Guidebook for Elka Park
Food Scene
A Tannersville must-eat, even for the herbivores out there. Take a look through the many tasty house specialty burgers and if you don’t like that, have a crack at customizing your own. Emily’s favorite is the vegetarian grilled eggplant patty with goat’s milk gouda and yogurt harissa sauce. John sticks to the classic. They also have locally made ice cream and sorbets to satisfy your sweet tooth, and a selection of breakfast sandwiches - though there’s nothing wrong with a burger for breakfast!
136 locals recommend
Mama's Boy Burgers
6067 Main StA Tannersville must-eat, even for the herbivores out there. Take a look through the many tasty house specialty burgers and if you don’t like that, have a crack at customizing your own. Emily’s favorite is the vegetarian grilled eggplant patty with goat’s milk gouda and yogurt harissa sauce. John sticks to the classic. They also have locally made ice cream and sorbets to satisfy your sweet tooth, and a selection of breakfast sandwiches - though there’s nothing wrong with a burger for breakfast!
Saloon style bar and restaurant. The menu is dressed up pub food with decent vegetarian options as well. Excellent beer selection. Great for a cozy, intimate dinner or a post-ski brew on your way home. Or both.
143 locals recommend
Last Chance Antiques & Cheese Café
6009 Main StSaloon style bar and restaurant. The menu is dressed up pub food with decent vegetarian options as well. Excellent beer selection. Great for a cozy, intimate dinner or a post-ski brew on your way home. Or both.
Just west of downtown Tannersville (across from Colonial Country Club), this is the perfect spot to get an egg and cheese sandwich before your day’s adventure and/or to grab a sandwich for later. Standard “tell us what you want between bread and we’ll make it” kind of place.
19 locals recommend
Village Market & Deli
6234 Main StJust west of downtown Tannersville (across from Colonial Country Club), this is the perfect spot to get an egg and cheese sandwich before your day’s adventure and/or to grab a sandwich for later. Standard “tell us what you want between bread and we’ll make it” kind of place.
Pop in for the standard coffee shop soup/salad/sandwich, but stay for the donuts! Do you really think you can make a trip to Tannersville WITHOUT having a fresh, made-to-order s’mores donut? The answer is no, you really can’t. Also a great spot just to hang, with comfy couches and relaxed vibe.
58 locals recommend
Twin Peaks Coffee & Donuts
5950 Main StPop in for the standard coffee shop soup/salad/sandwich, but stay for the donuts! Do you really think you can make a trip to Tannersville WITHOUT having a fresh, made-to-order s’mores donut? The answer is no, you really can’t. Also a great spot just to hang, with comfy couches and relaxed vibe.
Another gorgeous location for a romantic meal! The menu here varies month-to-month as chefs rotate through, but we’ve never had a bad meal here either. The woody hillside location makes for pretty views, and the hospitality is always top notch. Additionally, the cocktail menu alone justifies a visit. And still just a quick drive up the hill from Main Street, Tannersville.
122 locals recommend
Deer Mountain Inn
790 Co Rd 25Another gorgeous location for a romantic meal! The menu here varies month-to-month as chefs rotate through, but we’ve never had a bad meal here either. The woody hillside location makes for pretty views, and the hospitality is always top notch. Additionally, the cocktail menu alone justifies a visit. And still just a quick drive up the hill from Main Street, Tannersville.
Another of the area’s fancier options, Scribner’s Prospect is an American fare restaurant and a cocktail bar with magnificent mountain views, a modern aesthetic and cozy vibes. The menu changes daily to incorporate seasonal ingredients and won’t disappoint. It’s also a great place to curl up by the fire with a cocktail on your way back from the slopes!
109 locals recommend
The Prospect
13 Scribner Hollow RdAnother of the area’s fancier options, Scribner’s Prospect is an American fare restaurant and a cocktail bar with magnificent mountain views, a modern aesthetic and cozy vibes. The menu changes daily to incorporate seasonal ingredients and won’t disappoint. It’s also a great place to curl up by the fire with a cocktail on your way back from the slopes!
Just down the mountain in Palenville, this spot serves unbeatable breakfast and lunch sandwiches (no, really - UNBEATABLE) alongside a curated array of dry goods and gifts. Note that they stop serving their breakfast menu at 11:30, though if you miss the cut off, you’ll quickly forget as you sink your teeth into their Kaaterskill Panino instead. Definitely worth a stop, especially if you’re heading from or toward Saugerties!
113 locals recommend
Circle W Market
3328 NY-23AJust down the mountain in Palenville, this spot serves unbeatable breakfast and lunch sandwiches (no, really - UNBEATABLE) alongside a curated array of dry goods and gifts. Note that they stop serving their breakfast menu at 11:30, though if you miss the cut off, you’ll quickly forget as you sink your teeth into their Kaaterskill Panino instead. Definitely worth a stop, especially if you’re heading from or toward Saugerties!
The best pizza you'll find on the mountain top! It stacks up with NYC pizza so don't be deterred by its humble digs.
32 locals recommend
Ma-Ma's Pizza Parlor
7730 Main StThe best pizza you'll find on the mountain top! It stacks up with NYC pizza so don't be deterred by its humble digs.
If you’re celebrating an occasion or just looking for tasty feast, this is the place to go for dinner with locally sourced food and a rotating menu. Lots of outdoor seating and a good bar for a laid-back evening. We’ve never had anything less than an excellent meal here. 5 mins from the cottage on Main St.
84 locals recommend
Jessie's Harvest House
5819 Main StIf you’re celebrating an occasion or just looking for tasty feast, this is the place to go for dinner with locally sourced food and a rotating menu. Lots of outdoor seating and a good bar for a laid-back evening. We’ve never had anything less than an excellent meal here. 5 mins from the cottage on Main St.
A new (OPEN EVERYDAY!) cafe in Hunter from the folks at Scribners with ahhh-mazing breakfast sandwiches, salads, coffee, and baked goods, plus fresh cut flowers. Go!
62 locals recommend
Fellow Mountain Cafe
7883 Main StA new (OPEN EVERYDAY!) cafe in Hunter from the folks at Scribners with ahhh-mazing breakfast sandwiches, salads, coffee, and baked goods, plus fresh cut flowers. Go!
30 mins away. Known as the “Gramercy Tavern” of the Catskills, this spot lives up to the name with top notch food with an intimate atmosphere. We absolutely ADORE this restaurant and if you’re going down to the Phoenicia area, you cannot miss it. And it’s worth a special trip regardless. It’s not a cheap-eat, but, then, it is probably the best meal you’ll find in the Catskills. You may want a reservation for the dining room, but the bar room can serve walk-ins and feels a bit more laid back if that’s what you’re into.
440 locals recommend
Peekamoose
8373 NY-28 30 mins away. Known as the “Gramercy Tavern” of the Catskills, this spot lives up to the name with top notch food with an intimate atmosphere. We absolutely ADORE this restaurant and if you’re going down to the Phoenicia area, you cannot miss it. And it’s worth a special trip regardless. It’s not a cheap-eat, but, then, it is probably the best meal you’ll find in the Catskills. You may want a reservation for the dining room, but the bar room can serve walk-ins and feels a bit more laid back if that’s what you’re into.
25 mins away. Possibly the Catskills best known restaurant, Phoenicia Diner takes the standard diner beyond next level with creative breakfast and lunch with ever-changing specials and local flair. There are plenty of stand-out vegetarian options as well. It’s very popular, so be prepared for a wait on the weekends! Opening at 7 am Thursday through Monday, it’s a great stop if you’re heading out for a day of tubing or fishing, and they’re even open for dinner until 8 on Saturdays and Sundays.
597 locals recommend
Phoenicia Diner
5681 NY-2825 mins away. Possibly the Catskills best known restaurant, Phoenicia Diner takes the standard diner beyond next level with creative breakfast and lunch with ever-changing specials and local flair. There are plenty of stand-out vegetarian options as well. It’s very popular, so be prepared for a wait on the weekends! Opening at 7 am Thursday through Monday, it’s a great stop if you’re heading out for a day of tubing or fishing, and they’re even open for dinner until 8 on Saturdays and Sundays.
The name says it all. A good go-to beer hall with local beers on tap and German pub food. Large outdoor patio for fair weather drinking.
105 locals recommend
Jagerberg Beer Hall and Tavern
7722 Main StThe name says it all. A good go-to beer hall with local beers on tap and German pub food. Large outdoor patio for fair weather drinking.
Drinks & Nightlife
Tannersville's main late-night option, this spot has a very local vibe and music that's pumping. This is the late night place to be if you’re into a DJ, dance floor, and beer pong scene. Open until 4 A.M. every Saturday, it’s recommended if you don’t mind sticky floors and bad but effective liquor.
13 locals recommend
Slopes Hotel & Nightclub
6002 Main StTannersville's main late-night option, this spot has a very local vibe and music that's pumping. This is the late night place to be if you’re into a DJ, dance floor, and beer pong scene. Open until 4 A.M. every Saturday, it’s recommended if you don’t mind sticky floors and bad but effective liquor.
A diverse menu of their own house-made beers on offer with a broad menu of pub favorites in addition to an array of Italian choices.
75 locals recommend
Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company
4545 NY-32A diverse menu of their own house-made beers on offer with a broad menu of pub favorites in addition to an array of Italian choices.
A scenic drive around the mountains will further reward you on arrival to the beautiful grounds of the West Kill Brewing company. The variety in West Kill’s beer list trumps all others in the region and uses ingredients grown locally to produce delicious and interesting flavors that vary seasonally. The company is new and does not yet have a full kitchen, but snacks like soft pretzels and cheese boards are available. Occasionally food trucks are serving the property as well and they have regular community events - check their social media for the current offerings. Definitely worth the drive!
236 locals recommend
West Kill Brewing
2173 Spruceton RdA scenic drive around the mountains will further reward you on arrival to the beautiful grounds of the West Kill Brewing company. The variety in West Kill’s beer list trumps all others in the region and uses ingredients grown locally to produce delicious and interesting flavors that vary seasonally. The company is new and does not yet have a full kitchen, but snacks like soft pretzels and cheese boards are available. Occasionally food trucks are serving the property as well and they have regular community events - check their social media for the current offerings. Definitely worth the drive!
Directly across from Hunter Mountain Ski Resort, this is the late night spot if you prefer the laid back, pool table vibe. Open until 4 A.M. most nights, though it may close down a bit earlier if things are slow. Good local vibes, decent beer selection.
35 locals recommend
Ronnie Mac Gregor's Pub
7740 NY-23ADirectly across from Hunter Mountain Ski Resort, this is the late night spot if you prefer the laid back, pool table vibe. Open until 4 A.M. most nights, though it may close down a bit earlier if things are slow. Good local vibes, decent beer selection.
A scenic drive around the mountains will further reward you on arrival to the beautiful grounds of the West Kill Brewing company. The variety in West Kill’s beer list trumps all others in the region and uses ingredients grown locally to produce delicious and interesting flavors that vary seasonally. The company is new and does not yet have a full kitchen, but snacks like soft pretzels and cheese boards are available. Occasionally food trucks are serving the property as well and they have regular community events - check their social media for the current offerings. Definitely worth the 30 min drive!
236 locals recommend
West Kill Brewing
2173 Spruceton RdA scenic drive around the mountains will further reward you on arrival to the beautiful grounds of the West Kill Brewing company. The variety in West Kill’s beer list trumps all others in the region and uses ingredients grown locally to produce delicious and interesting flavors that vary seasonally. The company is new and does not yet have a full kitchen, but snacks like soft pretzels and cheese boards are available. Occasionally food trucks are serving the property as well and they have regular community events - check their social media for the current offerings. Definitely worth the 30 min drive!
Parks & Nature
Kaaterskill Falls is tallest two-stage waterfall in New York, and the trailhead that leads to it is just a 10 minute drive from the cottage. You can go to the parking lot just below the falls or you can park at the trailhead and hike just over a mile up the bottom of the falls.
668 locals recommend
Kaaterskill Falls
Kaaterskill Falls is tallest two-stage waterfall in New York, and the trailhead that leads to it is just a 10 minute drive from the cottage. You can go to the parking lot just below the falls or you can park at the trailhead and hike just over a mile up the bottom of the falls.
Just five minutes down Platte Clove Rd (the road you’re staying on!) is the trailhead that leads to Huckleberry Point, a rock outcropping high on the side of a mountain with a majestic view of the valley below as the mountains sweep away to the flat plain in the distance. The hike is of middling difficulty, 4.5 miles roundtrip. It rolls up and down throughout, but the biggest uphill section is at the beginning, meaning that you’ll wind up with a nice downhill at the end.
50 locals recommend
Huckleberry Point Trail
2425 Platte Clove RdJust five minutes down Platte Clove Rd (the road you’re staying on!) is the trailhead that leads to Huckleberry Point, a rock outcropping high on the side of a mountain with a majestic view of the valley below as the mountains sweep away to the flat plain in the distance. The hike is of middling difficulty, 4.5 miles roundtrip. It rolls up and down throughout, but the biggest uphill section is at the beginning, meaning that you’ll wind up with a nice downhill at the end.
Commonly known as the Catskills’ most challenging hike, this is a 24 mile loop trail that goes over 5 of the range’s 35 high peaks. Obviously there’s no pressure to do it all, but you can always go out and back for a peak or two, right? The trailhead is just a few minutes up from the cottage on Platte Clove Rd and is well marked by signs.
35 locals recommend
Devil's Path Trail
Prediger Trail Head RoadCommonly known as the Catskills’ most challenging hike, this is a 24 mile loop trail that goes over 5 of the range’s 35 high peaks. Obviously there’s no pressure to do it all, but you can always go out and back for a peak or two, right? The trailhead is just a few minutes up from the cottage on Platte Clove Rd and is well marked by signs.
Just 10-15 minutes away (depending on where exactly you’re going) is the North South Lake Campground where there are trails trails trails! Google is going to be more informative on the specific trails, but we recommend the spectacular views from Newman’s Ledge, Artist’s Rock, Sunset Rock, Boulder Rock, and North Point, all reachable at various points on the Escarpment Trail. The trails at North South Lake provide a lot of variety in difficulty and there is something for everyone here. There's also swimming in the lake during the summer time, and great space for picnicking!
165 locals recommend
North/South Lake Campground
874 N Lake RdJust 10-15 minutes away (depending on where exactly you’re going) is the North South Lake Campground where there are trails trails trails! Google is going to be more informative on the specific trails, but we recommend the spectacular views from Newman’s Ledge, Artist’s Rock, Sunset Rock, Boulder Rock, and North Point, all reachable at various points on the Escarpment Trail. The trails at North South Lake provide a lot of variety in difficulty and there is something for everyone here. There's also swimming in the lake during the summer time, and great space for picnicking!
Mountain Top Arboretum
4 Maude Adams RdA beautiful public garden just north of Main Street.
Entertainment & Activities
Whether you're into skiing, boarding, or tubing, this is the place to be for winter sports! Check huntermtn.com for more info.
71 locals recommend
Hunter Mountain Resort
8827 NY-23AWhether you're into skiing, boarding, or tubing, this is the place to be for winter sports! Check huntermtn.com for more info.
A welcoming yoga studio offering an array of practices. Classes are only $10 (cash only!). Mat rental is free, so no need to bring your own! Check puremountainyoga.com for the latest class schedule and information.
6 locals recommend
Pure Mountain Yoga
1119 Main StA welcoming yoga studio offering an array of practices. Classes are only $10 (cash only!). Mat rental is free, so no need to bring your own! Check puremountainyoga.com for the latest class schedule and information.
Float the mighty Esopus Creek for fantastic summer day out! The Esopus is a class II whitewater, meaning plenty of thrills and spills - make sure you’re a good swimmer before hopping in the tube. With Town Tinker Tube Rentals you can get a tube, life jacket, helmet, and a ride upriver for $30. Tour lasts around two hours. See their website at www.towntinker.com.
153 locals recommend
Town Tinker Tube Rental
10 Bridge StFloat the mighty Esopus Creek for fantastic summer day out! The Esopus is a class II whitewater, meaning plenty of thrills and spills - make sure you’re a good swimmer before hopping in the tube. With Town Tinker Tube Rentals you can get a tube, life jacket, helmet, and a ride upriver for $30. Tour lasts around two hours. See their website at www.towntinker.com.
Just down the street from Tannersville, this 9 hole course is great way to burn a few hours and get a little practice. Be sure and grab a sandwich from Village Market and Deli across the street to take on the links with you.
19 locals recommend
Colonial Country Club
6245 Main StJust down the street from Tannersville, this 9 hole course is great way to burn a few hours and get a little practice. Be sure and grab a sandwich from Village Market and Deli across the street to take on the links with you.
A very interesting and pretty 18 hole layout - it has a creek that winds through the property and comes into play on several holes (in addition to a lot of up-and-down terrain features). A good player should be prepared for sidehill lies; a great player will do well to avoid them. Great for a 36 hole day (coupled with Christman’s, of course) and has a good pub for after-round beers and lunch as well. 20-25 mins drive, Windham.
50 locals recommend
Windham Country Club
36 South StA very interesting and pretty 18 hole layout - it has a creek that winds through the property and comes into play on several holes (in addition to a lot of up-and-down terrain features). A good player should be prepared for sidehill lies; a great player will do well to avoid them. Great for a 36 hole day (coupled with Christman’s, of course) and has a good pub for after-round beers and lunch as well. 20-25 mins drive, Windham.
If you've mastered all the runs on Hunter Mountain, head up to Windham for even more skiing, boarding, and tubing fun! windhammountain.com
515 locals recommend
Windham Mountain Resort
19 Resort DrIf you've mastered all the runs on Hunter Mountain, head up to Windham for even more skiing, boarding, and tubing fun! windhammountain.com
Showing an array of independent and big-budget films plus regular live performances! Drop by on a stroll down Main Street to check their latest calendar and offerings.
25 locals recommend
The Orpheum Performing Arts Center
6050 Main StShowing an array of independent and big-budget films plus regular live performances! Drop by on a stroll down Main Street to check their latest calendar and offerings.
This is currently my favorite golf course in the world. It’s a very unique layout that takes full advantage of the natural undulations of the property’s terrain. Word is that it was built by the Christman family hole-by-hole over the course of several years, and it really looks as though the process was that deliberate. It’s just rustic enough to feel like a family business, but the greens tend to be fabulous surfaces and the course is otherwise very well looked after. I’ve never played any other golf course quite like this one; the way it meanders through the woods and isolates each hole from any other gives it a dreamlike quality. It’s by some distance the best I’ve played in the Catskills. 20-25 mins driving from the cottage, just outside Windham
27 locals recommend
Christman's Windham House
5742 NY-23This is currently my favorite golf course in the world. It’s a very unique layout that takes full advantage of the natural undulations of the property’s terrain. Word is that it was built by the Christman family hole-by-hole over the course of several years, and it really looks as though the process was that deliberate. It’s just rustic enough to feel like a family business, but the greens tend to be fabulous surfaces and the course is otherwise very well looked after. I’ve never played any other golf course quite like this one; the way it meanders through the woods and isolates each hole from any other gives it a dreamlike quality. It’s by some distance the best I’ve played in the Catskills. 20-25 mins driving from the cottage, just outside Windham
This is such a unique place. It’s probably the truest Catskills golf experience - no frills, crazy terrain, unconventional golf. And I mean this as the highest of compliments. This is true target golf; you’re certainly not trying to muscle the ball around this place, it’s all finesse and placement. I’ve never played another course that provided such a varied set of challenges as this layout presents. Very much a place that leaves traditionalism aside and prefers to ask the “...but can you do THIS?” question. A mainstay of my course rotation. 30 mins drive, Round Top.
17 locals recommend
Blackhead Mountain Lodge and Country Club
67 Crow S Nest RdThis is such a unique place. It’s probably the truest Catskills golf experience - no frills, crazy terrain, unconventional golf. And I mean this as the highest of compliments. This is true target golf; you’re certainly not trying to muscle the ball around this place, it’s all finesse and placement. I’ve never played another course that provided such a varied set of challenges as this layout presents. Very much a place that leaves traditionalism aside and prefers to ask the “...but can you do THIS?” question. A mainstay of my course rotation. 30 mins drive, Round Top.
Essentials
Tops is the only supermarket in the area of the cottage, and it has all the basics you would expect of any supermarket but won’t have a huge selection of niche items (i.e., they’ve got hummus but probably only one brand). If you’re looking for anything fancy-schmancy, you should bring it with you or check out one of the specialty general stores below. If you’re coming from NYC, stop in Kingston at either Hannaford or Mother Earth’s Storehouse for the best selection of fresh meats and produce.
109 locals recommend
Tops Friendly Market
6350 Main StTops is the only supermarket in the area of the cottage, and it has all the basics you would expect of any supermarket but won’t have a huge selection of niche items (i.e., they’ve got hummus but probably only one brand). If you’re looking for anything fancy-schmancy, you should bring it with you or check out one of the specialty general stores below. If you’re coming from NYC, stop in Kingston at either Hannaford or Mother Earth’s Storehouse for the best selection of fresh meats and produce.
This is definitely the best one-stop shop for all your dry goods (Toothbrush, extra underwear, AND the birthday card you forgot to get your mom? You got it!). It has all the necessities and stocks name brand goods at prices that undercut NYC prices to an alarming degree. Much better than your average dollar store here.
25 locals recommend
Dollar General
6459 NY-23AThis is definitely the best one-stop shop for all your dry goods (Toothbrush, extra underwear, AND the birthday card you forgot to get your mom? You got it!). It has all the necessities and stocks name brand goods at prices that undercut NYC prices to an alarming degree. Much better than your average dollar store here.
Kaaterskill Liquors
5991 Main StAll your standard liquors and wines, 5 mins from the cottage.
Shopping
Our local farm stand is open all year round with a small selection of fresh, seasonal produce and locally made goods like honey and baked treats, too! If it’s too cold, they may be set up in their greenhouse behind the farm stand. Otherwise, they’re nestled in their cozy shed close to the road. They also sometimes operate on the “honor system” - be sure to pay for whatever you take and support local farmers!
12 locals recommend
Fromer Market Gardens
6120 Main StOur local farm stand is open all year round with a small selection of fresh, seasonal produce and locally made goods like honey and baked treats, too! If it’s too cold, they may be set up in their greenhouse behind the farm stand. Otherwise, they’re nestled in their cozy shed close to the road. They also sometimes operate on the “honor system” - be sure to pay for whatever you take and support local farmers!