Sullivan Catskills Summer—It’s Time to Go!

About 90 miles northwest of Manhattan, New York’s Sullivan Catskills— with its unique blend of small-town charm and big experiences— beckons you this summer for a visit that promises to be unforgettable. From its picturesque landscapes to its vibrant local culture, there’s a world of summer fun waiting for you. 

Let’s start with where to stay. Sullivan Catskills offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s taste. If you prefer full-service, the Resorts World Catskills, Villa Roma, and the Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark are perfect for you. The newest property worth exploring is Hemlock Neversink, which is for revival, restoration, and spa relaxation on 230 acres. If you’re more inclined towards small, intimate country-side accommodations, you’ll find that too in places like North Branch Inn, The Bradstan at the Eldred Preserve, The DeBruce, The Boarding House at Seminary Hill Orchard and Cidery and Callicoon Hills.

Feeling a little more adventurous? Try sleeping in a vintage RV trailer, a glamping tent, a dome, or a Conestoga wagon. You’ll find them all at Boheme Retreats, The Domes at Catskills, and Catskill Conestoga Wagon Outpost. 

Now, about those small towns. The downtowns of Callicoon, Jeffersonville, Livingston Manor, Mountaindale, Narrowsburg, and Roscoe, to name a few, are framed by historic buildings that once housed hotels, mercantile, apothecaries, taverns, and firehouses. Today, they are art galleries, acclaimed restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, antique and jewelry stores, breweries, distilleries, and exercise studios. Stroll through these towns and embrace a chic, relaxed vibe. Visitors and residents alike bring fun to a fever pitch every summer with Tractor Parades, Soap Box Derbys, Trout Parades, The Honeybee Fest, and River Fest. 

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Sullivan Catskills is a mecca for water sports. The banks of the Delaware River are full of liveries where you can rent rafts, tubes, canoes, and kayaks. Fishing is a popular pastime here. There are, after all, 164 lakes here, many of which are perfect for bait fishing. American dry-fly fishing was born in the rivers of the Beaverkill and Neversink and the Willowemoc Creek.

You can learn to cast and learn the history of the sport at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum. If you like to combine exercise and the great outdoors, be a trailblazer. There are over two dozen trails ranging from easy to difficult— on two feet or two wheels (and bike rentals are available at Fortress Bikes and Cinder Track Bicycles). One of the trials on the O&W Rail trail is ADA-compliant.

Let’s talk big attractions. Want to conquer a monster? They’ve brought back a legend— The Monster Golf Course at Resorts World Catskills. All 18 holes have been reimagined by Rees Jones. It’s a true challenge. You won’t want to miss the courses at Villa Roma Resort and Country Club or Roscoe Mountain Club either. Looking for big song and dance? You’re in the right place. New York’s oldest continuously operating summer theater, the Forestburgh Playhouse has a summer season that includes Forbidden Broadway, How I Learned to Drive, The Prom, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Hand to God, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, and Rock of Ages. 

Over at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (at the site of the legendary 1969 Woodstock festival), the stars will be out this summer at the 18,000-seat outdoor pavilion stage: Hootie and the Blowfish, James Taylor, Hozier, Hank Williams, Jr., Phish, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Deep Purple, and many other popular acts. This year, you can enhance your concert experience and camp less than a half mile from the Pavilion. Options include RV camping, glamping, tent-only, and car camping.

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The food and drink scene here will delight simple and discerning palettes. From burgers to immersive multi-course tasting menus, try Tavern on Main, The DeBruce (a 2024 James Beard nominee for outstanding restaurant), The Junction, The Dale, Pasta D’Oro, and dozens of others. The Good Taste Craft Beverage Trail is a collection of breweries, wineries, distilleries and cideries featuring hand-crafted (and award-winning) beverages.

When you’re ready for relaxation and recreation— small and friendly, big on fun and entertainment, a weekend escape, or an extended stay, you’re sure to leave refreshed in no small way. And that’s a big deal.