Don’t let rain ruin your trip to the Catskills. From breweries to galleries, here are six ways to enjoy this beautiful region from the indoors.
There we were, traipsing through the gold, ruby and copper-colored Catskills forests when, out of nowhere, an earth-shattering, palpable “boom” shook the rubber soles of our hiking boots.
Despite our risk-inclined, adventurous relationship, my boyfriend and I decided taking our pup on a hike through thunderstorms was hardly worth it. (He is our baby, after all.)
So we opted for lower-risk, indoor activities, which became the theme for our rainy, foggy and absolutely amazing weekend in the Catskills.
While the majority of the activities I had planned for us were a no-go (sweeping lookout points, nonstop hiking and stargazing), Frank, Harry (the pup!) and I found some unique ways to make the most of the time we had in the Catskills.
If the dreaded forecast isn’t clearing up for your weekend in the Catskills, here are a few ways to enjoy your visit – while avoiding the rain.
Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries – Oh My!
The Catskills region is as delicious as it is beautiful. It’s home to some of New York state’s best beverage spots – including local wineries, breweries and distilleries. Each spot has its own unique traits – from the Catskills Brewery’s laid-back, dog-friendly atmosphere, to Windham Vineyard’s “everybody’s family” welcoming vibe.
A few of my favorites include:
- Catskills Brewery; Livingston Manor, NY
- Roscoe Brewing Co; Roscoe, NY
- Benmarl Winery; Marlboro, NY
- Stoutridge Vineyards; Marlboro, NY
- Catskill Distiling Company; Bethel, NY
Witness the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope
Get ready for a trippy (rain-free!) experience at the 60-foot-tall Kaatskill Kaleidoscope.
Say wha?
Yeah, this thing’s for real. This grain silo-turned-kaleidoscope stands tall from the road, with a set of mysterious eyes that watch drivers as they pass. The inside gets even more psychadelic, with a crazy lightshow featuring images of Civil War soldiers, Native Americans, Stalin, Lincoln and even Marilyn Manson.
This is probably one to leave your claustrophobic friends at home for, but hey, when it rains in the Catskills, why now wander into a Kaleidoscope?
Visit the Real Site of Woodstock
Yes, there’s a town in the Catskills called Woodstock, but no, that’s not actually where Woodstock took place. The music festival of all music festivals actually went down some 60 miles away from Woodstock, New York, on a private farm in the town of Bethel.
Today, you can explore the Woodstock festival grounds, but on a rainy day, you can release your inner hippie indoors at the Museum at Bethel Woods. The museum celebrates the 1969 Woodstock festivities, and “the entire decade that it came to represent.” Rock on {insert peace sign emoji}.
Get Artsy at the Doctorow Center for the Arts
The Doctorow Center for the Arts features a pretty epic collection of vintage instruments, including some that date back to the musical genius himself, Mozart.
Beyond historic instruments, the Doctorow Center has a concert hall with ongoing shows, a performance museum and the Mountain Cinema, which shows a variety of independent and mainstream films.
Go Gallery Hopping
There’s a reason artists escape to the Catskills to unleash their creativity – it’s peaceful, relaxing and down-right inspiring. Even if you’re not the most creative, you can still enjoy the work of those more artistically inclined at one of the Catskills’ many galleries, including:
- Windham Art and Photography gallery; Windham, NY
- Stray Cat Gallery; Bethel, NY
- Prattsville Art Center & Residency; Prattsville, NY
- Ulla Darni’s Blue Pearl; Hensonville, NY
Get Your Groove On – Catskills Style
If rain is ruining your long night of stargazing, why not hit up some live music joints instead? The Catskills have a number of impressive spots to jam out, including ASK for Music in Kingston, Lydia’s Café & Bar in Stone Ridge, Harmony Music in Woodstock, 12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar in Peekskill and, last but not least, Denning’s Point Distillery in Beacon.
Want to get extra groovy? Enjoy one of the many fantastic performances at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, or head over to BSP, a vaudeville theater with live music in downtown Kingston.
While it’s tough to visit the Catskills without enjoying the outdoors – OK, by tough I mean downright painful – there are more than enough ways to still have a killer trip. And the even better news? The rain doesn’t last forever, so keep an eye on the forecast and have those boots ready, because if you’re lucky like we were, the skies may clear up with just enough time for a hike.
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