No Sunshine? No Problem!

There is no bad time to visit The Great Western Catskills, but unexpected weather can sometimes throw a wrench in your plans. Known for its stunning scenery and dizzying array of activities that celebrate the beautiful outdoors, an equally exciting spread of indoor programs and events are at your fingertips here. Don’t let a few rain clouds stop you from embracing the culture and community that flourish year round.  Please note, some of our attractions are seasonal so we always recommend you call ahead to make sure the attraction you are interested in open at the time of your visit. 

Museums and art galleries offer much to explore. The Delaware County Historical Association (46549 State Hwy 10, Delhi, 607.746.3849, dcha-ny.org) is open Tuesdays through Sundays for perusing documents and exhibits, and touring historic buildings, including The Gideon Frisbee House, a 1797 federal-style private home. Longyear Gallery (785 Main St, Margaretville, 845.586.3270, longyeargallery.org), Roxbury Arts Group (5025 Vega Mountain Rd, Roxbury, 607.326.7908, roxburyartsgroup.org), and MURAL on Main (631 Main St, Hobart, 607.538.3002, muralartgallery.org) feature frequently changing art exhibits. The West Kortright Centre (49 West Kortright Church Road, East Meredith, 607-278-5454, westkc.org) hosts a range of performances, workshops, talks and community events, boasts an art gallery space, and organizes music and singing sessions for children and families. At the Hanford Mills Museum (51 County Highway 12, East Meredith, 607.278.5744, hanfordmills.org) families can tour the grounds of this historic working mill, which is included in both the National and New York State Registers of Historic Places. With plenty of indoor spaces to explore, the museum also has a Learning Lab for younger kids, guided and group tours, and a gallery exhibition on the preservation project itself. 

Bring everyone bowling. The newly renovated Ark Bowl & BBQ (42366 State Hwy 28, Arkville, 845.586.2695, thearkbowl.com) is a great place to spin the ball and enjoy food, live music, and a relaxed vibe. East Main Lanes & Lounge (1 E Main St, Sidney, 607.563.2695) offers open bowling and leagues, and the Fox Bowling Center (24723 State Hwy 97, Hancock, 607.637.4401) also has billiards, beer, and a snack bar.

Indoor swimming pools are open year-round at Catskill Recreation Center (651 County Hwy 38, Arkville, 845.586.6250, catskillrecreationcenter.org) which also features a gym and exercise classes, as well as at the Hanah Mountain Resort (576 W Hubbell Hill Rd, Margaretville, 845.586.4849, hanahcountryresort.com) where you can also enjoy a sauna and an outdoor jacuzzi. The Kunsela Hall swimming pool at SUNY Delhi is open to the public during open swim hours (607.746.4263, delhibroncos.com/facilities/kunsela_hall_pool).

Enjoy the hunt for old treasures by going antiquing in many unique local shops. Antiques at Rick’s Barn (50061 State Hwy 30, Roxbury, 607.326.7700, ricksbarn.com) boasts 10,000 square feet of antique furniture. Kabinett & Kammer (422 Main St, Franklin, 607.230.4084, kabinettandkammer.com) is a contemporary curiosity shop of antiques, natural wonders and art. The five showrooms at Lyon Mountain Blue Barn Antiques & Collectibles (2527 Roses Brook Rd, Hobart, 607.538.1768, lyonmountainbluebarnantiques.com) are filled with fine European and Early American treasures from 40 years of collecting. Just up the road in Stamford is Tandem Antiques (119 Main Street, Stamford, 607.435.1851, tandemantiques.com), where you’ll find a variety of antiques, modern design, lamps and lighting, studio pottery, vintage jewelry, paintings, sculpture and so much more. If you’re more inspired by antique threads, pop into Lufu Vintage Clothing (84 Main Street, Delhi) for a treasure trove of curated vintage displayed in a charming setting. The store is open on weekends in the high season and by appointment all year long.

If you’re in the mood for entertainment, head over to the Walton Theatre (31 Gardiner Pl, Walton, 607.865.6688, waltontheatre.org). This beautiful historic venue shows everything from classic flicks to current movies, and also features live folk music concerts and special events. Always check what’s happening at the Franklin Stage Company (25 Institute Street, Franklin 607-829-3700, franklinstagecompany.org) where classic and new productions for all ages are hosted in this admission-free, carefully preserved historic Greek revival building. For an evening of live music, check the facebook pages for Union Grove Distillery (43311 NY-28, Arkville, 845.586.6300, uniongrovedistillery.com), Ark Bowl & BBQ, and O’Neill’s Shire Pub (123 Main St, Delhi, 607.746.8758, theshiredelhi.com). 

For many more ideas, head over to our “Things To Do” section under Indoor Recreation.