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Things to do in the Catskills and Hudson Valley
The Catskills and Hudson Valley offer endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and exploration!
Our reservations department is happy to help arrange and book any local activities and excursions for our overnight guests. Call 845-688-2828, option 0.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking & Biking – Explore scenic trails throughout the Catskills. Ask the front desk for recommendations.
View Area Guide | Download Area Guide | Area Guide: Kaaterskill Falls and Related Trails | Area Guide
Ashokan Rail Trail (ART) – A scenic trail along the Ashokan Reservoir, home to 194+ bird species. Borrow binoculars from the front desk for birdwatching and check out the Birding at the Ashokan Rail Trail Guide (or download pdf) and watch this video about birding on the Ashokan Rail Trail. Download the ART Map and read the History of the Ashokan Reservoir
Catskill Fungi – Take a two-hour guided hike with the “Mushroom Man,” John Michelotti. An expert in all things mushroom, John will teach you to identify Catskill mushroom species, how to grow edible mushrooms and all about the healing properties of fungi.
Rail Explorers – Pedal-powered rail bike tours along the Esopus Creek (May–Oct). Emerson guests receive discounted tickets (excludes weekend and special tours).
Belleayre Mountain – Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in winter; hiking, biking, and sky rides in summer.
Catskill Mountain Snowsports – Check out our guide
Minnewaska State Park – Rock and ice climbing on the dramatic cliffs of the Shawangunk Mountains.
Golf – The legendary beauty of the Catskills makes the perfect backdrop for a round of golf. Check out our guide to local Golf options.
Spring, Summer and Fall in the Catskills – check out a list of other activities
Water Activities
A Day Away Kayak Rentals – Paddle the Hudson River, Rondout Creek, or Historic Kingston Waterfront. Emerson guests receive 10% off rentals.
Fly Fishing in the Esopus Creek – Birthplace of American fly fishing; guided trips available through Catskill Mountain Angler. Contact the Catskills Visitor Center for fishing licenses. Check out our Area Guide to Fishing.
Hudson River Cruises – Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the historic Hudson Valley shoreline. Emerson guests receive discounted tickets, so we recommend booking through our reservations department at 845-688-2828, option 0.
Local Towns & Attractions
Phoenicia – Named one of America’s “Top 10 Coolest Towns,” featuring local shops and restaurants.
Tannersville – A colorful mountain town with great dining and shopping.
Woodstock – An eclectic town known for its vibrant arts scene.
Saugerties – Explore antique shops and visit the historic Saugerties Lighthouse.
Kingston – A vibrant city with rich history, architecture, and a thriving arts community.
Zen Mountain Monastery – A peaceful retreat for meditation and quiet reflection.
Delaware & Ulster Railroad – Ride vintage train cars along the scenic Ulster and Delaware Railroad route
Check out our local guides:
Family-Friendly Fun
Kelder’s Farm – A seasonal farm with pick-your-own produce, a petting zoo, mini-golf, and more.
Ark Bowl & BBQ – A fun evening of bowling and delicious BBQ in Arkville.
Catskills Visitor Center – Climb an 80-foot fire tower for panoramic views and learn about Catskills history.
Ashokan Center – Check out special events and activities at the oldest outdoor environmental education organization in New York State.
Brunel Sculpture Garden – Explore larger-than-life sculptures inspired by Native American culture.
Mountain Top Arboretum – Walk through serene gardens with native plants and exotic trees.
Catskill Animal Sanctuary – A rescue farm with interactive animal experiences.
Empire State Railway Museum – Located in Phoenicia, great for train enthusiasts.
Autumn Fun in the Catskills – Check out our guide
Arts, Theater & Events
Phoenicia Playhouse – Live musicals and dramas in a charming, historic theater.
Woodstock School of Art – Offers classes in drawing, painting, and sculpture; also features an exhibition gallery.
Woodstock Playhouse – A diverse lineup of summer musical performances.
Bearsville Theater – A legendary music venue in Woodstock with live performances.
Maverick Concert Hall – Hosts chamber music performances in a hand-built venue just outside Woodstock.
Colony Woodstock – Restored 1929 theater featuring diverse music acts plus comedy & art events in an intimate setting.
Opus 40 – A massive outdoor bluestone sculpture park in Saugerties.
Woodstock Film Festival (Fall) – Showcases independent films and special guest appearances.
O+ Festival (October) – A Kingston-based festival celebrating arts and wellness.
Ulster County Fair (Summer) – A traditional country fair in New Paltz.
Catskills and Hudson Valley Art Galleries and Museums – Check out our guide
Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries
Benmarl Winery, Quartz Rock Vineyard & Robibero Farm Vineyards – Wine tastings and scenic vineyard views.
Woodstock Brewing & West Kill Brewing – Local craft breweries featuring handcrafted beers.
Keegan Ale’s Brewery – Offers live music, weekend brewery tours, and craft beers.
Union Grove Distillery – Home of the award-winning Vly Creek Vodka.
Hudson Whiskey NY – New York’s first post-prohibition distillery, located in Gardiner.
Local Guides
Historic Sites
New York Senate House and Museum – New York’s first Senate House in Kingston.
Hudson River Maritime Museum – Showcasing artifacts and boat rides.
Thomas Cole National Historic Site – Home of the famous Hudson River School painter.
Olana State Historic Site – A stunning Persian-inspired estate of Frederic Church, another famed Hudson River School artist.
FDR Presidential Library & Museum – features special interactives, immersive audio‐visual theaters, and rarely seen artifacts that convey the dramatic story of the Roosevelt era
History Happened Here – read our booklet on local history | Download Booklet