Discover Phoenicia New York: A Three-Part Guide to the Heart of the Catskills

Few places capture the spirit of the Catskills quite like Phoenicia and the surrounding Town of Shandaken, with its mountain views, rushing streams, historic hamlets, and a fiercely independent creative spirit. It’s a place where you can spend the morning hiking to breathtaking overlooks, the afternoon browsing locally owned shops, fly fishing or floating down the Esopus Creek, and the evening enjoying live theater, farm-to-table dining, or music under the stars. Every turn offers another reason to appreciate the simple pleasures that make this corner of the Catskills so unforgettable.

Phoenicia New York: What to Do. Where to Go. Who to Know.

In this three-part series, we’re exploring everything that makes Phoenicia and Shandaken, New York, worth the trip—and maybe even worth calling home if you’re thinking about making a move to the Catskills. Trust us – it’s worth it! Each article is your guide to the must-visit places, standout businesses, and fascinating people you’ll want to meet. From unforgettable places to stay and memorable meals to outdoor adventures, arts, culture, and the people who give these mountain towns their unmistakable character, we’ll introduce you to the experiences that keep visitors coming back season after season. Whether you live here, are planning a weekend escape or dreaming about a life surrounded by mountains, this is your guide to discovering one of the Catskills’ most welcoming destinations. Let’s start with a place to stay…

SHANDAKEN INN |  1 Golf Course Road, Shandaken NY | Follow Instagram + Facebook

Enjoy a staycation or escape the city with a stay at Shandaken Inn. Originally built in the late 1920s as the clubhouse for the Rip Van Winkle Golf Course, the beautifully restored inn has been thoughtfully reimagined while keeping its Catskills character intact. Set on more than 12 peaceful acres along the Esopus Creek, it captures the easygoing spirit of the region with cozy fireplaces, inviting gathering spaces and 15 beautifully designed guest rooms—each named after famous historic mountain resorts. Fishing enthusiasts love the fact that the property borders the Esopus Creek, world-famous for fly fishing. And be sure to book a stay on a Saturday for their outdoor summer music series, Music in the Meadow, featuring music, lawn games, vendor popups, and BBQ every Saturday and select Sundays from 1:00 – 4:00 PM!

A stay at the Shandaken Inn is the perfect home base for exploring Phoenicia and the surrounding Catskills. Spend the day browsing the town’s independent shops, enjoying live music or a show at the Phoenicia Playhouse, hiking nearby trails before returning to the inn for a swim, a match on the tennis court, cocktails by the fire pit, or dinner at The Clubhouse Restaurant. Wake up to a complimentary breakfast, sip your coffee while taking in the mountain views, and you’ll quickly understand why so many visitors end up extending their stay. It’s the kind of getaway that reminds you the best trips aren’t about doing more—they’re about finding a place you never want to leave.

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PHOENICIA DINER | 5681 NY-28 Phoenicia, NY 12464 |  Follow on Instagram + Facebook

No trip to Phoenicia feels complete without a stop at Phoenicia Diner. Sitting along Route 28, this lovingly restored 1962 diner has become a Catskills icon by taking everything people love about a classic roadside diner and giving it a fresh, local twist. Owner Mike Cioffi has built the menu around seasonal ingredients sourced from Hudson Valley and Catskills farms whenever possible, so you’ll find fluffy pancakes, hearty breakfasts, house-made corned beef Reuben, signature smoked trout skillets, and comfort-food classics that feel both nostalgic and surprisingly elevated. Love their pancakes? Great news: you can now purchase their Pancake Mix online!

Whether you’re fueling up before a hike, winding down after a day exploring Phoenicia, or simply looking for one of the region’s most memorable meals, the Phoenicia Diner delivers the kind of experience that keeps people coming back. It’s more than just a place to eat—it’s part of the Catskills experience and one of those stops that becomes a favorite tradition every time you return.

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THE PHOENICIA PLAYHOUSE | 10 Church St. Phoenicia NY |  Follow on Instagram + Facebook

For generations, the Phoenicia Playhouse has been one of those places that makes a small town feel even more special. Its home—a beautifully preserved 1887 building that has served over the years as an Odd Fellows hall, auction house, and movie theater—is now home to the Shandaken Theatrical Society. 

This year, the Phoenicia Playhouse is celebrating its milestone 50th Anniversary Season with a lineup that offers something for every kind of theatergoer. The season features the crowd-pleasing classic Grease, the upcoming August Film Screenings for the Phoenicia Festival of the Arts, and “Love’s A Joke” Comedy Matinee & Evening. And for those who head Upstate for leaf-peeping splendor, there’s the upcoming production of Young Frankenstein in October!

Today, catching a show at the Phoenicia Playhouse is one of the best ways to spend an evening in the Catskills. There’s something refreshing about trading giant venues for an intimate theater where every seat is close to the stage and every performance feels personal. Pair it with dinner in Phoenicia, stroll the charming Main Street, and settle in for a night of live entertainment that reminds you why community theaters continue to thrive. Whether you’re laughing through a comedy, discovering a local production, or enjoying live music, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve experienced a true Catskills tradition.

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THE NEST EGG | 84 Main Street Phoenicia NY  |  Follow on Instagram + Facebook

The heart of The Nest Egg has always been owner Robin Kirk, whose connection to the shop spans nearly her entire life. Long before she was running the store, she was growing up behind its counters, watching her family’s business become part of the fabric of Phoenicia. After her father, Ray Kirk, purchased the property in 1968, what began as a neighborhood grocery eventually transformed into the charming country store visitors know today.

Step into The Nest Egg, and you’ll find exactly what an old-fashioned country store should be—shelves filled with Catskills hiking maps, local books, handmade soaps, maple syrup, nostalgic candy, cozy sweatshirts, toys, puzzles, unique gifts, and the shop’s famous homemade fudge. Chat with Robin or her friendly staff, and you’re almost guaranteed to discover something you didn’t know you were looking for. The Nest Egg isn’t just selling gifts—it’s preserving a piece of Phoenicia’s history, one visitor at a time. Whether it’s a keepsake to remember your Catskills getaway or the perfect gift to bring home, The Nest Egg captures the warm, welcoming spirit of Phoenicia—and it’s one of those places you’ll find yourself returning to every time you’re back in town.

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RAIL EXPLORERS: CATSKILLS  | 70 High Street, Phoenicia, NY | Follow on Instagram + Facebook

For those who relish the great outdoors, one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the Catskills isn’t only on a hiking trail—there are also “the rails.” Rail Explorers invites you to climb aboard an electric-assisted railbike and pedal along the historic Ulster & Delaware Railroad. Your guided 2-hour, 8-mile tour follows the winding Esopus Creek through forests, mountain scenery, and some of the most peaceful landscapes in the region.  Departing from Phoenicia, the journey blends a little adventure with a lot of fresh air, giving you a front-row seat to views you simply can’t see from the road. At the midway point, take a break at Creekside Station and relax while your railbike is turned around. The best part is that you don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy it. The railbikes are equipped with electric assist, making the ride easy and fun for couples, families, and groups of friends. Choose a daytime excursion to soak in the scenery or book a Golden Hour or Lantern Ride for a completely different perspective as the sun begins to set over the Catskills.

Founded in 2015 by Mary-Joy Lu, Rail Explorers offers guided railbike tours along scenic railways in six locations across the country with a focus on safety, sustainability and an atmosphere that welcomes riders of all ages. Child safety harnesses are available for the littlest ones, and custom-engineered steel railbikes fitted with the proprietary REX Propulsion System make the ride effortless. The Catskills Division, located in Phoenicia, opened in 2018 and offers a unique outdoor adventure that begins next to the historic Empire State Railway Museum.

If you’re planning a getaway to Phoenicia, this is one attraction that’s absolutely worth making time for. When you ride the rails, the journey itself is really the main attraction. Perfect for group tours, corporate outings and family gatherings, Rail Explorers offers a fun and unique way to get outside and enjoy the beauty of The Catskills.  The Catskills Division offers tours through October, including a Golden Hour Tour and Lantern Ride.  Book a tandem railbike for two or a quad for four riders! 

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PHOENICIA FARMERS MARKET | 85 Main St. Phoenicia, NY | Follow on Instagram + Facebook

There’s no better way to experience the spirit of Phoenicia than by spending a Sunday morning at the Phoenicia Farmers Market. What began in 2021 as a way to connect local growers with the community has quickly become one of the town’s favorite weekly traditions. Set in scenic Parish Field from spring through fall, the market is filled with farmers, bakers, artisans, musicians, and neighbors gathering over fresh produce, handmade goods, great food, and live music. It’s the kind of market where every purchase helps support the farmers, growers and artisans who make the Catskills such a special place.

The Phoenicia Farmers Market is co-founded and managed by market manager Sophie Grant and is managed by the Shandaken Wildcrafters and Growers Network Inc., a New York non-profit organization focused on food, agriculture, and nutrition.

Whether you’re stocking up for a picnic, picking out just-baked pastries, discovering local honey, or chatting with the farmer who grew your vegetables, the market invites you to slow down and savor the moment. Bring a tote bag, grab a coffee, listen to the live music and take in the majestic mountains. It’s more than a farmers market—it’s a snapshot of Phoenicia at its best, where every Sunday feels like a celebration of community, good food, and Catskills living!

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CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER | 5096 NY 28 Mt. Tremper, NY | Follow on Instagram + Facebook

The Catskills Visitor Center is one of those places that’s worth visiting even if you think you already know where you’re going. Just outside Phoenicia in Mount Tremper, it’s the official gateway to the Catskill Park, where friendly staff is ready with trail maps, scenic drive suggestions, hiking tips, and local recommendations that can turn a good day into a great one. But it’s more than an information stop—explore the peaceful grounds and be sure to climb the 80-foot Upper Esopus Fire Tower for sweeping views that make you appreciate just how vast and beautiful the Catskills really are. The fire tower sits at an elevation of 670 feet above sea level and is reached by an accessible 1/4-mile walk along the Interpretive Loop Trail from the Visitor Center parking area.

Managed by the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the modern facility offers visitors interactive exhibits, regional maps, and expert recommendations to help plan outdoor adventures. The surrounding grounds feature easy, accessible walking trails and a scenic picnic area. It is an essential first stop for hikers, campers, and nature lovers seeking to responsibly navigate and appreciate the region’s rich natural and cultural history. Give yourself a little extra time here because there’s plenty to discover. Whether you’re planning to hike, paddle, shop, or just explore the backroads of Phoenicia and the surrounding area, the Catskills Visitor Center is the perfect first stop.

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Done in collaboration with the Phoenicia Business Association
Photos by Julian Bracero | follow @julianbracero

PHOENICIA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION | 38 Main St. Phoenicia NY  | Follow on Instagram + Facebook

The Phoenicia Business Association (PBA) is an organization that advocates for the small businesses throughout  Phoenicia and Shandaken. Its members span a variety of local establishments, restaurants, and lodges that cater to tourists and locals alike. They also sponsor the ‘Visit Phoenicia” billboard on Route 28 in Kingston in the summer and help maintain signage and informational kiosks around Shandaken. The PBA encourages everyone to “Shop Local!”

If you’re planning an August visit to Phoenicia, check out:

• The Phoenicia Festival of the Arts is an annual, multi-day community event, produced by Christina Varga, featuring visual arts, live music, independent film screenings, and workshops. The 4th annual event runs from August 21 to August 23, 2026. This year includes the launch of The Phoenicia Film Festival.
• Music in the Meadow at Shandaken Inn
• The Shandaken Concert Series, a free outdoor community music event held at Big Indian Park (8280 Route 28, Big Indian, NY 12410) featuring live bands, local food trucks, craft beverages, and children’s activities
• Grease: The Musical at the Phoenicia Playhouse through Sunday, August 16th and Young Frankenstein in October (peak leaf-peeping season!)

See you in Phoenicia! 

What to Do. Where to Go. Who to Know
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