Catskills Calling: A Kosher Summer Getaway to Remember

The Catskills season officially kicked off Memorial Day weekend, and things are slowly coming back to life for summer. Many kosher restaurants, markets, bungalow colonies, camps, and seasonal staples are opening gradually in the coming weeks, as families start heading up for weekends before the height of the summer season.

Now is the time to start planning for Shabbat weekends, visiting days, long weekends, and full summer stays. Expect minyan-filled bungalow colonies, kosher pizza in Monticello, scenic hikes, lakes, and family-friendly day trips throughout the region. Here’s your updated guide to a kosher-friendly summer in the Catskills.

Just a couple of hours from NYC, the Catskills have long been a favorite getaway for Jewish families looking for fresh air, open space, and a break from the city. The region, spread across Sullivan, Ulster, Greene, and Delaware counties, offers rolling hills, lakes, small towns, and plenty of nostalgia from the Borscht Belt era.

It’s convenient, but summer weekends can get busy, especially on Fridays. Many people leave Thursday night to beat the traffic, settle in early, work remotely on Friday if needed, and ease into Shabbat without the last-minute rush.

A Nostalgic Look Back

Imagine the Catskills in the 1950s, a scene straight out of "Dirty Dancing." This was the place to be! Starting in the early 1900s, Jewish immigrants seeking a break from the city hustle found a slice of paradise in the Catskills. They initially settled into cozy farmhouses that offered not just a bed for the night, but kosher meals and a genuine taste of country living.

As word spread, these farmhouses quickly transformed into bustling hotels and charming bungalow colonies by the 1920s. But it was after World War II that the Catskills really hit their stride. The area exploded in popularity, becoming the summer hotspot for Jewish families. Iconic resorts like Grossinger's, Nevele Grand, The Concord, Kutsher's, The Pines, and Homowack sprang up, offering everything from luxurious spa treatments to top-notch entertainment.

The "Golden Age" of the Catskills, stretching from the 1950s through the 1970s, was truly something special. It wasn’t just about the kosher delicacies or the cool poolside vibes. The Catskills buzzed with Jewish humor, live shows by legends like Jerry Lewis and Woody Allen, and an unmistakable sense of community. These places were more than just hotels—they were summer homes where every year felt like a family reunion.

Though the last of these famous hotels closed in the early 2000s, the spirit of those glory days still lingers in the air, making the Catskills a beloved chapter in the story of Jewish American vacationing.

Year-Round Community Development

These days, the Catskills are more than just a summer getaway. They're a year-round home for vibrant Vizhnitz, Satmar, Belz, and Bobov communities, where traditions thrive and every season brings new adventures. Areas like Kiamesha Lake, Monticello, and Woodbourne have seen a significant increase in permanent residents. These communities have put down strong roots, bringing Jewish life to the area well beyond the summer months.

The Catskills Today: A Modern Kosher Experience

Today, the Catskills remain one of the most popular kosher summer vacation destinations, with a modern version of the classic Jewish summer experience. The area has kosher hotels, Airbnbs, private homes, bungalows, and vacation rentals in and around bungalow colonies, giving families options for a Shabbat, a long weekend, visiting day, or the full summer season.

The Catskills are also a popular base for families trying to avoid the early-morning rush and heavy traffic around camp visiting days. Many people come up for Shabbat, stay nearby, and drive to camp on Sunday morning without having to leave the city before dawn or sit in long lines at the camp gate.

Towns like Monticello, Loch Sheldrake, Woodridge, Woodbourne, South Fallsburg, and Swan Lake are central to the Catskills’ kosher scene. Each summer, kosher restaurants, bakeries, takeout spots, supermarkets, and seasonal food shops open across the region, alongside year-round businesses serving the growing local community. Since hours and openings can change throughout the season, it’s always worth checking directly or following social media for the latest updates. 

There’s also no need to schlep every grocery item from home. The Catskills has kosher supermarkets and food stores offering meat, chicken, dairy products, baked goods, prepared foods, and other summer essentials. Some are seasonal, while others are open year-round for the communities that now call the Catskills home beyond the summer months.

For more details on kosher restaurants, supermarkets, minyanim, eruvim, accommodations, and Jewish life in the area, see our full guide to kosher and Jewish life in the Catskills.

Kosher Hotel Options in the Catskills

As you plan your stay in the Catskills, here are some great kosher accommodation options, each offering unique amenities and experiences:

• Oppenheimer’s Regis Hotel: Nestled in Fleischmanns, this hotel is entirely kosher, perfect for kosher travelers.
• Hunter Mountain at Melour Resort: This resort in Tannersville features an all-inclusive kosher program, ideal for a hassle-free getaway.
• Vacation Valley Resort: Offering a serene kosher stay in Kerhonkson, surrounded by natural beauty.
• The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark: Non-kosher hotel with kosher food options that is great for families, located in Monticello.

Explore and Enjoy: Activities in the Catskills for Everyone

Heading to the Catskills? Get ready for a treasure trove of fun, whether you’re planning a family trip, a romantic getaway, or a solo escape. No matter if you're in Monticello, Loch Sheldrake, Woodridge, Woodbourne, South Fallsburg, or Swan Lake, adventure is just around the corner.

• Hit the Trails: Lace up your hiking boots and conquer Slide Mountain near Monticello for some breathtaking views, or take a relaxing walk through the scenic trails of Minnewaska State Park Preserve. With trails ranging from leisurely to challenging, every step is a new discovery.
• Splash Around: Dive into a day of water sports in the pristine Delaware River, easily accessible from Monticello and Loch Sheldrake—perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Or cool off with a refreshing swim in North-South Lake, just a short drive from Woodridge.
• Family Adventures: Make a splash at Zoom Flume Water Park near South Fallsburg, where the kids (and the young at heart!) can whoop it up. Or soar to new heights on the Hunter Mountain Skyride near Monticello, offering stunning views that'll thrill everyone.
• Cultural Gems: Get hooked on history at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum or catch a show or concert at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, near Swan Lake. It's where culture and history come alive!
• Arts and Crafts: Unleash your creativity at the Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts, or admire the local talents at the Catskill Mountain Foundation Gallery. Whether you're making art or appreciating it, there’s plenty to spark your imagination.
• Golf Galore: Tee off at one of the picturesque golf courses near Monticello or Swan Lake. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, the serene landscapes and challenging holes make for a perfect day on the greens.
• Shop 'til You Drop: Discover unique finds in the local boutiques and antique shops in Monticello and Woodbourne. Looking for bigger brands? Woodbury Commons is a must-visit on your way in or out of the Catskills, offering deals you can't resist.
• Relax and Rejuvenate: Take a moment to unwind at one of the many spas and wellness centers dotted around Monticello and South Fallsburg. It’s the perfect way to relax your body and refresh your spirit.

With so much to do, the Catskills are not just a place to visit; they're a playground of experiences waiting to be enjoyed. Ready, set, explore!

Conclusion

The Catskills may be famous for its Borscht Belt history, but today it’s a lively summer destination with kosher food, family-friendly activities, scenic trails, growing year-round communities, and plenty of seasonal energy. As restaurants, markets, camps, bungalow colonies, and summer staples open for the season, it’s a great time to plan a Shabbat, visiting day weekend, or longer Catskills getaway.

Check out our complete guide to kosher and Jewish life in the Catskills as you plan your vacation. Whether you're heading up for Shabbat, visiting day, or a full summer stay, the guide has helpful details on minyanim, mikvahs, kosher food, places to stay, and things to do.

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