Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in New York’s Catskills
Lawrence Braun/The DeBruce
Nestled just 120 miles north of Manhattan, New York’s Catskills beckon with rolling storybook farmland, dome-shaped mountain peaks, and enchanting towns steeped in both history and creativity. The region is vast and magnetic thanks to scenic vistas, cascading waterfalls, and ever-evolving havens for city escape artists and nature enthusiasts alike. Here, purpose-driven farms offer roadside stands, while chic lodges blend seamlessly with historic villages revitalized by artistic flair. Galleries and small boutiques dot the landscape, showcasing a creative scene fueled by urban transplants and locals alike.
Whether you want scenic hikes leading to hidden swimming holes, cozy diners serving up locally sourced fare, or picturesque streets lined with brightly-colored buildings, the Catskill Mountains offer a refreshing escape in every season. From indulgent warm days by rushing streams in summer to shredding the slopes (try Windham or Hunter) in winter, the region promises a buzzy adventure scene. With its own distinct charm, the Catskills captivating valleys and a trove of forested mountain trails invite hikers of all levels.
How to get to the Catskills, and what to go for
It’s rumored that the Catskills received their name after wild cats (likely bobcats) that Dutch settlers encountered when roaming the region in the 17th century. Or the moniker could have been gleaned from the Dutch word kaatsbaan, referring to a field hosting tennis-esque racquet games, after the settlers witnessed the local Native Americans here playing the sport we now know as lacrosse. Though there’s great contrast from NYC, the region has always existed as an arts haven for musicians (Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan), writers (Mark Twain, John Burroughs) and painters (Asher B. Durand, Thomas Cole, Susie Barstow) since the late 19th century. From Woodstock to Phoenicia, there's something for every traveler—from art galleries and farm-to-table eateries to adventurous hikes and scenic drives in steep-sided valleys. The dynamic blend of creative urban transplants and nature lovers has amped up the region’s ever-convergence of innovation (new galleries openings and a forward-looking culinary scene) and natural beauty (rushing streams along high green grass and valleys of wildflowers).
Though much of this corner of New York is unfortunately not directly accessible by major train lines, stops along the Metro-North and Amtrak lines lead to many close-by towns in the bordering region of Hudson Valley. From there, it’s best to venture into the Catskills by car. A visit to the Catskills is an enriching one—not just for New Yorkers, but for travelers from all around the globe.
Where to eat
The Catskills' culinary revolution has unfolded over the past decade, marked by innovative pairings between local farmers and restaurateurs that results in vibrant and delicious dining. In Livingston Manor, this partnership is exemplified at Kaatskeller, where wood-fired pizzas feature locally sourced ingredients amidst a lively garden atmosphere. Milkweed offers sustainable vegan gelato, showcasing the region's commitment to ethical dining practices and farm-to-table freshness. The Walk-In embodies this revolution with its casual, locally inspired dishes, celebrating the close-knit community of farmers and chefs. Meanwhile, The DeBruce in Livingston Manor blends James Beard acclaim with a menu that highlights the best of Catskills produce. Near Hunter Mountain, the iconic, old-school Phoenicia Diner is a staple from the early 80s that offers mouthwatering comfort food.
Hotels, too, carry the region’s tradition with hearty fare crafted from locally sourced ingredients; Tannersville's Hotel Lilien reflects the region's commitment to sustainable and delicious dining experiences. In Callicoon, the Seminary Lodge (and especially its Tasting Room) rounds out the journey with a seasonal menu that showcases the bounty of the Delaware River Valley, inviting diners to savor flavors deeply rooted in the Catskills' agricultural heritage.
The best things to do in the Catskills
The Catskills are where it's all happening—this is a fairytale-esque region for enjoying wide-open outdoor space that also maintains a vibrant culture. A prime example is the events roster hosted by The Wild Honey Pie; throughout the Catskills and Hudson Valley, the music blog turned creative agency host music and dining parties open to anyone who wants to buy a ticket, and features high-class delights like Brooklyn’s Paulie Gee’s pizza. Through all seasons, the ticketed events attract an evolving (and genuinely, cool) community of music lovers who travel nationwide to join in on the fun.
For nature lovers, the Catskills is first and foremost an outdoor paradise. Kaaterskill Falls features a stunning, two-tier waterfall with hiking trails and breathtaking views. Mongaup Pond Campground is perfect for swimming, camping, and enjoying the serene surroundings. Onteora Lake in the Catskill Park near Kingston provides a peaceful day by the water with picnic tables and scenic trails. For a refreshing dip, the Esopus Creek offers sweet and cool inviting waters. Echo Lake and Overlook Mountain near Woodstock are adjacent to a colorful Buddhist monastery within the hilly landscape. The hiking trails wind through building ruins and lead to a fire tower, where you can climb to the overwhelmingly breathtaking panoramic views of the Catskills (and beyond).
The Colony in Woodstock, a restored 1929 theater, where multiple notable artists have performed, is also the perfect spot to listen to bands in the Great Room over a meal or drinks. You can also grab a bite and a craft beverage at the eclectic live music Dancing Cat Saloon, where Catskill Distilling Company partners for handcrafted spirits from local farms utilizing ingredients and water sourced from the surrounding mountains.
The Catskills art scene is equally enchanting, with venues like the Catskills Art Space in Livingston Manor showcasing rotating exhibits by cutting-edge artists and authors. This dynamic space, situated in front of a small freshwater lake, also hosts live events and performances. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the birthplace of Woodstock, now serves as a cultural center displaying local artwork and educating visitors about the region’s native history, and holding events like the Catskill Cuisine food festival, live music performances, and local vendor markets. Visitors also visit the historic home of Thomas Cole (as well as its studios, grounds, and a hiking trail), the early environmentalist and American artist, for major exhibitions of 19th-century and contemporary art. New exhibitions focus on Indigenous approaches to the local land, alongside Cole’s articulation of the American landscape.
Where to stay in the Catskills
In Sullivan County, the Eldred Preserve offers a reimagined boutique hotel experience with 28 accommodations. Surrounded by 600 acres of forest and featuring access to Sunrise Lake, it’s perfect for outdoor activities like paddling, kayaking, fishing, and bird watching. Blue Fox Motel is a Mom & Pop owned gem in neighboring Delaware County that combines rustic cabin charm with groovy tunes and swanky cocktails in a unique dining and bar area. The Woodhouse Lodge in Greenville is a charming boutique lodge with artistic influences, cozy guest rooms, and a fire pit with hammocks under lit-string lights. Nearby, in Tannersville, Hotel Lilien blends modern touches with Victorian charm, offering a trendy cocktail bar and proximity to Hunter Mountain, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure.
Wildflower Farms, part of Auberge Resorts, is a spa retreat nestled in the Shawangunk Mountains with a working farm, cooking classes, a spa, and freestanding cabins offering stunning views; it’s a premier destination for both nature lovers and those simply seeking solace. Piaule Catskill, another standout, combines sustainable design with wellness in a stylish setting, featuring 24 designer cabins and a large communal spa. Also in Ulster County, the Eastwind Oliverea Valley in Ulster County provides a cozy getaway with a woodfire-warmed lounge, sauna, ski slopes nearby, and summer activities like outdoor yoga and DJ sets, ensuring a year-round appeal.
The region's reimagined historic hotels meet the creative spirit of artists, with purpose-driven design bringing each space to life alongside sweeping nature. Whether you want to be nestled in the lush green mountains or situated just outside one of the Catskills' charming towns, you can truly bask within (and take advantage of) the ultimate upstate getaway by options for a local hotel—or, of course, you can also camp (say, along the Esopus Creek), or explore fabulous Airbnbs in the area.)
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
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