Area Guide
Roscoe sits where the Beaverkill and Willowemoc meet, the birthplace of American dry-fly fishing and about two hours from New York City. This is our guide to the two towns closest to the house, the best things to do in every season, and the day trips worth the drive.
Our Towns
A village of about 550 people on Old Route 17, Roscoe is the heart of fly-fishing culture in the Northeast and the easiest base for exploring the western Catskills.
Livingston Manor (between the towns) · Museum
A nonprofit museum on 35 acres along the Willowemoc dedicated to America's fly-fishing heritage, with casting and fly-tying programs and public river access on the grounds. 1031 Old Route 17.
Tip: the must-do for anyone staying here, angler or not.
Roscoe · Museum
History of the New York, Ontario & Western Railway, with a caboose, trout car and shanties. 7 Railroad Ave. Open seasonally.
Roscoe · Landmark
Where the Willowemoc meets the Beaverkill; the most famous fishing hole in town and home of the legendary two-headed trout. Access via Roscoe Riverside Park on Stewart Ave.
Roscoe · Farm
Meet, feed and pet alpacas and other animals. Roscoe address, but a few miles up in the hills.
Tip: a hit with kids.
Roscoe · Resort
1,000 acres with a private lake, golf, pickleball, disc golf, a sauna and a winter ice rink; open to day visitors for events and dining. 100 Fairway View Dr.
Roscoe · Golf
Easygoing 9-hole course, par 32.
Roscoe · Italian
New York's first pasta shop to use 100% NY-grown wheat; fresh pasta and seasonal ravioli. Open Thu–Sun.
Tip: reserve ahead.
Roscoe · American
The newest restaurant in town and one of the best rated.
Roscoe · Diner
The iconic neon-signed Route 17 stop for anglers, road-trippers and college kids. 1908 Old Route 17.
Roscoe · Italian
Family-owned for 30+ years. 62 Stewart Ave.
Roscoe · Greek
49 Stewart Ave.
Roscoe · Bar & restaurant
A local hangout on Rockland Rd.
Roscoe · Casual
On County Highway 17 by the river.
Roscoe · Coffee shop
A coffee shop in Roscoe for your morning cup before heading out.
Roscoe · Brewery
Some of the best vibes in the Catskills, with a big outdoor space. 145 Rockland Rd.
Roscoe · Distillery
Vodka, gin and bourbon with a tasting room. 10 Union St.
Tip: the Do Good Garage across the street has live music Fri–Sun all summer.
Roscoe · Home & vintage
New and vintage furniture, lighting, candles and work by local artists, plus custom upholstery. 47 & 48 Stewart Ave. Open roughly Fri–Sun; check @sundayhomeroscoe.
Roscoe · Vintage art
Curated vintage animal paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics and antiques. 2012 Old Route 17, next to The Yarra. Winter hours by appointment; DM @catskillsvintageart.
Roscoe · Vintage
Mid-century housewares and furniture. 1975 Old Route 17.
Roscoe · Fly shop
The oldest family-run fly shop in the world; flies, gear and guided trips. 68 Cottage St.
Roscoe · Fly shop
Full-service shop with rentals and guides.
, **Roscoe Catskills Pride Festival**, and the **Roscoe Rockland Chamber Fall Festival**
Ten minutes east along the Willowemoc, "the Manor" is the culinary and creative heart of the western Catskills: one main street with a James Beard–recognized restaurant, two breweries and a serious art center.
Livingston Manor · Art center
Two floors and four galleries of contemporary art, with permanent installations by James Turrell, Sol LeWitt and Francis Cape. 48 Main St.
Livingston Manor · Park
A 19th-century covered bridge over the Willowemoc, with picnic areas and river access.
Livingston Manor · Trail
Flat former railroad grade along the valley; great for walking, biking and cross-country skiing.
Livingston Manor · Retreat
A Zen Buddhist monastery in the mountains above town.
Livingston Manor · Event
Mid-June. A themed parade, vendor fair, kids' activities and an after-party; widely considered the best day of the year by locals.
Livingston Manor · Fine dining
2024 James Beard Award semifinalist overlooking the Willowemoc valley.
Tip: our pick for a special night out.
Livingston Manor · Pizza
Wood-fired pizza with vegetarian and vegan options.
Livingston Manor · Breakfast & lunch
Four-generation biscuits and casual fare.
Livingston Manor · Korean
Highly rated Korean cooking.
Livingston Manor · Market & deli
Specialty food market with sandwiches and soups.
Tip: stock up for a picnic.
Livingston Manor · BBQ
Livingston Manor · Diner
Livingston Manor · Brewery
120-acre property with its own hiking trail up "Beer Mountain." 171 Main St.
Livingston Manor · Brewery
Big taproom with trails and a pond, between the two towns. 672 Old Route 17.
Livingston Manor · Vintage
Finely curated vintage and local artisan goods.
Livingston Manor · Antiques
Livingston Manor · Ceramics studio
Things to Do
Roscoe is "Trout Town, USA," with five of the country's great trout streams nearby. The Beaverkill and Willowemoc are the legends; most pools are named, and on a nice weekend you'll have company.
Roscoe
Large lot on Stewart Ave, across from Cottage St.
Roscoe
Directly across from Dette Flies on Cottage St; parking for 3–4 cars.
Old Route 17
Park on either side of the driveway before the bridge.
Old Route 17
Shoulder parking for about 2 cars on the eastbound side only. Do not park on the westbound side; it's private property.
Livingston Manor
Lot with river access on Covered Bridge Rd.
Livingston Manor
At the traffic light; access to the Willowemoc, Little Beaverkill and Cattail Brook.
Everyone 16 and older needs a New York State freshwater fishing license. Kids under 16 fish free, and there's no separate trout stamp. Owning or renting property in New York does not make you a resident for license purposes.
| License | Non-resident | NY resident |
|---|---|---|
| 1-day | $10 | $5 |
| 7-day | $28 | $12 |
| Annual | $50 | $25 ($5 age 70+) |
Open year-round. Artificial flies and lures only, and every fish goes back.
From the second Route 17 (Quickway) bridge east of Roscoe, upstream 3.5 miles to just above Elm Hollow Brook. Includes Hazel Bridge and the Rhododendron Pool.
From the Sullivan County line below Roscoe, downstream about 2.5 miles.
From 1 mile above to 1.6 miles below the Iron Bridge at Horton. Named pools include Deckers Eddy, Sherwood Flats, Ferdon's Eddy, Barnharts, Hendrickson's Pool, Horse Brook Run and Cairns Pool.
From its mouth at the Willowemoc upstream toward the Catskill Fish Hatchery in DeBruce.
Near Roscoe · Easy, 0.4 mi
A short walk to one of the prettiest waterfalls in the area, about 10 minutes from town. Stunning in snow, too.
Near Roscoe · Moderate, 7.5 mi
Mountain ponds, stream crossings and lean-tos.
Tip: locals hike in with kids to grill hot dogs at the Trout Pond lean-to, and snowshoe it in winter.
Near Roscoe · Moderate, 4.4 mi
Start at the falls, then loop to Cables Lake on an old logging road.
Livingston Manor · Easy
A brewery trail with valley views and a pint at the end.
Livingston Manor · Easy
Flat, year-round walking and biking along the valley.
Catskill Park · Moderate
A historic fire tower with big views.
Catskill Park · Varies
40+ miles of marked trails.
Lordville area · Moderate
Cliffside trail above the Delaware River.
Delaware River
Tube, canoe and kayak outfitters line Route 97 near Callicoon and Narrowsburg (about 45 minutes away).
Various
Swimming holes in the rivers and ponds, plus the beach at Mongaup Pond.
Mongaup Pond and local lakes
Roscoe
Do Good Garage hosts free shows Fri–Sun all summer.
Roscoe, Livingston Manor and Callicoon
Sundays, roughly May through October.
Bethel
Big-name summer concerts and a museum on the site of the 1969 Woodstock festival.
Summer tips: July and August are busiest; weekdays are quieter. Book restaurants ahead, and fish early in the morning.
Russell Brook Falls, Mud Pond and Trout Pond trails
O&W Rail Trail and forest roads
Roscoe Mountain Club rink
Roscoe Mountain Club
Ice skating, ice carving, live music and s'mores; barn parties most Saturdays in February.
New Paltz
Skating, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing (see Day Trips).
Breweries, distillery tastings, the art center and long dinners by the fire
Winter tips: Route 17 is usually clear, but check the forecast. Bring boots with good grip and dress in layers.
Roscoe · Farm
Feed and meet the animals.
Livingston Manor · Farm
Family-owned organic farm raising chickens, turkeys, sheep, pigs and cows.
Halcottsville · Farm
Birds, turtles, beaver dams and trails; worth a return visit.
Callicoon Center · Farm
Welcoming visitors for nearly 50 years.
Callicoon · Orchard & cidery
Small-batch cider and a farm restaurant with Delaware River valley views.
Bovina Center · Farm dinner
A remote farmhouse restaurant and one of the most romantic meals in the Catskills.
Tip: reservations take a few emails; book well ahead.
Accord · Orchard
Pick-your-own, cider tastings and excellent wood-fired pizza.
Accord · Farm brewery
Beer and spirits, free-range chickens, a duck pond and summer concerts. Family- and pet-friendly.
Roscoe, Livingston Manor and Callicoon
Sundays in season.
Livingston Manor · Fine dining
2024 James Beard semifinalist.
Big Indian · Farm-to-table
The pioneer of Catskills farm-to-table, in a restored farmhouse.
Callicoon · Cidery & restaurant
Farm-driven food with valley views.
Callicoon Center · Boutique hotel & restaurant
A MICHELIN Guide selection in a 1905 house.
Narrowsburg · Farm-to-table
Brunch and dinner built on regional produce.
Woodstock · Wood-fired
Seasonal, locally sourced menu.
Phoenicia · Modern diner
Local ingredients at diner prices.
Tip: get the pancakes.
Boiceville · Bakery
Organic breads since 1983.
Livingston Manor · Market
Jeffersonville · Cheese & specialty grocer
Roscoe · Home & vintage
Roscoe, Callicoon & North Branch · Vintage art
Roscoe · Mid-century vintage
Livingston Manor · Curated vintage
Livingston Manor · Antiques
Jeffersonville · Antiques
An 1841 house filled with antiques, furnishings and clothing.
Callicoon · Vintage
Retro furniture, vinyl and 1970s finds.
Callicoon · Market
Shops and pop-ups under one roof.
Youngsville · Antiques & gifts
Wurtsboro area · Antiques
Beautifully curated antiques and vintage.
Tannersville · Antiques
A wide-ranging selection worth a day trip.
Tip: bring a tape measure, and call ahead in winter; many shops keep shorter off-season hours.
Livingston Manor · Contemporary art
Turrell, LeWitt and Cape installations plus rotating shows.
Roscoe · Vintage art
Narrowsburg · Arts center
Free gallery in the historic Arlington Hotel, the Tusten Theatre, and a shop of regional makers.
Narrowsburg · Books & photography
Callicoon · Event
Each fall, storefronts and streets become pop-up galleries.
Jeffersonville · Gallery & goods
Bethel · Museum
The story of the 1969 Woodstock festival.
Margaretville · Artist cooperative
New solo and group shows every month; buy directly from the artists.
Day Trips
A former railroad town on the Delaware River with a walkable Main Street, wine bars and one of the county's best farmers markets.
Cidery & restaurant
Our top pick in town. 43 Wagner Ln.
Wine bar
Wine shop and tapas bar with a garden in season.
Homewares & cocktails
Brewpub
Farm distillery tasting room
Market
Produce, Roger That Bakery, Litt Home & Book and pop-ups. 43 Lower Main St.
Cinema
Sullivan County's only movie theater.
Sundays, spring through fall, at Callicoon Creek Park
Canoe, kayak and tube rentals along Route 97
A classic main-street village in Sullivan County farm country, about 40 minutes south of Roscoe.
Cheese & specialty grocer
Home to Bloom Coffee.
Tip: start the morning here.
Bakery
Breads, pies, pastries, plus lunch.
Gastropub
Cocktails, live music and outdoor seating.
Restaurant & bar
A local favorite.
Antiques
Park
A 19th-century stone bridge and picnic spot.
Horseback riding
Trail rides and lessons year-round.
About 90 minutes from the house, under the cliffs of the Shawangunk Ridge.
Historic resort
A Victorian castle on a cliff above Mohonk Lake, opened in 1869. Day visits require an advance dining, spa or hiking reservation.
Tip: a lunch reservation gets you into the Mountain House, gardens, trails and afternoon tea.
Spa
A treatment includes the sauna, steam room and outdoor heated mineral pool.
Hiking & climbing
8,000+ acres of trails and world-class rock climbing.
State park
Cliffside lakes, waterfalls and carriage roads.
History
Stone houses from the early 1700s.
Walking & biking
Don't miss: the Labyrinth rock scramble, Eagle Cliff views, the Sky Top tower, and mountain laurel in early June.
Phoenicia Diner, Peekamoose Restaurant and Esopus Creek.
Galleries, shops and Silvia.
A charming main street with antiques and restaurants.
Antiquing, a historic stockade district and a strong dining scene.
Monroe / Blooming Grove · Farm restaurant
A family-run organic farm about an hour from Manhattan, growing 150+ varieties since 1984. Farm-to-table brunch and dinner with wood-fired pizzas and a full bar, plus a weekend farm stand.
Tip: book on Resy; brunch lines get long.
Gardiner · Resort & spa
140 acres below the Shawangunk Ridge with a working farm. Clay, the restaurant, is open to non-guests; order the garden milk bread. Thistle Spa has outdoor hot tubs and a saltwater pool; day visitors can book treatments.
Accord · Hotel, golf & spa
220 acres with a 9-hole course, farm and orchard. The restaurant and golf are open to the public; pools and spa are for hotel guests and members.
Tip: ask for a porch table.
Pine Plains · Wood-fired tavern
A 1782 tavern reopened by chef Clare de Boer; a 2023 James Beard nominee for Best New Restaurant. Reservations open on Resy 30 days ahead at 9am.
Tip: it's east of the Hudson, so pair it with a Hudson Valley weekend.
Milton · Farm restaurant & spa
New Paltz · Historic resort & spa