7 Best Small Towns in the Catskills-With Wood-fired Hot Tubs, Retro Diners, and New York's Most Majestic Waterfall

"The Catskills have always been a retreat-first for 19th-century painters and writers, later for city escapees chasing mountain air and summer swims. That legacy hasn't faded, but the region feels freshly alive these days as chefs, artists, and creative entrepreneurs put down roots. Farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries and cideries, and design-driven boutique hotels now coexist with retro diners, antique shops, and historic inns-many of which have been newly restored."

"Just a few hours from New York City, the region truly offers something in every season: skiing and snowboarding in winter, wildflower-lined trails in spring, swimming holes and paddling in summer, and fiery foliage in fall. And because the Catskills aren't one-size-fits-all, here are the towns that best capture the region's spirit, from artsy enclaves to foodie hubs and beyond."

The Catskills began as a retreat for 19th-century painters and writers and later attracted city residents seeking mountain air and summer swims. The region now hosts chefs, artists, and creative entrepreneurs establishing restaurants, breweries, cideries, and design-driven boutique hotels alongside retro diners, antique shops, and newly restored historic inns. Located a few hours from New York City, the area offers skiing and snowboarding in winter, wildflower-lined trails in spring, swimming holes and paddling in summer, and fiery foliage in fall. Towns across the region range from artsy enclaves to vibrant foodie hubs.

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