From the beginning, they came for our fresh air, water, cool summer breezes, snowy winter slopes, and year-round spectacular scenery. Writers and influencers have found much to love in Sullivan Catskills, here’s what they have to say…
Skyscrapers reach toward the clouds in Manhattan and cascades rumble in Niagara Falls at the Canadian border. But between those two cities lies much of what makes New York unique - from the majestic Adirondack mountains to the magnificent Finger Lakes and surrounding natural beauty. So many charming towns dot the landscape, and many are underrated as they brim with character and history. Here are 10 little-known towns in New York, as determined by the World Atlas.
Located on the Delaware River and at the foot of the Catskills in Sullivan County, this hamlet is tiny but mighty. Narrowsburg has a "rich tapestry of natural beauty and a strong sense of community that radiates from every corner," according to the World Atlas.
Historic architecture, hippy art-painted barns and a variety of small-town businesses line the idyllic Main Street. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking and canoeing on the Delaware to hiking trails that offer views of the Poconos. There are several museums in the area, including the Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History.
Sullivan County, New YorkGood luck ever wanting to leave this fall wonderland of the Catskills Mountains. Spooky and seasonal hits include the walk-through Peace, Love & Pumpkins experience at Bethel Woods (historic site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival) in Bethel, where you’ll marvel at thousands of jack-o’-lanterns and “Dark Forest Fright Walks” at Burn Brae Mansion in Glen Spey.
Traveling with kids? Check out Cunningham Family Farm in Swan Lake, which boasts activities like pumpkin picking, a corn maze, hay rides, gem mining and more.
Post up at Roscoe Mountain Club in Roscoe, a year-round woodland retreat that literally shines in the autumn thanks to an explosion of orange, yellow and burnt red trees across some 1,000 acres. The 24-room inn keeps guests entertained around the clock with golf, racquetball courts, tennis courts and hiking trails aplenty, and you can also test your luck at fishing on a private 40-acre lake. Other top picks for lodging are Kenoza Hall in Kenoza Lake, where you’ll want to wake up in time for a yoga class or the “morgen lauf” guided nature hike on weekends. There's also the newly opened Driftwood Ranch Resort, in White Lake, a luxury property on a working horse and cattle ranch.
Snow season is well underway in the Catskills in January. Conveniently located about three hours from New York City and four hours from Boston, the Catskills offer small towns, history, restaurants, and a variety of places to stay, from rustic, romantic cabins to luxurious resorts. Want to leave the driving to someone else? You can take a train or bus from Manhattan and enjoy the scenery along the way. In the Sullivan Catskills (the southern part of the range), visitors can cruise the Craft Beverage Trail for breweries, distilleries, cideries, and fun places to stop for a meal. For those that would prefer a glass of vino, you can visit wineries in the Catskills, too.
Where to Stay: The Henson, Scribner’s Catskill Lodge, and 18-room boutique Hotel Lilien are minutes from Hunter Mountain, a popular ski area.
With so many local farms and farmers’ markets, and the rise in popularity of local eating, the Catskills has become one of the top culinary escapes in the nation.
While exploring the beautiful Catskills this fall, there are a few farm-to-table restaurants not to be missed. The Heron in Narrowsburg is open for brunch and dinner and incorporates the agricultural resources of the region into its menus as much as possible. Deer Mountain Inn in Tannersville offers rustic and luxurious lodging, as well as an excellent menu with a variety of simple and small plates with locally sourced ingredients. Peekamoose Restaurant & Tap Room is the founding establishment of farm-to-table restaurants in the Catskills and has paved the way for many. The Arnold House Tavern in Livingston Manor has a cozy pub-like atmosphere and a standout menu with ingredients like trout straight from the Beaverkill River.
Plan your fall drive through the Catskill Mountains via the picturesque Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (pictured). Just 90 minutes from Manhattan, by traveling scenic Route 97, you’ll find county eateries, museums, historical sites, and antique shops, all surrounded by rolling hills and rock-cut landscapes. The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, which largely parallels the highway, offers numerous access points for fishing and boating.
Stop for the night at The Hancock House, nestled in the quaint and charming town of Hancock. Enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast and you’re just a short walk from the river.
