Callicoon, in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains of New York, is about a two-hour drive from New York City. The small town -- population barely 3,000 -- is on the Delaware River, so outdoor activities are popular. Callicoon is an easy day trip from the city, but it can also be the base for a low-key family getaway. It has a couple of bed & breakfasts in town and the Villa Roma Resort & Conference Center was recently renovated.
Since Callicoon is in the heart of New York's bread basket, be sure to visit the weekly Farmers' Market. The market is open Sundays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 2 through Nov. 28. The whole town seems to show up, plus farmers and craftspeople. You can buy baked goods and fruit to eat out of hand, plus vegetables and meat to cook later. Local wineries also take part and offer samples.
Callicoon Creek Park
Audley Dorrer Drive near bridge over
Delaware River to Pennsylvania.
The Delaware River is pretty to look at, but the view improves when you actually get on the water. Lander's River Trips rents kayaks and canoes to those 10 and older. Giant rafts, for all ages, can hold up to four adults, or three adults and two kids. You can also go tubing, with kids ages 5 and up. Don't worry: after you float down river, Lander's drives you back to your starting place. Lander's is open seasonally, from about mid-April to Columbus Day. The river is very cold in the spring.
Lander's River Trips
23 Dorrer Drive
Callicoon, NY 12723
800-252-3925
landersrivertrips.com
At Apple Pond Farm and Renewable Energy Education Center, kids can milk a goat, feed horses, collect eggs and plant and harvest the garden. There are also family farm tours and workshops showing how to make goat milk cheese. The farm added seminars and workshops on renewable energy sources, including wind, photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, all of which are used at the farm.
Apple Pond Farm
80 Hahn Road
Callicoon Center, NY 12724
845-482-4764
applepondfarm.com
