by Frances Stanford

Created on: March 29, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

What was once a wilderness area is now a premier vacation destination. The Catskill Mountains of New York State has something to offer you whatever season of the year you choose to visit. You won't have any difficulty finding lodgings with over 500 choices in accommodations ranging from romantic bed and breakfasts, campgrounds efficiency unites and cottages to five-star resorts.

What's there to do in the mountains? Well in addition to the spectacular views, the attractions are numerous and varied. Each county has more than enough to keep you fully occupied so you will need more than one vacation to see everything that is available. Fishing, boating, hunting, hiking - this area has it all. When the winter snows arrive so does a different kind of fun with the ski slopes, sledding, ice skating and snowboarding, not to mention the sleigh rides.

The Catskills embrace four counties: Greene, Delaware, Ulster and Sullivan.

Greene County is the smallest of the four and is the most low-key. In all the towns and villages there is an array of museums, water parks, city and state parks as well as historic buildings and villages. This county was the inspiration for the story of Rip Van Winkle. The Hunter and Windham ski areas are here as well as the highest cascading waterfall in the state - Kaaterskill Falls. You can also spend time at one of the oldest game farms in the state when you visit the Catskill Game Farm.

In Delaware County, you will stand and stare in amazement at the striking beauty of the landscape. Farmers; markets abound in the small towns and villages. Shop in small independent stores and traditional craft stores where you can take home some of the treasures the residents produce. Museums tell the history of the county and of each town. Art lovers can spend hours poring over the exquisite exhibits and displays and children can play in the many parks.

Ulster County will help you relive the pioneer experience of the Huguenot settlers. In some of the towns and villages you will be walking along some of the oldest streets in the country and gaze at the buildings that date back hundreds of years. Visit the wineries spread throughout this county and savor the tastes of the fine wines.

Sullivan County is the closest to New York City. Bethel, the site of the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival is one of the towns in this county. The county has numerous lakes and streams that boast some of the best fishing experiences in the country. It is known as the birthplace of American fly fishing as you will see when you visit the museum.

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