning leaves, and a calendar packed with family-friendly festivals and activities. Whether you're looking for a spooky-but-not-too-scary Halloween adventure, a taste of Italian heritage, or a quirky local tradition, there's something for every age this month. Here are five can't-miss events happening across the county.

Craving authentic jerk chicken, tender oxtails, or curry goat with rice and peas? Ulster County has a growing scene of Jamaican restaurants bringing bold Caribbean flavors to the Hudson Valley. Whether you're in Kingston, New Paltz, or exploring the Rondout Valley, here are five verified spots worth your time — complete with locations, hours, ratings, and what to order.

For pet owners, choosing a veterinarian is one of the most important decisions they'll make. They're entrusting someone with the health and wellbeing of a family member — and they want to know they're making the right choice.

That's why 88% of pet owners under 35 "always" or "often" check reviews before choosing or switching vets, and 72% of all pet owners read online reviews before selecting a clinic. In 2026, your veterinary practice's online reputation is a critical factor in new client acquisition.

Ulster County's thriving arts scene includes top galleries like West Strand Gallery and Artport Kingston in Kingston, WAAM and Elena Zang Gallery in Woodstock, and the Samuel Dorsky Museum in New Paltz. These spaces showcase contemporary art, historic collections, and sculpture gardens throughout the Hudson Valley.

Between Ellenville and Margaretville sits one of the richest agricultural corridors in the Hudson Valley, and most of it doesn't show up on maps. The farm stands sit at the end of driveways, at the edge of fields, on the porches of 200-year-old farmhouses. You know one's there because a hand-painted sign appears at the shoulder: "CORN - HONEY - TOMATOES."

This route follows Route 209 from Ellenville into the Rondout Valley, then Route 28 through the heart of the western Catskills past Phoenicia, Pine Hill, and into Margaretville. It's 45 miles of some of the best farm food in New York State, and you can eat your way through it in a long afternoon.

If you've been searching for someone who gets your hair — the texture, the vision, the fact that "just a trim" means something different for everyone — Dream Beauty NY might be the place you've been waiting for. Tucked away at 17 Front Street in Port Ewen, this appointment-only salon has built a reputation across the Kingston area for turning hair dreams into reality. And with 29 five-star Google reviews, clients aren't just satisfied. They're telling people.

In the heart of Accord, a small hamlet in the Town of Rochester, Accord Market has become more than just a grocery store—it's a community hub that prioritizes local farms, sustainable practices, and the kind of personal service that big chains can't match.

Drive Route 28 past Woodstock into the western Catskills and you'll find something unexpected: a thriving maker economy. Not galleries selling tourist tchotchkes, but working studios where people are building real things — furniture, pottery, fiber, food — and selling them to customers who drive three hours to find them.

Ulster County's senior population is one of its greatest assets — and the county has built an impressive network of free and low-cost programs to keep older residents active, socially connected, and engaged. Whether you're 60, 70, 80, or beyond, there's something for you.

Here's your guide to the best senior activities in Ulster County — most of them completely free.

Ulster County has become a surprising destination for sushi lovers, with restaurants ranging from intimate omakase temples to bustling family-friendly spots. Whether you're seeking the freshest fish, theatrical hibachi shows, or creative rolls that push boundaries, there's a sushi experience waiting for you. Here are five standout restaurants across the region, each offering something distinct.

It was, for over a century, the most famous hotel in America — a place so grand that artists painted it, writers wrote about it, and presidents vacationed there. From its veranda 1,400 feet above the Hudson River, guests looked out over a view so wide and so beautiful that it literally invented the idea of American landscape as tourist attraction.

The Catskill Mountain House opened in 1824 and burned to the ground in 1967. Today nothing remains but stone foundations and a view. But if you know where to look, the ghost of the hotel is still there — and the trails that lead to it tell the story of how American tourism began.

You opened your business in Ulster County because you believe in this community. You believe in the artists in Woodstock, the hikers in the Catskills, the families in Kingston, the students in New Paltz. You believe in the Rondout Valley and the Hudson River towns.

But here's the problem: your customers can't find you anymore.

The High Falls Flea Market returns for its 2026 season, held on the 2nd Sunday of every month from April through October. This beloved Ulster County tradition features antiques, collectibles, handmade crafts, and vintage treasures along the historic D&H Canal.

Harvest the Hudson is a self-guided wine tasting event celebrating the fall grape harvest across the Hudson Valley's cool-climate vineyards. For 17 days, your $35 Wine Tasting Pass unlocks an exclusive tasting flight of up to four wines at each of six participating wineries — no reservations required.

This year's event highlights the varieties that thrive in the region's unique terroir: bold Cabernet Franc, aromatic Riesling, crisp Seyval Blanc, and other distinctive cool-climate wines that put the Hudson Valley on the map for wine enthusiasts.

Sixty-five Canal Street in Ellenville smells like something between a spa and a bakery. That's by design. Formosity Soaps is a small-batch soap shop where every bar is handmade on-site using natural ingredients, essential oils, and a level of care you won't find in a supermarket aisle.

The story behind it is as warm as the products. Just three years ago, Formosity began as a creative escape — mixing oils, scents, and colors in a home kitchen with no plan to sell a single bar. Friends and family loved what they were making. The enthusiasm snowballed. And now, that same passion lives inside a real storefront in the heart of downtown Ellenville.

Some people see an old dog and see a problem. Shari Bach sees a lifetime of loyalty that deserves a soft place to land.

In 2001, Shari founded Paws Unlimited on a simple but radical idea: that senior dogs — the ones who can't see as well, who have accidents on the floor, who need extra care — are worth saving. Not training, not rehoming to strangers, but keeping. Providing food, shelter, veterinary care, and endless love until their final breath.

Ulster County operates several senior centers that serve as community hubs for older adults, offering everything from daily meals and fitness classes to educational programs and social activities. These centers combat isolation, promote healthy aging, and provide vital support services for seniors and their families. For many older adults, the senior center becomes a second home where they can connect with peers, stay active, and access services that help them maintain independence.

The Ulster County Youth Bureau is now accepting applications for its 2026–2027 OCFS Reimbursement Grant program, a funding stream that keeps youth sports, arts, and mentorship programs running in towns across the county.

Administered through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, the grants reimburse local nonprofits and municipalities that offer free youth development programming. From Little League teams in Saugerties to summer art camps in the Rondout Valley, the money flows back to the organizations that deliver it.

For HVAC companies serving Ulster County, your online reputation is critical for attracting new customers. Homeowners and businesses depend on you for comfort and safety—whether it's keeping them warm during harsh Catskills winters or cool during humid summers. With 93% of consumers trusting online reviews as much as personal recommendations, your digital reputation is often the deciding factor in whether they choose your company.