Natural Beauty

The Catskills are known for their stunning natural beauty with rolling hills, lush forests and rushing streams. The region is home to many state parks, nature preserves and hiking trails, making it a great place for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing and more. For a great hike and even better view try Kaaterskill Falls. There are several viewing platforms along the trail, so you can get different perspectives of the falls. Located in the Shawangunk Mountains, Minnewaska State Park Preserve offers stunning views of the Hudson Valley, as well as hiking trails, swimming holes and rock climbing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Arts & Culture

The Catskills have rich cultural history, particularly in relation to the arts. The region has been a popular destination for artists, writers, musicians and performers for centuries, and many of the area's small towns and villages have charming historic districts with galleries, antique shops and other cultural attractions. If you are a contemporary art lover (particularly large format sculptures,) head to Storm King Art Center. Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful grounds dotted with over 100 sculptures and earthworks. Housed in a former Nabisco factory, the DIA Beacon is definitely worth a visit for any architecture enthusiast, but their collection of contemporary works from the 1960s to the present day makes this a must-stop. Art Omi in Ghent, NY (15-20 min drive from Hudson) is a beautiful 120-acre architecture and sculpture park and contemporary art gallery. Similar to Storm King, Art Omi is all about large-scale works of art and architecture in nature. Open daily and free of charge to the public, this is a great place to take kids as well as they have guides specifically tailored to make it a fun and engaging experience for art lovers of all ages.

Shopping

The Catskills is known for its eclectic shopping scene, with plenty of unique boutiques, antique shops and local markets to explore. Warren Street in Hudson is known for its beautiful art galleries, interior design stores and high-end vintage shops. Kingston has a mix of antique shops, boutiques and artisan markets, with highlights including Kingston Wine Co. for curated wines and spirits and Clove & Creek for handmade goods from local makers. In Woodstock & Rhinebeck, you will find a little something for everyone. Woodstock is known for its bohemian vibe, and the shopping reflects that with its many vintage clothing stores and globally influenced design gift shops like Casa Ziki.

Phoenicia Diner - A can’t-miss breakfast spot in Phoenicia, offering standout dishes like the Corned Beef Skillet and the Breakfast Sandwich with coffee-house rubbed Catskill smokehouse ham and spicy tomato jam.

Golden Russet Cafe & Grocery- Located about 15 minutes from Rhinebeck, this small general store and diner serves some of the best breakfast sandwiches and burgers in the valley.

Cafe Mutton - Indulge in their exceptional crepes and other delightful brunch items. Note that they are only open for brunch four days a week (Wednesday to Sunday.)

Mudclub - A great spot for amazing wood-fired bagels, with two locations in Beacon and Woodstock. Don't miss the Tinker Tuesday sandwich with tomato jam and horseradish aioli.

Kitty’s - Visit the market cafe for their unique take on the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich with sauerkraut.

Little King - A fun homeware and design store that doubles as a cafe, offering coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and salads. Perfect for a morning coffee pit stop in the Hudson Valley.

Rosie General - Treat yourself to a melt-in-your-mouth pastrami Reuben at this Kingston gem. They also serve delicious bread, pastries and desserts. After lunch, head to Brunette Wine Bar a few doors down for natty wine and great music.

SILVIA - A gem of a restaurant in Woodstock, SILVIA offers stylish contemporary dining centered around an open-air kitchen with a wood-fired grill. Their farm-to-table approach highlights locally sourced ingredients and fresh, sustainable produce.

Stissing House- Dating back to 1782, this historic inn in Pine Plains offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine in a charming setting with exposed beams, original fireplaces and antique furnishings.

The DeBruce - Located in the DeBruce Hotel, this restaurant provides a special dining experience with panoramic views of the valley and mountains. The culinary focus is evident throughout your stay at the hotel.

Cucina - Housed in a beautifully restored farmhouse, Cucina serves up some of the best contemporary Italian cuisine in the Hudson Valley.

Wm. Farmer & Sons - A warm and cozy spot in Hudson, offering elevated cocktails and seasonally driven American cuisine.

Brunette Wine Bar - This small, light-filled natural wine bar in Kingston boasts an impressive selection of low-intervention wines from around the world, along with delicious bar bites and great music playlists.

Westwind Orchard - While known for apple picking and hard cider, this orchard also serves wood-fired margherita pizza that rivals some of the best in NYC.