11 Reasons to Drive to the Catskills by Zagat

BUCOLIC BED-AND-BREAKFASTS AND FARM-TO-TABLE DINING

by Juliet Izon

There’s no real consensus on where the Catskill Mountains begin and end; drive northwest of New York City until you see a working farmhouse, and you’re likely there. The area encompasses parts of Delaware, Greene, Ulster and Sullivan counties, with the 700,000-acre Catskill Park at its heart: 98 mountain peaks dissected by picturesque valleys and waterways. From artisanal distilleries to refined Nouvelle American cuisine, even the smallest hamlets here are home to outstanding food and drink.

Here are the properties in Delaware County noted in this piece:

The Bull & Garland
This English gastropub and inn, owned by British expats Oliver and Melissa Pycroft, only opened in 2016, but the building that houses it actually dates back to the 1830s. Suffice to say, there’s charm dripping from every corner (and original ceiling beam) here. Cozy up by the open fire for traditional English grub like shepherd’s pie with ground lamb and cheddar mash, and the decadent maple sticky toffee pudding.

760 Main St., Hobart; 607-538-3006

Union Grove Distillery
Farm-to-table isn’t just for food. At this distillery in Arkville, they’re producing an award-winning vodka — Vly Creek — that’s made from fermented local apples from the nearby Hubbell Family Farm. Also on offer is the aromatic Catskill Mountain Maple Spirit, which is akin to a rum, but made with pure, local maple syrup. The tasting room, equipped with a wood-burning fireplace, is perfect for escaping this season’s chilly weather.

43311 State Highway 28, Arkville; 845-586-6300

Click here to read the full piece in Zagat.