KINGSTON, N.Y. (December 19, 2012) – Ulster County Executive Mike Hein announced that the Hudson Valley has been named in National Geographic Traveler’s Best Trips 2013 list.
Located less than two hours from Manhattan, Ulster County – like the rest of the Hudson Valley – is home to a wide range of festivals, mom-and-pop shops, organic farms and year-round recreational opportunities. The region is one of 20 locations around the world to be highlighted in this year’s listing. It is one of four in the United States. Others include Missouri River Breaks, Montana; St. Augustine, Florida.; and Memphis, Tennessee. Exotic locales across the world include: Crimea, Russia; Marseille, France; Quito, Ecuador; and the island of Grenada.
“Ulster County is in the heart of the Hudson Valley, and we are very proud to be recognized for the outstanding tourism opportunities our county and our region offer,” said Hein. “Every year, visitors to our area take part in concerts, festivals, fine dining and much more. These activities offer a terrific boost to the local economy and provides jobs for residents across Ulster County.”
In its rankings, National Geographic Traveler mentioned the Hudson Valley’s many music festivals, including Pete Seeger’s Clearwater Festival in Croton-on-Hudson, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary next year. Ulster County features the Belleayre Music Festival, a summer concert series with world-class artists within the beautiful landscapes of the Catskill Mountains. There is also the Phoenicia Festival of the Voice, with some of the world’s top vocal artists.
Regarding Woodstock, National Geographic Traveler provides, “Some villages marry art and music famously. In the wonderfully weird and artsy Woodstock, indie performers and music icons rub elbows and grab crusty loaves at Bread Alone Bakery (based in Boiceville). Budding musicians bring their bongos to the weekly hippie drum circle on the Village Green.”
In addition, National Geographic Traveler highlighted the Hudson Valley’s recreational opportunities. In Ulster County, this includes more than 350 miles of hiking trails and 35 peaks. There are also a number of opportunities for horseback riding, cross-country skiing and fly-fishing, as well as 12 beautiful golf courses with holes that feature tremendous views of the Catskills.
“The Hudson Valley and Ulster County have always offered excellent opportunities for people from New York City to get away, but our recognition as a true global tourism destination is increasing, as more and more visitors leave here with such great things to say,” said Hein. “Hudson Valley’s residents and businesses welcome visitors, and we take pride in the charming shops, gorgeous landscapes and exciting adventures you’ll find across our region.”
Ulster County Tourism’s website is http://www.ulstercountyalive.com. To view National Geographic Traveler’s Best Trips 2013, visit http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/best-trips-2013.
