Curator’s statement
Everyone knows Woodstock and Kingston, but did you know further west in the Catskills are some equally special towns and places? This quieter, greener corner—anchored by the little trout towns of Roscoe and Livingston Manor—trades crowds for swimming holes, farm stands, and cabins in the woods. It's gentle enough for little legs and beautiful enough that the grown-ups can take a breath. It's the perfect mix of off-the-beaten-path, real nature and good food, all just a couple of hours from the city.
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Where to stay in the Western Catskills
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Things to do in the Western Catskills
The incredible view from the Visitors Center at Minnewaska State Park
Explore Roscoe: 'Trout Town USA'
Wander the walkable main street, and watch fly-fishers cast on the Willowemoc and Beaverkil. The O&W Railway Museum and Riverside Park make an easy add for train-loving kids.
Shop the Roscoe Sunday Farmers Market
Held Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., it's the perfect easy family morning—local produce, baked goods, and picnic supplies for the day ahead.
See the view (and the falls) at Minnewaska State Park Preserve
The view over the cliffs and lake from the visitor center is sublime, and worth the stop on its own. From there, the short, mostly flat carriage-road walk to Awosting Falls ends at a dramatic 60-foot cascade that little hikers can manage.
Trek in for a swim at Lake Awosting
For a proper Minnewaska swim, the reward is Lake Awosting—a pristine, cliff-ringed lake with a summer swimming beach. It's a longer carriage-road walk in, so it's best for older or game kids; pack water and snacks, and make a half-day of it.
Cool off in the swimming holes around Roscoe
Trout Pond (Cables Lake) is an easy 0.9-mile walk in to a little beach, and Beaverkill Covered Bridge Park has calm river wading and picnic spots. I also keep a few favorite off-the-map swimming holes just for my clients—book your trip with me and I'll point you to them.
Pick your own at Kelder's Farm (Kerhonkson)
Pick-your-own fields, farm animals, and a famously giant garden gnome make this a hit with kids. An easy, joyful stop on the way to or from Minnewaska.
Places to eat & drink in the Western Catskills
Upward Brewing Company (Livingston Manor)
A hilltop brewery with sweeping views, big outdoor space, and a short forest hike on site—the rare taproom that's genuinely great with kids and dogs. Parents can have a beer while the little ones run around.
The Kaatskeller (Livingston Manor)
Wood-fired pizza in a laid-back outdoor garden, then dessert outside: Milkweed's oat-milk gelato or a scoop from Evelyn's ice cream down the street. A perfect easy family evening.
Northern Farmhouse Pasta (Roscoe)
Fresh pasta made with New York–grown wheat, served in a 200-year-old farmhouse. Lovely for brunch or an early dinner.
Main Street Farm (Livingston Manor)
A market and café with excellent sandwiches, local produce, and craft beer. Great for stocking a picnic or a quick lunch.
Grizzly Bagels (Roscoe)
Excellent bagels, open Friday through Sunday—the ideal grab-and-go breakfast before a hike.
The Arnold House Tavern
Comfort food made with local ingredients, plus a deck and a pool table. Easy and welcoming with kids in tow.
The DeBruce
For a special grown-up dinner, this stylish creekside restaurant's seasonal menu is a destination in itself. Worth planning around a later bedtime or a sitter.
Need to know
A car is essential, and the region splits into two loose areas: the trout towns of Roscoe, Livingston Manor, and DeBruce sit in Sullivan County, while Minnewaska State Park and the towns of Ellenville and Kerhonkson are about an hour east in the Shawangunk Ridge. The latter can either be a day trip or a stop on the way to or from the city. Minnewaska charges a $10 per-vehicle day-use fee, and its lots fill early and can close by mid-morning on summer weekends, so arrive before 10 a.m.
There's no cell service in a lot of the small towns, so download maps and directions ahead of time.
On the drive up through Ellenville and Kerhonkson, good stops include Good Morning Sunshine, Mill & Main, and Outpost BBQ.
Book lodging well in advance for summer and fall foliage weekends.
Travel Advisor
A Pop of Travel
Anna Popinchalk
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