2023 Visitor's Guide

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Contributors: Antrim Streamside • Carolyn Bivins • Lawrence Braun • Buck Brook Alpacas Catskill Art Space • Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum • Catskills Vintage Art • Bryan Cronk, Manor 506 & B. Cronk Ceramics • Peter Crosby • Dave Eggleton, Trout Town Adventures & Guide Service Do Good Spirits • ELM Garden Design • Foster Supply Hospitality • Austin McK Francis • Noah Kalina Paul Kean • Shelly Kennedy, Drooz • Livingston Manor Chamber of Commerce • Chelsea Harlan, Livingston Manor Free Library • Livingston Manor Renaissance • Lisa Lyons, Morgan Outdoors Manor Ink • Maryann Perella • Tara & Sean Powers, Cadence and Craft • Raimondo’s Italian Restaurant Miriam Rayevsky, Jitterbug • Tom & Anna Roberts, Homestedt • Roscoe Beer Co. • Roscoe Chamber of Commerce • Natalie Roszkowski • Jill C. Smith Photography • Michael Jade Spaeth • Sullivan County Visitors Association • Ahu Terzi, The Hound Books • The Catskill Brewery • The Kaatskeller The Smoke Joint • The Walk In • Upward Brewing Company • Ed Van Put • Judy Van Put • Lee Van Put

Index photo by David Eggleton Thank you to all who contributed to the 2023 Visitor’s Guide 4

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Welcome & ON THE COVER Sullivan catsklls dove trail TRIPLE TREAT OUR TRIO OF TROUT

by Judy Van Put discover the rich history of american fly fishing Illustrated Maps of the Beaverkill River and Willowemoc Creek

by Austin McK Francis See YOU STREAMSIDE WE ARE COVERED BRIDGE COUNTRY FLOWERS, BENCHES & scarecrows - OH MY! nature lovers delight CATSKILL ART SPACE RECHARGING NATURALLY

by Lisa M. Lyons Events

Roscoe Chamber of Commerce PO Box 443, Roscoe, NY 12776 roscoeny.com roscoeny@yahoo.com Livingston Manor Chamber of Commerce PO Box 122, Livingston Manor, NY 12758 livingstonmanorny.com livmanorchamber@gmail.com Published by Maria Bivins 259 Willowemoc Rd Livingston Manor, NY 12758 (845) 707-2723 visitorsguide2017@gmail.com

Welcome The hamlets of Roscoe and Livingston Manor in the Town of Rockland, Sullivan Catskills, New York welcome you with open arms. We are a community of shopkeepers, artisans, farmers, fishermen, musicians, brewers, distillers and chefs. Our pace is laid back and chill, so come for our “ah” and stay at one of the boutique hotels, cabins, inns, short-term rentals or campgrounds available. Unplug, relax, go to a museum, take a hike, enjoy craft brews and spirits, ride a bike, visit an art gallery, swim, fish, run, kayak, shop and dine. We invite you to do it all, or do nothing at all. The pace is yours to set and we are here to make your stay an enjoyable one.

Maria Bivins, Publisher

On the Cover Eustacia, our favorite flower farmer and her faithful rooster Papa rule the roost over at ELM Garden Design. The other half of her team, her husband Paul is affectionately known as “Dr Dahlia”. The farm will hold tours in early September and can be reached at the Liberty Farm Market on Fridays, the Livingston Manor Farm Market on Sundays or by calling (845) 439-1005.

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Photo by Miriam Rayevsky Our cover photo this year was taken

by Jill Smith during a photo shoot for ELM Garden Design. Jill is a lifestyle family & branding photographer who resides in Livingston Manor with her husband and their two children.

(Jill C. Smith Photography Studio, Jeffersonville, New York)

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he Sullivan Catskills Dove Trail commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Woodstock festival and celebrates its impact on our Sullivan Catskills.

It’s a collection of dove sculptures perched in villages, towns, and at several tourism businesses.

Each permanently mounted dove has been hand-painted by professional local artists and inspired by the legendary event.

Maps can be downloaded at www.sullivancatskills.com.

Follow the beautiful trail of doves through the Town of Rockland.

Photos by Sullivan County Visitors Association

DO GOOD SPIRITS 10 Union Street Roscoe, NY 12776 ARTIST: PHILIP YARNALL

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CATSKILL BREWERY 672 Old Route. 17 Livingston Manor, NY 12758 ARTIST: ROBIN NERVEGNA

THE ROSE COTTAGE — HAMLET OF DE BRUCE 1194 De Bruce Rd, De Bruce NY 12758 ARTISTS: M.E. Kocher with JUDY LA VERDE, TANIA VANEGA

TOWN OF ROCKLAND— HAMLET OF ROSCOE 1978 Old Route 17, Roscoe, NY 12776 ARTISTS: ROGER BAKER, MICHELLE HOOD STUDENTS: ZELDA ADAMS, BRIANNA KIPP, CHEYANNE RYDER

TOWN OF ROCKLAND—HAMLET OF LIVINGSTON MANOR 13 Main Street, Livingston Manor, NY 12758 ARTIST: VALERIE TAGGART BUCK BROOK ALPACAS 12 Bestenheider Road Roscoe, NY 12776 ARTIST: DIANE HESS

ROSCOE CAMPSITE PARK 2179 Old Route 17 Roscoe, NY 12776 ARTIST: KEITH PHILLIPS

Maps can be downloaded at www.sullivancatskills.com

ROSCOE BEER COMPANY 145 Rockland Road, Roscoe, NY 12776 ARTISTS: JENNIFER BULL, KIM SIMONS visitor’s guide 2023

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NCE AND CR DE -PRESENTS - AFT A C

Trail Run 2 mile, 4 mile

Saturday June 3rd 2023 11:00am to 1:00pm Set on Upward Brewing Company’s 120-acre mountain plot in the Catskill Mountains, the Beer Mountain Challenge is a trail run with two distance options for runners – 2 mile (515 ft elevation gain) and 4 mile (1,030 ft elevation gain). Appropriately dubbed, Beer Mountain peaks at 1850 feet and is covered in a network of trails up, down and across the mountain – all located on Upward Brewing’s property!

Runners receive a custom finisher medal, event t-shirt and a free craft beer from Upward Brewing. https://www.cadenceandcraft.com/ beer-mountain-challenge

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BEER, WINE & SPIRITS

For those interested in craft beer, wine and liquor, the South Western Catskills is for you.

With sustainability and community in mind, several businesses have cropped up throughout the years, taking advantage of the fertile soil and clean mountain water this area offers. Whatever your palette, there is no lack of options for those interested in the art of fermentation and relaxation.

Catskill Brewery 672 Old Rte 17 Livingston Manor (845) 439-1232 catskillbrewery.com

Roscoe Beer Company 145 Rockland Rd Roscoe (607) 290-5002 roscoebeercompany.com

Do Good Spirits 10 Union St, Roscoe (607) 498-4511 dogoodspirits.com

Upward Brewing Company 171 Main St Livingston Manor (845) 439-1382 upwardbrewing.com

Eminence Road Farm Winery 3734 Eminence Rd Long Eddy (845) 887-6280 eminenceroad.com

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Triple Treat Our Trio of Trout

Photo by Paul Kean

by Judy Van Put

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ur region has long been a destination for trout fishermen. Since the early 1800s, trout fishers were lured by the native brook trout, the only species of trout that inhabited our waters.

But as overfishing began to deplete the brook trout, rainbow trout from California and brown trout from Europe were imported and stocked to replenish the streams and satisfy angling pressure. While brook trout inhabited the colder, cleaner and purer headwaters and tributaries, it was discovered that browns and rainbows could withstand the warmer temperatures of our lower river sections and fill the void that brook trout could not. Today, all three species inhabit our local streams.

The Brook Trout is New York State’s official State Fish. Early anglers enjoyed not only the beauty, but the sweet taste of these native fish found in the sparkling waters of our 12

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Brook Trout photo by Ed Van Put

Catskill streams. Their Latin name Savelinus fontinalis translates to “living in cold springs” (fountains); and are an indicator of water purity as they require the coldest, cleanest and most highly oxygenated water in which to live.

Most of our cooler headwater streams and tributaries still contain native wild brook trout.

The smallest and most colorful of the trout family, brook trout are a dark olive-green with light colored ‘wormwood’ marks on their backs,

RainbowTrout Photo by Judy Van Put

and bright red and blue spots on the sides. Their fins are particularly outstanding, black and fiery orange/red with a bright white leading edge or border.

Brown Trout, Salmo trutta, were imported from Germany in 1883. Browns do well in the lower reaches of rivers and streams, are faster growing and longer lived than brook trout.

They have an elongated brown or yellow-brown body with numerous spots -- the spots on the lower body are red surrounded with lighter colored halos. Many anglers enjoy fishing for brown trout because they are relatively wary, grow larger, and are a challenge to catch on a fly. Brown trout are “bullish” — just when you think you can land them in your net they take off and run again!

The first non-native species of trout to be stocked in Catskill waters were Rainbow Trout, brought to New York State from California in 1875, when rivers and streams of New York were first being depleted of brook

trout. The rainbows are able to withstand slightly higher temperatures than brown trout or brook trout.

They grew quickly and thrived; however, it was soon learned that these colorful fish migrated out from where they were stocked, and eventually were replaced by stocking brown trout in the Beaverkill and Delaware watersheds.

Named for the beautiful colors that shine on their skin, rainbows sport a silvery bluish salmon-shaped body covered with small black spots, clearly visible in their slightly forked tail, with a bright reddish-pink streak of color across their sides from gills to tail, and a pearl-white underside.

Interestingly, despite the fact that rainbows have not been stocked by the state of New York in the Delaware watershed for

Brown Trout, held by the late “‘Catskill Bill” Kelly.

Photo by Judy Van Put

more than fifty years, rainbows are migrating into the waters of our region, and an increasing number of these colorful and feisty fish are being caught, providing exciting fishing – often leaping out of the water when hooked and putting on a display of jumps and runs, like wild mustangs, often taking you into your backing.

We are fortunate to have three species of trout to fish for, each offering something different. On your next fishing trip to our local waters, try your hand at catching a trio of trout!

Judy Van Put of Livingston Manor grew up fishing with her Dad from the age of 5 and today enjoys fly-fishing for trout. She is a member of the NYS Outdoor Writers Association and received the Professional Communications Award from the NYS Council of Trout Unlimited. She has been writing fishing columns for the past thirty years; her Streamside column can be found in the Sullivan County Democrat. visitor’s guide 2023

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Photo by Dave Eggleton

Relish what we have to offer all year long. Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter we have outdoor activities and planned events for everyone to enjoy.

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Dette Flies TURNS 95 Established in 1928, Dette Flies is the oldest family-run fly shop in the world. Check their website, Facebook and Instagram for special events & happenings throughout the year.

Serving anglers for 95 years in the Catskills & beyond. Offering fine American flies, casting lessons, guided trips, tying materials & fly tackle.

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Bruce Pollock of Inside the Blue Line is teaching the basics.

“Fly fishing for trout requires understanding what they eat,” said Bruce. Above, he is showing new anglers the mayfly nymphs thriving in the slime on a river rock.

Photo by Peter Crosby

Union Street in Roscoe is hopping. Be sure to stop by!

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Discover the Rich History of American Fly-Fishing

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isit the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum (CFFCM) to discover the rich history of American fly fishing right in its birthplace. The Center connects the stories of people, heritage, conservation, arts & culture to provide a living narrative of our rivers and fly fishing that is unique to this region.

Anyone is welcome to become a member to support our mission and receive special benefits & discounts.

The Center & Museum are open Friday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm.

CFFCM is proud to announce that they are the recipient of three grant awards (and counting!) this past fall, that will all be put toward their Stream Science & Fly Fishing After School Program in 2023. This will be a free program designed for local youth. The program will teach about trout habitat, local entomology, river conservation, fly casting & tying in a healthy and CFFC&M Youth Class fun group setting.

Stay tuned to our website www.cffcm.com for more details. They will perform outreach to local schools to recruit and spread the word.

The full calendar of events, classes, and programs will be available online as programs are confirmed.

Stay in touch through FB & IG, and note that grounds & trails are open DAILY, sunrise to sunset for picnics, walking, running, snow-shoeing and are family and dog-friendly. Note that CFFCM is a “leave no trace” facility and encourages folks to take any waste off this premises and attend to dogs while walking for the safety and consideration of all visitors. Cross the Willowemoc and enjoy the beautiful property & scenic river views!

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Featuring farm fresh seasonal produce, milk, cheese, meat, spirits, honey, maple syrup, prepared foods, eggs, flowers, baked goods, artisans, wood-fired pizza and more.

Follow both on Facebook for weekly special guest vendors.

Late May thru early October.

Roscoe Farmers Market Niforatos Field Sundays 10am-2pm Livingston Manor Farmers Market 62 Main Street Sundays 10am-2pm Both markets are rain or shine and members of the Sullivan Catskills Farmers Market Association.

National Farmers Market Week is August 6-12, 2023.

Photo by Jill C. Smith Photography

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The Adventure Shack in the heart of town rents E-bikes, mountain and cruiser bikes for use on the many trails around Roscoe.

The store is located in the Trout Town Square and carries provisions, seasonal produce from Trout Town Farm, locally sourced goods and adventure gear.

In addition to bike rentals, it offers canoe, kayak and paddle board rentals and day passes for Roscoe Campsite Park’s properties.

Photo by C. Bivins

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Where to eat

Seafood Fra Diavolo from Raimondo’s Italian Restaurant and Ramp Pesto Pizza from The Kaatskeller are just some of the mouth-watering dishes waiting for you to enjoy.

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Photo by Lawrence Braun

Roscoe and Livingston Manor have some fantastic places to indulge your inner foodie. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, mid-afternoon snack, dinner or just a “gnosh.” Many of our restaurants, cafes and food trucks have menus that change seasonally and use locally sourced meats, cheeses and produce. Whether you are craving artfully crafted pasta or southern comfort food, traditional Greek or Vietnamese, mouth-watering prime rib or hearty pub fare, we have you covered. Breakfast all day - no problem.

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The Kaatskeller, Livingston Manor Free Library and The Kaplan Foundation joined together, along with volunteers from Livingston Manor Central School, to put on a Halloween community builder event! Kids enjoyed making their own pizza, cookie decorating, Halloween games and crafts, as well as a costume parade and contest.

This year, over 300 people of all ages attended!

The free event takes place at The Kaatskeller in Livingston Manor.

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checK for THE latest specials and events on

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Thanks to Mac Longtime friend, supporter, collaborator and angler Austin McK “Mac” Francis was a legendary Catskill author and fisherman who touched the lives of many with his writings and observations. He had a special way of using his words to walk you through the forests & streams of the Catskill mountains.

For years, Mac allowed us to use his beautifully illustrated, full-color maps (found on pages 28-31) of the Beaverkill River and Willowemoc Creek from Catskill Rivers: Birthplace of American Fly Fishing, his 1983 book on the central role our famous rivers have

played in the history of the sport of fly fishing. The maps were originally done in black-and-white by the artist John Manikowski from Mac’s rough sketches of our main rivers, mountains, towns, and man-made features like buildings and roads.

Over the years, Mac made it his life’s work to learn about the history of fly fishing, the culture of the sport, the expert craftsmanship of the flies and the equipment, and the pastime’s birthplace region, and he was considered to be the leading authority on the Catskill fly-fishing tradition.

These maps are printed on watercolor paper that are suitable for framing.

Many of Mac’s books can be purchased via the website beaverkillpress.com and at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum Gift Shop.

Livingston Manor Trout Parade “Once Upon a Trout” Saturday June 10, 2023 Put your best foot forward and come dressed to impress. Whether marching in the parade or watching from the sidelines you can be a part of the fairytale.

Look for live music at the Main Stage with Randy Hulse, Sr before the parade while you browse the Vendor Fair in the Municipal Parking lot, have a cold craft beer from the Catskill Brewery beer garden and score apparel from the merchandise tent.

The Trout Parade committee is pleased to announce that we will be hosting some crowd favorites again this year. Bud Wertheim’s Giant Trout Puppet will lead the Livingston Manor Middle School Band, Catskill Puppet Theater and Hartford’s Proud Drill, Drum & Dance Corp along with floats from local businesses and organizations. visitor’s guide 2023

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See You Streamside

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ntrim Streamside is a Catskills gem and offers a world of tranquility and adventure just waiting to be explored. Surrounded by unspoiled wilderness, this gated, 250-acre family-run property boasts gorgeous views, private water access, and six independently situated accommodations along the banks of the Willowemoc. As you drive down Streamside’s private road, take note of the striking events center, Fern Brook Hall. Newly constructed with all modern amenities and beautifully landscaped, it’s available for weddings and events of all kinds, with convenient on-site parking.

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Fern Brook Hall

or gather on the banks while watching the bridge lights dance across the water.

Guests have all the tools they need in each accommodation’s kitchen to craft a wonderful meal, but for a real treat, the helpful Antrim Streamside team can arrange for a private chef to come and cook for you. There are also a

number of easily accessible restaurants in the area, featuring delicious cuisine options from traditional American food, to BBQ, Italian, Greek, Eastern European and Chinese. Streamside’s remote concierge team can help arrange for various other activities such as yoga, rafting, ax throwing and farm tours.

Photo by Lawrence Braun

Blending classic style with contemporary decor, each of Antrim Streamside’s lodgings features organic cotton mattresses, Pendleton blankets, plush robes, custom amenities, air conditioning, ceiling fans, heat, a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette, tiled baths with hand held showerheads, and high speed Wi-Fi. Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast each morning, featuring delicious local products.

Kick back and relax on comfy Adirondack chairs overlooking the stream, gear up and go fly fishing, or explore several picturesque hiking trails filled with towering oaks and blooming wildflowers.

Be sure to take a stroll across the property’s iconic bridge and keep an eye out for wildlife – lucky guests may even spot a bald eagle flying overhead, or a heron soaring above the water. In the evening, enjoy roasting s’mores over a fire pit,

Bobbie’s Farmhouse, Shandelee visitor’s guide 2023

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Look up! Our high-quality dark sky means the stargazing is spectacular on a clear night.

Photo by Michael Jade Spaeth

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We ARE COVERED BRIDGE COUNTRY

Our covered bridges are a sight to be seen!

If the gleaming patina on the well-weathered wood doesn’t curl your toes, the stone bluff supports and cold clean water that travels underneath will. The Town of Rockland boasts not one, not two, but three covered bridges.

Two — the Mott/Vantran/ Livingston Manor Bridge (1860) and the Bendo/Covered Bridge Campsite bridge (1860) — span the Willowemoc Creek.

The other — the Beaverkill Covered Bridge (1865) and lovingly restored in 2017, pictured above — crosses the Beaverkill above Roscoe.

All of these were built by John Davidson, a gifted carpenter.

The Mott/Vantran Bridge is located on Covered Bridge Road, Livingston Manor, just off County Road 179. There is a small park here with a pavilion, river access, picnic tables, port-a-potties and off-street parking. The park can be reserved for private events by calling Sullivan County Parks at (845) 807-0287. To get to the Bendo Bridge at the Covered Bridge Campsite, drive 7.5 miles out of Livingston Manor on the DeBruce Road and turn right at the campsite sign.

(The Bendo Bridge is presently closed to foot and auto traffic) 40 visitor’s guide 2023

For the Beaverkill Covered Bridge, take Old Route 17 West out of Livingston Manor 1.5 miles, turn right on Beaverkill Road, after 5 miles, turn left on Beaverkill Camp Road. There is a NYS Campsite and swimming area with plenty of parking.

Photos by M. Perrella

Catskills Vintage Art in Roscoe specializes in vintage curated animal paintings, animal antiques and select tabletop items.

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Jitterbug

Where to shop Our business districts are full of great places to browse, shop and get inspired.

Drooz

Our business districts are full of great places to browse, shop and get inspired. We have lots of “mom” shops. We even have “mom & pop” shops; “mom & mom” shops; “pop & pop” shops and some “just pop” shops! Diversity in the small business community is key, and the range of products sold is truly eclectic. Among the treasured wares available are carefully curated, locally sourced, stylish and sustainable items for home, hearth, pantry, closet, jewelry box and sportsmen.

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Flowers, Benches & Scarecrows - oh my!

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he Livingston Manor Renaissance is a group of volunteers who work tirelessly through the seasons to improve and enhance the natural beauty of our community.

Through their efforts, the business district is

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adorned with hanging flower baskets, comfortable benches, window & street planters, strategically placed perennial beds, informational kiosks, LED lighting, historical plaques on buildings, clean sidewalks and a creative seasonal display from local businesses and organizations at the corner of Main & Pearl Streets.

Join the fun and festivities this year on Flower Day in Livingston Manor on May 20th as participating businesses donate a portion of the day’s proceeds for their ongoing projects.

For more information or to volunteer, visit them on Facebook @Livingston Manor Renaissance or online at livingstonmanorrenaissance.com.

Donations to this non-profit may be sent to 11 Johnston Rd, Livingston Manor, NY 12758.

BE SURE TO STAY UP-TO-DATE RoscoeNY.com LIVINGSTONMANORNY.com

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Photo by Natalie Roszkowski

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he New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) operates and maintains thousands of acres of forest preserve, wild forest preserve and parks in our “big backyard.” Explore what we have to offer and get in touch with your inner nature lover.

Just remember, if you bring it in, please bring it out.

Mongaup Pond New York State Park & Campground offers a 120-acre lake, the largest body of water in Catskills Park, outside of the New York City reservoirs. Surrounded by Forest Preserve land, the park offers hiking trails, snowmobile trails, basketball and volleyball courts, a boat launch, canoeing, sail boating, fishing and swimming. There is a picnic area with tables and charcoal grills located next to the sand beach, with nearby restrooms and shower facilities. Picnic pavilions and boats are available to rent.

A special alert for those who boat, kayak or canoe: Beginning this year please leave your trailer boats at home! If you bring any type of floating apparatus to Mongaup Pond, be sure it has been completely dry for several days before you arrive and can be hand launched. Please note that they are also prohibiting bait fish use. Unwanted and invasive plants and organisms could infect the Pond, Mongaup Creek and the Catskill Hatchery located downstream.

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During the months of July and August, Environmental Educational Recreation programs are offered, featuring nature hikes, crafts, games, and activities. Day passes are available and campsites may be booked online. A camping permit can only be issued for a maximum of two weeks, and most park facilities are handicapped accessible.

How to get there: From Route 17 West: Take Exit 96 at Livingston Manor; turn left on County Road 81 & 82. Drive 6 miles to De Bruce, turn left onto Mongaup Road, and drive 3 miles to the campground.

From Route 17 East: Take Exit 96 and turn right at the bottom of the ramp, then left at the stop sign. Turn left on DeBruce Road/ County Rte 81. Drive 6 miles to DeBruce, turn left onto Mongaup Road, and drive 3 miles to the campground.

Photo by Paul Kean

Nature Lovers Delight

Three driving miles away, or 1.9 miles downstream is the Catskill Fish Hatchery. The hatchery is one of twelve operated by the NYSDEC, and it specializes in rearing brown trout.

It maintains a brood stock capable of producing two million eggs with about 115,000 pounds of brown trout produced annually. Open to the public from Spring through Fall, 402 Mongaup Rd, Livingston Manor, (845) 439-4328 Camp DeBruce is situated on over 300 acres adjacent to the Catskill Forest Preserve. Formerly a private estate and fish hatchery, the NYSDEC acquired Camp DeBruce in the 1940s and converted it into a conservation education camp. DeBruce was the second DEC Summer camp open and is the longest running of the four camps in operation today.

Campers age 11-17 participate in lessons that cover a range of topics led by camp counselors with backgrounds in science, education, or recreation.

They might include examining insects and flowers in a nearby field or meadow, using nets to study macroinvertebrates and aquatic systems, or venturing into the forest to learn about diversity and forestry. Throughout the week campers engage in activities that emphasize basic ecological concepts about habitats, species identification, and how organisms and habitats adapt to changes. They also consider environmental solutions through activities and scenarios that encourage campers to make decisions that

mitigate their impacts on the environment around them.

Registration for the 2023 DEC Summer Camp season opens in the early Spring and may be booked online at https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/29.html 307 Mongaup Road, Livingston Manor The Beaverkill Campground & Day Use Area is located on the Beaverkill trout fishing stream, which flows through the entire developed length of the site. An historic covered bridge, constructed in 1865, spans the stream on the town road. There is a deep pool in the stream adjacent to and underneath this covered bridge, creating a unique and picturesque setting. The development area lies along the stream, with camping sites on the north side and a picnicking area on the south side. The campground becomes an outdoor classroom for young children (5-13) and their families.They may participate in the Junior Naturalist Program while enjoying games and activities to earn a beautiful embroidered patch.

792 Berrybrook Road Spur, Roscoe How to get there: From Route 17 West: Take Exit 94, turn left off ramp to NY 206 West, 3 miles on NY 206 West turn right onto Beaverkill Road, 4 miles on Beaverkill Road to Y intersection, turn right on to Berrybrook Road Spur, 1 mile to campground entrance on right.

From Route 17 East: Take Exit 94, turn left off ramp, 1/10 mile take left turn at traffic light on to NY 206 West. Refer to directions above from this point.

Davidson’s General Store, at the corner of Goff & De Bruce roads is a historic building formerly owned and operated

by Mahlon Davidson, a Catskill fly-tier and fisherman.

Bill Kocher purchased the building in 1980 (the origin dates back to the 1880s and was owned by blacksmith George Cooper). In 2018, when his sister Marilyn established The Rose Cottage right next door; she conceived the idea to reopen the store on its original site. On April 1, 2022 they hosted a grand opening. The store and kitchen serve breakfast & lunch sandwiches, coffee, snacks, beverages and a limited selection of general store country goods and camping essentials.

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CATSKILL ART SPACE I

n October of 2022, CAS reopened its headquarters on Main Street in Livingston Manor as Catskill Art Space. This shift in name signals a new era in CAS’s history of building a creative community in the Catskills region.

Alongside the expansion of the physical space, they launched a programming vision that welcomes all to engage with the richness and diversity of contemporary art practices through world-class visual art, music, dance, film, and more.

According to Executive Director Sally Wright, CAS first met in the home of Charles Beck in Cooks

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Falls, and had a number of other locales before moving to their current location in 2007.

“We’ve always had the dream and ambition of expanding to the second floor,” said Wright.

“With renewed enthusiasm and support from our board and many others, we were able to fundraise so that we could do so, making two gorgeous new exhibition spaces, as well as a multipurpose performance space.”

Catskill Art Space aspires to be both a regional art destination and a resource for the local community.

CAS now features three long-term presentations on

the second floor. ames urrell s light installation, Avaar, is a ork that features onl hite paint and light, no colors, ut as one o serves the ork, there is a sensing of the am iguit of space. his ork has not een exhi ited an here since the s. o orks conceived Sol eWitt Wall Drawing #991 & Wall Drawing #992 are t o dimensional orks dra n on alls in accordance ith eWitt s guidance. Although eWitt is deceased, a draftsman provided his estate oversa the dra ing process five local artists over a period of da s. he third contains local sculptor rancis Cape s reproduction of enches used communal societies. A Gathering of Utopian Benches as constructed using poplar trees gro n in arro s urg. he enches are meant to e used visitors for discourse, contemplation, as ell as

Sol LeWitt, Wall Drawing #991 and Wall Drawing #992, as installed at Catskill Art Space. Images credit: © The LeWitt Estate / ARS, NY. Photo by Noah Kalina.

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Francis Cape, A Gathering of Utopian Benches. Photo by Noah Kalina

seating for performances. The room with impressively large windows overlooks the Willowemoc Creek. he second floor exhi its are on extended loan to CAS through . he are complemented

Photo by Noah Kalina

“We’re so excited to establish CAS as a major regional arts destination in bringing world-class art to our rural community.”

- Sally Wright 50 visitor’s guide 2023

rotating exhi its from national and regional talents in the first floor Main Street Galleries. There is something new to see and experience through CAS ith every season. The full listing of upcoming exhi itions, events and classes can e found at catskillartspace.org.

CAS will also continue to expand its communit art classes in the ne studios, including the popular CAS Kids after-school art and oga classes, heel thro n ceramics for adults and zen meditation.

We re so excited to have these presentations and esta lish CAS as a major regional arts destination in ringing orld class art to our rural communit ,” Wright said.

dited for relevant content, originall pu lished as “Stunning new art space set to open” (Manor Ink, October 2022) and “CAS reopens to visitor accolades” (Manor Ink, November 2022). Student Reporter Nevaeh Roberts contributed to this story.

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Recharging Naturally Photo by Natalie Roszkowski

by Lisa M. Lyons

I

’d like to shake your hand and welcome you to our corner of the Catskills. If you’re like many of the visitors to this land of pristine streams and scenic mountains, you arrived a little wound up and stressed out.

Believe me when I tell you that a great experience to help you unwind and recharge is easy and free – a walk in the Catskill woods! Since a hike might not appeal to everyone, these two suggestions really are just walks. (And for those who like hiking, these two trails connect to longer trails.)

There’s an added benefit to these two walks that you will thank me for later – they have no reliable cell service, so offer everyone a sanctuary from electronics. That’s why I picked them. After 18 years of recommending outings, I have seen amazing transformations when folks allow their minds to rest, awaken, and recharge.

So let’s take a walk on your wild side!

There are two beautiful hidden ponds just a few miles from Livingston Manor and Roscoe that are great destinations.

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#1 Frick Pond, Livingston Manor NY This pond is tucked away in Mongaup Pond State Park. The trail to it leads through the woods to a fork. Turn left downhill to a beautiful wide view of tranquil Frick Pond with majestic Beech Mountain in the distance. A photogenic spot! For a longer adventure, the loop trail around Frick Pond is easy to navigate. Sturdy boardwalks meander through tall hemlock trees. A sweet spot to listen to the wind.

Distance: 1 mile round trip to pond. Loop trail around pond is 1.2 miles, totaling 2.2 miles round trip.

Difficulty: level ground, with some tree roots and a few wet spots.

#2 Trout Pond, Roscoe, NY Less than six miles from downtown Roscoe. A short, easy walk downhill and over Russell Brook. Upriver is a waterfall — take care with young children or anyone unsteady on their feet. Continue on the trail’s gradual incline toward Trout Pond.

Trees open up to unveil the bowl that is its home. Evidence of beaver presence can be seen. I recommend walking to the far end of the pond.

There are two lean-tos and a great view from the new wooden bridge.

A hidden treasure!

Distance: 1.8 miles round trip to Trout Pond dam, 2.8 miles to leantos at far end of Trout Pond.

Difficulty: easy to moderate gradual incline on dirt road with loose rock.

What to Know and What to Bring: Stop by Old Souls, 46 Main St, Livingston Manor, or Morgan Outdoors in Hurleyville for gear, supplies, and advice from trusted sources.

Recommended Resources: • Catskill Trail Maps, by NY-NJ Trail Conference. Six-map set. Revised 2016.

Easy to read, tear-resistant, waterproof.

Great maps to bring on hikes. Trails in Catskill Park, springs, lean-tos and parking areas.

• National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Catskill Park Tear-resistant, waterproof. Includes all trails and nearby towns in Catskill Park. Great for trip planning and navigating to trailheads.

Revised 2016.

Frick Pond

• Best Hikes with Children, Catskills and Hudson Valley by Cynthia Copeland and Thomas J Lewis, 2nd ed. 2002, Mountaineers Press. Excellent resource f or anyone who wants a gentlerhike.

Very useful details.

• The Nature Fix, Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams, 2017, W.W. Norton & Co. Investigates nature’s restorative benefits.

Keen observations and an enjoyable read.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS Both trailhead parking areas have a kiosk with a map of all marked trails.

Frick Pond: From downtown Livingston Manor, turn onto DeBruce Road (CR 81) and follow northeast for 6 miles. Turn left onto Mongaup Road, follow 2.5 miles, passing NYS Trout Hatchery on right. At fork,

Photo by Lisa M. Lyons

stay left onto dirt road. Continue 0.2 miles to parking area on left.

Trout Pond: From downtown Roscoe, follow Rt. 206 north (direction Downsville) for 2.4 miles. Turn left onto Morton Hill Road.

Follow uphill for 3 miles to Russell Brook Road on left. White sign says “Seasonal Limited Use Highway.” Follow the single lane dirt road ½ mile down to parking area.

This article was originally written and published in 2018 and is reprinted with permission. The author, Lisa M. Lyons, is a year-round resident and community member of Livingston Manor, an avid hiker/snowshoer, and owner of Morgan Outdoors located at 234 Main Street in Hurleyville, serving the Catskills since 2005.

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Photo by Peter Crosby

We are campfire country!

No matter the season there is nothing more enjoyable than a campfire with family and good friends. Sip a carefully concocted cocktail or cold craft brew, toast a marshmallow and make a s’more, dance around or just relax. A campfire just hits differently in our neck of the woods.

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Livingston Manor Free Library Events

Ongoing

Wednesdays - BYO Vinyl Night, 3-7pm,

The Catskill Brewery, 672 Old Route 17, LM, (845) 439-1232

Thursdays - Trivia Night with King Trivia, 6-8pm, The Catskill Brewery, 672 Old Route 17, LM (845) 439-1232

January

22 64th Annual Livingston Manor Rotary Ice Carnival, 1pm, Rotary Park, LM. Events will also be held on the 21st for school groups & community organizations.

28 Winterfest, Roscoe Beer Co, 145 Rockland Rd, Roscoe (607) 290-5002

Thursdays (3rd of every month) Town of Rockland Senior Citizens Meeting,

Children’s Story Hour Every Tuesday, 11:00 am Manor Ink Every Wednesday 2:50-4:00 Contact David Dann, divadnnad@yahoo.com Walk-in Assistance Computer help available per staff availability LMFL Book Club Contact library for more info.

In-person, sometimes on Zoom Book Sales Select weekends of the year

LM Firehouse, March-November, (845) 439-5133

Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday Live Music,

Library Silent Auction Fall 2023, TBD

Roscoe Beer Co, 145 Rockland Rd, Roscoe (607) 290-5002

Saturdays - Wine Tastings, 2-5pm,

Summer Reading Every week in July

Sundays - Roscoe Farmers Market,

LEGO Club First Thursday of every month, 3:30-4:30 at the library

Upstream Wine & Spirits, Main St, LM

Niforatos Field, 10am-2pm, (May-October)

Sundays - Livingston Manor Farmers Market, 62 Main Street, 10am-2pm (May 28-October 8)

February

Museum passes are available to be checked out by Livingston Manor Library cardholders.

We have passes for: The Museum at Bethel Woods, The Catskill Flyfishing Center, Time and the Valleys Museum, and Storm King.

25 Annual Trout Town Ice Fest, Roscoe, 12-3pm

Enjoy the beauty of winter in Trout Town USA! The Roscoe Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a town-wide event.

Activities include a vendor fair, chili cook-off, bake sale, live music, games, skating, snowshoeing & more!

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April

1 Open House, Dette Flies,

13 Main St, LM

1 Opening Day Traditional First Cast at Junction Pool, Roscoe

CAS events James Turrell Avaar 2nd Floor

Sol LeWitt Wall Drawing #991 & Wall Drawing #992 2nd Floor Francis Cape A gathering of Utopian Benches 2nd Floor Members’ Exhibition,thru January 28th 1st Floor, Main Street Galleries Judith Henry, Samuelle Green and Lizzie Wright February 4th-March 18th Artists Talk & Reception, February 4th 3:00-5:00pm

1st Floor, Main Street Galleries Carter Hodgkin, Nene Humphrey and Jon Kline March 25th-May 6th

1 Two-Headed Trout Dinner, 6pm, The Rockland House, 159 Rockland Rd, Roscoe 1 The Smoke Joint opens for the season, 630 Old Route 17, LM 30 Pancake Breakfast,

Livingston Manor Fire Dept, 7am-12pm

May

20 Annual Flower Day, Main St, LM

tba Opening of Roscoe O&W Museum, Saturday & Sunday thru October

Artists Talk & Reception, March 25th 3:00-5:00pm

Nene Humphrey & Tom Sleigh in Conversation Saturday, May 6th, 4:00-5:00pm

Artists Talk & Reception, May 13th 3:00-5:00pm

1st Floor, Main Street Galleries Invitational Exhibition, Frosty Myers June 24th-August 26th Artists Talk & Reception, June 24th 3:00-5:00pm

1st Floor, Main Street Galleries Vera Illiatova, Jude Tallichet and Charles Wilkin September 2nd-October 14th Artists Talk & Reception, September 2nd 3:00-5:00pm

1st Floor, Main Street Galleries Nancy Davidson and Matt Nolen October 21st-November 25th Artists Talk & Reception, October 21st 3:00-5:00pm

1st Floor, Main Street Galleries Michele Araujo, Joy Episalla and Carrie Yamaoka December 2nd-30th Artists Talk & Reception, December 2nd 3:00-5:00pm

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3 2nd Annual Beer Mountain Challenge at Upward Brewing presented by Cadence and Craft, 11:00am-1:00pm, 2 or 4 mile trail run

10 The 18th Annual Trout Parade,

1st Floor, Main Street Galleries

Jennifer Coates and David Humphrey May 13th-June 17th

June

29 Memorial Day Parade & Service, Roscoe

29 Memorial Day Parade & Service, 10am, LM

Once Upon a Trout, Livingston Manor, line-up at 12noon LMCS, kick-off at 1pm. Local businesses and organizations are known to put on their creative hats and add some witty, wacky, twist to their march down Main Street.

Professional musicians, puppeteers and dancers add to the festivities.

10 Annual Chicken BBQ,

Livingston Manor Fire Dept, 11am-sold out.

10 Trout Parade After Party,

Sunshine Colony, 47 Main Street, LM

17 BBQ & Brews Festival, Roscoe Beer Co, 145 Rockland Rd, Roscoe (607) 290-5002

July

September

2 2nd Annual Parking Lot Pop-Up & Open Air Market, Music, artists and more!

10am-3pm, Life Repurposed, 62 Main St, LM

tba Flower Farm Tour, ELM Garden Design, 35 Knoll Rd, LM

November

15 7th Annual Town Tag Sale, Main St, LM 22 Summerfest, Roscoe Beer Co,

18/19 Opening Weekend of Hunting Season. Be sure to wear blaze orange

145 Rockland Rd, Roscoe (607) 290-5002

August

if hiking or exploring our wilderness.

25 Shop Small Saturday

6-12 National Farmers Market Week.

December

Be sure to visit the Roscoe (Niforatos Field) & Livingston Manor (62 Main Street) Farmers Markets on Sunday August 6th, 10am-2pm

2 Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, 7pm, 62 Main St, LM

3 Annual Christmas Party with Santa

at LMFD, Ladies Auxiliary

26 National Alpaca Day,

12noon-4pm, celebrate at Buck Brook Alpacas, 99 Bestenheider Rd, Roscoe

5-19 Shandelee Music Festival,

23 Oktoberfest,

19 3rd Annual Catskill Conductors Clambake,

October

30th Annual Sunset Concert Series, (845) 439-3277, shandelee.org

hosted by The Smoke Joint, 12noon-7pm, LM Airport

Roscoe Beer Co, 145 Rockland Rd, Roscoe (607) 290-5002

29 Pancake Breakfast, Livingston Manor Fire Dept, 7am-12pm

31 Annual Halloween Parade, LMFD Auxiliary,

Line-up at Firehouse 4pm

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The Remarkable Life of James Beecher

by Judy Van Put

T

he Beaverkill and Willowemoc have long been favorite destinations for avid and well-known trout fishers since the early 1800s. One such angler who traveled to our area seeking solace and fine trout fishing was James Beecher. James was an early settler and trout fisherman who lived and fished on the upper Beaverkill at a time when its waters were inhabited only by native brook trout.

A member of the famous Beecher family of abolitionists — brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe and Henry Ward Beecher and son of Lyman Beecher — James sacrificed a life of privilege to serve as missionary, soldier, preacher, and humanitarian. The Remarkable Life of James Beecher is the moving biography of a man who selflessly devoted his life to the liberation and betterment of others during a tumultuous time in U.S. history, with his equally determined wife, Frances, at his side.

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The Remarkable Life of James Beecher explores early ordeals in China to an astoundingly courageous career as colonel of an all-black regiment of freed slaves in the Civil War, through unimaginable situations and post-war turmoil. The book follows Beecher throughout his extraordinary life, including the spiritual salvation he sought after the war as an early pioneer The oxcart was a common and fisherman, method of transport in the detailing early upper Beaverkill Valley settlers’ lives during winter when the Beechers lived in the valley. from spring through summer, autumn and winter in the wilds of the Beaverkill Valley.

Through in-depth research from historical sources — including selected personal correspondence contained and transcribed within — this is an inspiring, intimate look at an important but remarkably little-known figure who played a key role in American history and risked all for his convictions of equality and morality.

The overview is a photo Lee Van Put had taken of Beecher Lake and surrounding mountainsides.

Ed Van Put of Livingston Manor has been an avi fis er an or ore t an ears. e or e or t e e art ent o nviron enta onservation retiring a ter ears in as a rin i a is an i i e e ni ian aving a uire fis ing a ess sites in t e ats i s as e as ore t an fi t five i es o ub i fis ing ease ents ere t e ub i an no fis . is first boo The Beaverkill: The History of a River and Its People, as ub is e in o o e b Trout Fishing in the Catskills in . rote an e an e e on ition o The Beaverkill: The History of A River and Its People in . n in e ub is e is ourt an ne est boo The Remarkable Life of James Beecher revie e ere. e boo a be ur ase ire t ro . eaver i oo s. o as e as at t e ats i is ing enter useu ette ies in Livingston Manor an itt o e oo in a i oon.