I began visiting the Catskills in 2014. I fell for the region’s accessibility from New York City (2-4 hours by car, depending on destination), abundance of outdoor activities, and excellent restaurants and breweries. I have since visited a few times per year, mostly between May and October.
The area generally referred to as “the Catskills” comprises four counties: Delaware, Greene, Sullivan and Ulster. The destinations below are concentrated in these counties, bordered by the Catskill Mountain range to the west and the Hudson River to the east.
The Western Catskills region — about two hours southwest and situated along the Upper Delaware River — also makes for a great getaway. I’ll cover that region in a future guide.
The best way to visit the region is by car. Though serviced by a convenient coach bus service from NYC, you’re better off having a car to visit many of the small towns connected by state highways.
I recommend selecting two to three destinations to explore over a weekend getaway, and more for a longer stay. My favorite destinations are Phoenicia, Bovina, and Andes. If you’re seeking more shopping, art, and crafts, also consider Woodstock and Hudson. Regardless of where you base yourself, plan day trips to neighboring destinations.
Note that the operating hours of shops, bars, and restaurants varies by season and day of week. Many establishments have limited hours during the week or operate only Thursday through Sunday. Check the opening hours or call ahead.
A renovated motel in Phoenicia, NY, the Graham & Co is a perennial favorite among the trendy Brooklyn set. Its camp feel, swimming pool, and fire pit make for a classic, unpretentious stay.
A high-ceilinged, two bedroom AirBnB in the tiny town of Bovina. Operated by the owners of the similarly-named Brushland Eating House restaurant, which is not to be missed. This makes for a quiet getaway and an excellent home base to explore the northern part of the Catskills.