The Catskills

Pros: Just ninety minutes from NYC and you'll think you are in another country.
Cons: Long and painful rides home on Sunday nights.

The Catskill Mountains are part of the larger Appalachian Mountain Chain that follows up the east coast of the USA. Though people may differ on what specific area contains the Catskill Mountains many think of it as the area from the Delaware River where ...

Pros: Accessible, Not Overdeveloped, Enchanting, Challenging Mountains, A Gem
Cons: Don't go on a holiday weekend - it can be busy!

Have you heard of the Catskill Mountains? They are the home of the real Woodstock, the land where Rip Van Winkle slept for years, the Mountains first seen by Henry Hudson on his maiden voyage up the Hudson River, a vacation destination for many ...

Pros: beautiful scenery, frequent special events, wonderful bookstore and art galleries,
Cons: small, sometimes a little crowded, some of my favorite shops have closed

Woodstock, NY is one of those places everyone has heard of, one that we all have preconceived notions about. The first time I visited I was expecting to see hippies on every street corner. I wasn't far off, but that's only because I chose my 17th...

Pros: Large collection of animals and room for interaction and contact.
Cons: Not aesthetically pleasing.

"Do you want to go see the animals?" I asked my son, who practically started wagging his tail. He is two and a half and we had an unexpected Friday off from work and daycare; the sun was shining but it wasn't too hot. We live in Western ...

Pros: Great for camping, horseback riding, hiking, bar-hopping, and everything else.
Cons: Beware the steep slopes. I mean it.

To get to the Catskills from I-87 on the New York State Throughway, one has to drive up one of several high roads leading at least 1,700 feet above sea level. I drive there with friends often, usually moving just north of exit 21 in Greene County and ...

Pros: Friendly helpful staff and no crowds. Lots of private homes to rent nearby.
Cons: Half hour past Belleayre but no day buses. Food is average but bring your own.

I just went up to the western Catskills and took my two kids skiing at Plattekill. I had heard of it but never been there but our lodging host had discount passes for the kids. It was the best thing we ever did. Uncrowded, challenging, low-key but ...

Pros: Beautiful countryside, views, meadows, streams, lakes, mountains and attractions.
Cons: Traffic going and coming home on Thruway has been terrible the last few months.

Recently we changed routes on our return trip from our weekend trip to our summer home in Grand Gorg ...

Pros: The Esopus River, trout fishing, endless hiking trails, quaint mountain towns, old forest.
Cons: Going home after a great weekend.

The Catskills are accessible and full of plenty of camping spots, drop camping or back packing. The ...