A short drive of about 90 mi/145 km north of New York City, the Catskill Mountains became a popular early 20th-century vacation spot for Jewish residents who wanted to escape the summer heat of the city—hence the nickname "The Borscht Belt." Many big-name entertainers and comedians (Milton Berle, Sid Caesar and Alan King, for instance) started out in such popular getaways as Kutsher's, the Nevele, the Concord, the Pines and the legendary Grossinger's, which were especially well-known in the 1940s and 1950s.
With the decrease in airfares during the 1960s, many Catskill regulars began traveling to Europe and elsewhere for their summer holidays, neglecting the nature reserves north of New York City. This precipitated a long economic decline that only began to be reversed in recent years. Now, the Catskills are something of a new-age mecca. Ashrams, meditation centers and health spas have replaced many of the old resorts, although a few of the venerable hotels are still in operation. Whatever religion you may or may not follow, the Catskills are still beautiful to visit, with good fishing, skiing and hiking.
While you're in the area, visit Woodstock, the town that gave its name to the quintessential music festival of the 1960s. (The name was somewhat misleading: The original Woodstock was actually held 50 mi/80 km away in Bethel—there's not much to see there except a marker at the famous Yasgur farm. Woodstock II, in 1994, was held in Saugerties, and five years later, Woodstock III took place in Rome.) The town does have a legitimate place in rock 'n' roll history, however. Many stars have taken up residence in the town at one time or another, most notably Bob Dylan and The Band.
For a different kind of trip, drive over to Ellenville, renowned for its hang-gliding opportunities. Or make the more sedate journey to the town of Catskill, where the Catskill Game Farm houses 2,000 birds and animals. Since its inception in 1933, the Catskill Game Farm has not only preserved more than 150 species of animals from around the world but also works to reintroduce nearly extinct animals into their natural habitats.
The area's rich ethnic diversity is reflected in its many celebrations throughout the year, such as the Irish Festivals in Leeds (Memorial and Labor Day weekends), the German Alps Festival in Hunter (July) and the International Celtic Festival in Hunter (August).
