Situated at the eastern foothills of the Catskill Mountains, and the western base of the Shawangunk Ridge, midway between NYC and Albany, is Ellenville.
The historic Delaware & Hudson Canal had much to do with the initial development and establishment of Ellenville, which has a rich history as a canal town and manufacturing center; however, it was the modernization of the “Old Mine Road” into what we now know as Route 209 that brought vacationers from far and wide to the Catskills and mountains of Ellenville, even after the closing of the canal’s railroad system. Part of the colloquial Borscht Belt of Ulster County, and home to famous vacation resorts of the past, Ellenville was once well known for its pottery and glassworks (still highly sought after by collectors nationwide), as well as knife manufacturing.
With the closure of the D&H Canal railroad, decline of the hotel industry, and closing of factories over the decades, Ellenville took an economic hit; but this little can-do town never gave up, and over the years has made quite the local comeback. Driving through Ellenville, with the majestic beauty of the Shawangunk Mountains looming before you, you get the feeling that you’re in a special place because, in fact, you are. Take the time to poke around and explore, and you’ll find that Ellenville is a charming community that has everything you could want or need. From beautiful shops, arts and entertainment, and well-made food of every kind, to the exalted splendor of Sam’s Point Preserve, this town has something for everyone. Ellenville is the perfect example of what a true community is all about: local businesses and neighbors all supporting one another and their local economy.
eat
AROMA THYME BISTRO
First Certified Green restaurant in the Hudson Valley, repeat winner of Best Burger and Best Beer Selection in Hudson Valley.
Genuine farm-to-table, uniting carnivores and vegetarians with one green, globally inspired and sustainably sourced menu.
Over 200 craft beers, 200 boutique spirits, and 200 wines. Free live music on Thursday and Saturday nights. 165 Canal Street, 845-647-3000, aromathymebistro.com
BARTHEL’S CREAMERY
Ice cream and more, lovingly handcrafted from fresh, local ingredients and served up with a warm family welcome. 8065 Route 209, 845-647-6941, facebook.com/Barthels-Creamery-1840267589625678
BARTHEL’S FARM MARKET
Farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, honey, candy, and much more. Beloved family farm enterprise has changed over 60 years from a large sweet corn operation to a 40-acre mixed vegetable operation, practicing Integrated Pest Management; Good Agricultural Practices certified. 8057 Route 209, 845-647-6941, facebook.com/barthels.farmmarket
CITY GIRL CAKERY LLC
Custom cakery and dessert shop with the feel of a precious little jewelbox. Manal has 17 years of New-York-City-pastry-shop experience and bakes everything fresh in-house: cupcakes, croissants, occasion cakes, cookies, French macarons, and more. 163 Canal Street, 845-210-7328, citygirlcakeryny.com
COHEN’S BAKERY AND CAFE
Home of renowned raisin pumpernickel and other fine breads, pastries, cookies, and muffins. Cohen’s legacy stretches back to the 1920s; new management cherishes the tradition and keeps the standards top-notch. 89 Center Street, 845-647-2200,
cohensbakery.cafe
GABY’S CAFE
Mexican Bar and Grill with fine Mexican and Italian cuisine. Handmade guacamoles created at your tableside while you watch. Extensive selection of tequilas for the tasting. 141 Canal Street, 845-210-1040, gabyscafe.net
SOOK HOUSE
Korean and Japanese cuisine. Outstanding sushi, noodles, spicy crab tempura, fried tempura ice cream, and more. Billiards room and karaoke room—a great place for beer and good times. 76 Center Street, Ellenville, 845-647-1020,facebook.com/SookHouse
TONY & NICK’S ITALIAN KITCHEN
Family-run Italian restaurant. Classic Italian dishes, hand-cut steaks, seafood, beautiful artisan brick oven pizzas, and gourmet burgers. Fresh house-made mozzarella. Private catering room that can accommodate up to 100 people. 162 Canal Street, 845-647-8669,
tonyandnicksitaliankitchen.com
TRATTORIA MARBELLA
Northern Italian cuisine crafted with love in a warm, inviting space. Luis makes fresh pappardelle, fettucini, and ravioli daily. Melt-in-your-mouth cannoli and pizza. Come get spoiled. 151 Canal Street, 845-647-9269,
facebook.com/trattoriamarbella
stay
HONOR’S HAVEN RESORT & SPA
Two-hundred acres of lush gardens and rolling hills offering wellness center and spa, Robert Trent Jones golf course, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, delectable selection of dining options, 232 rooms and suites, and conference and catering facilities. 1195 Arrowhead Road, 844-469-7829, honorshaven.com
play
MISU (THE MUSIC INSTITUTE OF SULLIVAN AND ULSTER COUNTIES)
Based on the belief that music within a social environment can enhance interpersonal relationships, self-expression, and personal growth, MISU provides opportunities for people of all ages to develop their varying levels of musical experiences. Private and group instruction, ensemble experience, occasional concerts, and art exhibitions. 40 Market Street, 845-377-3727, misucatskills.org
SHADOWLAND STAGES
“Local Theatre with Shocking Relevance.” Cultural gem of the Catskills, bringing high-quality, professionally produced plays and musicals to Ellenville for over three decades in a renovated 1920 vaudeville and movie house. 157 Canal Street, 845-647-5511, shadowlandtheatre.org
BEAR HILL PRESERVE
Trail offers easy hike to rewarding cliff-top views with optional rock scrambles as a side dish. Allow about two hours for this 1.5-mile hike.
(You may, however, wish to linger.) 117 Dellenbaugh Road, Cragsmoor, hikethehudsonvalley.com/bear-hill-preserve
MOUNTAIN WINGS
Explore the exciting world of personal flight. Professional hang gliding instruction and pro shop in the stunning Shawangunks, the “hang gliding capital of the Northeast.”
Whether you are beginning to explore the wonders of flight or are an experienced hang glider pilot, you’ll find the service and support you are looking for. 77 Hang Glider Road, 845-647-3377, mtnwings.com
SAM’S POINT PRESERVE
A 5000-acre preserve located on the highest section of the Shawangunk Mountains, the most southerly section of Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Home to Lake Maratanza, one of the five Shawangunk sky lakes; ice cave crevices; cliffs; and numerous scenic vistas. 400 Sam’s Point Road, Cragsmoor, 845-647-7989, parks.ny.gov/parks/193/hunting.aspx
WITCH’S HOLE STATE FOREST
451 pretty acres and adjacent 140-acre parcel of forest preserve are accessed through neighboring Minnewaska State Park via the Old Smiley Carriage Road, which is open to hiking and other non-motorized recreation. Great for wildlife watching and photography. At-large primitive camping allowed. Berme Road Town Park (trailhead), dec.ny.gov/lands/103461.html
shop
BD’S BIKES
Full-service bike shop in the center of Ellenville and the middle of the MTB Empire Trail System. Marin and Orbea bicycles, guide services for every skill level, price match guarantee for online offers, friendly service. Call for hours. 115 Canal Street, 845-647-6187, bdsbikes.com
GRACE ANTIQUES
Lovingly curated fine antiques and art: furniture, home decor, glassware, artwork, toys, and silver. Showroom by appointment only; extensive selection can be viewed online. 81 North Main Street, 917-975-2728, grace81.com
LODES OF NATURE AT STEDNER PRINTING
Huge variety of reasonably priced crystals, fossils, décor, and jewelry—many locally sourced items and others from all over the world.
Half of this shop is a print shop and the other half is a magical experience you’ll have to see to believe. 135 Canal Street, 845-647-6493,
facebook.com/Lodes-of-Nature-128302997230479
NEW YORK ART UPHOLSTERY LLC
Fine upholstery fabrics, unique signature furniture line, custom design, repair and fabrication. Refinishing, restoration, and more; newest location of established Manhattan business. Caters to both individuals and interior designers. 143 Canal Street, 845-210-7190, newyorkartupholstery.com
THE FRENCH CORNER
Local and imported French gifts and works of art and craft, lovingly curated and presented with exquisite charm and a warm welcome. Sterling silver, fine vegan leather, artisanal soaps, and much more. 122 Canal Street, 845-647-3059, facebook.com/Pascalene.com.NY
TOP SHELF TOO
Jewelry and clothing for the modern boho spirit; vintage and new, lovingly curated and created. Popup retail. Call or visit website for more information. 206 Canal Street, 845-647-4661, topshelfjewelryinc.com
we hope that you take the time to stop in and discover the true energy and spirit of ellenville.
put this town on your list for day trips and come explore its unique and beautiful shops, be inspired by the natural surroundings, and enjoy a bite to eat—you will not be dissapointed!
