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ROAD TRIP
The Catskills: A Heap of Old-Fashioned Fun, Only Two Hours From New York City
In the borscht belt, organic greens are beginning to trump Shecky Greenes. But if you skip the summer classics--like hiking and tubing--the joke's on you
  |   July/August 2006 issue

Lodging

  • River Run Bed & Breakfast Inn 882 Main St., Fleischmanns, 845/254-4884, riverrunbedandbreakfast.com, from $79

  • At the Saugerties Lighthouse on the Hudson River, you can stay the night in one of two romantic rooms (Robert Wright)

    Food

  • Last Chance Antiques and Cheese Cafe 602 Main St., Tannersville, 518/589-6424
  • Peekamoose Restaurant 8373 Rte. 28, Big Indian, 845/254-6500, short-rib sandwich $14
  • Activities

  • Hunter Mountain Skyride 61 Liftside Dr., Hunter, 800/486-8376, huntermtn.com, round trip $8
  • Roberts' Auction 820 Main St., Fleischmanns, 845/254-4490
  • Day 4: Fleischmanns to New York

    We've been lucky with weather so far, but the good fortune ends as we wake up to a rainstorm. Fortunately, there's still plenty to do; several of the towns around Fleischmanns have lots of terrific antique stores. At Dreamland Emporium, in Arkville, we score a fabulous 1960s red vinyl chair with chrome legs.

    The Slow Down Food Company in Andes initially draws us in with its too-cute name. We're happy to find that it fits: After filling up on warm peach pie, made with locally grown fruit, we could easily slip into a comfort-food coma. The only thing that helps motivate us to leave is the prospect of the unknown; Steve and I are generally planners, but we've decided to wing it on our way home.

    It turns out that not knowing anything about your path means you're likely to get lost. The upside is that you discover things you wouldn't otherwise. Somehow a list of roads I couldn't attempt to re-create leads us to The Bridges of Madison County. Or, rather, Sullivan County, but we certainly feel like we're seeing the picturesque bridges through the eyes of Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. If you have to get lost, the Livingston Manor Bridge and Beaverkill Bridge are lovely rewards.


    Note: This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
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