Bring your appetite for food and adventure to New York’s Sullivan Catskills

The only thing better than springtime and the blossoming flowers is being in the company of good friends and the taste of good food. In New York’s Sullivan Catskills, there will be plenty of it all during the 2nd Annual Catskill Cuisine— a three-day food fest May 10-12. This food and beverage festival will celebrate the area’s heritage with locally sourced ingredients prepared by celebrity, nationally renowned and local chefs. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts— the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair— will again play host to this foodie affair. New this year is a celebrity golf tournament on Friday at Resorts World Catskills Monster Golf course.

Just 90 minutes from Manhattan, the Sullivan Catskills is a popular getaway destination with a legendary reputation for hospitality. Over nearly 1,000 square miles, there are full-service resorts, charming boutique inns, and abundant outdoor pursuits. Modern-day makers and artisans abound contributing to the area’s low-key vibe and small-town charm.

Catskill-icious

Gourmands will love the food and beverage scene, dubbed “Catskill-icious.” The talented, professionally trained chefs and bakers include natives, newcomers and even some James Beard nominated establishments all with one thing in common— a passion for good food, drink, and warm hospitality. Before you indulge, there are many ways to work up your appetite. 

There are 164 crystal-clear lakes here, perfect for swimming, boating, waterskiing, and fishing. American dry fly-fishing was born here. Cast a line in the Beaverkill, Neversink Rivers, or Willowemoc Creek and experience the joy and the art of it for yourself. Do make time to visit the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum. Afterward reel in a brew at Upward Brewing Company (don’t miss the hike up Beer Mountain), Catskill Brewery in Livingston Manor. In Roscoe, there is both beer and spirits at Roscoe Beer Company and Do Good Spirits. Great meals in this neck of the woods are plentiful. Check out: The DeBruce, The Yarra, Northern Farmhouse Pasta, Kaatskeller, The Junction, Main Street Farm, Smoke Joint Catskills, Van Smokey, Roscoe Diner, and Nif T’s Ice Cream.

Largest Freshwater Wetlands

In the southeast section of the Sullivan Catskills near Wurtsboro, The Bashakill Wildlife Management Area is home to the largest freshwater wetlands in southeastern New York. There are 15 miles of flat hiking trails along the historic D&H Canal towpath. After a hike or some kayaking through the wetlands, swing into Bashakill Vineyards, and sample their handcrafted, small-batch wines, charcuterie boards, and tacos in this outdoor setting. Nearby, Pasta D’Oro is a lovely choice for a fine Italian meal. For more casual bites swing by Danny’s Restaurant, Sullivan House Bar & Grill, or Wurtsboro Diner and Café. Fuel up with a caffeine jolt at Gigi Java.

adventure to New York’s Sullivan Catskills

The Tusten Mountain Trail is a moderately challenging 2.9-mile loop trail. This hike is best from spring through fall. Bring your pupper on a leash. Later, the Cochecton Pump House is a must. This open-air Biergarten in the former 1879 Standard Oil pump house is wildly popular. Chef Paul Nanni makes his signature deviled eggs and Fried Buttermilk Chicken in Narrowsburg at The Heron. Coffee is a daily ritual, and the Tusten Cup is open seven days, year-round. Pizza lovers: check out the Laundrette. If you dare, try the Nduja with spicy pork and hot peppers. 

Read Also: Welcome Home: Quincy Foodie Tours with a Side of History

For foodies who can never get enough, other Catskill-icious eateries you’ll want to try include: Forage and Gather (Hurleyville and Mountaindale), Benji and Jakes, The Local Table and Tap, Cellaio, Solaia, Cochecton Fire Station, and Neversink General Store. Round out the Good Taste Craft Beverage Trail with visits to Catskill Provisions, Seminary Hill Cidery, Forthright Cyder & Mead, Callicoon Brewing Company, Rock Valley Spirits, Russian Mule Brewing Company, Shrewd Fox Brewery, and Stickett Inn Cider. 

Accommodations here range from full-service resorts (Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark, Resorts World Catskills, Callicoon Hills, Villa Roma) and vacation rentals to campgrounds, charming inns (Chatwal Lodge, Kenoza Hall, Inn at Lake Joseph, Eldred Preserve), B&Bs, and Short-Term Rentals. For details on all the Sullivan Catskills food, Craft Beverage Trail, lodging, attractions, and activities, visit SullivanCatskills.com to book your experience.  When you visit, be sure to download the free App, SullivanCatskillsGo!