The Catskill Mountains, or the Catskills, is a natural area found in the northwest of New York City, to the southwest of Albany. It is a beautiful, sharp relief that was the result of years of erosion of a dissected plateau. This location, because of its beauty, has hosted a number of interesting tourist spots for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of them:

1. Catskills Forest Preserve. Covering about 300,000 acres, the highest point of this preserve is Slide Mountain, which has its peak 4,180 feet from the ground. The preserve has three streams that are ideal for fishing: Neversink, Willowemoc, and Beaver Kill.

2. Ted Martin?s Reptile Adventure. The site has a variety of reptiles on display, including alligators, turtles, crocodiles, and snakes. These are handled by professional trainers who are knowledgeable about the lifestyle of these animals. The trainers can even let visitors touch these reptiles.

3. Bronck Museum. This house-turned-museum has been known to be the oldest surviving residence in Upstate New York. Built way back in 1663, the house was furnished with Federal, Victorian, and Empire furniture, together with an assortment of glass, silver, and china. Read the rest of this entry »

Looking for a pleasurable place to stay in the Catskills Mountains region in New York? Then Hunter Mountain should be one of your prime choices. It offers one of the best terrains in the area. Hunter Mountain is also very convenient since it is just a couple of hours away from the Big Apple. It is also popular for its usual snow conditions making it a skier?s mountain. It also appeals to those who want to party during weekends. Indeed Hunter Mountain is an ideal place to stay both for nature lovers and party goers.

For those who want to run during the morning try the Heuga Express, then go to the Racer?s Edge, and the Quad as their opening runs, before hitting the Upper and Lower K-27. In the afternoon, going to the east side would be more recommended. Try the Minya Konka then proceed to Lower Crossover. Those who are bold enough can try the tough side of the mountain such as the Claire?s Way and the Outer Limits. Then close the day by going to the Heuga Express and Drop Off before going back to your hotel. Both courses offer good skiing speeds as well as hairpin turns that have fast but relaxing rollers.

However make sure you don?t stay in the high noon, and stay away from the major quad until the afternoon. Take instead the triple, the F-lift to the summit, or mix both courses. Read the rest of this entry »

Think of an old fashioned town and you might be thinking of Woodstock. Although it has ruins and structures that remind visitors and residents of its storied past, Woodstock is still a place in the Catskills Mountains that one would love to be in. It offers of a very relaxing countryside feel, and has an array of coffee shops and boutiques to provide a contemporary feel. Here are a couple of places to stay in, dine in and do lots of fun activities at as you visit Woodstock.

Lodging and Accommodation

Jackson House Inn
Visitors may want to check in the Jackson House Inn, which is just 5 minutes away from the village center. This house was built in the late 1800s, and boasts of a very homey and cozy atmosphere. The guest rooms are decorated with antiques while the floors are made of beautiful maple and cherry. It has suites complemented with Jacuzzis and fireplaces. There are also rooms that have amazing pieces of antique furniture. However, there are a couple of the older rooms which are a bit small. Overall, it is worth checking out especially since it is just a stone?s throw away from the commercial district. It also has a good and attentive service. You would also be welcomed with a lot of pleasant surprises, which would include a some complimentary champagne and hors d’oeuvres in the evening.

Woodstock Inn & Resort
Those who want a more distinguished place to stay may check in at the Woodstock Inn & Resort. It is located in a distinguished brick structure, and looks like an old structure at first glance. However it was only built in the late ?60s so it is still not dilapidated. A broad stone fireplace as well as furnished sitting areas greets guests inside. Some of the more posh units feature refrigerators, carpeting and blazing fireplaces. Read the rest of this entry »