Sullivan Catskills, New York: Unexpected Wonders in a Fabled Retreat

If you’ve heard of a little music festival held in the summer of 1969 called Woodstock, you’ve heard of Sullivan Catskills. Yes, the legendary (and not-at-all little) Woodstock Music and Arts Fair took place in Sullivan County. Honor the musical and cultural legacy of those historic three days at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. The center is home to a live music venue and the Woodstock Monument – located on Max Yasgur’s famous former dairy farm, the actual site of the original Woodstock. Also paying homage to the fabled music festival is the Museum at Bethel Woods, a shrine to all things Woodstock.

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at fly-fishing, Sullivan Catskills is the place to do it. The story goes that back in the 1890s: An avid fisherman named Theodore Gordon discovered that trout in Sullivan County’s Neversink River were attracted to flies hovering on or just above the water’s surface. Gordon went on to become the father of dry fly-fishing. Today, that spirit lives on through the Catskills Fly Fishing Center and Museum, the mission of which is to preserve the rich spirit and beautiful techniques of fly-fishing for generations to come. But don’t just take a trip down memory lane, take an actual guided trip – the area is host to several tour operators who can provide lessons and access to the best fishing holes.

With such close proximity and a long tradition of city dwellers coming to visit, Sullivan Catskills has historic ties to New York City. Among them the Delaware and Hudson Canal, which played a pivotal role in connecting the coal mines of Northeastern Pennsylvania to New York City. Explore the canal’s rich heritage along the trails of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Linear Park and Interpretive Center. Stop along the way at historic Lock 50, where the canal’s initial descent toward the Hudson River began. Can’t get enough of this captivating region’s history? The Time and the Valleys Museum explores topics including New York City’s water system and the history of the Rondout and Neversink Valleys through unique and interactive exhibits.

The spirit of Woodstock continues through Sullivan Catskills on the Dove Trail. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Woodstock festival, the trail features 50 artist-painted doves peppered throughout the area’s towns and businesses. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind heirloom or want to bring home a piece of local history, the many businesses located along the Pottery Trail and Antiques Trial will not disappoint with their artfully crafted and vintage wares. The Northeast is also known for its old-school diners. After a long day of exploring and shopping, taste your way through some of the best of them on the, you guessed it, Diner Trail.

By now you know that Sullivan Catskills has no shortage of historically significant sights to explore, and the area’s local hotels are no exception. Choose from Foster Supply Hospitality’s several rustically modern accommodations that honor the area’s heritage such as The DeBruce and Kenoza Hall. Other thoughtfully appointed accommodations with historic touches include The Eldred Preserve and the charming, century-old Callicoon Hills. Looking for a touch of modern? Resorts World Catskills is a casino-resort that features seemingly endless dining and entertainment options. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Water Park – New York state’s biggest indoor water park that happens to double as a hotel.

Sullivan Catskills is about just over two hours from New York City by car. Fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and rent a car. Greyhound or Trailways also offer bus options, and you can always catch a train departing from Penn Station.