New York State's trout season opens April 1 and for a growing number of fishermen, the lure of the Great Western Catskills makes Delaware County the place to be for this rite of spring.
Natural area trout streams, which eventually flow to the Delaware River, provide freestone stream fishing. These rivers combine with the Pepacton and Cannonsville Reservoirs to total 11,000 acres of water habitat. Constant reservoir releases of cool, clear waters have enhanced the West Branch and East Branch to create unique tailwater fishing. Optimal year-round trout conditions ensure the serious angler and the adventurous visitor the most challenging and demanding fly-fishing in the Northeast.
The Beaverkill, the East and West Branches of the Delaware River, the Willowemoc and the Bushkill are among the renowned trout waters that flow through Delaware County. The "Birthplace of Fly Fishing" has been popular among anglers for more than a century and each year Catskill rivers and streams attract new legions of fishermen.
While fishing in the region is great in every season (including ice fishing in winter!) the thrill of early season angling is unsurpassed. The sights, sounds, smells and of course the hatches of April and May converge to make Catskill Mountain fishing an unforgettable experience.
The easiest way to gather information about fishing in the Great Western Catskills is to contact the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, which offers a full-color fishing guide/map with public access points. The fishing guide may be ordered free of charge by contacting the Delaware County Tourism office at 866-775-4425, or by e-mail: info@greatwesterncatskills.com. Website visitors are welcome to sign up for e-mail updates at www.greatwesterncatskills.com.
For those in search of "trophy trout" the Pepacton and Cannonsville reservoirs present great spots to "land the big one." Fishermen on these waters will want to pack a camera, too. When their respective seasons open, trophy brown trout, smallmouth bass and pickerel, are among the species that challenge sporting enthusiasts on these waters. Fishing the reservoirs just got easier. The New York City DEP, which oversees these waters, has made it easy to get fishing permits for the reservoirs by placing it online. Go to www.nyc.gov and search for watershed recreation. Regular DEC fishing permits are easy to get at almost any local sports stores.
Seasoned fishermen recognize that the way to "live large" while seeking the big one is to rent a private cabin with all the comforts of home - and great fishing just minutes away.
From Downsville down to Hancock and Deposit, camping, affordable motels, and cabin rentals abound. Fish beneath the historic covered bridge in Downsville where lodging options range from on river Pepacton Cabins (www.pepactoncabins.com), the classy Yellow House B&B (www.yellowhouseny.com), or the always affordable Downsville Motel (www.downsvillemotel.com) - a favorites among anglers. The conveniently located Al's Sports Store in Downsville (www.alssportstore.com) supplies everything an angler needs - from gear to a private river guide. When fishing time is over, the Old Schoolhouse Restaurant (www.oldschoolhouseinn.com) is a great place to dine and spin some fishing yarns.
For fishermen visiting the Hancock area (where the East and West Branches of the Delaware River converge), a full service resort such as the West Branch Angler (www.westbranchresort.com) is a great place to stay. The resort comes complete with a restaurant, an Orvis store, and knowledgeable river guides on staff. Bass Cabins (www.golfandxski.com) is nearby too and let’s you (or the spouse) combine fishing with a love of golf at their French Woods Golf Course. Hancock boasts a fine new hotel, great motels and B&B’s both in and outside the village. After an exhilarating day on the water, anglers will enjoy telling fishing tales at the new Bluestone Grill (www.bluestonegrill.com). This casual eatery serves lunch and dinner, topped off by a popular list of homemade desserts.
For those visiting the Deposit area and the lower edge of the Cannonsville Reservoir, lodging options include the Deposit Motel, the new Eagle Valley Cabins (www.evcabins.com) or private home rentals, such as Dream Catcher Lodge (www.dreamcatcherlodgeny.com) with one mile of river front access.
But landing trophy fish is only part of the experience. The Catskill Mountains have a special appeal that makes "just being here" a large part of the attraction - catching fish is a special bonus.
To learn more about fishing in the western Catskills and the Upper Delaware River region, or finding the right campground or lodging host to stay with, log on to: www.greatwesterncatskills.com. Call toll-free: 866 775-4425 or e-mail: info@greatwesterncatskills.com.
When it's time to fish, visit the Great Western Catskills of Delaware County and "Let the magic of our mountains move you."
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
NYC May Have the High Line, but the West Kaats Have the Snow Line
For folks who like walking uninterrupted above the crowds on New York City’s Highline – they should check out the Catskill Mountains uncrowded trails, ski slopes, and main streets for real winter relaxation. The Western side of the Catskills is the first mountain range east of the Rockies that accommodates a snowline at 1800 feet above sea level. Winter weather systems that move through leave a clearly delineated line on the mountain tops where there snow precipitation really cranks it up a notch. Understanding that most folks in the metro area don’t think snow if it’s not in front of them, the Great Western Catskills Facebook page now includes a Photo of the Day section so you can remember just what the white stuff looks like and be inspired to plan a visit.
It's a ski region without the crowds and a secret many second homeowners from downstate want to keep a secret. The local ski mountain is in Roxbury at Plattekill, and it's vibe is akin to the TV show Cheers - it's a place where everybody knows your name. New to the mountain this year is a boatload of infrastructure improvements. Plattekill has added 29 snow guns, 7,000 feet of buried snowmaking pipe, 1,000 feet of heavy electric wire (and nine electric stations) to power 2 new fan guns, a grooming machine, and new rental equipment.
Plattekill maintains its charm as a challenging mountain that is incredibly family friendly. Double black diamond runs thrill expert skiers. The ski school offers great instruction, a bunny hill and two side trails for easier runs. Plattekill is open Friday-Sunday from 8:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Plattekill will be open for ten days straight for school break starting with the Presidents’ Weekend holiday. Saturday nights are especially exciting with snow tubing available in two sessions, from 5-7 and 7-9 p.m. Holiday week will have additional tubing nights as well. Check the conditions live with their mountain cam at www.plattekill.com.
A number of nearby lodging facilities have partnered with Plattekill Mountain to offer money-saving packages. The most popular offering is one of their two BOGO (Buy One Get One) options. When visitors stay with a participating lodging facility, children 17 and under will receive one free lift ticket for each paid adult ticket (limit two). Adults without children can save big too. Buy a full day lift ticket for Saturday and get Sunday’s lift ticket free. The mountain boasts a great family cafeteria, upstairs lounge bar, child care center, fireplaces throughout and sunning benches on the deck.
If your winter adventure tastes are more leisurely, Delaware County has many fine cross-country skiing and snowshoeing options. The ideal cross-country or snowshoe route is the 26-mile rail bed known as the Catskill Scenic Trail running between Roxbury and Bloomville. Use of the trail is free. This expanse of flat terrain is maintained during the winter by the snowmobile club members who also take care of more than 300 miles of additional trails in the county. For additional information on the rail trail, visit www.catskillscenictrail.org. To learn more about the snowmobiling opportunities, explore the website for the Central Catskill Trail Association at www.centralcatskillstrail.com. All this activity is in Roxbury which boasts the award winning boutique motel, cool dining options, a performing arts center and beautiful historic park. To find out all about Roxbury visit www.roxburyny.com.
When it comes to lodging options, the Great Western Catskills features accommodations that include everything from cool and hip inns, charming bed and breakfasts, affordable and accommodating motels to private rental homes and cabins. If your idea of winter romance includes a crackling fireplace, a number of accommodations can offer such an amenity. For winter lodging packages visit the getaways section of the area’s travel website at: www.greatwesterncatskills.com.
Learn more about the Western Catskills
Delaware County is located conveniently to the NYC / Albany / Rochester / Philadelphia areas for weekend getaway. For more information on travel to the Great Western Catskills visit www.greatwesterncatskills.com. For a free art gallery and antique shop map, Cannonsville boating brochure, fishing map or event calendar, call 866-775-4425.
It's a ski region without the crowds and a secret many second homeowners from downstate want to keep a secret. The local ski mountain is in Roxbury at Plattekill, and it's vibe is akin to the TV show Cheers - it's a place where everybody knows your name. New to the mountain this year is a boatload of infrastructure improvements. Plattekill has added 29 snow guns, 7,000 feet of buried snowmaking pipe, 1,000 feet of heavy electric wire (and nine electric stations) to power 2 new fan guns, a grooming machine, and new rental equipment.
Plattekill maintains its charm as a challenging mountain that is incredibly family friendly. Double black diamond runs thrill expert skiers. The ski school offers great instruction, a bunny hill and two side trails for easier runs. Plattekill is open Friday-Sunday from 8:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Plattekill will be open for ten days straight for school break starting with the Presidents’ Weekend holiday. Saturday nights are especially exciting with snow tubing available in two sessions, from 5-7 and 7-9 p.m. Holiday week will have additional tubing nights as well. Check the conditions live with their mountain cam at www.plattekill.com.
A number of nearby lodging facilities have partnered with Plattekill Mountain to offer money-saving packages. The most popular offering is one of their two BOGO (Buy One Get One) options. When visitors stay with a participating lodging facility, children 17 and under will receive one free lift ticket for each paid adult ticket (limit two). Adults without children can save big too. Buy a full day lift ticket for Saturday and get Sunday’s lift ticket free. The mountain boasts a great family cafeteria, upstairs lounge bar, child care center, fireplaces throughout and sunning benches on the deck.
If your winter adventure tastes are more leisurely, Delaware County has many fine cross-country skiing and snowshoeing options. The ideal cross-country or snowshoe route is the 26-mile rail bed known as the Catskill Scenic Trail running between Roxbury and Bloomville. Use of the trail is free. This expanse of flat terrain is maintained during the winter by the snowmobile club members who also take care of more than 300 miles of additional trails in the county. For additional information on the rail trail, visit www.catskillscenictrail.org. To learn more about the snowmobiling opportunities, explore the website for the Central Catskill Trail Association at www.centralcatskillstrail.com. All this activity is in Roxbury which boasts the award winning boutique motel, cool dining options, a performing arts center and beautiful historic park. To find out all about Roxbury visit www.roxburyny.com.
When it comes to lodging options, the Great Western Catskills features accommodations that include everything from cool and hip inns, charming bed and breakfasts, affordable and accommodating motels to private rental homes and cabins. If your idea of winter romance includes a crackling fireplace, a number of accommodations can offer such an amenity. For winter lodging packages visit the getaways section of the area’s travel website at: www.greatwesterncatskills.com.
Learn more about the Western Catskills
Delaware County is located conveniently to the NYC / Albany / Rochester / Philadelphia areas for weekend getaway. For more information on travel to the Great Western Catskills visit www.greatwesterncatskills.com. For a free art gallery and antique shop map, Cannonsville boating brochure, fishing map or event calendar, call 866-775-4425.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Gear Up for Holiday Shopping with a Country Flair.
Holiday shopping can be a great adventure when you take a little time to explore the Western Catskills main streets, farm stores, and back road antique shops. The mountains mean different things to different people.
Some are recreation minded and sporting equipment makes a great holiday present. Others love the artisan works inspired by the shapes and colors found in nature here. The best place to get them something that reflects their passion for the mountains is in the mountains.
Main Street Merchants and General Stores
The best day for shopping the local artisan wares is the Saturday after Thanksgiving when the Pakatakan Farmers Market www.pfmarket.org reopens for a one day holiday bazaar and showcases everything home grown, handspun, and handmade for hearth and home. Make a day or weekend of it and combine the drive to Halcottsville with other stops along the way.
On or just off of State Highway 28 – halfway between Kingston and Cooperstown, you’ll find great clusters of shopping on the main streets of the Western Catskills. Andes boasts the most retail outlets for any town, from artisanal teas at Tay Home, delightful coffee table books and home accessories at Delaware Trading Post, to great gifts at Heart of the Catskills – run by volunteers from the local humane society. You can see on their website at www.andesnewyork.com.
Franklin’s main street showcases wonderful antiques and vintage goods amidst its stunning collection of Victorian homes. Delhi and Margaretville (www.margaretville.org) continue in their historical roles as commerce centers for the county. The Bookstore Village of the Catskills www.bookstorevillage.com is located in Hobart and provides multiple stores to shop for the always appreciated literary gift.
General stores are turning into more than a place for an emergency quart of milk. Lucky Dog Farm Store in Hamden has wonderful vintage country clothing, unique dry goods, great candy for stocking stuffing. In addition to their own veggies, they offer other local produce items, and are now serving lunch too. Masonville General Store works with area artisans to display their wares and is home to the Crescent Wrench Café. Bovina General Store showcases Bovine crockery and locally made gifts and yummy sandwiches. Just up the road at Heaven on Main Street you can place an order for boxes of delectable holiday chocolates and on Saturdays and Sundays have wonderful vegetarian baked goods. On the way out of town, stop by a Christmas tree farm in Bovina and pick up your holiday tree.
Fiber and fabric
What could be nicer than a basket full of locally raised wool, spun in to delightful yarns for the knitter on your list. Dunk Hill Alpacas in Walton sell yarn from the farm. Yarns and fabrics can be found between Delhi and Delancey at Highland Springs Farm or at Mountain Yarns in Margaretville. For those who work with fabrics, Where Quilters Gather in Walton attracts people from all over the region to stock up and explore their amazing quilting supply store and just up the street at the Country Emporium you can find more fabrics and gifts.
For the collector in the family
Art galleries have been popping up all over the county lately. Don’t think that a piece of art is out of your price range for a holiday gift. Have a few friends or family members pool their money and you will have a gift that is unique. Roxbury hosts the Roxbury Arts Group, Stamford hosts The Gallery, Margaretville’s long time art gallery is the East Branch Art Gallery, now joined by the newly open Longyear Gallery, as well as the Catskill Mountain Artisans Collective store. Andes main street showcases Chace Randall Gallery, Sixty One Main, Cooperative Art Store of Andes, and Andes Art Antiques. Delhi now boasts its first art gallery at Delhi Art and Antiques and Franklin boasts the newest at Franklin Art and Antiques. For an easy to navigate route to art and antique stores, download the Art and Antique directory from www.greatwesterncatskills.com or call 866-775-4425 and have a copy mailed to you. You can see the complete list of stores at www.catskillsartandantiques.com.
What to get the outdoorsperson who has everything
For enthusiasts of any sport you can never have enough quality supplies. If someone on your list is into fishing then a visit to Hancock is a must stop on your Catskills shopping trip. A new pair of waders, some new flies, a great book on fishing the Catskills will delight and it also makes for a fine lunch stop at the Bluestone Grill or Hancock House Hotel. The newly opened Walton Variety Store stocks fishing and camping gear, right near great main street gift stores for the rest of your list. If you’re tired of buying equipment for your outdoor fanatic, think into the future with a gift certificate for a day with a professional fly fishing guide from Grey Ghost Guide Service, an afternoon’s bird hunt at the West Branch Angler, or even a golf lesson with the pro at the Stamford Golf Course or the Golf Course at SUNY Delhi.
Stuff that stocking with the biggest little gift there is - a season lift ticket to skiing at Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury. Too expensive? Try their Value Club - $59 membership fee gets you discounts on Friday skiing, weekend rates, and holiday rates. Check it out at www.plattekill.com.
Shop for holiday meals too
Pack a cooler and ice in the trunk of your car and shop for your holiday meals while you’re out and about. The holiday ham or turkey never tasted so good when raised on fresh air and pasture on a family farm. The best resource for planning head is to check out the Pure Catskills buy local website at www.purecatskills.com. and search for a farm like Stone and Thistle in East Meredith where you can buy beef, pork, lamb, goat, rabbit, chicken, as well as organic goats milk yogurt, chevre, and goats milk fudge. Stock up on local cheeses too. Sherman Hills sells off their farm in Franklin as does Harpersfield Cheese. Brovetto’s Cheese House in Jefferson does a tour of their cheese cave that is not to be missed. And real maple syrup is always a welcomed gift from Shaver Hill Maple in Harpersfield. Short on time? One stop shop for local products at Lucky Dog Farm in Hamden, The Market Basket in Arkville, Masonville General Store in Masonville, and Good Cheap Food in Delhi.
Learn more about the Western Catskills
For more information on great things to do and lodging packages in the Great Western Catskills visit www.greatwesterncatskills.com. For information on events and workshops, visit www.delawarecountytoday.com For a free travel guide or art gallery and antique dealer directory, call 866-775-4425.
Some are recreation minded and sporting equipment makes a great holiday present. Others love the artisan works inspired by the shapes and colors found in nature here. The best place to get them something that reflects their passion for the mountains is in the mountains.
Main Street Merchants and General Stores
The best day for shopping the local artisan wares is the Saturday after Thanksgiving when the Pakatakan Farmers Market www.pfmarket.org reopens for a one day holiday bazaar and showcases everything home grown, handspun, and handmade for hearth and home. Make a day or weekend of it and combine the drive to Halcottsville with other stops along the way.
On or just off of State Highway 28 – halfway between Kingston and Cooperstown, you’ll find great clusters of shopping on the main streets of the Western Catskills. Andes boasts the most retail outlets for any town, from artisanal teas at Tay Home, delightful coffee table books and home accessories at Delaware Trading Post, to great gifts at Heart of the Catskills – run by volunteers from the local humane society. You can see on their website at www.andesnewyork.com.
Franklin’s main street showcases wonderful antiques and vintage goods amidst its stunning collection of Victorian homes. Delhi and Margaretville (www.margaretville.org) continue in their historical roles as commerce centers for the county. The Bookstore Village of the Catskills www.bookstorevillage.com is located in Hobart and provides multiple stores to shop for the always appreciated literary gift.
General stores are turning into more than a place for an emergency quart of milk. Lucky Dog Farm Store in Hamden has wonderful vintage country clothing, unique dry goods, great candy for stocking stuffing. In addition to their own veggies, they offer other local produce items, and are now serving lunch too. Masonville General Store works with area artisans to display their wares and is home to the Crescent Wrench Café. Bovina General Store showcases Bovine crockery and locally made gifts and yummy sandwiches. Just up the road at Heaven on Main Street you can place an order for boxes of delectable holiday chocolates and on Saturdays and Sundays have wonderful vegetarian baked goods. On the way out of town, stop by a Christmas tree farm in Bovina and pick up your holiday tree.
Fiber and fabric
What could be nicer than a basket full of locally raised wool, spun in to delightful yarns for the knitter on your list. Dunk Hill Alpacas in Walton sell yarn from the farm. Yarns and fabrics can be found between Delhi and Delancey at Highland Springs Farm or at Mountain Yarns in Margaretville. For those who work with fabrics, Where Quilters Gather in Walton attracts people from all over the region to stock up and explore their amazing quilting supply store and just up the street at the Country Emporium you can find more fabrics and gifts.
For the collector in the family
Art galleries have been popping up all over the county lately. Don’t think that a piece of art is out of your price range for a holiday gift. Have a few friends or family members pool their money and you will have a gift that is unique. Roxbury hosts the Roxbury Arts Group, Stamford hosts The Gallery, Margaretville’s long time art gallery is the East Branch Art Gallery, now joined by the newly open Longyear Gallery, as well as the Catskill Mountain Artisans Collective store. Andes main street showcases Chace Randall Gallery, Sixty One Main, Cooperative Art Store of Andes, and Andes Art Antiques. Delhi now boasts its first art gallery at Delhi Art and Antiques and Franklin boasts the newest at Franklin Art and Antiques. For an easy to navigate route to art and antique stores, download the Art and Antique directory from www.greatwesterncatskills.com or call 866-775-4425 and have a copy mailed to you. You can see the complete list of stores at www.catskillsartandantiques.com.
What to get the outdoorsperson who has everything
For enthusiasts of any sport you can never have enough quality supplies. If someone on your list is into fishing then a visit to Hancock is a must stop on your Catskills shopping trip. A new pair of waders, some new flies, a great book on fishing the Catskills will delight and it also makes for a fine lunch stop at the Bluestone Grill or Hancock House Hotel. The newly opened Walton Variety Store stocks fishing and camping gear, right near great main street gift stores for the rest of your list. If you’re tired of buying equipment for your outdoor fanatic, think into the future with a gift certificate for a day with a professional fly fishing guide from Grey Ghost Guide Service, an afternoon’s bird hunt at the West Branch Angler, or even a golf lesson with the pro at the Stamford Golf Course or the Golf Course at SUNY Delhi.
Stuff that stocking with the biggest little gift there is - a season lift ticket to skiing at Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury. Too expensive? Try their Value Club - $59 membership fee gets you discounts on Friday skiing, weekend rates, and holiday rates. Check it out at www.plattekill.com.
Shop for holiday meals too
Pack a cooler and ice in the trunk of your car and shop for your holiday meals while you’re out and about. The holiday ham or turkey never tasted so good when raised on fresh air and pasture on a family farm. The best resource for planning head is to check out the Pure Catskills buy local website at www.purecatskills.com. and search for a farm like Stone and Thistle in East Meredith where you can buy beef, pork, lamb, goat, rabbit, chicken, as well as organic goats milk yogurt, chevre, and goats milk fudge. Stock up on local cheeses too. Sherman Hills sells off their farm in Franklin as does Harpersfield Cheese. Brovetto’s Cheese House in Jefferson does a tour of their cheese cave that is not to be missed. And real maple syrup is always a welcomed gift from Shaver Hill Maple in Harpersfield. Short on time? One stop shop for local products at Lucky Dog Farm in Hamden, The Market Basket in Arkville, Masonville General Store in Masonville, and Good Cheap Food in Delhi.
Learn more about the Western Catskills
For more information on great things to do and lodging packages in the Great Western Catskills visit www.greatwesterncatskills.com. For information on events and workshops, visit www.delawarecountytoday.com For a free travel guide or art gallery and antique dealer directory, call 866-775-4425.
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