The southeastern corner of Sullivan County will sneak up on you. Not in a startling way. More in a “I had no idea this was here” way. The communities of Wurtsboro, Rock Hill & Monticello reveal themselves one by one, southeast to northwest, as you travel Route 17 in from the Hudson Valley.
Part of that is because of the easy access into the Catskills from Interstates 84 and 87, but more so because each community holds its own rhythm, its own story.
Wurtsboro & the Quaint Village
- Historic Nods
- Natures Notes
- Dine & Stay
From the corner of Sullivan Street and Route 209 (America’s oldest road) to the Wurtsboro Diner & Café, Wurtsboro wears its history lightly. Progressive, welcoming & genuinely itself, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to grab a sandwich and stay the afternoon.
Here, you’ll find Victorian storefronts sitting beside a vegetarian café, art galleries & a classic salon that has heard it all for decades and Crystal Connection, the northeast’s leading source for healing crystals, stones and everything metaphysical. It all orbits the Bashakill Bazaar, a curated marketplace of 25+ antique vendors and local artists.
Built by Big Ambition
The history here runs deeper than the storefronts. Wurtsboro built its character on movement with people, goods & ambition passing through on their way north.
For decades, Wurtsboro served as one of Upstate New York’s major transportation hubs. Originally traversed by the Hudson Canal from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s and then later by the Ontario & Western Railroad, the community thrived through people and goods moving north from NYC.
Today, transportation has changed, but history has provided a progressive blueprint that continues to tip its hat to the past. Seriously, take a peek inside the Bashakill Bazaar and you’ll see, smell, touch and feel every ounce of time past and present.
Preserved by Nature
As an area shaped by people seeking a connection with nature, environmental stewardship has been built into the earthy culture of the Catskills. That ethos certainly rings true in Wurtsboro, especially at the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area, which just happens to be New York’s largest freshwater marsh. It’s the kind of place that’s Eden for birds and fish, but also accessible to feet, kayaks, wheelchairs and bare baby toes dangling from backpacks.
Locals’ Tip: No trip to the Bashakill is complete without a stop at Bashakill Vineyards, especially if you can time your trip on an evening where they are hosting live music on the outdoor patio.
Nearby is the Roosa Gap State Forest known for its quieter trails winding peacefully through towering hardwoods and the D&H Canal Linear Park, a walking and biking friendly towpath along the historic Delaware & Hudson Canal.
Check Out by Checking In
You’ll need a few days to explore everything outside, so you might as well book a few nights inside. In addition to numerous unique vacation rental options, the Days Inn by Wyndham Wurtsboro features tried and true comfort that includes a pool (cannonball) and daily breakfast.
When it’s time to fuel up, kick back for a conversation or wind down, head back to Sullivan Street for nearly every cultural food group in less than four blocks, including The Red Dot Vegetarian Kitchen, Las Mananitas Mexican and Pasta D’oro. Just outside of town in Bloomingburg is Two Farms Brewing, which as an operating lavender and maple syrup farm, is an experience unto itself.
“I live in Monticello but grew up in Wurtsboro and still go there to get my haircut by Diana at The Hair Boutique. Wurtsboro is the kind of community that has everything you need with a hometown vibe that makes you feel good about being there.”
– Angela Rein, Manager of Government Affairs & Public Relations at Resorts World Catskills
Rock Hill & Small Town, Big Heart
- Live Music
- Food & Fun
- Get Outside
Rock Hill is the kind of place where community gardens mean the whole community gardens. Tidy but lively, it’s a hamlet that punches well above its size just northwest of Wurtsboro. Freshwater lakes, forested trails & live music under open sky? Rock Hill brings all of it.
Garden Party
Something about this small town makes everyone want to dance. Whether you’re a little bit country, down for the blues, rocking an open mic or just sitting back and soaking every sound in, Rock Hill carries a music scene unlike any town its size in the Sullivan Catskills. Grab a blanket and pack a picnic on Wednesdays in July & August when Ida Park fills with the free Rock Hill Summer Concert Series from 6:30 p.m. to sunset.
Dine & Dance
Why wait for Wednesday, when you can often combine live music with an amazing meal at one of Rock Hill’s incredible eateries. Kevin’s Restaurant is a local favorite with indoor and outdoor dining, plus a little something unique for every taste, including a surprising selection of vegan and gluten free options.
For burgers and craft beer, fried pickles and truffle fries and the 8oz Brewgamonster, head to Brew. Bring an appetite and a group of friends. You’ll need help.
Locals’ Tip: Brew is also a sneaky good coffee shop and makes a mean breakfast.
When Holiday Mountain is open for skiing and you’re craving a ski après pie, or you just want pizza, hit up Pizza the Rock and try the Garbage Pie. Seriously.
Nearby Nature
The banks of the pristine Neversink River are nearby along with a variety of forested trails and recreational corridors like 4.4-mile Neversink waterfall loop, which features Mullets Falls. For an easier stroll that also includes river views, head to the O&W Rail Trail.
The Neversink Unique Area (AKA the Neversink Gorge) is 4,881 acres of natural wonder that features a full network of trails. Some of which include waterfall views.
“I’m from Rock Hill… In the autumn I watched as the trees changed and fell, the winter I saw the snowy sparkle that was created from the sunlight, in the spring I watched as everything came to life from trees to baby deer, and in the summer I would lie on the side at night and watch the stars. That’s the place where I live.”
– Megan Owens, Orion Magazine
Monticello: Where More is More
- Kid Stuff
- Adult Stuff
- Food Stuff
The thing about Monticello is deciding where to begin. World-class entertainment, international dining, festivals that fill the calendar. None of it what you’d expect to find tucked into the Catskill Mountains.
While the traditional Borscht Belt resorts have faded or evolved, what’s grown is a modern menu of resorts intentionally designed & appointed for travelers who want to actually enjoy themselves.
Family Fun
The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark is where it’s at when it comes to smiles for the whole family, especially in shoulder seasons. It’s big enough to feel like you’re getting away with something for the price, but small enough not to have to worry about losing your kiddos in a pint-sized sea. To really nail it, stay here in winter and spend your days exploring the slopes (and tubing hill) of Holiday Mountain.
Adult Fun
When it’s time to get away without the kids or your kids have kids of their own (see above), Resorts World Catskills has just the right amount of adult fun without the overwhelming scale commonly associated with Vegas-style amenities. We’re talking a modern casino, high-end spa and championship golf course all within a few “city” blocks.
And when you’re ready to crank it up a notch, head to Monticello Motor Club to rip a few hot laps on the 1.9-mile track during a three-hour Ultimate Test Drive experience featuring the Ultimate Driving Machine, BMW.
Locals’ Tip: Both Kartrite and Resorts World have lodging options of all levels, but it’s also worth checking out The Alder Boutique Hotel, Y01 Longevity and Health Resorts and Unique Escapes for accommodation options custom coded for your speed.
Everyone’s Gotta Eat
When you plan a night or two out of the resort or your luxury glamping dome, Monticello surprises with dining options. Locals will tell you that Solaia is Italy in America. Tilly’s is as classic a roadside diner as it comes, especially when it comes to breakfast. And Salt & Pepper is what happens when two artists from NYC set out to open a deli and end up building one of the most beloved spots in the community.
“It blows people away to see the variety of things to be experienced in Monticello. Kartrite alone has the waterpark, but it also has five miles of hiking trails, a rock-climbing wall, ropes course and even paintball. We’re all kids here.”
– Danielle Schwartz, Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark.
Look it up if you want. People who’ve made the trip reach for words like stunning, historic, quaint, comfortable. But they keep coming back to one phrase: “I had no idea this was here.”
It sneaks up on you.