A bird’s eye view of Humpo Marsh captures its quiet expanse within the Mohonk Preserve. Photo: Gerald Berliner
EB’s Top 5 in Gardiner:
• Breakfast at Chakra Bowls: From mid-April to late October, Chakra Bowls’ Gardiner location – a refinished Airstream on Main Street – serves delicious smoothie bowls, smoothies, juices, avocado toast, and drinks.
• Hiking The Lemon Squeeze: The Lemon Squeeze is arguably the most famous hike in the Shawangunk Ridge, and for good reason. This challenging hike features rock scrambles, narrow crevices, and ladder climbs that lead to a cliffside that features panoramic vistas of the Hudson Valley.
• Rock Climbing in the Gunks: Experienced rock climbers can head straight to the Gunks (try The Trapps), while beginner climbers or those looking to learn new skills can book lessons with Alpine Endeavors. Equipment rentals for those who want them are available at Rock and Snow in the nearby town of New Paltz.
• Dinner & Drinks at Pitanga North: For dinner, head to Pitanga North, a Brazilian restaurant in the heart of Gardiner. To start, order a Naked & Famous (made with mezcal, Aperol, Strega and lime) paired with a plate of warm olives. Follow with the roasted rainbow carrots, and then dive into the feijoada, which includes black bean stew, kale, farofa, avocado, and pico.
• Spa Treatments at Thistle: Head to Thistle, Wildflower Farms‘s spa, and book a botanical deep-tissue massage. Add a face massage enhancement to hit frequently overlooked muscles, or opt for a CBD enhancement for peak relaxation.
At the foot of the Shawangunk Ridge, Gardiner, NY offers a rugged-meets-refined Upstate escape. Here, dramatic hikes give way to bourbon tastings, orchard views pair with wood-fired pizza, and spa treatments come with sweeping mountain backdrops.
Home to some of New York’s most iconic hiking trails, including The Lemon Squeeze and the West Trapps cliffs, Gardiner draws climbers, hikers, and outdoors-minded travelers looking for high-impact views and low-key recovery. Whether you’re scaling the ridge, relaxing in a cedar sauna, or settling in with a glass of small-batch bourbon, Gardiner delivers a grounded but elevated upstate experience.
Read on for our full Gardiner area guide — including what to hike, where to sip, and the best places to eat and unwind.
What to Do in Gardiner, NY: Hiking, Cider Tasting, and Distillery Tours
While at Thistle, take advantage of the indoor saltwater pool by making time to relax before or after spa treatments. Photo: c/o Wildflower Farms
Start the day with a hike at the Mohonk Preserve. Experienced hikers should plan to hit The Lemon Squeeze at the Mohonk Mountain House – a challenging trail that features rock scrambles, narrow crevices, ladder climbs, and stunning panoramic vistas of the Shawangunk Ridge. In addition to incredible hiking, the Mohonk Preserve is also home to world-class rock climbing, with most of the climbable faces being accessible from the West Trapps trailhead. Those looking to learn to rock climb can take classes with Alpine Endeavors, which offers lessons to climbers of all skill levels (Alpine Endeavors also offers climbing lessons at Minnewaska State Park, which is highlighted in our Guide to Kerhonkson).
For those looking to relax inside, rather than explore the outdoors, book a spa treatment at Thistle, the spa at Wildflower Farms. Thistle’s facilities include cedar saunas, outdoor hot tubs, and relaxation areas with views of the Shawangunk Ridge.
After a morning on the trails (or relaxing at the spa), visit Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery. Visitors can tour the production facility to learn about craft distilling processes before enjoying tastings of their award-winning bourbon, rye, and other spirits in the rustic tasting room. Cider fans can opt for a trip to Brooklyn Cider House’s Twin Star Orchards, where visitors can tour the facility and sample craft hard ciders made from Hudson Valley apples.
Where to Eat + Drink: The Best Bars and Restaurants in Gardiner, NY
The minimalist atmosphere at Pitanga North is rounded out by statement design pieces and neutral finishes. Photo: c/o Pitanga North
When in Gardiner, be sure to grab a morning coffee and breakfast sandwich at Gardiner Bakehouse. Alternatively, stop into Chakra Bowls for a breakfast bowl and fresh-pressed juice, or opt for a heartier meal at Cafe Mio. In the afternoon, Twin Star Orchards serves wood-fired pizza and burgers, which can be enjoyed outside while overlooking the cidery’s orchards.
As evening settles in, Pitanga North offers a Brazilian-accented menu and standout cocktails in a warmly designed space that feels both stylish and unpretentious. For an elevated dining experience, book a table at Wildflower Farms, where the on-site restaurant turns out seasonal, farm-driven fare using ingredients harvested just steps from the kitchen.
The Best Places to Stay in Gardiner: Our Local Favorites
The freestanding Meadow Cottage at Wildflower Farms offers a quiet, design-forward escape with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private patio, and an indoor fireplace for cozy evenings. Photo c/o Wildflower Farms
Framed by orchard rows and the ridgeline of the Gunks, Gardiner blends high-impact adventure with a quietly elevated pace of life. Between the trailheads, spas, and tasting rooms, this Hudson Valley town has carved out a grounded, design-forward niche in the area, where rugged landscapes meet thoughtful hospitality.
A standout: Wildflower Farms, a nature-focused retreat set on 140 acres at the foot of the Shawangunk Ridge. With wood-clad cabins, expansive spa offerings, and an on-site restaurant serving local fare, it’s an ideal home base for recharging between hikes, distillery visits, or quiet mornings watching the fog lift off the mountains.
