Don't judge Catskill's entertainment value by its size. Nestled in the foothills of the northern Catskill Mountains, this quaint New York town has plenty to offer: shopping, outdoor activities, culture and history. Whether you're visiting for a week or a weekend, Catskill has plenty to keep you entertained.
The Hudson River, nearby mountains, and pristine natural beauty make Catskill an appealing spot for nature lovers. In one weekend, visitors to Catskill can canoe down the Hudson River, hike in the mountains, soak in a breathtaking view of five states, and witness the state's highest waterfall.
For starters, check out the 400-plus-acre RamsHorn Livingston Sanctuary, located right in town. This sanctuary is made up of tidal swamp and forests. Bring your canoe because the sanctuary has access to the Hudson River or just take your hiking shoes and explore the more than three miles of trails. The bird watcher of the family will be mesmerized by Catskill. The region has more than 270 documented bird species that can be seen from numerous locations; one of the best spots in the area for watching is the RamsHorn Livingston Sanctuary.
For a great afternoon, take a hike to Kaaterskill Falls, the state's highest cascading waterfall. The falls are located in the nearby town of Haines Falls and can be accessed from Catskill via Route 23A. As a bonus, the Kaaterskill Falls and surrounding trails provide great views of the Hudson Valley. But for an utterly unforgettable view, don't miss Five State Lookout. The name says it all: you'll be able to see sweeping views of the Hudson Valley and five states. Five State Lookout is just minutes from Catskill in East Windham.
If you brought you pet, be sure to visit Park for Paws, located right in Catskill. This community dog park features an agility course and picnic area.
It's not all about the outdoors in Catskill. There's plenty of culture to be had, whether your pleasure is dining, shopping, art or theater. For a leisurely afternoon, spend some time browsing Catskill's quaint downtown shops or grab a bite at one of the many dining spots. Catskill's eateries serve everything from sandwiches, to steaks, Italian and beyond. For a casual but delicious breakfast or lunch, there's the Catskill Mountain Country Store and Restaurant. This Catskill staple serves up fresh produce, meats and vegetarian selections in a homey and comfortable atmosphere.
If you want to experience the arts, downtown Catskill has a few options. The Green County Council on the Arts is located on Main Street in Catskill and is home to a gallery with rotating exhibits. Gallery 384, which displays local and emerging artists, is also on Main Street downtown. If you are feeling artistic yourself, visit Imagine That, a paint-your-own pottery studio on Main Street.
There's so many historical sites in and around Catskill that it may be impossible to catch them all in one visit. Some of the highlights include the Historic Catskill Point and Freightmasters Building. Located on Main Street, this park and museum is situated where the area's first tourists arrived by boat. Historic Catskill Point also features a museum that explores the town's history, as well as a public boat dock and a restored warehouse for shows and exhibitions.
If you want to see what art and history looks like under one roof, visit the Thomas Cole National Historic Site on Spring Street. This building is the preserved residence of Thomas Cole, a famed artist in the region. Inside, you'll see artworks and period furnishings.
The Pratt Homestead, located in nearby Prattsville, is another must-see for historical enthusiasts. Built in 1828, this home is on the National Historic Register and boasts impeccable period details.
