More Ways To Relax At New Paltz*

We have two more ways to make a stay in and around New Paltz an unforgettable one. Last week we suggested you personalize your Country Getaway experience and get moving physically by enjoying the outdoor activities the area has to offer. This week we suggest:

Explore New Paltz 

New Paltz is a charming and historic college town with restaurants and shopping galore. Perfect for antiquing, only seven miles from Roots & Wings. Walk down historic Huguenot Street for views of historical housing built in the late 1700's into the early 1800's that are still standing today. You can visit their website for more information: 

Historic Huguenot Street

Check out the Shawangunk Wine Trail

Enjoy nine family owned wineries nestled between the Shawangunk Mountains and the Hudson River. Taste fine wines made in the tradition of the early French Hugenots and Walloons who settled in the valley over three hundred years ago. 

There are 14 wineries between the Shawangunk River and the Hudson River. You can find move information about visiting them here: 

Shawangunk Wine Trail

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Rejuvenation Break: Taking A Hike*

Now that Daylight Savings has come this past weekend, we have a limited amount of time before the winter season rolls around bringing with it limited opportunities to explore nature comfortably.

One of the best ways of maximizing your time outdoors before you are no longer able to, is by taking a hike. Being engulfed in the beautiful colors of autumn while breathing in the fresh brisk air surrounding you, will send you into a state of peace and tranquility. 

There are a number of great hiking destinations in the Hudson Valley area including 

Mohonk Mountain House

 and 

Lake Minnewaska

. Both areas offer vast views of the mountains surrounding them with a variety of different trails available for all kinds of skill sets.

Here's a list of things you may consider of you intend on taking a hike:

  • Wear comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting dirty
  • Bring your lunch and plenty of water to drink
  • Plan to spend 3+ hours as most trails tend to be long
  • Bring cash with you. Most worthwhile hikes aren't free
  • Be sure to have your camera fully charged. You'll want to see this again later!
  • Don't forget to stop, breath and take in your surroundings
  • You can go alone or with a group but make those who come along are ready to adventure

Taking a hike can be a rejuvenating experience, especially during the beautiful fall season. Get out before the snow starts to fall before it becomes impossible to do so.

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Rejuvenation Break: Connect With Nature

When life becomes too stressful, it is important to remember to take some time out to do something that gives you peace. Although we are not machines, sometimes we need to recharge our batteries as well. That is why it is important to remember to take a rejuvenation break. A great way of doing that is by enjoying nature before the winter months make it too difficult to do so.

The days are getting shorter and the weather is getting brisker. The seasons are changing which gives us a great opportunity to experience natures beauty.

Nature keeps us in touch with the miracle of the seasons and cycles of life - natural rhythms that remind us of our place in the larger scheme of things.

Here are a few tips on how to enjoy nature via my book

Aftershock

- Walk as much or as little as you are able - anywhere, in your yard, your neighborhood, a public park or preserve

- Sit with your back against a tree. Feel and absorb its support

- Listen to the water of a flowing stream. As you relax into listening, become aware of both its many different sounds and the harmony of the whole

- Feel the wind on your hair

- Take a drive

- Stare up at a starry night

- Lie on the grass and pay attention to the contact you are making with the earth. Gently breathe and allow the earth's energy to be absorbed into your body

Follow these steps to rejuvenate your body and mind and you will have a much better week!

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Get Moving Outdoors in the “Gunks"*

So Much to Choose!

Connect with Puja Thomson to plan a retreat that meets your needs. Focus your energy on: Relaxation and Inner Calm, Reconnecting to Love, Spiritual Renewal, or craft your own focus with Puja’s support.

Get moving! 

The Shawangunk Mountains, a beautiful landscape excellent for hiking, biking, swimming, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. The “Gunks” are famous for world-class rock climbing. Roots & Wings is only two miles from the Mohonk Preserve Visitors’ Center, and five miles from Minnewaska State Park. The Walkway Over the Hudson is a newer attraction in the Mid Hudson Valley that offers an excellent view of the Hudson River and Hudson Highlands.

Have an adventure! 

Nearby hang gliding, skydiving and parachuting venues offer gorgeous views and adrenaline rushes for the daring.

Shawangunk Mountains

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

There are many ways one can “walk” a labyrinth

On a recent glorious Friday morning, our women's wellness group gathered to walk the Roots & Wings Labyrinth. We did this in such a beautifully unhurried contemplative way --

Later that same day,

I was inspired to do some weeding and path-mulching , when at least 5 young neighborhood kids zoomed down Ramah Lane on their bikes, and called across ,asking to ‘walk’ the labyrinth (they were introduced to it by one of their mothers before).

They did it their way  with such joie de vivre and spontaneity, running fast follow-the-leader style most of the time, heads held high, hair streaming, and high-fiving each other without stopping when passing in opposite directions, with at least a two of them  doing a few cartwheels as they made their way to the center. There they all sat down on the grass in a circle, heads bent  towards each other. Then they came running across to me, asking to make a phone call  to a parent...

I wish I had had a video camera!! Perhaps they caught some of our vibes from the morning!  It was certainly a beautiful reminder of the many ways one can “walk” the labyrinth.

AN: While this Labyrinth is no longer open, you can google local labyrinths in your area.