Peak Experiences in the Catskill Mountains
Summer fun in the Catskill Mountains comes in a variety of forms. These are a few that may please you and your partner:
Celebrate the Arts in Woodstock
Artists, writers and musicians have been drawn to Woodstock in the heart of the Catskill Mountains for more than a century. The vibrant arts scene includes gallery shows, live music in a range of venues, and restaurants that offer ethnic and health-food menus. Lodging in Woodstock is limited, though. So come for the day or book summer lodging early at one of these properties in Woodstock in the Catskill Mountains.
Kick Back in Retro Chic at Kate’s
Kate is Kate Pierson of the B-52s, and she's making a name for herself as a Catskill Mountains host in the don't-blink-or-you'll-miss-it town of Mount Tremper, which is about 20 minutes from Woodstock. Kate bought a rundown Catskill Mountains motel and has been recreating it as a 1950s dream getaway. Each cabin is individually decorated with loads of style, making Kate's Lazy Meadow a fun summer retreat.
Get Cozy at the Lodge at Emerson Place
The Lodge at Emerson Place, formerly known as Catskill Corners, is rustic Catskills comfort at its best. Spacious, well-appointed rooms overlook the Esopus Creek, a favorite spot of Catskill Mountains fly fishermen in summer. Luxury lodgings feature a first-floor sitting area with a gas fireplace (nights can get chilly) and large private deck. A wooden staircase leads up to the loft, which holds a king-sized bed and bathroom with a huge whirlpool tub at the Lodge at Emerson Place.
Hit the Trail with Your Dog
Wouldn't think of heading to the Catskill Mountains this summer without your dog? River Run B&B in the town of Fleishmanns is as pet-friendly a place as you'll find in the Catskill Mountains. A classic Victorian mansion converted in to a B&B, River Run welcomes well-behaved dogs. Take your four-footed friend with you into the Catskill Mountains Forest Preserve, up to Belleayre Mountain, or down by one of the trout streams that flow outside the River Run B&B.
Golf at Kutshers Country Club
Despite attempts to upgrade and update, Kutshers Country Club never quite manages to shake off its Catskill Mountains Borscht-Belt heritage. Its squat, ugly buildings are reminiscent of Eastern European architecture. The last time I visited there was olive green carpeting on the walls of my room as well as on the floor. But I'm going to give Kutshers the benefit of the doubt that things have gotten better. Kutshers includes three abundant meals a day in its affordable room rates and lures golfers to this Catskill Mountains getaway with an 18-hole course. More about Kutshers Country Club.
Live it Up at Emerson Place
A shopping, dining, lodging destination in an undeveloped area of the Catskill Mountains, Emerson Place proves that with enough money invested a luxury property can survive anywhere. The inn has themed guest rooms, a spa, and a dining room all of which are expensive by New York, let alone Catskill Mountains, standards. Across the street is a shopping area where guests can pick up gourmet food and gifts, spa items, and... kaleidoscopes to remember their summer visit to Emerson Place.
Take in the Views at Scribner Hollow Lodge
Overlooking Hunter Mountain, Scribner Hollow Lodge may have the best views of any lodgings in the Catskill Mountains. Several guest rooms feature a private balcony. Scribner Hollow also operates one of the best restaurants in the Catskill Mountains; The Prospect has won Wine Spectator Magazine's Award of Excellence and features wine-tasting dinners throughtout the year. Nearby is the best minature golf course in the Catskill Mountains. Scribner Hollow Lodge.
Explore Nature in New Paltz
Mohonk Mountain House is surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine forest and winding trails. The house itself is a rambling, 251-room Victorian castle beside the deep-blue waters of Lake Mohonk. (Scenes from Dirty Dancing were filmed here. Lodgings aren't fancy and service can be slow in summer, but the scenery more than makes up for that at Mohonk Mountain House.
Catskill Mountains Tourism
The Catskill Mountains consist of the following counties:
- Sullivan County in the Catskill Mountains
- Ulster County in the Catskill Mountains
- Greene County in the Catskill Mountains
- Delaware County in the Catskill Mountains
Traveling to the Catskill Mountains
Depending on how far north you go, travel from New York City to the Catskill Mountains can take anywhere from 90 minutes to three hours. Even if you don't have a car, you may still be able to reach many of the Catskill Mountains lodgings mentioned above via Trailways bus.
