A stop in this quaint New York town usually means poking around shops and strolling along the charming little streets. You'll also want to spend time admiring the gorgeous scenery along the river, which is so lovely it's immediately clear why Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School of artists, made his home in this area.
Chocolate and Craft Beer: Many artisanal food companies have popped up in this area. Two of our favorites are Fruition Chocolate, a boutique bean-to-bar chocolate shop, and Angela’s Italian Bistro and Brewery, which brews its own IPA beer on the premises.
The Great Outdoors: The Ashokan Reservoir is a sweet spot for bike riding, walking, or trout fishing (if you get a permit). The mountains provide even more of a serene scene.
Leaf Peeping: Fall brings Technicolor tree transformations when emerald green leaves turn golden yellow, robust red, and flaming orange. Still-warm weather makes it an amazing time of year to see Mother Nature at work.
Living Art: Thomas Cole’s 19th-century residence and studio is open to the public with displays of the famous artist’s landscape paintings depicting local life. Exhibits also include works by Frederic Edwin Church and Asher B. Durand, contributors to Cole’s acclaimed Hudson River School. You can also visit Olana, Church's grand Middle Eastern-style home set above the Hudson Valley.
Outdoor Enthusiasts: Catskill’s biggest draw is the plethora of trails, parks, and other activities for nature lovers. If you want to go at a leisurely pace, there are also routes for scenic drives.
It's a Popular Name: Catskill is the name of a town made up of many villages, and the village of Catskill is where you will find the quaint downtown. And they are both within the Catskill Mountain region.