The Catskills up in New York are becoming all the rage for the best new travel destination these days. It happens rather suddenly and within the Past few years, but these postcard picturesque mountains covered in beautiful foliage and trees, are becoming a true hotspot for hipsters. The Catskill Mountains are a second home to many and offer cute storefronts, farm to table eateries, and breweries that offer the newest flavors of hops. Many buildings have been re-imagined and turned into new ventures. For example an old country inn may have turned into a new boutique with unique clothing and accessories.

This is a great destination choice for those living up in the Northeast, especially the New York area, since it’s an easy drive to get up to the Catskills. Many of the restaurants and shops are very easy on the wallet, not to mention the cheap accommodations. What’s nice about the Catskill Mountains is it’s still a well-kept secret, which means it does not get overcrowded. This is great news since it means that the mountains, rivers, and wildlife will not be disturbed too much.

upstate new york attractions

Five must-see sights when visiting the Catskill Mountains include:

  1. Kaaterskill Falls: This attraction features and waterfall that goes almost 300 feet in the air and has two tiers. It is a very famous and popular waterfall made so by artists such as, Thomas Cole and other painters from the Hudson River school. You can access this beautiful site from route 23A which is about 3 miles east of Tannersville. You will have to walk about a quarter of a mile up the trail, but there are clear signs to lead you all the way. You may even be able to see some critters along your hike such as raccoons, rabbits and white tailed deer. Be sure to watch your step along the way as closer to the falls it will get slippery.
  2. Catskill Brewery: This is a relatively new attraction, but it’s hard to miss. The building is a bright red, and energy-efficient, as they tend to get most of its power from solar panels. They offer free tours and free samples and many of their brews are named after the various trails of the Catskills State Park, like the Devil’s Path and Ball Lightning. Many weekends they offer live entertainment and much revelry. Bear in mind they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
  3. Center for Photography at Woodstock: Any true music fan will definitely want to visit this museum. It features many thought-provoking works of arts and also offers various lectures and workshops on occasion. It used to be an espresso café where artists like Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin would perform.
  4. Emerson Kaleidoscope: Many are unaware that there is a record holder for the largest kaleidoscope in the world, and still even more unaware that it’s located in the Catskills. This is a kaleidoscope that you can actually walk into and was created by Isaac Abrams along with his son Raphael. Common words used to describe the Emerson Kaleidoscope are psychedelic and groovy. Inside the attraction you can enjoy a sound experience and also make purchases at the gift shop. Nearby there are also boutiques where you can purchase great antiques and clothing. Make sure to allot for at least half a day enjoying this attraction.
  5. Windham Vineyard and Winery: If you’re looking to wet your whistle and prefer something a little more sophisticated than just beer and hops, you’re in luck. Here you can sample up to 10 different wines while standing on a huge deck that overlooks the various mountains and vineyards, some of the best views in the Northeast. You can also partake in some sweet desserts. The tour times and tastings will vary depending on the season, so you’ll want to call ahead to find out the specials they are offering at the time of your visit.
Catskills Bed Breakfast View

Five must visit restaurants in the Catskill Mountains:

These restaurants are featured because they are in the Catskills and offer a great dining experience. If you’re looking for cheap restaurants, check out Restaurant.com and their deals there. These below might not necessarily be cheap but in our opinion they really are the best in making the dining experience amazing and tie in the unique feel of the Mountains here. Check them out while you’re staying here.

  1. Joshua’s: If you’re in the mood for Middle Eastern grub check out Joshua’s. This is a hotspot for vegans, those on a strict gluten-free diet, and those that enjoy warm pita bread. Bear in mind they are closed on Wednesdays.
  2. Last Chance Cheese and Antiques Café: If you’re looking to bring home a unique gift or souvenir for yourself, you can find old-fashioned jams, jellies, homemade lollipops, and pretty much any type or flavor of cheese you might be looking for. There’s a huge front porch you can sit on and enjoy any number of over 300 beers and their selection to. If you’re hungry you can enjoy one of their “knish-wiches”, which includes potato knish, pastrami, turkey, cheddar and coleslaw. Be prepared to spend an average of $10-$12 per plate. Most evenings they also offer live music and entertainment.
  3. Bear Café: This is a café for locals and visitors alike. Any given day you may find burnt out rock stars and other hippies hanging out by the fireplace or chilling by the stream. This is a great Bar restaurant located beside the Sawkill Creek which is only about 3 miles west of Woodstock. You will be delighted by the visuals you’ll see here, and you may even see some wildlife while enjoying the fare. Be prepared to spend $25-$30 per person here, but do know that it is totally worth it. One of the signature dishes is the filet mignon which is dressed up with a delicious garlic sauce and Stilton butter.
  4. Yum Yum Noodle Bar: If you’re struck would the desire to enjoy some Asian food while visiting the Catskill Mountains, you’ll be very happy to know Yum Yum Noodle Bar is a great place to go. They offer awesome ramen, gluten-free rice noodles, and some of the best meats around including pork belly and trip. If you are a vegetarian, you can also ask for tofu.
  5. The Red Onion: If you’re the type that enjoys surprises when traveling, The Red Onion is the place for you to. The head chef here, Kevin Katz, changes the menu daily. He enjoys using local and fresh ingredients, like salmon featuring a citrus sauce and huge Mexican shrimp. The cocktails at The Red Onion are known to be generous as well, but you will end up spending around $50 per person here.

These are a few suggestions of places to check out on your next trip to the Catskill Mountains. There are a lot of great attractions and things to do in the area, and even if you decide not to visit any of these places, you’re still going to have a great time. Just seeing the relaxing rivers and cascading waterfalls and gorgeous mountains may be enough to make your trip worthwhile.