New Paltz, New York, is ninety minutes north of New York City in the Hudson Valley at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. The Wallkill River runs through New Paltz. Visible from the SUNY campus is Mohonk Mountain, famous for the Mohonk Mountain Resort, thousands of acres of preserve land with hiking, horse back riding and bicycling paths, world class rock climbing, and a glacial lake. Also in New Paltz is Minnewaska State Preserve, situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge. It offers two lakes, waterfalls, hiking and bicycling paths, and unsurpassed views of surrounding hamlets. New Paltz was founded in 1677 by sixteen French Huguenot families seeking refuge from religious persecution and has "the oldest street in America with its original houses." The remaining six stone houses are furnished with period pieces and can be seen on a guided tour. Not only historically fascinating and visually beautiful, New Paltz is also a hub of activity with shops, coffee houses, world-class restaurants, all within a few minutes walk from campus. The Loft is one such well-known restaurant and where Bel Canto Institute dines.