Highland Snow Live Cam

The magnificent Catskill Mountains rise softly above the scenic Hudson River making Ulster County a unique place to visit. Ulster County is a year-round vacation center that is alive with entertainment, adventure, culture and history.

In the warmer seasons enjoy boating or sailing the majestic Hudson. Come try biking, hiking, camping, hang-gliding or rock climbing in our Shawangunk or Catskill Mountains. Come fishing in our magnificent trout streams and lakes or golfing in scenic wonder. Take some time to explore our fairs and festivals or to taste the bounty of our farm stands and orchards.

As the weather cools and the snows fall, come cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snow boarding, skating or, if you are really up for an adventure, try ice climbing.

Experience our vast and colorful history by visiting the oldest street in America in New Paltz, or Kingston, the first capital of New York. See the work of artisans of the past in our museums or antique shops or see the work of our modern artisans in our many art centers, galleries, performing art centers, pottery shops, art festivals and wineries.

Since the 1800's, travelers have ventured up the Hudson River from New York via steamer and rail to vacation in the magnificent hotels of the Catskills. Rocking chairs lined the porches of these grand retreats while guests enjoyed clean mountain air. There were boarding houses, bungalow colonies and other wayside stops. Today, Ulster County boasts modern resorts, large and small, dude ranches, hotels, motels, quaint inns and lodges or cozy B&Bs. Many offer full recreation, including golf. From skiing to boating, Ulster County offers outdoor fun for every season of the year.

The County covers approximately 1,140 square miles. Today, the population is estimated at 177,000 based on 2000 Census. There are 24 municipalities in the County: 3 villages, 1 city, and 20 towns.

Ulster County, New York, is located 75 miles north of New York City on the west bank of the Hudson River. Ulster County is home to the City of Kingston, the first capital of the State; State University at New Paltz; the famous artists' colony of Woodstock; and the 1994 Woodstock Festival site in Saugerties. About the size of Rhode Island, we can be accessed via three exits of the NYS Thruway.

Ulster County is noted for its many annual events, including the Apple Festival, the Garlic Festival, Stone House Days, the Shad Festival, and the Woodstock -New Paltz Arts and Crafts Fair. We're famous for our apples and our sweet corn. We have great skiing (downhill and cross-country), trout fishing, golf, hang gliding, biking, hiking, and water sports.

Ulster County's economic base is continuing to expand. Several major retailers have recently opened for business--others are in the process of building. Fleet Financial Services has relocated several of its offices here, and the Hudson River Valley Care Center, a unique facility specializing in traumatic head injuries, will open by early 1998. A new partnership between Cornell University and the State University at New Paltz to create a high-tech research corridor likened to California's Silicon Valley is currently being developed.

Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC)

The Kingston Theatre Corp. is formed “for the purpose of building a theatre and conducting entertainment enterprises.” Construction begins under the direction of the famed New York City architect Douglas P. Hall and the engineering firm of Skinner & Cook, which had built for the Radio Corporation of America. The largest derrick in New York State is used to lift the theater’s six roof, balcony and proscenium trusses in place.

The Broadway Theatre opens. Critics call it “the most beautiful theatre between New York and Buffalo.” The opening program includes five vaudeville acts, live music by the theatre orchestra and the film Cradle Snatchers. Among the theatre’s 4,000 electric lights is an enormous chandelier of Venetian-inspired design suspended from the center of the auditorium.

The Broadway Theatre is purchased by the Walter Reade Organization and becomes a first-run film house. The theater’s metal canopy is replaced with a classical portico carefully designed to conform to the original theater design. The Broadway’s name is changed to the Community Theatre. The auditorium chandelier is removed in 1954. Its current location is unknown.

A group of concerned citizens, formed to save the theater from demolition, explores possible adaptations of the theater into a cultural arts center. The group finalizes purchase of the theater and develops it into a multipupose venue known as the Ulster Performing Arts Center. The Broadway Theatre once again becomes the cultural hub of the Hudson Valley. The Broadway Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the last great show palaces in New York State. The Broadway Theater opens its 73rd season Presenting quality entertainment in the Hudson Valley.

Hike along our 350 miles of wilderness trails in 700,000 acres of forever wild protected lands in the Catskill Park and Preserve. Visit vibrant communities, from the Hudson River waterfront of Kingston to the antiques of Saugerties; from the arts of Woodstock to the mountain village of Phoenicia to the grandeur of the Shawangunk Ridge in the college town of New Paltz. Music, art, history and recreation all are here for your enjoyment.

The Catskill Mountains rise softly above the scenic Hudson River, while the Shawangunk Mountains and glacial lakes form a dramatic backdrop for Ulster County. Here, visitors re-live the rich history of the Huguenot settlers and walk the oldest streets in America in New Paltz. Kingston is New York’s first capital, which is home to the only four corners in the U.S. where four 18th-century stone structures still stand. The arts play an important role in Ulster County, with the Maverick Concerts representing the country’s oldest chamber music series, and Byrdcliffe, the country’s oldest continuously operating arts colony, both located near the bohemian town of Woodstock. Twelve wineries are spread throughout the Shawangunk ridges, offering a variety of styles and tastes.

Ulster County is truly a unique place to visit. It is a year-round vacation center alive with entertainment, adventure, hang-glidingculture and history. In warmer seasons enjoy boating or sailing our majestic Hudson River. Bike, hike, camp, hang-glide or rock climb in our world famous Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains; try fishing in our many trout streams and lakes or golf on some magnificant courses. Take time to explore our many fairs and festivals and taste the bounty of our farm stands and orchards.

As the weather cools take awe in our glorious fall foliage and be part of the Woodstock Film Festival Youth Screeningsfor an experience to remember. Bigger and better than ever, the festival attracts top talent from around the globe and offers innovative films, first-class concerts, workshops, celebrity-led panels, an awards ceremony, and fantastic parties!

When the snow falls, ski, snow board, ice-skate or, if really up for adventure, try ice climbing! Experience our vast and colorful history: Visit the oldest street in America (with original stone houses) or stroll through Kingston, the first capital of New York. See the work of artisans of the past in our museums or antique shops or view the work of modern artists in our many art centers, galleries, performing art centers, pottery shops and art festivals.