Catskill Mountains
There are plentiful vacation ideas for the Catskills, New York. Whether you are interested in a weekend getaway or an extended stay, the region offers scenic views and year-round activities. According to Frommer's, there are four counties in upstate New York that comprise the Catskills. Greene and Ulster Counties are situated in the eastern and central parts, respectively. Sullivan and Delaware Counties are situated in the southwestern and western Catskills, respectively.
Cultural Activities
Music aficionados flock to the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, NY. The Sullivan County facility is situated at the site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, according to I Love New York.com. Its attractions include a performing arts center, with concerts featuring classical, oldies and popular music, and a museum.
Historic Sites
Kaaterskill Falls
History buffs will appreciate the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, which is situated in Catskill. Thomas Cole was the founder of the Hudson River School of Painting. His home and studio are open from May through October. Also, the Mountain Top Historic Society, which is located in Haines Falls, is situated on top of the renowned Kaaterskill Falls. Cole frequently painted scenes from Kaaterskill Falls. According to the Greene County Tourism website, Mountain Top's attractions include a restored 1913 Ulster and Delaware train station and the Hudson River School Art Trail Interpretive Center.
Agritourism
There are many agritourism sites in the Catskills. According to the State of New York Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Riverside Farmers' and Artisans' Market, located in Catskill Point, sells fresh produce and handicrafts made by the locals. In addition, bread and other specialty items are available. There are other farmers' markets located within the Catskill region. For example, the Pakatakan Farmers' Market, which is located in Margaretville, NY, offers its wares in a historic barn, according to the I Love New York.com website. You can find items such as maple syrup and cheese at the Delaware County venue.
Scenic Train Rides
Admire the Catskills while seated in a vintage train.
Maybe you would just like to sit back and enjoy the landscape while seated in a 1920s vintage train. Take the Catskill Mountain Railroad, based in Phoenicia, NY. You can embark either at Phoenicia or Mount Pleasant in Ulster County. The train ride, which lasts 90 minutes, traverses along Esopus Creek, according to the State of New York Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Outdoor Venues
You can enjoy many outdoor venues during your stay. For instance, the North-South Lake is located in Haines Falls. This Greene County attraction is a well-known camping site. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, visitors have access to activities such as fishing and hiking. Also, you can participate in water sports, including canoe and paddle boat rentals. Hunter Mountain, which is 10 miles away from the lake, is another popular destination. Vacationers can either attend ethnic festivals in the summer or enjoy the ski trails in winter.
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