Nestled in the Catskill Mountains, Sullivan County lies just over an hour outside the New York City limits, but its popularity as a vacation destination since the nineteenth century makes it seem worlds away.
A largely rural area, Sullivan housed the Borsch Belt during its heyday from the 1920s to the 1970s. Popular films like Dirty Dancing capture the vibe of these summer resorts, a regular destination for middle class New Yorkers. Still a go-to vacation spot, the area boasts a wide variety of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, golfing, and skiing.
Sullivan is the site of important New York landmarks like the Monticello Raceway and Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. The original Woodstock concert took place in Bethel, and the preserved concert site still attracts world class entertainment.
A distinctive quirk that separates Sullivan County from its neighbors is its real estate landscape. Residents enjoy more house for their money in Sullivan County’s sprawling landscape. While it has its fair share of locals, Sullivan County has a large concentration of second homes, or vacation homes, owned by New York City residents. Catering to those looking for rest and relaxation, it’s not uncommon for cottages and boutique lodges to dominate local housing in some corners of the county. The laid-back vibe of the area attracts tourists in droves during the summer months.
For temporary guests seeking an escape and nature loving locals craving the peace of the country, Sullivan County is a restorative oasis.