Carless Vacations

Getting to Belleayre Mountain, New York's Winter Snow Park, Without a Car
Highmount, NY
1-800-942-6904
www.belleayre.com

Just a couple of hours from Manhattan, in the middle of land declared “forever wild” by the New York State Forest Preserve in 1885, lies a ski center with steep, rugged inclines, gentle beginner’s hills and a cozy main lodge with a roaring fireplace.

Those looking for the perfect winter escape will find it here -A Rail Park, Terrain Park and Half Pipe, 9- acres of cross-country skiing, plenty of après ski nightlife and new wellness “Ski Therapy” program including morning yoga promises something for everyone – even those looking for nothing more than pristine woods and clean, crisp air.

Mountain Stats:
- 171 skiable acres with 96% of terrain covered by snowmaking
- Rail Park, Terrain Park, Half Pipe
- 8 lifts, 47 trails, glades & parks - 22% beginner; 58% Intermediate; 20% Expert
- 4 lodges
- 9.2 kilometers of X-Country trails
- Equipment rentals & lessons
- Hrs of Operation: Lodges, 8 AM–5 PM; Lifts, 8 AM–4 PM

Get There Without Diving:
Adirondack Trailways Ski or Snowboard Bus To Belleayre
Take a comfortable Trailways bus from New York City, Ridgewood, New Paltz, Rosendale, Kingston and Woodstock right to the mountain. The bus operates northbound from NYC on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays only, and southbound from Belleayre Mountain on a daily basis.

Pine Hill Trailways Schedule to Belleayre

Arrive at Belleayre Mountain:  10:15 AM

Pine Hill Trailways Schedule from Belleayre

Arrive in New York City: 7:40 PM Daily

Fees (includes one-day lift ticket):
New York City and Ridgewood: $81.00
New Paltz: $52.50
Rosendale: $49.50
Kingston: $47.50 
Woodstock: $47.50 

*IMPORTANT NOTICE* Anyone traveling to Belleayre on the Adirondack Trailways bus should call ahead and reserve their equipment. Call 845-254-5600 ext 2449.

Or Take Ulster County Area Transit For FREE!
Belleayre Mountain has teamed up with Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) on a free round-trip ski bus to Belleayre. Board the bus at Kingston Plaza (Hannaford's) and tell them you want to go skiing.  UCAT will drop you off right at the lodge, free of charge.

You can also pick up the bus anywhere along its route by standing in a location where it's safe for the bus to stop, and flagging the bus down with a clear hand signal. For more information, please call UCAT at 845-340-3333 or toll free at 888-827-8228.

Saturday Schedule:

Leaving Kingston Plaza: 8:45 am - 2:15 pm

Route 28 - West Hurley: 8:50 am - 2:45 pm

Route 28 - Shokan: 9:15 am - 3:10 pm

Route 28 - Boiceville: 9:20 am - 3:15 pm

Route 28 - Mount Tremper: 9:25 am - 3:20 pm

Phoenicia - Main Street: NS - 3:25 pm

Route 28 - Shandaken: 9:35 am - 3:30 pm

Route 28 - Pine Hill: 9:40 am - 3:35 pm 

Arrives at Belleayre Mountain: 9:45 am - 4:00 pm

Leaving Belleayre Mountain: 9:45 am - 4:00 pm

Route 28 - Pine Hill: 9:50 am - 4:05 pm

Route 28 - Shandaken: 10:00 am - 4:15 pm

Phoenicia - Main Street: 10:10 am - 4:25 pm

Route 28 - Mount Tremper: 10:15 am - 4:30 pm

Route 28 - Boiceville: 10:20 am - 4:35 pm

Route 28 - Shokan: 10:25 am - 4:40 pm

Woodstock Village Green: 10:40 am - 4:55 pm

Route 212: 10:40 am - NS

Saugerties PO: 11:00 am - NS 

Mall Area: 11:15 am - NS

Arrives at Kingston Plaza: NS - 5:15 pm



Monday - Friday Schedule:

Leaving Kingston Plaza: 8:45 am - 11:45 am - 2:30 pm

Route 28 - West Hurley: 8:50 am - 11:50 am - 2:35 pm

Woodstock: 12 noon - 2:45 pm 

Route 28 - Shokan: 9:15 am - 12:15 pm - 2:55 pm

Route 28 - Boiceville: 9:20 am - 12:20 pm - 3:00 pm

Route 28 - Mount Tremper: 9:25 am - 12:25 pm - 3:05 pm

Phoenicia - Main Street: NS - NS - NS 

Route 28 - Shandaken: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm - 3:15 pm

Route 28 - Big Indian: 9:35 am - 12:35 pm - 3:20 pm 

Route 28 - Pine Hill: 9:40 am - 12:40 pm - 3:25 pm

Arrives at Belleayre Mountain: 9:45 am - 12:45 pm - 4:00 pm

Leaving Belleayre Mountain: 9:45 am - 12:45 pm - 4:00 pm

Route 28 - Pine Hill: 9:50 am - 12:50 pm - 4:05 pm

Route 28 - Big Indian: 9:55 am - 12:55 pm - 4:10 pm 

Route 28 - Shandaken: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm - 4:15 pm 

Phoenicia - Main Street: 10:10 am - 1:05 pm - 4:20 pm

Route 28 - Mount Tremper: 10:15 am - 1:10 pm - 4:25 pm

Route 28 - Boiceville: 10:20 am - 1:15 pm - 4:30 pm

Route 28 - Shokan: 10:25 am - 1:20 pm - 4:35 pm

Woodstock Village Green: 10:40 am - 1:30 pm - 4:50 pm

Route 28 - West Hurley: 10:55 am - 1:35 pm - 4:55 pm 

Arrives at Kingston Plaza: 11 am - 1:45 pm - 5:00 pm

Other Things To Do:

The quaint, artist's haven, Woodstock, is within 15 minutes of Belleayre with terrific shopping, galleries, restaurants and night-life. Or make Kingston your base camp where there are museums, galleries, shopping, theater and, for those looking for less rigorous outdoor activity, snow tubing at Sawkill Family Ski Center.

No Car Required In Ulster County

Looking for a way to get to Ulster County without taking a drive up the New York State Thruway?

If you don’t have a car, or just want to cut down on your carbon impact, you can visit Ulster County by using one of the many transportation resources available.

TO GET HERE:
TAKE THE BUS
Adirondack—Pine Hill—New York Trailways Bus Service
1-(800)-776-7548; (845)-331-0744; info@trailwaysny.com
www.trailwaysny.com

Trailways runs convenient, easy-to-use coach bus service from Port Authority to New Paltz, Rosendale, Kingston, Saugerties, Woodstock and Shandaken seven days a week.  On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, service can be as frequent as hourly.  You can even bring your bike by simply purchasing a Bike Box for it at Port Authority. For schedules and fares go to: www.trailwaysny.com/html/english/fares.asp

TAKE THE TRAIN
MTA Metro-North Railroad—Hudson Line to Poughkeepsie:
Schedules, Fares, & Senior /Disabled Accessibility: 1-(212)-532-4900
Grand Central Terminal Ticket Office Hours:  Daily; 5:00 AM–2:00 AM
Poughkeepsie Station Ticket Office Hours: Daily, 6:10 AM-9:00 PM

MetroNorth runs frequent, convenient service from Grand Central Station to Poughkeepsie, NY seven days a week.  Service is fast and easy, and Ulster County runs supporting bus service to and from the Poughkeepsie train station.
For MTA Metro-North schedules and fares go to: as0.mta.info/mnr/schedules/sched_form.cfm
For Ulster-Poughkeepsie MTA Link Schedule go to: www.mta.info/mnr/html/UlsterLoop.pdf
(Or call Ulster County Tourism: 1-(800)-342-5826 to receive a schedule)

Amtrak from Penn Station, New York City & other locations nationwide to Rhinecliff:
Schedules, Fares & Customer Service: 1-(800)-USA-RAIL 1-(800)-872-7245

To get to Kingston, Woodstock, Saugerties and other northern sections of Ulster County take Amtrak to Rhinecliff. Once there you can use Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s drop off service to have a car waiting for you or hop into a taxi to your Ulster County destination (see list below).

For Amtrak schedules and fares go to: www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/HomePage     

Taxis/Car/Limo Service from Rhinecliff Train Station:
Blue Top Taxi/Kingston Kabs/Koyote Kabs:
Blue Top services the Rhinecliff Amtrak and Metro North Depot: (845)-758-8294
Kingston Kabs services Kingston, Woodstock, Saugerties and Port Ewen: (845)-331-8294
Koyote Kabs provides service to Highland, New Paltz and Rosendale: 1-(845)-255-1800

A Black Tie Limousine, Car & Carriage Service
A county-wide luxury limousine, car, and horse and carriage service. All vehicles are new models and detailed to perfection. 18 Passenger Limousine Coach available for large groups or wine tours.
Service from Rhinecliff Amtrak or Metro-North Poughkeepsie: (845)-246-1133

J & K Taxi Service (Kingston area): (845)-471-7474

Joey's Taxi & Transportation
Service in and around Highland/New Paltz/Rosendale: (845)-255-8294, (845)-691-5639 / fax (845)-795-2700

NO CAR REQUIRED ITINERARIES:

Celebrate New York State’s First Capital–WEEKEND IN KINGSTON
Highlights:
• An engaging historic district with more to do than look at history
• A bustling waterfront
• Vibrant art scene
• Fresh local food, outstanding restaurants and fun nightlife
Take Adirondack – Pine Hill – New York Trailways on Friday night up to Kingston or Amtrak from Penn Station, New York City to Rhinecliff.  Stay in one of the many hotels, motels or B & Bs in Kingston. (see below for ideas)

Day One, Saturday:
Bike (you can bring it on the train or bus), walk or take a cab to the historic Stockade area in Kingston where you can browse around the Kingston Farmers’ Market. Pick up fresh baked bread, hand-crafted artisan cheese, locally grown fruits and vegetables, something to drink and a sweet treat or two for sustenance! Open Saturdays, from May-Nov., 10 AM – 2 PM, between Wall and North Front Streets.

While on Wall Street you’ll want to check out Fleisher’s Grass Fed and Organic Meats- see what the New York Times, Food & Wine, Gourmet, Forbes and Saveur Magazines are raving about.

Next, visit Bop to Tottom — a place with so many colorful, inexpensive temptations it’s almost impossible to visit this esoteric emporium and come out empty-handed. 

Traveler’s visiting on the first Saturday of the month can indulge their passion for handmade Jewelers, fiber arts, potters, wood, glass, paper, herbals, lotions, soap, candles and more by visiting Crafts On John Street, a street fair just steps from the Farmers’ Market.

Done shopping? Take in some New York State history.

A short walk around the corner to 296 Fair Street will take you to the place where the New York State Senate convened its first meeting, the Senate House. Take a guided tour of the home where New York’s Constitution was signed and browse the adjacent museum containing the largest collection of John Vanderlyn paintings, drawings and papers in the country. Concerts, lectures and major events are offered throughout the year. Open April 15-Oct. 31 and year round by appointment.

Haven’t had enough history? Head over to Friends of Historic Kingston Museum to take a guided walking tour of the 1658 Stockade National Historic District, the largest intact early Dutch settlement in New York State where many early settlers' old limestone houses still stand along streets laid out by Peter Stuyvesant.  Tours depart first Saturdays May-October at 2 p.m. from the Friends of Historic Museum; corner Main-Wall Streets opposite the Old Dutch Church. Group and private tours available by appointment: (845)-339-0720.  

After all of this walking it may be time for lunch. With everything from pizza to French food, there’s something for every appetite. Try:

Le Canard Enchaine Bistro
276 Fair St.; (845)-339-2003; le-canardenchainesrestaurant.com (check out the stellar review from The Wall Street Journal’s Raymond Sokolov 9/4/09)
online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203706604574378691368682788.html
Maxwell’s Pizza Pub
31 North Front Street; 11 AM-10 PM, closed Sun.; (845)-340-1004; www.maxwellspizza.com
Deisings Bakery & Restaurant,
11 North Front Street; (845)-338-7505; www.deisings.com
Hoffman House
94 North Front Street; 11:30 AM-10 PM, closed Sun., (845-338-2626); www.hoffmanhousetavern.com
Gabriel’s Columbian & Vegan Café
59 John Street; 9 AM-3:30 PM, closed Sun., (84)5-338-7161

Use Kingston Citibus www.kingston-ny.gov/filestorage/76/78/787/citibus_schedule_new_pdf.pdf
from Hannaford’s (off Schwenk Dr.—a short walk down the hill from the corner of Fair & North Front Streets) to the Rondout waterfront area. 

Hop aboard a boat for a cruise on the Hudson River. Two-hour, narrated, sightseeing cruises on the Rip Van Winkle depart at 2:30 PM from the foot of Broadway every weekend from May-Oct. In July and August, “The Rip” leaves twice daily, at 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM. No reservations are needed; the ticket booth opens one hour prior to departure.

For a shorter excursion take ride on "The Lark" to the historic Kingston Lighthouse. Once there you’ll tour this historic safe-keeper of the Hudson River and Rondout Creek channel with a volunteer docent. Reservations accepted at the Hudson River Maritime Museum, adjacent to Hudson River Cruises. 

Back on dry land, you can shop, browse antique shops and art galleries and find food to please any palate.

Fashionistas will want to amble into Next Boutique which is known for incorporating updated classics with the most outrageous trends, amazing customer service and a fantastic jewelry collection. Brands include 7 For All Mankind, Hudson, Joe’s Jeans, Rebecca Taylor, Hanky Panky, LaRok, Michael Stars, Nicole Miller and more.

For antiques try Mezzanine Antique Center, three blocks up from the waterfront.

Looking for something beautiful to hang on your wall? Just a few steps up from Mezzanine you’ll find Donskoj & Company, a magnificent gallery and home to the popular Artists’ Soapbox Derby taking place every August.

The perfect place for dinner is easy to find here. Mariner’s Harbor, The Steel House, Rosita’s, Savona’s Trattoria, Golden Ginza, and Ship to Shore are all within walking distance.

Before heading off for the night to your hotel, motel or B & B make one last stop into Madden’s Fine Wine & Spirits – you’ll be glad you did!

Looking for nightlife? Check out the line-up at Ulster Performing Arts Center. Performers like Ben Folds, Lewis Black and the Black Crowes play there along with vintage old movies and classic holiday performances of A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker. You can grab a locally brewed beer and listen to some great music at Keegan Ales or Sky Top Brewing. Or kick back, sip some wine & enjoy tapas at Elephant, 310 Wall St., the place Chowhound.com called “… unlike any other place up in the hudson valley. go, bring your palate and sense of adventure. can't wait to go back again.”

Day Two, Sunday:

We suggest sleeping late and grabbing brunch or breakfast at Sky Top or Dolce.

But for those who like to start the day with a little exercise, let the staff from the City of Kingston's Forsyth Nature Center take you kayaking in the Rondout Creek or the Hudson River where you can explore the wildlife and history of Kingston's great waterways. These trips can be designed for beginner or intermediate paddlers, but pre-arrangements are a must. The cost is $75 per person for a 2 1/2 hour trip. Fee includes kayak rental, paddle, lifejacket and guide service. To make arrangements call: (845)-331-1682, ext 132.

Or a less strenuous option would be a visit to the Hudson River Maritime Museum. The museum tells the river’s story through displays and collection featuring boats, models, photographs, paintings and artifacts. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics including Hudson River history, the river’s industries, ecology and the environment. Children can make brick rubbings and explore the museum while on a scavenger hunt. Waterfront festivals, educational programs, and lectures are available. Open May – Oct 31. Call: (845-338-0071) or visit: www.hrmm.org

While back down on the Rondout waterfront, visit the New York Trolley Museum where you can get a trolley ride on original tracks along the historic Kingston waterfront to Kingston Point Park on the Hudson River. Open Memorial Day to Columbus Day weekends and holidays, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM.

For those staying closer to the Stockade district, why not wander the grounds of the Old Dutch Church? With a congregation dating back to 1659, the churchyard contains numerous beautifully carved early Dutch gravestones as well as the gravesite of George Clinton, New York’s first governor. 

When its time to leave take Adirondack—Pine Hill—New York Trailways, Amtrak from Rhinecliff or Metro-North from Poughkeepsie back to New York City and other destinations. And please come back again soon!


For contact information on places mentioned including operating days and times, and suggestions on places to stay, please see the following list.

Places To Stay:
Bel’s Inn, 69 Spring St.,
(845)-339-5125; email: bellsberinging@aol.com
belsinn.com
Miss Gussie Bug, 11 West Strand,
(845)-334-9110
www.missgussiebug.com
Rondout Inn,
79 Broadway, (845)-339-6925; reservations@rondoutinn.com
www.rondoutinn.com
Schwartz’s Inn,
70 North Front St; (845)-389-9918
www.schwartzsinn.com
Holiday Inn Kingston,
503 Washington Ave.; (845)-338-0400/1-800-Holiday
www.holidayinnkingstonny.com
Hampton Inn,
1307 Ulster Ave., (845)-382-2600/1-800-Hampton
www.kingston.hamptoninn.com
Rodeway Inn,
239 Forest Hill Drive; (845)-331-2900
www.rodewayinnkingstonny.com
Courtyard By Marriot,
500 Frank Sottile Blvd; (845)-382-2300/888 236-2427
www.marriott.com

Contact Information For Places Mentioned:
 

Stockade District:
Kingston Farmers’ Market,
Wall Street (between John & North Front Sts.); 9:00 AM-2:00 PM; www.kingstonnyfarmersmarket.com                                               
Fleisher’s Grass Fed and Organic Meats,
307 Wall St; 845-338-6666; Sat., 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, Sun. closed
www.fleisher’s.com
Bop to Tottom,
299 Wall St.; (845)-338-8100
Crafts On John Street,
between Wall & Crown Sts, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM                            
Senate House,
269 Fair St., (845)-338-2786; www.nysparks.com
Friends of Historic Kingston Museum,
Corner of Main & Wall Sts, (845)-339-0720; fohk@verizon.net
www.fohk.org
Old Dutch Church,
272 Wall St; (845)-338-6759; info@olddutchchurch.org
www.olddutchchurch.org
Elephant,
310 Wall Street; (845)-339-9319; Sat. 4:00 PM-10:00 PM, Sun., closed
www.elephantwinebar.com
Keegan Ales,
20 St. James St; (845)-331-BREW(2739)
www.keeganales.com
Sky Top Brewing,
239 Forest Hill Drive; (845-340-4277)
www.skytopsteakhouse.com


Rondout Waterfront:
Rip Van Winkle, Hudson River Cruises,
1 East Strand, 1-(800)-843-7472
www.hudsonrivercruises.com
"The Lark", Hudson River Cruises,
1 East Strand, 1-(800)-843-7472
www.hudsonrivercruises.com
Next Boutique,
17 West Strand, Sat., 11:30 AM-6:00 PM, Sun., 12:00 PM-6:00 PM; 845-331-4537
www.nextboutique.com
Mezzanine Antique Center,
79 Broadway, (845)-339-6925
www.mezzanine.us
Donskoj & Company,
93 Broadway; Sat., 12:00 PM-6:00 PM; (845)-338-8473
www.donskoj.com
Madden’s Fine Wines & Spirits,
68 Broadway, (845)-340-9463
Ulster Performing Arts Center,
601 Broadway, Box Office: (845)-339-6088/Ph (845)-331-1613
www.Bardavon.Org
City of Kingston's Forsyth Nature Center,
Lucas Ave.; (845)-331-1682, ext 132
www.forsythnaturecenter.org/programs.htm
Hudson River Maritime Museum,
50 Rondout Landing, (845)-338-0071; hrmm@hvc.rr.com
www.hrmm.org
New York Trolley Museum,
89 East Strand; (845)-331-3399
www.tmny.org