A Region Rich in History

As with many regional clusters of towns, Sullivan County has a tremendous history that dates back to the late 17th century.  Once known for lumbering, the lustrous forests were plenty full of pine and hemlock trees, the later providing a superior base for tanning leather.  Both timber and tanning were big industry back in the day until they pretty much pillaged most of the available resources.  Thankfully, today we see much reforesting that has since taken place, despite the ongoing development of new homes being built.

The good news is the third "T", for tourism.  During the late 1940's with the influx of Jewish immigrants, many summer resorts and bungalow communities were built in what we referred to as the Borscht Belt.  If you have seen the film Dirty Dancing, you will know what I am referring to.  These retreats played host to families from all over, especially suburban Long Island and NYC, and were a place where friends and even marriages were made.  It was an annual ritual to visit any one of the many hotels in the area up until the 1990's, when sadly they started to see a major decline.  As the economy and personal tastes shifted, a very special era eventually came to an end.

Fast forward to 2015 and there is new life permeating in the form of second and rental homes along with recreational activities to fill more than just summertime fun.  There is locally made vodka and bourbon at Dancing Cat Saloon & Catskill Distilling Co, hand-crafted beer at Catskill Brewery and a lovely vineyard that produces pretty nice wine, Eminence Road Farm Winery.   Do you love maple syrup?  Then you wouldn't want to miss a visit to Catskill Mountain Sugar House, they will even give you a tour to show you how it's made.

Many people think the area is great for either canoeing or skiing, but the Catskills are full of exciting, interesting happenings and businesses.  I personally think the dynamic mix of local-born and city-transplants, that produce much of the products here, deliver a huge bang for the buck and your time.  The adventures are plenty, as I will continue to share all that there is to do and see!