Labor Day is the unofficial end to summer and while we’re sad to see the sunny days and warm nights end, there’s still time to celebrate. The Sullivan Catskills have a lot to offer, whether you went to spend the last days of summer relaxing or going on an adventure, here are some things to do, places to stay, and events to attend this weekend. And don’t worry—Fall is just around the corner and with it comes colorful leaves and crisp air.
Take some time to relax
With summer winding down now is a great time to spend some down time yourself, as you re-group and get ready for the fall. The Sullivan Catskills has a variety of lodging and spa options so you can relax and rejuvenate. The recently opened Kenoza Hall, located in Kenoza Lake, has an on-site full-service spa with treatments rooted in naturopathy and hydrotherapy. If you’re looking to be fully immersed in a wellness experience, check out YO1 Health Resort in Monticello. They offer Ayurvedic therapies focused on personalized treatments, with everything from yoga to acupuncture. And if you want an old-school Catskills vacation, head to Callicoon Hills, a resort nestled in the hamlet of Callicoon Center. Lounge by the pool or explore nature on the property, and then stop by the on-site coffee shop and restaurant.
Check out the Makers Market
The Farmhouse Project’s annual Makers Market is a favorite for both locals and visitors alike. The unique two-day market features carefully curated artisans from local studios and workshops throughout the region, as well as local farm-to-table cuisine; craft beer, wine, and spirits; and live music. This year it will be held at Callicoon Hills, a historic resort and restaurant in Callicoon Center with a newly restored 1859 barn. The gentlemen who brought you The Farmhouse Project, a lifestyle blog and home goods brand, bring a creative approach to everything they do, making this a not-to-miss event!
When: September 4th and 5th
Time: 11am-6pm
Where: Callicoon Hills, 1 Hills Resort Rd.
Callicoon Center, NY 12724
Attend the Harvest Festival
The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Harvest Festival celebrates the bounty of the season with a farmers market, artisans, food and music. Located at the site of the original Woodstock festival, the Harvest Festival is an annual event that runs for six weeks during the fall season. You can expect 80-plus regional vendors, live music on the Harvest Festival stage, a food truck court, a corn maze and more.
When: September 5 (and every Sunday until October 3)
Time: 11am-4pm
Where: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, 200 Hurd Road
Bethel, NY 12720
Take a hike
Summer is of course a great time to explore the outdoors, and Labor Day weekend will still provide nice weather. Find local trails on Trailkeeper, which provides easy-to-read, easy-to-access maps and facilities information and guides to hiking safety. There are many options ranging from shorter to longer hikes and easy to moderate to strenuous levels. Make sure you’re wearing appropriate footwear and check the weather ahead of time. Now go take a hike!
Discover the Dove Trail
The Sullivan Catskills Dove Trail© was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Woodstock festival and celebrates its impact on our Sullivan Catskills. The collection of doves has been hand painted by local artists and are in towns, villages and at businesses in Sullivan County. It would make for a fantastic day trip to travel around and try to see all the doves. View the map on our website and don’t forget to take a picture with the hashtag #SullivanCatskillsDoveTrail.
Go on a river trip
Soak up the last rays of sunshine and get out on the Delaware River. Lander’s River Trips has kayaking, canoeing, tubing, rafting, and camping at multiple locations up and down the river. Great for groups, you’re sure to have an unforgettable river adventure. Indian Head is an adventure for everyone of all ages, offering kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and rafting. Extend your stay in their unique riverside cabins and campground. And Reber River Trips is in Barryville offers kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and rafting.
Get some good eats
It’s no secret that the Sullivan Catskills has some great restaurants and local eateries. There truly is something for everyone whether you’re looking for fine dining, farm-to-table, or a quick stop at a café. Here’s just a few of our recommendations. Take advantage of the remaining summer weather and dine outside at The Laundrette in Narrowsburg. You’ll get views overlooking the Delaware River as you enjoy wood-fired sourdough crust pizza and a house-made cocktail. If you want an elevated dining experience, check out The DeBruce in Livingston Manor, which has a five-course tasting menu with a focus on local ingredients. For a great cup of coffee and freshly baked pastry, head over to the Jeffersonville Bake Shop and settle into a comfy armchair next to the fireplace.
Explore the Beverage Trail
Travel around the Sullivan Catskills while trying out our many beers, wines, ciders, and spirits! There are over a dozen craft breweries, cideries, distilleries and wineries on our expanding Beverage Trail. From one end of the county to the other, you can enjoy a crisp glass of hard cider at Seminary Hill in Callicoon or a craft beer at Catskill Brewery in Livingston Manor. Most locations feature daily tastings and tours to give you a close-up look at how the beverages are made. Please drink responsibly and do not drink and drive.
Go on a shopping spree
Whether you’re visiting for a day or longer, there are many shops around the Sullivan Catskills that offer a unique shopping experience. We have a lot of antiques here and for a great spot look no further than Town & Country Antiques in Liberty with two floors of antiques, collectibles, and a wide variety of items for you and your home. If home décor is your thing, stop by Spruce Home Goods in Callicoon. They have a highly curated selection of fine home goods (it’s also a cheese shop with local bread and eggs). And for a little bit of everything, you can’t miss Narrowsburg Proper. Located right on Main Street in Narrowsburg “the not so general, general store” offers Italian specialties, cocktail accouterments, Narrowsburg provisions, and menswear.
Shop local at our farmers markets
One of the things that makes this area so special is our many local farms. If you want to cook up a delicious meal, you can find the freshest and best ingredients at the many farmers markets in: Rock Hill, Monticello, Callicoon, Narrowsburg, Barryville, Mamakating, Roscoe and Kauneonga Lake. In addition to vegetables and fruits, you’ll find prepared foods, baked goods, eggs, dairy, meat, jam, honey, maple syrup, herbal tea blends, skin care products, pottery, woodwork and much more.
