What to do and see in Catskill Region, Catskill Region: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

Apple Pond Farm and Renewable Energy Education Center is an Organic Farm in the Catskills - a 2 hour drive from NYC. 95% of the farm's power is derived from sustainable solar thermal, solar electric and wind energies. We grow vegetables and raise sheep, goats, chickens, horses, turkeys, and a lovely donkey named Arlow. A bunch of cats and dogs also call Apple Pond Farm home. We offer tours, workshops, programs geared to both children and adults in farming, homesteading, and energy efficiency and sustainability. Here is a look at our 2016 schedule, as well as by request classes that we offer: TOURS 1 hour reserved in advance and scheduled at your convenience. Minimum tour $50 for 5 people. Each additional person $8. (Except as noted in Farming With Kids below). EDUCATIONAL FARM TOURS: Milk a dairy goat, collect eggs, feed chickens, goats and sheep, visit the turkeys, lambs, horses, inspect organic gardens and orchards. Overview of Renewable Energy systems. Seasonal Variability FARMING WITH KIDS: Much like our farm tours, Farming with Kids allows participants to actually perform farm chores and have a great time. Available every Saturday May - October and additional Fridays in July and August. Starts promptly at 10am. Adults- $8, Children - $6. No reservation required. RENEWABLE ENERGY TOURS: Learn about our solar systems that provide over 95% of the farm’s power. You will interact with our wind turbine, solar electric and solar thermal systems, used vegetable oil furnace and truck. CLASSES Our classes are a great way to dig deeper into a subject matter and come away with tangible knowledge to work with at home. Classes are usually 2 hours in length and vary in price. Reservations Required. Many scheduled classes below are also available as private classes, arranged on request. 2016 Offerings: March 26, Saturday 2-4PM Solar Power for Everyone – Understanding the Available Options $50/person $90 for two people from same family April 16, Saturday 1pm– Sunday, April 17 12PM Mother Daughter Overnight Weekend at The Farm One mother and child is $350.00 plus tax. $75.00 for each additional. May 1 – Sunday 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. July 1, Friday 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. A Lotta Ricotta – Cheese making from milking to serving $40 per person July 8, Friday 1 – 3 pm July 9 Saturday 1 – 3 pm Preparing healthy snacks with sugar alternatives Adults - $25 Children - $15 August 7, Sunday 1-3pm September 2, Friday 1-3pm Stocking your medicine cabinet with natural remedies. Adults - $25 Children - $15 October 15, Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. End of The Season Field Day Celebration *No reservations needed. Other classes available on request: YEAR ROUND SPROUTS: all materials included $25, minimum class size of 4 people DRIVE A HORSE TO CARRIAGE: learn to harness, drive with instructor and drive solo. $75, minimum class size of 2 people RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS FOR YOUR HOME: capabilities, costs, financial assistance, return on investment. $75, minimum class size of 2 people

Woodstock Farm Sanctuary envisions a peaceful world rooted in respect and justice for all living beings. We rescue farmed animals and give them care and sanctuary, connect animals with people to advance veganism, and advocate for animal rights in alliance with other social justice movements. We welcome visitors to come and meet animals who are most commonly exploited, abused, and killed in animal agriculture. Our animal residents are given lifelong sanctuary and are treated with respect as individuals. By giving farmed animals the chance to live their lives with dignity and by sharing their stories, we advocate for veganism and aim to reduce suffering for all.

Available to view Mon - Thurs by appointment. Please call the gallery. At over 3,000 square feet, DM Weil Gallery may be one of the largest modern art galleries in New York's Hudson Valley. Just a short drive from the center of picturesque New Paltz, DM Weil Gallery offers the look and vibe of an exclusive Soho style exhibition space, but with the majestic Shawangunk mountains as a backdrop. The eye-popping abstract creations of acclaimed painter DM Weil -- has been praised by critics and collectors alike, the gallery's mission statement remains, "Why Can't Fine Art Be Fun?".

KMC New York is located on 82 wooded acres in the colorful Upper Delaware River Valley in rural New York. It is just two hours from New York City. The Temple is open to the public every day, including the dessert café and gift shop. Ongoing meditation classes, study programs and retreats offer an opportunity to discover and increase your inner peace. We invite you to relax and refresh yourself in this special healing environment.

By Appointment Only: Northeast Off-Road Adventures, Inc (NORA- established 2011) offers 4WD & Overland training, driving tours, team outings and adventure programs serving commercial, government and private sector clients. NORA’s unique SOAR program helps guests and groups with mobility disabilities enjoy adaptive outdoor recreation. Venues include our private 75-acre mountain top facility in Ellenville, NY and an extensive driving trail network at Hunter Mountain Ski Resort. Our certified instructors and professional guides provide a highly structured learning experience with focus on safety. Public classes and private training available using your own vehicle or NORA's rental trail rigs. Located just 90 miles from New York City, NORA is "Learning, Adventure and Fun"

Mohonk Preserve is the largest private nature preserve in New York. The Preserve protects 8,000 acres of the Shawangunk Ridge and inspires people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world. Preserve lands are open sunrise to sunset every day for hiking, climbing, biking, skiing, horseback riding, and nature study. A current membership or day pass is required to access the lands. Admission to the Visitor Center is always free.

This sculpture park was intended to house the works of the designer, but the setting itself became the artist's masterwork. It is possible to visit by appointment on non-open days.

Nestled in the lush green hills of Marlboro you will find Benmarl Winery. Overlooking the historic Hudson River Valley, it’s 37 acre estate lays claim to the oldest vineyard in America. The winery also holds New York Farm Winery license no.1.

Now open for our 18th season! Every weekend a vintage & vinyl paradise in the Catskills! We've spent all winter prepping 7 rooms of estate-fresh vintage, vinyl and oddities. Described by Country Living as "a love-at-first-sight wonderland of oddball collectibles, vintage clothing, and objects d'art," The Mystery Spot is part store, part museum, part odditorium, and a whole lot of fun! Named for Homer & Langley, the infamous Collyer Brothers, this obsessive and artistic "Shrine to Clutter" is packed to the rafters with unusual antiques, tons of estate-fresh vintage clothing, 1,000's of used records & killer vinyl, found objects, vintage breakables, mid-century lighting, OOP art books, and downright oddities such as the Creepy Doll Exhibit, Petey the Petrified Piranha, and Desdemona, the Devil Girl of Phoenicia, Heck, even when we're closed, you're welcome to dig through our $1. record bins and Yard Sale in a Box on the front porch and use our honor money drop for 3AM crate-digging.

Through our award-winning Main Exhibit—“Woodstock and The Sixties”—varied and engaging special exhibitions, growing collection of artifacts and reference materials, museum programs for children, youth, and adults, and the preserved historic site, the Museum immerses visitors in the story of the societal evolution of the 1960s, connecting visitors to the roots of today’s freedom of expression and the resurgent human spirit that defined the politics, music, art, and societal issues of that remarkable and challenging decade.