Officially nicknamed and locally known as “the center of the universe,” High Falls is a picture-perfect, bucolic hamlet located in Ulster County’s Rondout Valley. Made famous by the D&H Canal, a National Historic Landmark, and bordered by the beautiful Rondout Creek, this outstanding village is rich in things to both see and do.
View the magnificent waterfalls and stroll the various trails, including the Five Locks Walk (originally built in 1847!).
Follow your stroll with a visit to one of the hamlet’s well-loved and renowned restaurants for a delectable meal, and even catch some live music. On warm-weathered Sundays, peruse the open-air, outdoor flea market and find everything and anything from antiques and one-of-a-kind items, to handcrafted, locally sourced and produced artisan products.
High Falls is a place where every person and business is deeply rooted in community and strives to be involved in projects where they can work together for the common good of the hamlet itself.
This community comes together often, and holds many well-known events, such as the annual Christmas tree lighting (complete with hot cocoa and caroling), the annual pet parade, the annual garden fair, and crazy hat bingo! Everything you could ever want, you will find in this little town.
With the closing of the High Falls Bridge on Route 213 through June 2017, it is vitally important that we all show this precious hamlet our love and support. The detours around the bridge are quite easily navigable, and the town itself is well worth the trip—we promise!
Following are just a few of the amazing establishments that this hamlet has to offer.
EAT in high falls
HIGH FALLS CAFE
12 Stone Dock Road, 845-687-2699, highfallscafe.com
High Falls Cafe takes great pride in offering an excellent dining experience. Their menu is created using as much locally sourced produce and fresh ingredients as possible. Enjoy a great night of food, music, and drink. Their full-service bar has ten beers on tap, including local and seasonal favorites. Enjoy a delicious selection of wines, fabulous cocktails, and tasty martinis. Their weekday specials after 5pm include burgers and beer on Tuesdays, 50-cent wings and $10 pasta on Wednesdays, and trivia on the 4th Thursday of the month, as well as breakfast all day on Sundays. Happy Hour T–F, 4–7pm. Check their website for more details and music events.
HIGH FALLS FOOD CO-OP
1398 Route 213, 845-687-7262, highfallsfoodcoop.com
High Falls Food Co-op has been nourishing the Hudson Valley with local food since 1976. This member-owned cooperative grocer is open to the public seven days a week. High Falls Food Co-op offers an impressive selection of organic and locally grown produce, delicious prepared foods, specialty grocery items, supplements, a bulk foods department, vegan and gluten-free options, and natural personal care products. More than a market, High Falls Food Co-op is Hudson Valley history.
HIGH FALLS KITCHENETTE
1219 Route 213, 845-687-7464, kitchenetterestaurant.com/high-falls
“Comfort Food at its Best” is the mantra of the High Falls Kitchenette. Owners Ann and Lisa strive to offer a customer-friendly atmosphere, serving home-cooked meals using only the purest and freshest ingredients. Their menu includes homemade breads and baked goods, Hudson Valley milk, Feather Ridge eggs, organic fair trade coffee, Jane’s Ice Cream, and farm-raised meats, poultry, and vegetables. In addition to serving in their restaurants, Kitchenette offers full-service catering, special event planning, and an intimate space for weddings in the Hudson Valley and NYC.
THE SPY: SOCIAL EATERY & BAR
155 Main Street, 845-687-7249, thespysocialeatery.com
Reopening this past May, the basic formula at The Spy is still what made it a hit for two decades: delectable New American food served in a comfy setting with a warm welcome.Be sure to check out their mid-week bridge closing specials, including $2 taco Tuesdays, half-price tofu wing Wednesdays, and $20 three-course, prix fixe dinners on Thursdays.
play in high falls
D&H CANAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM
23 Mohonk Road, 845-687-2000, canalmuseum.org
Do you ever wonder why it’s called Berme Road or why Accord was first named Port Jackson? Do you know that Rosendale cement was first discovered in High Falls or that Roebling designed suspension aqueducts for the D&H Canal before he designed the Brooklyn Bridge? Visit the D&H Canal Museum and explore the financing and construction of the canal, its 70 years of operation, and the confines of life on a canal boat. Study the working model of a canal lock used to raise and lower boats from one level of the canal to the next and then walk the Five Locks Walk to see firsthand the cut stone that held the large wooden doors and lined the sides of each lock. The Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays, 11am to 5pm, from May through October. To learn more, visit their website or Facebook page. Call to arrange a group tour.
HIGH FALLS CONSERVANCY: THE BRIDGES OF HIGH FALLS EXHIBIT
The High Falls Emporium Gallery, 10 Old Route 213 845-687-6187, thehighfallsconservancy.org/events
The High Falls Conservancy, in collaboration with Wired Gallery, is presenting a multimedia Art and Stories Event at the High Falls Emporium Gallery Space (across the street from Green Cottage). The exhibit includes photographs of seven historic bridges across the Rondout Creek at High Falls since 1796, two original iron name plates of one of the early bridges, and a section of the recently removed bridge, tagged with graffiti that had been hidden from the public until this exhibit. Other pieces of hidden graffiti found under the bridge will also be included. A continuous loop of video will run, showing the demolition of the High Falls Bridge from start to finish, including the final implosion of the superstructure. The Exhibit is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 5pm.
WIRED GALLERY
11 Mohonk Road, 682-564-5613, thewiredgallery.com
Wired Gallery is “wired for local art.” Hailed as “...one of Ulster County’s most high-profile, prolific sources of quality art exhibitions” by Almanac Weekly, it shows exclusively works by Mid-Hudson Valley artists.
SPRING FARM TRAILHEAD, MOHONK PRESERVE
Upper 27 Knolls Road, 845-255-0919 mohonkpreserve.org/spring-farm-trailhead
This is the trailhead for Mohonk Preserve’s Bonticou Crag as well as the Table Rocks Trail. Enjoy the “million dollar view” of the Catskills—just a short walk from the Spring Farm parking area. Serving as reminders of its agricultural roots, the open fields and broad views at Spring Farm give way to quiet, forested paths. Spring Farm is one of the Preserve’s smaller parking lots and fills VERY early on peak weekends. On summer and fall weekends, arrive early and consider carpooling to ensure a parking space. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding permitted.
WHOLE SKY YOGA
10 Old Route 213, #2S (2nd floor), 845-706-3668 wholeskyyoga.com
Whole Sky Yoga (WSY) is an open resource for non-judgmental self-exploration and development through yoga. Located in the beautiful hamlet of High Falls, WSY offers 30 weekly classes, custom private instruction, and educational workshops and events. WSY, a professional, reliable, and welcoming yoga studio that caters to all levels of practitioner, cares deeply about serving their students and providing a quality experience. Explore vinyasa yoga, yin yoga, restorative yoa, yoga for beginners, gentle styles, and Pilates. Drop in to any class! New students: Buy 1 get 1 free: $15, 10-class pass $100, or become a WSY member for $75 per month, the most generous rate in the Hudson Valley!
WOODSTOCK FARM SANCTUARY
2 Rescue Road, 845-247-5700 woodstocksanctuary.org
The Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary gives forever homes to oft-forgotten creatures and gives visitors an adventure to remember. The eleven-year-old sanctuary reopened at its lovely new home in High Falls, the very heart of Ulster County, welcoming you and yours to meet-
the animals. At 150 acres, the former summer camp is six times the size of the organization’s former home. That means more room for more animals—and more room for you to come and visit with them.
stay in high falls
CAPTAIN SCHOONMAKER’S B&B
913 Route 213, 845-687-7946, captainschoonmakers.com
The perfect getaway for romance or relaxation. Situated on ten landscaped and wooded acres, with two seasonal waterfalls, a rushing mountain trout stream, and the remains of a stone grist mill. Depending on the season, guests are welcome to sit by a cozy fire, fish in our trout stream, take a dip under the waterfall, or just relax in the hammock. Guests will enjoy their breakfast in the dining room of the Stone House and may even stay on the second floor in “The Captain’s Quarters.” Our Carriage House, built in 1810, features four charming guest rooms.
SHADOW LAWN
2233 Lucas Turnpike, 845-687-2302 shadowlawnny.com
Experience the charm, historic atmosphere, and unparalleled service that Shadow Lawn offers. Situated at the crest of the High Falls waterfall, this six-acre property is celebrating its 14th wedding season and is home to a beautiful 18th-century Dutch stone house and a restored 19th-century barn. Beginning in 2017, the site fee will also include two private guest suites: the Summer Kitchen and the Guest Cottage. Together with accommodations available at The Sheeley House B&B next door, 18–24 guests can stay on-site for a truly memorable celebration.
CLOVE COTTAGES
200 Rock Hill Road, 845-687-4170, clovecottages.com
Located near Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park, Clove Cottages offers seven private cottages surrounded by meadows and mountains. Units include fully equipped kitchens, A/C, and heaters; some units include a jetted bath and fireplace. Guests are provided with homemade granola and fresh ground organic rainfor-
est certified coffee. Fresh scones are delivered on Sunday mornings. These beautiful cottages are eco-, child-, and pet-friendly. It uses solar power, generates compost, line dries the sheets and towels in the sun, and uses all-natural cleaners. Llamas, wifi and chickens onsite.
shop in high falls
GREEN COTTAGE
1204 Route 213, 845-687-4810, thegreencottage.com
Come in and meander through the myriad of beautifully designed gifts and novelties that Green Cottage has to offer. From gifts, cards, books, and flowers, to garden supplies and candles, Green Cottage is not just a store, it’s an experience. Stop by and see all that High Falls has to offer, it’s a great place to visit!
FIELD + BARN
4-8 Bruceville Road, 845-706-1070
Field and Barn is a unique, weekend marketplace housed in the beautiful, antique-yet-modern-esque, refurbished event space known as The Black Barn. You’ll find a variety of goods from a host of vendors, ranging from locally made and artisan food products to one-of-a-kind handmade goods, and antiques!
BARKING DOG ANTIQUES
7 Second Street, 845-687-4834, facebook.com/BarkingDogAntiques
Come in and meander through the myriad of beautifully designed gifts and novelties that Green Cottage has to offer. From gifts, cards, books, and flowers, to garden supplies and candles, Green Cottage is not just a store, it’s an experience. Stop by and see all that High Falls has to offer, it’s a great place to visit!
FRED
1209 Route 213, 917-577-1137, fredhighfalls.com
FRED is your one-stop shop for modern, vintage, new & charming furnishings, plus interior design! Whether you’re looking for that perfect one-of-a-kind gift, some nifty new home decor to spruce up your place, or if you need assistance with the interior decoration of your home or business, FRED definitely has you covered!
NECTAR
1409 Route 213, 845-687-2870, shopnectar.com
Home, gifts, art & tea, Nectar is a place to be experienced, a place that ignites the senses! Take a beautiful drive to historic High Falls, and sip a cup of hand-blended tea while you explore unusual items from every continent as
well as pieces from local Hudson Valley artists, jewelers, and artisans. Visit Nectar in their newly consolidated High Falls shop, in their previous annex building on Route 213.
services in high falls
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY NUTSHELL REALTY
1209 Route 213, 845-687-2200,
nutshellrealty.com
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Nutshell Realty is committed to providing a seamless and successful real estate transaction. If you are looking to purchase or sell a home, real estate, or property, give Nutshell Realty a call and speak with one of their experienced, qualified real estate specialists.
HIGH FALLS EMPORIUM
10 Old Route 213, 718-344-8571
thehighfallsemporium.com
High Falls Emporium, with five street-level storefronts and two second-floor loft suites, houses a variety of businesses offering yoga, acupuncture, art, personal healing, and financial services.
JAKE’S AUTO BODY
2302 Lucas Turnpike, 845-687-4004,
jakesautobody.com
If your car has a case of the blues, Jake’s Auto Body in High Falls can give it the loving care it needs. Named “Top Shop” by Auto Body Repair News two years in a row, Jake’s is Ulster County’s own display of automotive artistry.
MARY COLLINS REAL ESTATE
1304 Route 213, 845-687-0911,
marycollinsrealestate.com
Mary Collins Real Estate has been helping people find their dream homes and properties for over 20 years. And every client receives the special care, attention, and helpful advice that has built the Mary Collins reputation.
