America's First Vacationland
Nestled in the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River Valley, Greene County was one of America's first vacationlands. Explorer Henry Hudson was the county’s first recorded tourist in 1609 and today, visitors continue to be drawn to the area for its natural splendor and rich array of activities.
With scenery so beautiful it inspired the Hudson River School of Art, Greene County added to its appealing lore when Washington Irving set his legend of Rip Van Winkle in the Northern Catskills.
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Lodging & Dining
Greene County offers lodging and dining to suit everyone from budget-conscious families to the most discerning travelers. You can still find all-inclusive family resorts with a full slate of activities for children so parents can relax. Luxurious country inns and intimate B&Bs also abound, with the last count totaling over 30. Greene County is home to nearly 50 hotels and motels, three condominium complexes and a number of cabins and efficiencies.
Greene County's dining options run the gamut from award-winning haute cuisine at romantic restaurants offering white-linen service to casual bistros and cafes to down-home diners and roadside restaurants. Our proximity to the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America and New York City has drawn talented chefs to the area and the county's rich ethnic heritage adds to the mix. Greene County is also blessed with a bounty of farm stands and farmer's markets, as well as the Windham Winery.
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History, Arts & Culture
From the Historic Catskill Point where riverboats once dropped off America's first vacationers for visits to the famed Catskill Mountain resorts and hotels to The Thomas Cole National Historic Site, home of the founder of the Hudson River School, Greene County is a haven for history buffs. Today, this rich heritage is complemented by a thriving arts and culture scene with an abundance of art galleries, theater, dance and other performing arts for visitors and residents alike to enjoy.
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Outdoor Recreation
Greene County is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking and biking are superb, with stunning vistas and graceful waterfalls. There is also great boating, bird watching, hunting and fishing. Golf is another strong suit, with nine championship golf courses never further than a 20-minute drive of each other. During the winter, Windham Mountain and Hunter Mountain offer first-class skiing and snowboarding, as well as snowshoeing and snow tubing. Elsewhere, there are abundant opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice skating.
Whether adventure seeker or passive observer, you'll find a wealth of activities set amidst the natural splendor of Greene County.
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Attractions, Festivals & Events
Greene County abounds in attractions that please young and old alike. You can explore our Hudson River School Art Trail in the morning, take a river cruise or hike in the afternoon and discover our treasured historic sites. Revel in our spectacular scenery and charming towns full of history, art and culinary finds and never want for something to do with a nearly non-stop slate of fairs and festivals.
Sampling of Events
- Cat'n Around Catskill
- Tap NY Wine and Beer Festival
- East Durham Irish Festival
- Rip Van Winkle's Wacky Raft Race
- Northern Catskills Renaissance Faire
- Mountain Culture Festival
- Microbrew, Wine & Food Festival
- Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival
- Oktoberfest
- Ginseng & Natural Herbs Festival
- Night of 1,000 Pumpkins
Sampling of Attractions
- Thomas Cole National Historic Site
- Hudson Athens Lighthouse
- Zoom Flume Water Park
- Bailiwick Ranch and Discovery Zoo
- Kaaterskill Falls
- Pratt Rock
- Bronck Museum
- Windham Mountain
- Mountaintop Adventure Park
- North/South Lake State Park
- Pleshakov Piano Museum