YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE OUTDOORSY TO LOVE COUNTRY LIFE

Filed Under: Catskill Farms Vacation Homes | Sullivan County House Hunting | Old Houses and Catskill Farmhouses | Catskill NY Market Trends
Written By: Jamie Hollier

Ways to fill your days in Sullivan County

Sullivan County, and the Catskill Mountains in which that county resides, is known as a great place to hike, fish, camp and do other outdoorsy activities. However, that is only part of what makes this pocket of Upstate New York so great. Sullivan county real estate is a hotbed of activity since it is a beautiful location where you can own a house and land not too far out from the city. The outdoorsy types are not the only ones to hang their hats in the country of the Catskills, though. Having your social calendar filled is any easy feat for all sorts in this diverse area. Check out these small samplings of ways to pass your time in Sullivan County:

Performing Arts

Leaving the city doesn't have to mean you can't enjoy live theater. In fact, with the North American Cultural Laboratory in Sullivan County, cutting edge performing arts might be easier to come by than ever before. Don’t worry about missing Broadway, either, because the Forestburg Playhouse and Tavern is there to fill all your show tune needs. If live music is what tugs at your heartstrings, then Tusten Theater, with its mix of jazz and contemporary, is just the place for you. Lastly, for those that love the vocal prowess of Opera, the Delaware Valley Opera is sure to please.

Art Galleries and Studios

Sullivan County abounds with artists and this is one community that welcomes and supports them. There is no lack of galleries, co-ops, and even individual studios that represent the work of locals. Visiting all the venues for art in this area might be a hefty endeavor, but a weekend of discovering potters, painters, sculptors, and others might find you before you even realize it. You could even find your own inner artist with the art classes offered at the Catskill Art Society.

Museums and Historical Sites

The 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair has become an important cultural event in America's history and the Museum at Bethel Woods allows visitors to experience and understand this event in a hands on way. Fort Delaware is a living history museum that provides a step back in time with a historic setting and events like blacksmithing and candle making. Check out the history of the region at the Sullivan County Museum and also learn about Frederick A. Cook, who explored the North Pole. The diverse and significant history of the area is right at your fingertips with trips to these museums.

Antiquing

One of the joys of country life is the abundance of antique shops and what would be better for filling your Catskill farmhouse than antiques. The Country Bum'kin is a new player on the antiques scene but is a good one; they have all types of pieces from a multitude of periods and styles. If you want one shop that has a lot, a visit to the Antique Center of Callicoon may be in order. With their 3 floors of offering you should be able to find that perfect piece for your Sullivan County home. However, with over thirty antique shops in the county, finding your favorite spot for antiquing should be like shooting fish in a barrel.

Agritourism

One of the hot new ways to spend your leisure time is to enjoy the fruits of other's labor and maybe even get your own hands dirty. Agritourism is where people tour farms, orchards, wineries, and other agricultural companies. Apple Pond Farm and Renewable Energy Education Center is an organic farm that provides farm vacations and tours and teaches about many aspects of living off the land, including cheese making, renewable energies, and spinning. After a long morning of working the farm at Apple Pond, head over to Basha Kill vineyards to see the grapes on the vine and taste the amazing organic wines they go into.


There is no lack of things to keep you occupied in Sullivan County, regardless of your interests and personality. Maybe that is why Upstate New York real estate and is such a popular market right now. Come pay the Catskills a visit and you may find yourself wanting to stay forever in your own Catskills home.