Scenic Camping Options And A Variety Of Community Events Highlight Memorial Day Weekend In Ulster County

Kingston, N.Y. (May 16, 2011) – Thinking of a one-tank trip for Memorial Day weekend? Or, possibly just a relaxing getaway with the family that puts everyone back in touch with nature. Try one of Ulster County’s many community events during the daytime and the coziness of crackling fires at one of the many campgrounds at night.

Ulster County has nearly 2,000 individual camping sites at 17 independently owned and operated campgrounds. There’s plenty of choice if you are looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Depending on the type of experience desired, there’s something for everyone: From rustic campsites to camping resorts with all the amenities. Four Ulster campgrounds – Skyway Camping Resort, Greenfield Park; Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Birchwood Acres, Greenfield Park; Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Lazy River, Gardiner; and Newburgh KOA Kampground, Plattekill – are 5W/5W top-rated for both excellent facilities and recreation by Woodall’s magazine and web site. No other county in New York State has as many.

“Ulster County has something for every camper, from beginners to seasoned adventurers,” Ulster County Executive Mike Hein said. “In Ulster County, you will find some of the most beautiful spots to camp in the state. We are excited about all the events going on in Ulster County during Memorial Day weekend and a great weekend of camping just adds to the celebration.”

Some of the events that will highlight another beautiful Memorial Day weekend in Ulster County include opening day at the Trolley Museum of New York in Kingston, where visitors can take a scenic ride along the Hudson River in a trolley. Visitors can board Replica Ship Half Moon at the Hudson River Maritime Museum. Music enthusiasts will flock to the Traditional Folk/Roots music weekend in Kerhonkson. The event features concerts, workshops, informal jamming, singing, socializing and hiking. And, there’s the Woodstock/New Paltz Arts and Crafts Fair, featuring 300 artists and craftspeople, exhibitions, demonstrations, a children’s center, entertainment, food and more.

For more information on camping and Memorial Day weekend in Ulster County, contact Ulster County Tourism at 845-340-3568 or www.ulstercountyalive.com.

Things to Do in Ulster County during Memorial Day weekend:

Hudson River Maritime Museum
50 Rondout Landing, Kingston, 845.338.0071, www.hrmm.org
May 28, 29, 30 (and continues through October 31)
11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
“The Face of Work in the Hudson Valley” exhibit featuring photographs, prints, artifacts and vintage film about the nature of work and workers in the Hudson Valley. Adults $5, seniors 60-plus and children 6-12 $4, children under 5 free. Visit the Replica Ship Half Moon at the museum’s dock through June 4. Fees apply.
 
Catskill Mountain Railroad
www.catskillmtrailroad.com; 845-688-7400
May 28, 29 and 30: Don't miss opening day on the railroad. Departs from Phoenicia (Empire State Railroad Museum) 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Also departs from Mount Tremper. $14/adults, $8/children 4-11, under 4 years free.
 
Traditional Folk/Roots Music Weekend
www.folkmusicny.org
May 27, 28, 29 and 30: Concerts, workshops. Informal jamming, singing, socializing, hiking and relaxing.  Presented by Folk Music Society of New York Inc./New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club. Held at Hudson Valley Resort & Spa, 400 Granite Road, Kerhonkson. 1- or 2-day stays or day admission.
 
Woodstock/New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair
Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Road, New Paltz. 845-679-8087; 845-246-3414; www.quailihollow.com
May 28, 29 and 30: Juried crafts fair, with over 300 artists and craftspeople. Exhibitions, demonstrations, children’s center, furniture, supplies, entertainment and food. Rain or shine. Free parking. Buses welcome. No dogs please. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Adults $8, Seniors $7, children 12 and under free.
 
Trolley Museum of New York
89 E. Strand (Rondout Landing), Kingston, 845-331-3399, www.tmny.org
May 28 and 29: Ride along the majestic Hudson River. See antique trolleys. Noon to 5 p.m. Admission includes trolley ride and museum: Adults $6, seniors (62-plus) $4; children (5-12) $4; children under 5 free.
 
Hudson River Cruises Lighthouse Tours
www.hudsonrivercruises.com/hudson-river-water-taxi.htm. 845-340-4700
May 28 and 29: Take a Rondout Lighthouse Tour aboard Hudson River Cruise’s newest vessel, The Lark: a 45-foot long, 47-passenger boat. 2 p.m.
 
HITS on the Hudson I
454 Washington Ave Ext, Saugerties, 845-246-5515 or 845-246-8833, www.hitsshows.com
May 28 and 29: World-class hunter/jumper equestrian events. Wednesday-Saturday, free; Sunday $5, 12 and under free, all proceeds from the gate go to Family of Woodstock.
 
Up The Creek Kayak Tour
www.forsythnaturecenter.org; 845-331-1682, ext 7336
May 27: Sunset paddle on the Rondout Creek. 6-8 p.m., $35/person. Explore the wildlife and history of the Rondout, including the barges and bridges. Programs include a guided-tour, kayak, life vest and paddle. Must make a reservation. Meet at TR Gallo Park on the Rondout Creek, Lower Broadway, Kingston.
 
Cemetery Tour
845-647-5530; www.eplm.org
May 28: Laura Smith, president and founder of Veterans Grave Preservation, leads this tour of  Civil War Veteran graves and  their stories. Meet 9:45 a.m. at entrance to Old Ellenville Cemetery, Country Club Road, Ellenville.
 
The Matthewis Persen House
74 John St., Kingston. Nina Postupack, Ulster County Clerk, 845-340-3040.
May 28:  Opening day. Free guided tours of historic house on the only intersection in the United States with 18th century stone houses on all four corners. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
 
Rondout National Historic District Walking Tour
Kingston Heritage Area Visitor Center, 20 Broadway, Kingston. 845-339-0720
May 28: Guided walking tour of Kingston's waterfront area, some uphill, by Friends of Historic Kingston. Adults $5, children under 16 $2. 11 a.m.
 
Good Morning Paddle
www.forsythnaturecenter.org; 845-331-1682, ext 7336
May 28: Spend your Saturday morning (8-10 a.m.) paddling the Hudson River. Wildlife abounds during these paddles. Eagles, osprey and turtles keep the group fascinated. $25 for Kingston residents, $35 for Non-city residents. Kingston Point Beach, Kingston. Reservations required.
 
Beacon Hill Geology Walk for Adults
845-255-0752. Minnewaska State Park, Route 44/55, New Paltz                                                   
May 28: Join Park Preserve educator Jillian Koehnken for an exciting walk and some knowledge about the world under out feet. Noon-2 p.m. The interpretive geology walk will discuss the geologic formation of the Shawangunk Ridge and surrounding areas, as well as investigate the multiple signs of glacial morphology present along the Beacon Hill footpath. This 1.75-mile geology walk is recommended for adults and teens over 14 who are accompanied by a guardian over 18.  Reservations required.
 
Scrambled Snakes Family Program
845-255-0752. Minnewaska State Park, Route 44/55, New Paltz                                                   
May 29: Join Environmental Educator Laura Conner in the Minnewaska Nature Center for a program about slippery snakes.11 a.m.-noon. A brief lesson about the snakes found in the Park Preserve will be followed by our Snake Scents Game, where you are the snake and must determine what is inside a container by scent alone. After this short game, everyone will create their own snake jig-saw puzzle to take home. Recommended for children 7-10, accompanied by an adult.  Reservations required.
 
Millbrook Mountain Hike
845-255-0752. Minnewaska State Park, Route 44/55, New Paltz                                                   
May 30: Join Laura Conner, environmental educator, for this challenging five-mile hike along the Millbrook Mountain footpath. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. This hike features various terrain including exposed bedrock, twisting trees and a tranquil stream meandering through it all. Our destination is Millbrook Mountain, a white cliff offering one of the most expansive views in the Park Preserve. Reservations required.