2024/2025 Ellenville Wawarsing Guide

Thank you for taking the time to get to know the EllenvilleWawarsing area a bit better Whether you’re visitng us on vacation, considering becoming a resident, seeind a show at SHADOWLAND STAGES, dining at a local restaurant after a hike, or thinking about opening a business here; we invite you to make the Ellenville-Wawarsing Chamber of Commerce your first stop for information or guidance We're here for you!

You’ll find our chamber members listed within these pages, and you can visit them on our “Digital Main Street” by texting the keyword listed, or on our website ewcoc.com where you’ll also find our community calendarfeaturing events that are happening when you visit!

Southwestern Ulster County also has fabulous festivals and unique outdoor activities; including hiking, biking, rock climbing, hang gliding, and even off road driving! Throughout these pages you’ll find out more about why the Village of Ellenville and Town of Wawarsing (in beautiful Ulster County, New York) are the best place to Live, Work, Play and Explore

On behalf of the Board and Members of the Ellenville-Wawarsing Chamber of Commerce - WELCOME! We hope you’ll discover the many exciting and unique things about our area!

Sue Trager Starr Adventures President, EWCOC

THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 ANNUAL SPONSORS

As Marc Fried recounts in 2009's Shawangunk Mountain Guide, there is a history of huckleberry picking on the Shawangunk Ridge. It started with the Native Americans, became a booming industry with the advent of railways, and then trickled out after World War II. But at one time, seasonal camps of blueberry pickers annually arose on either side of the mountains, one along Smiley Road, accessible by what is now Berme Road Park, and the other in Cragsmoor.

In 1989, Fried and John Adams, longtime residents of the area, came up with the idea of a local Blueberry Festival, and event that would showcase the area’s huckleberry (wild blueberry) picking history. Over the years, the focus and size of the festival has changed, as has its stewardship. In 2000, we at the Ellenville- Wawarsing Chamber of Commerce proudly picked up the mantle; and for over twenty years the festival has become another thing for which Ellenville is famous. We love hearing people’s memories of having attended the festival - which so often center around what you found to buy or eat - as Canal Street and Liberty Square are often teeming with vendors, visitors, and neighbors; along with music and fun on the lawn of the Hunt Memorial Building

Vendors can register at ewcoc.com, but unless you want a booth - enjoying the festival (and even parking!) is FREE at this annual community event (though volunteers are always welcome). We look forward to seeing you on the second Saturday in August, where we hope you’ll enjoy another spectacular day in our beautiful village, celebrate all things blueberry, and make some memories of your own!

Adapted from The Shawankgunk Journal Used by permission

The Academy at SHADOWLAND STAGES has been a valuable part of SHADOWLAND’s history for over a decade. The Academy offers performing arts-based classes and programs for students of all ages designed to nurture, challenge, and inspire young artists in our region. Beginning in 2022, we made the commitment to expand the Academy’s offerings to better serve our community This expansion provides opportunities to students aged 6 to adulthood to learn acting technique, dance, music, improvisation, and more! All classes are available and accessible to any student in the region by ensuring an inclusive environment with affordable tuition Class semesters occur in the Spring, Summer, and Fall Be sure to check out ShadowlandStagesorg for more information and registration! Scholarships are available for students

THEELLENVILLE/WAWARSING ARTSDISTRICT

WHERECREATIVITY FLOURISHES

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of New York’s Hudson Valley, Ellenville emerges as a vibrant hub for artistic expression and cultural renaissance. Known primarily for its small-town charm, this quaint village has undergone a remarkable transformation into a burgeoning arts district, enchanting locals and visitors alike with its creative energy and eclectic offerings.

“SincemovingtoEllenville,Ihavewitnessedaremarkablesurgeinthelocalart scene.ThroughCOFFE,we'veintroducedinitiativesliketheongoingartistmeet andgreetseries,theDeepEndFilmSeries,MoviesintheMountains,Marketon Market,andcuratedhikingandshoppingmapsviatheDestinationEllenville campaignShadowlandremainsacornerstonewithitsannualseasonalong withspecialoff-seasonprogrammingandrobustactingclassofferings Our townnowboastsmultipleartgalleries,aswellastheBorschtBeltMuseumand it’sprogrammingwithanexpandedtwo-dayBorschtBeltFestthissummerasit continuestoraisefundsforthefullmuseumbuildoutintheyearstocome.I countmyselfluckytobesurroundedbysomanylikemindedandtalented artistsofallmediumsThere'strulysomethingforeveryoneinEllenville”

-ScottFrost

AHAVENFORARTISTS

At the heart of Ellenville's artistic revival is its community of talented artists who have found inspiration in its scenic surroundings and rich history. From painters and sculptors to musicians and theatre makers, the village brims with galleries, studios, and boutiques showcasing the work of local artisans. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in a kaleidoscope of artistic styles, from the more traditional to the avant-garde, while mingling with the creators themselves.

Sook House mural

Paul Villinski

CULTURAL EVENTSAND FESTIVALS

Throughout the year, Ellenville comes alive with a calendar of cultural events and festivals celebrating the arts in all their forms. From outdoor markets and concerts to theater productions and film screenings, there's always something happening to delight and inspire both residents and tourists alike.

“During 2021, my husband, Paul Villinski and I bought a building for our future studio in the center of Ellenville, NY. It was directly across the street from Shadowland Stages’ Studio, a black box theatre. We dreamt of a studio space for ourselves but also a space that we’d share with the community in various ways. Shadowland Stages has been the driver of the arts for nearly 40 years and quickly became our ally in helping the growth of all arts in Ellenville. The development of the arts in Ellenville has been a group effort including old and new people. Paul and I saw the potential of a space that would help Ellenville, and the space has been a success. Market Street Studio is used to host COFFE meetings, movie nights, student art auctions, movie making workshops for middle school kids, Borscht Belt Festival Comedy lectures and many other events. There are plans to create more exhibition spaces in the village, and that will include Market Street Studio.

A highlight for me, as an artist was hosting the board of directors from Shadowland Stages in Market Street Studio as we moved through the 2-year process of creating the “Shadowland Murals”. I feel fortunate that I was able to create a visually cohesive and exciting design with the murals on the walls of all 3 Shadowland Buildings. These emphasize their role as the cultural heart of the Ellenville.”

-Amy Park

ADESTINATIONFOR ARTLOVERS

With its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and dynamic arts scene, Ellenville has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination for art lovers seeking inspiration and immersion in a thriving creative community. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a curious enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the transformative power of art, Ellenville welcomes you to experience the magic of its burgeoning arts district firsthand.

MainStage @ SHADOWLAND STAGES

Scott and Johnny Frost

The

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Buttermilk Falls

The area surrounding Ellenville/Wawarsing, NY, boasts dazzling hiking trails like Sam's Point, Bear Cliff, and Buttermilk Falls. Sam's Point offers panoramic views from its summit, while Bear Cliff thrills with its sheer drops and rugged terrain. Buttermilk Falls adds a serene touch, with its cascading waters and tranquil atmosphere. Explore lush forests, rocky outcrops, and pristine landscapes, immersing yourself in nature's beauty. Whether you seek adventure or tranquility, Ellenville's trails promise an unforgettable experience in the heart of the scenic New York wilderness.

Bear Cliff

Sam’s Point

Shawangunk State Forest Bear Hill

Cox Rd Woods