Things to do in the Catskills and Hudson Valley

Outdoor Adventures

Hiking – Explore scenic trails throughout the Catskills. Ask the front desk for recommendations or click here to learn about popular hiking trails on ILoveNY.com

Biking – Discover local road and mountain bike routes, with rides ranging from easy to challenging. Click here to download our list.

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 click here to learn about the Iconic Birds of the ART on eBird.com

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.

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. Click here to find local golf courses on VisitCatskills.com

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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.

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.

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Local Towns & Attractions

Phoenicia – Named one of America’s “Top 10 Coolest Towns,” with independent shops, restaurants, and a laid-back Catskills feel.

Tannersville – Known for its colorful Main Street, mountain-town character, restaurants, and shops.

Woodstock – A longtime creative community filled with galleries, shops, restaurants, and live music.

Saugerties – Explore antique shops and visit the historic Saugerties Lighthouse.

Kingston – Discover distinctive architecture, historic neighborhoods, galleries, restaurants, and a growing creative 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

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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.

Headless Horseman – A popular fall attraction featuring haunted hayrides, immersive walk-through experiences, and plenty of Halloween scares. They operate a year-round Escape Room as well.

A Frosty Fest – A family-friendly holiday experience with dazzling light displays, festive characters, music, and seasonal activities.

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Arts

Woodstock School of Art – Offers classes in drawing, painting, and sculpture; also features an exhibition gallery.

Opus 40 – A massive outdoor bluestone sculpture park in Saugerties.

Woodstock Art Association Museum (WAAM) – Museum showing work by area artists & supporting the identity of the area as a “colony of the arts.”

Brunel Sculpture Park– Four-acre sculpture park in Boiceville celebrating the legacy of Emile Brunel, a sculptor, photographer, painter, and filmmaker

Thomas Cole National Historic House – Museum showing work by area artists & supporting the identity of the area as a “colony of the arts.”

Olana State Historic Site – Frederic Church’s Olana is the most intact historic artist’s environment in the U.S.

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Farm Bars, Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries

Bad Seed Cidery & Taproom, Arrowood Farms, Stone Ridge Orchard, & Twin Star Orchards – Sip local cider, beer, and craft drinks among orchards and farmland, often with outdoor seating, food, and live music.

Benmarl Winery, Quartz Rock Vineyard & Robibero Farm Vineyards – Wine tastings and scenic vineyard views.

Woodstock Brewing, West Kill Brewing, Kingston Standard – Local craft breweries featuring handcrafted 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.

Hudson House Distillery – A craft distillery in a former monastery, producing small-batch whiskey, vodka, and gin with New York State grains and water from an onsite artesian well. Located in West Park.

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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

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