Guide to the Catskills
FOOD AND DRINK
Phoenicia Diner
Delicious diner food and hip scene. Great place to stop for brunch on the way out of town. Hwy 28.
Peekamoose Restaurant
Delicious food in a quirky but upscale environment. Good for group dinners but make reservations in advance. Roast s’mores over the outdoor fire pit and seating in the summer months. Closed Tues and Weds and located on Hwy 28.
Table on Ten
Incredible pizza in an old house with outdoor tables for groups located a scenic 30 minutes away in Bloomville, NY.
Brushland Eating House
A newish and lovely farm-to-table restaurant in Bovina (one of the best pork chops I’ve ever had!). Make reservations before visiting.
Wayside Cider Taproom
Great place to spend an afternoon (all seasons) enjoying their homegrown cider, a nice beer selection, cocktails, and yummy snacks. In the summer they have a large outdoor seating area that's good for groups.
Lazy Crazy Acres
This farm and CSA hosts outdoor pizza nights on Saturdays in summer and fall. Also hayrides and special events around Halloween.
Union Grove Distillery
This is a brand spankin’ new distillery with a taproom near the Shell House. They offer tours and tastings in the summer.
The Bull and Garland
Charming and delicious British fare in a lovely old house.
Cassie’s Cafe
Local homecooked greasy spoon. Great for hangovers but not great for large groups as it's usually too busy on weekends.
Ommegang brewery
Cooperstown is about an hour and a half away but they often have great summer events and festivals that could be worth the drive.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Plattekill Mountain
Just 10 minutes away! Skiing, outdoor activities, some of the best mountain biking trails in NY state, and special events.
Belleayre Mountain
Skiing, outdoor activities, lake beach, and a music festival every weekend during the summer.
Swimming hole and kayaking
Susan’s Pleasant Pheasant Farm in neighboring Halcottsville has kayaking rentals and they will happily point you towards the free private swimming hole they maintain. Please be respectful!
Catskill Mountain Club Hiking
20 suggested hikes from the Catskill Mountain Club ranging from easy to difficult. Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower is a 7 mi hike with great views about 30 minutes away.
Hiking
Check out the Catskill Mountain Club's favorite hikes: "You want long, strenuous, intense climbs? Got ‘em. You want serene and relaxing strolls through gently rolling terrain? Got ‘em. Towering ancient hemlock ravines, waterfalls, fern glades, or rocky ledges? Got ‘em. How about rail trails, carriage roads, trailless peaks for bushwacking? Got all of them too."
Mine Kill State Park
A waterfall, disc golf, boating on the dam, and pleasant short and moderate hikes.
Mushroom walks
Join Catskill Fungi on local walks exploring edible mushrooms and learn how to safely pick and cultivate your own mushrooms.
Tubing Esopus Creek
For the adventurous.
Catskills scenic mountain bike trail
26 miles from Roxbury to Bloomville.
SHOPPING & NEARBY
Delaware Scenic Railroad
Ride an old timey train ride around the Catskills. Especially popular in the fall and they also have special events like a Train Robbery re-enactment (!) and ‘Twilight on the Rails’ blues and R&B party on labor day weekend. From the Shell House we can hear the train whistle periodically through the mountains.
Roxbury Arts Group
Performances, concerts, workshops, and exhibitions featuring local artists.
Rick’s Barn Antiques
Nearby on hwy 30. Some good finds (like the NY state map we have in the middle room!).
Catskill Center
Organization doing important work to protect the Catskills environment and foster cultural and economic well-being. They host events and art shows at their space in Arkville.
Scandinavian Grace
A nice shop to stop in, look around, and have a good coffee. Hwy 28.
Fabulous Furniture
You can’t miss it on Hwy 28.
Kabinett & Kammer
‘A contemporary curiosity shop of antiques, natural wonders and art. A medical, botanical and zoological design resource.’ Located in Andes across from Wayside Cider.
Moose Crossing
Peak cabin vibes.
The Roxbury Motel
Funky hotel possibly inspired by the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, California. Ask for a tour!
PROVISIONS
Bottle King
Great stop to stock up on booze and snacks. They have an amazing selection of beer, wine, and liquor. Ramsey, NJ.
Migliorelli Farms
Seriously incredible meats and produce. Try the delicious tiramisu to-go. On the way up from NYC on Hwy 28.
Cheese Louise!
Local and delicious cheeses and delicacies on Hwy 28
Foodtown of Margaretville
This is the closest grocery store (10 mins away) and it’s decent. It’s also next to a CVS and BUN ‘N CONE.
Pakatakan Farmer’s Market
Get your fresh meat and veggies from a round red barn. Open until 2pm on Saturdays.
Roxbury wine & spirits
Super nice people and great selection of wine and liquor.