The Hudson Valley Ribfest

Each summer, Makowsky's Cottage Colonies welcomes visitors to New York's Hudson Valley area. Makowsky's Cottage Colonies maintains 82 units for visitors, who can enjoy such local attractions as the Hudson Valley Ribfest.

Hosted by the community of New Paltz, New York, the Hudson Valley Ribfest features live entertainment, a variety of vendors, and the Empire State Barbecue Championship. The championship stands out as one of the highlights of the competition, with as many as 60 teams participating. 

Ribfest features rib vendors from the local area as well as from across the country. These vendors share the fairgrounds with a variety of other food concessions as well as barbecue-supply vendors whose wares range from rubs and sauces to grills and barbecue tools.

Visitors interested in learning new creative cooking techniques can visit the demonstration tent, where professionals share their expertise in a variety of styles. In 2016, for example, demos included an introduction to pulled pork sauces, a guided preparation of grilled chicken with gourmet sauce, and a maple syrup and maple candy tasting.

Meanwhile, musicians and other performers take to the festival's entertainment stage. Past entertainers have included the Black Dirt Bandits, the Americana Oak Band, and illusionist and mentalist Jace. Entertainers in 2017 appeared courtesy of iHeart Media, while the Highland Rotary Club served as the festival's co-presenter.

Hiking Mohonk Preserve near Makowksy's Cottage Colonies

 Since 2006, Makowsky's Cottage Colonies has offered seasonal real estate rentals of 82 cottages in the summer from June through September. With 33 acres encompassing features such as a lake, pool, and tennis court, Makowsky's Cottage Colonies also lies near the Minnewaska State Park Preserve.

Also known as Mohonk Preserve, the Minnewaska State Park Preserve draws more than 165,000 visitors annually to its 8,000 acres of forests, fields, and mountain ridges laced with streams and ponds. As the biggest nonprofit nature preserve in the state of New York, Mohonk Preserve offers an extensive trail system for beginning and experienced hikers.

To hike in the preserve, you need to purchase a day pass or membership at the Visitor Center or trailhead. These fees help fund maintenance of the park.

Mohonk Preserve boasts a broad range of trails, from the J&S Grafton Sensory Trail, an easy quarter-mile loop with butterfly garden around the Visitor Center, to High Peters Kill, a strenuous seven-mile hike with spectacular ridge views.