Last updated November 9, 2025
There are lots of things to do Catskill, New York, no matter what your interests. The best days to visit are usually Thursday – Saturday when most of the shops, galleries, events, and restaurants are open. And as you can see, you can easily find enough to fill your time for a long weekend of fun.
Buckle up, there’s a lot of info packed in this blog, so use the quick links if you’re looking for something in particular. 🙂
McRidge tip: if you will be parking on Main Street, bring quarters with you. If you forget quarters – you can park at the very ends of Main Street or on West Bridge St for free. (Just make sure you park in a spot that doesn’t have a meter.)
Main Street Catskill, New York June 2025
Getting to Catskill, NY
Catskill, New York is approximately 2 hours north of the George Washington bridge by car. It sits at the base of the Catskill Mountains and along the Hudson River.
Where to stay in Catskill, NY
Camptown Catskills, in Leeds, is probably the best place to stay if you want to overnight in a cozy cabin near town. They are located just off Thruway – exit 21, and its been recently renovated. I would also check out AirBnbs or Vrbos too.
Things to do in Catskill, NY
Art:
Thomas Cole House – August 2025
The Thomas Cole House is the historic home of one of the Hudson River landscape artists of the 1800’s. Thomas Cole founded the Hudson River School of Landscape Painting around 1825, a movement where artists painted landscapes in a romantic style.
Tickets can be purchased online for $20 (adult), which include access to the exhibits and a timed tour of the home. You’ll begin at the new Cole Center, which also has a shop with books, postcards, small gifts, and more. From there, step into Cole’s original studio, where you can see how it once looked—and even borrow painting and drawing supplies to sketch your own landscapes on the property.
Montage of the inside of Thomas Cole’s 1839 Storehouse Studio
Next, visit the 1846 New Studio to see the current exhibitions. Finally, tour the Main House, where you’ll find more art on display, including a Georgia O’Keeffe painting in the On Trees exhibition (open through December 14, 2025).
If you’re interested in art and history, this site is well worth a visit. Plan to spend about 2–3 hours if you’d like to explore everything without rushing.
On Trees Exhibit with Georgia O’Keeffe (left) Thomas Cole Sitting Room (right)
There are a few Art Galleries on or near Main Street. Foreland is a beautiful artists’ space that sometimes features public events. Gallery 495 a contemporary art gallery opened in the winter of 2023 is open on Saturdays, the CREATE Council of the Arts has had a longstanding gallery open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, mostly featuring artists from the local area.
Theatre
Bridge Street Theatre is a non-profit small community theatre that puts on productions that are “new, neglected, and off-beat”. The founders bring in talent from across the United States, so the caliber of the acting is very high. They have won numerous awards, including the Berkshire Theatre Critics Award. Their more popular productions do sell out, so don’t wait to buy your tickets at the door if you are interested in attending one of their performances.
Music
Looking for an intimate evening of music, dance and food? Check out The Avalon Lounge. They have three spaces to explore, a bar where you can order Korean food, a lounge with more seating featuring a pool table, and a performance and dance space. There are covers for their music events, but if you are worried about that, look on their website for event information.
If you visit on Thursday evening, in June – September, Music in the Park is a great series of free concerts at Dutchman’s Landing. Bring a lawn chair along so you can sit comfortably. The concerts start at 7 pm and end around 9 pm. There are one or two food vendors where you can get dinner, snacks or ice cream.
Walks and Nature
View from Historic Catskill Point
At the end of Main Street, you’ll find the Historic Catskill Point, which has a path around it for you to enjoy beautiful views of the Hudson River and Catskill Creek. There are private or public events on the property, every so often. There is a maritime museum on the property, but it isn’t open very often.
On the way to the Historic Point, you’ll see signs for Dutchmen’s Landing Park, which is a worthwhile visit too. There is a path you can walk along the waterfront of the Hudson River, a playground, a boat launch, and plenty of parking. During the spring, summer, and fall there are many events held here too (including Music in the Park mentioned above). At the Northwest end of the park there is a trail that connects with Greene Street, through the woods. The trail is usually a bit neglected but is an easy short hike.
Beattie-Powers Place is open year round from dawn to dusk offering beautiful views of the Hudson River and Olana. This historic home was built around the 1840’s featuring events that are open to the public from the Spring to the Fall, for free or a small fee.
If you take a short drive from the Village, walk in the fields and woods of RamsHorn-Livingston Audubon Sanctuary. On the Old Farm road, there is a small Observation Tower where you can get some height to look out over the fields, and take part in their research by taking a photo and uploading it to their floodplains research website. If you keep following the Old Farm Road, you’ll come to three trails that weave around the woods. If you canoe or kayak on the Catskill Creek or the Hudson River, you can paddle through the estuary as well. Into Birdwatching? Bring your binoculars and print out this guide to the birds you may find there.
RamsHorn-Livingston Audubon Sanctuary View from Observation Tower
Food and Drink in Catskill, NY
Breweries, cideries, wine and cocktails
If you enjoy craft brews there are plenty of options in the heart of Catskill. One of my favorites is Subversive Malting + Brewing. They have a beautiful outdoor space, bar food offerings, a nice selection of their craft beers, and a selection of other drinks as well. They are among a handful of brewers that produce their own malts, plus all their ingredients are locally sourced. After you check them out, mosey on over to Left Bank Ciders to try their ciders or mead. If you aren’t into that, they also offer a selection of New York-based wine, beer, and spirits. Return Brewing has a nice “outpost” location just off Main Street Catskill. They have a nice selection of beer and small bites.
If you want to have great beer and delicious food, then drive out to Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company on Route 32. It’s a little outside of the main village, but well worth it. Joey and his son Anthony offer a fine selection of Italian and American food options. Everything is delicious, trust me.
If you are more into cocktails then you must stop into Hemlock. It’s a cozy cocktail bar at 394 Main Street Catskill. If you are into historic homes or pirates, then check out The Bar at Captain Kid’s Inn and grab a drink inside the Inn or outside on their patio. Love wine? Definitely check out the very cute wine bar on Main Street called Chemistry Wine Bar.
Restaurants
I’ve already mentioned quite a few food options above but there are plenty more.
The newest restaurant in town is Phōs My Greek American Kitchen. It opened in June of 2025. I haven’t been yet, but very much looking forward to it.
Willas Bakery and Cafe is one of my favorites in Catskill for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. I always treat myself to their Maple Latte. I recently tried their breakfast burrito and man that was yummy. I also like their small-batch baked goods.
Willa’s Chicken Wrap and Breakfast Burrito with Lattes
When I’m in the mood for tasty vegan, I stop into Cafe Joust. They have a nice selection of breakfast and lunch options. I’ve also had their matcha chai and vanilla latte. If you like smoothies, shakes or bowls head up West Bridge Street to visit The Juice Branch. I usually order their Mango Madness Smoothy Bowl, yum!
La Conca D’oro is a mainstay of Main Street Catskill, featuring a variety of Italian-American dishes your Italian grandmother would have made. Treat yourself to a drink at their fully-stocked bar and be sure to leave room for dessert too. Reservations are recommended, it’s a popular spot.
Looking for a river or creek view? Creekside Restaurant and Bar is a local favorite serving a variety of foods that are all delicious. If you crave Lobster Bake, Prime Rib, or other seafoody fare dine at Frank Guido’s Port of Call (closed in the winter months) and enjoy beautiful views of the Hudson River and Catskill Creek. Both restaurants stock a full bar, so you can compliment your dinner with whatever drink you fancy.
View from Frank Guido’s Port of Call Dining Deck
Want Thai, Latin, Chinese, Japanese or Mexican food? You can find that too! Each of these restaurants are family-run and affordable. Wasana Thai Restaurant has been in Catskill since 1998, serving delicious Thai recipes. Angel’s Latin Restaurant is right next store, their food is flavorful and affordable. I would recommend them more for takeout, although you can sit in their dining room in a pinch. La Casa Latina and Mexican Restaurant has a cute outside garden vibe and delish food paired with quick and friendly service. Their Hibiscus Margaritas and Fish & Mango Salsa Tacos are my go-to.
A quick drive from Main Street you’ll find another longtime community favorite Chopsticks. Their menu offers a selection of Japanese, Chinese, and Thai foods, including sushi and sashimi. Stellas III is a newly opened (Dec 2024) Italian food and pizza restaurant that’s also open for breakfast. Arianny’s Casa Grande Mexican Bar & Grill opened over the winter, and they have great service and delicious food.
Shopping in Catskill, NY
Start or end your shopping adventure at the Catskill Chocolate Company. Pick up some of their small-batch chocolate treats to share or treat yourself to a coffee or tea and a snack in their cafe! Then take a stroll on Main Street to explore the cute home good shops, such as High Rock Home and Citiot. Made X Hudson is a beautiful boutique that features their own clothing line as well as other artisan made products, yarn, sewing supplies, packaged foods and even a mocktail bar.
If you love vintage or unique items, Sister Salvage has a lot of cool finds. I finally stopped into Catskill Antique Market if you are into vintage clothes, definitely stop into here.
So, what things to do in Catskill, NY will you choose?
As you can see – there is lots to do in this little town! I know there are cool spots and details I missed, so contact me on Instagram if you know of a business or place you’d like featured. I’ll be sure to add it!
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