Not to be confused with the Catskills region, Catskill is the darling town in Greene County that is just as much a hub for history as it is for up-and-coming restaurateurs. Like the west-of-the-river county as a whole, Catskill is charmingly low-key. While the rest of the Hudson Valley welcomes new developments, which come in the form of apartments, eateries, and hotels, the quiet town remains largely untouched. Instead, it nestles happily within the forested parks and preserves that surround it. Could it become the next Hudson or Rhinebeck? Without a doubt. Until then, however, we’re happy to spend lazy Saturdays strolling from one attraction to the next in town.
9 a.m. – Savor breakfast at Ambrosia Diner
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A classic Greek diner a short distance from Main Street, Ambrosia is open long hours. Sandwiches, pastries, and all-day breakfast make this place a must to fuel up for the long day of exploring to come.
321 W Bridge St, Catskill
10:30 a.m. – Take a walk at RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary
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Co-owned by Scenic Hudson and the Audubon Society of New York, this 612-acre bird sanctuary allows visitors to walk through woodland, shoreline, and tidal marsh in the hopes of spotting all manner of fowl, from herons to sparrows to a clutch of bald eagles. If you go, don’t forget to bring boots or old shoes; the trails have a habit of getting very muddy.
109 Dubois Rd, Catskill
12:30 p.m. – Dig into lunch at La Casa Latina
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If you’re craving delicious Mexican food, head straight to the heart of town. At La Casa Latina, feel free to munch on the tasty chips as you peruse the many choices on the menu, which range from chicken fajitas to mini chalupas and shrimp tacos.
1 Brandow Alley, Catskill
1:30 p.m. – Sample cider at Left Bank Ciders
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This cidery transforms New York apples into some of the most drinkable cider this side of the Hudson River. Just around the corner from La Casa Latina, you can make a quick stop at this hotspot and enjoy a flight of cider before taking on the afternoon.
150 Water St, Catskill
2 p.m. – Shop Catskill’s historic Main Street
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Catskill has one of the best shopping streets in the Hudson Valley. It’s only a compact half mile, but it boasts options to entice the most curious of customers. Stop in at Magpie Bookshop for a curated used selection, Spike’s Record Rack for ultra-cool vintage choices, Cat on the Corner for kitty-themed crafts and goods, Swamp Angel and Sister Salvage for antiques, and Kirwan’s for a variety of tabletop and board games.
3 p.m. – Visit the Thomas Cole House in Catskill
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The first and, in some ways, the finest of the Hudson River School of painters, Cole colored many of the Valley’s most indelible images. In his historic house and studio, visitors can learn about Cole and other School members, view important artworks, and look out onto the river. Tours are available spring, summer, and fall, while grounds are open year-round.
218 Spring St, Catskill
4:30 p.m. – Take a stroll across the Rip Van Winkle Bridge
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A six-mile out-and-back pedestrian walkway connects Catskill’s Thomas Cole House to Hudson’s Olana State Historic Site. While both of these artsy estates are visually stunning in their own regard, the pathway that connects them is nothing to cough at, either. Running along the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, it affords visitors an unbeatable view of the Hudson River as it meanders through the Valley.
6:30 p.m. – Savor Polish food at New York Restaurant
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In this modern American eatery that has a distinctly Polish twist, diners can start off strong with pierogi and kielbasa before moving onto a menu of salads, flatbreads, and hearty appetizers, all of which use locally sourced ingredients.
353 Main St, Catskill
8 p.m. – Down a brew or two at Crossroads Brewing Company
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Crossroads Brewing Co. has grown dramatically since it began as a humble brewpub in nearby Athens. Down on the creek, in the former Daily Mail printing facility, you can find the Hudson Valley brewery’s large-scale canning operation and taproom and sample one of the many IPAs, stouts, and pilsners in a friendly environment. Food trucks often serve snacks right outside.
201 Water St, Catskill
10 p.m. – Stay at The Old Catskill Game Farm
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Is there anything more unique then spending a night at an abandoned zoo? The Old Catskill Game Farm boasts comfortable, boutique stays and plenty of grounds to explore. Families can rent out the entire 9,000-sq-ft Game Farm Estate, complete with a game room, chef’s kitchen, six bedrooms, and outdoor hot tub. If that’s not in the budget, opt to go glamping with all essentials included. Either way, guests can explore the 200-plus acres of the former zoo. Pets, of course, are more than welcome.
400 Game Farm Rd, Catskill
