This is a somewhat outdated list of places in the Catskills I’ve liked. As of the time of writing, I last went in November 2020 (memorably witnessing the call for the 2020 presidental election from our rental house). YMMV.

Slide Mountain Hike: The approach from the west from the Slide Mountain Trailhead Parking Lot) is among the easiest ways to the top of a 35’er. The view from the top is among the best in the Catskills. This can be combined for a longer day hike with the summits of Cornel and Wittenberg Mountains.

Phoenicia Diner (Phoenicia): Cute, classic, kitschy, upscale diner that everyone goes to. Breakfast all day. There can be a bit of a wait, but just get a coffee from the truck outside.

Woodstock Brewing (right next door to Phoenicia Diner): I’ve never been, but I hear good things.

Emerson Kaleidoscope (Phoenicia): World’s largest kaleidoscope. Enough said. Down the street from Woodstock Brewing.

Town Tinker Tube Rental (Phoenicia): Tubing down the Esopus River is a fun thing to do on a pleasant day.

Garden Cafe (vegetarian/vegan) and Oriole 9 (organic, breakfast and lunch only) are the most interesting restaurants in Woodstock. Bread Alone has some of the best bread in the area.

Peace, Love & Cupcakes (Woodstock) is worth stopping in for a cupcake.

The Little Bear (Woodstock) is pretty popular with locals, but I’d say it is just typical American-Chinese food.

I’ve wanted to go to Opus 40 (outside of Woodstock) for a while, “6.5-ac. stone-sculpture park in an abandoned quarry with trails & a museum featuring vintage tools.”

Keegan Ales (Kingston) produces one of the best coffee milk stouts around, Joe Mama’s Milk.

Circle W Market (Pallenville) is a good place to pick up gourmet sandwiches and provisions before or after a hike.

Bear and Fox Provisions (Tannersville): Best coffee and pastry shop in the area. Instagram-worthy.