Discovering the Best Hidden Hotspots of the Catskills & Hudson Valley

Famous for its place in American art history and a landscape of lush mountains and scenic views, the Catskills are an idyllic and peaceful respite from New York City—just a few hours drive away. The region has captivated artists, creators, and writers for centuries.

Having spent a lot of my education learning art history, and with a passion for American literature, the Catskills and Hudson River Valley have both always been a bit of a curious destination for me.

And after living in NYC for just a year already, I finally made my way north to explore more of New York state this summer, and again in the late autumn.

Washington Irving set many of his stories, including Rip Van Wrinkle, in the Catskills, and American Romanticism artists formed their own school of art, the Hudson River School, here in the 19th century.

That kind of creative energy and love for nature has always made the…