Catskill, Leeds, Palenville NY
A trip to the Great Northern Catskills wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Village of Catskill. Explore a village where artists rose to fame, Rip Van Winkle slept, and local brews abound.
Located along the banks of the Hudson River, with the Catskill Creek flowing through it, the village is the picture-perfect example of a historic river town. Victorian storefronts line Catskill’s Main Street, filled with an eclectic variety of eateries and boutiques, and along the river’s edge lies the Thomas Cole House, once home to the famous painter and founder of the Hudson River School of Art.
An artist’s paradise, painters, photographers, and poets have for centuries found their inspiration in the natural scenery surrounding this small village. Make time to stroll across the Hudson River Skywalk, which connect the Thomas Cole National Historic Site to the Olana State Historic Site, former home to Hudson River School painter Frederic Edwin Church. As you walk across the bridge, stop at the scenic outlooks to gaze down the Hudson River Valley and see if you can spot the famed sleeping spot of Rip Van Winkle. Located in southwestern Catskill, at the foot of the Kaaterskill Clove, the hamlet of Palenville is considered the "First Art Colony in America." Palenville's nearby waterfalls and natural vistas inspired famous 19th century artwork by Hudson River School landscape painters.
In the Catskills, outdoor recreation is everything. With so many nearby waterways to explore, the village provides a convenient base camp for adventures of all types. Head to the RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary, and walk or paddle through the Hudson River's largest forested tidal swamp. Or, head down to Dutchman's Landing and have picnic as you watch the boats cruise by. Feeling artsy? From Memorial day through mid-September, you can stroll through the town of Catskill and check out a tradition of artistic renditions of cats.
Visitors looking to enjoy locally-sourced libations are in luck. Catskill is the perfect starting point for a journey along the Catskills Beverage Trail. There are three breweries and one cidery within the small town. Stop by Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company, a microbrewery that has been in operation for over 35 years under multiple names, to satisfy your thirst with a beer and your hunger with Italian-inspired pub fare. Or, visit Subversive Malting + Brewing for small-batch beers using locally sourced ingredients, including grains malted on-sit. Enjoy these distinctive beers alongside a menu of seasonally-inspired bites at its cozy Catskill taproom. Overlooking the Catskill Creek, Left Bank Ciders makes small-batch ciders and meads served at their taproom, overlooking the Catskill Creek. Order from a seasonal menu of snacks and light fare. Outdoor seating is dog friendly.
