April 4, 2026

Summer in the Catskills: The Complete Guide for NYC Families

Summer in the Catskills is the antidote to a New York City July. Clean mountain air instead of subway exhaust. Creek water instead of fire hydrants. Stars you can actually see.

We’ve been hosting families at Peek-a-Blue for two years, and these are the things our guests love most about summer in the central Catskills.

Getting Here

Peek-a-Blue is in Margaretville, NY—about a 2.5-hour drive from Manhattan or Jersey City on a good day, and closer to 3 on a Friday afternoon. Take the Thruway to the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway (Route 28).

Host tip: Leave by 3 PM on Friday to beat the worst of traffic. Or come up Thursday night and give yourself a real long weekend.

Swimming

The Catskills have some of the best swimming in the Northeast, and none of it involves chlorine.

  • Belleayre Beach at Pine Hill Lake (20 min) — The gold standard for families. Sandy beach, lifeguard-supervised swimming, and kayak rentals. The 2026 season typically kicks off in late June.
  • Local creek spots (10-15 min) — The East Branch Delaware River has numerous shallow spots perfect for rock-skipping. Ask us when you check in and we’ll point you to our favorite “secret” entry points. Bring water shoes.

Farmers Markets

The best weekend morning tradition in the mountains (Season begins mid-May):

  • Pakatakan Farmers’ Market (10 min) — Saturdays, 9 AM - 1 PM. Located at the historic Round Barn in Halcottsville. It’s the regional hub for local produce, pasture-raised meats, and artisan goods.
  • Andes Farmers Market (10 min) — Saturdays. A smaller village market, but the fresh bread and cheese vendors are essential.

Kid-Friendly Hiking

Multiple trailheads are within 20 minutes of the cabin. Our top picks for families:

  • Andes Rail Trail (15 min) — A flat, 2-mile round-trip path on an old railroad bed. Perfect for pushing a stroller or a morning run.
  • Pakatakan Trail (10 min) — An easy, shaded creekside walk.
  • Balsam Lake Mountain (15 min) — Fire tower at the summit; moderate, but the 360-degree views are the best payoff in the area.

Where to Eat

Since some village favorites like Binnekill Tavern and Picnic! have closed, here are the current best local bets:

  • The Inn Between (Margaretville) — A beloved local staple that has recently “bounced back.” Great for a classic, reliable dinner.
  • Café Marguerite (746 Main St, Margaretville) — The local heart for morning coffee and incredible scratch-made pastries. The almond financiers are to die for.
  • Oakley’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Grill (Margaretville) — Wood-fired pizza and wings. A family crowd-pleaser after a long hike.
  • Oda Wine Garden (Margaretville) — Balkan-inspired dishes and wine. Try the Balkan platter.
  • The Andes Hotel (110 Main St, Andes) — Upscale tavern food and a great beer garden. Perfect for a family dinner or a date night.
  • Cafe Mutsi (22 Lee Ln, Andes) — A Nordic-inspired all-day cafe and wine bar. Don’t skip their sourdough.
  • Phoenicia Diner (30 min) — Worth the drive. An iconic Catskills diner, always packed for a reason.

What to Pack

  • Bug spray (non-negotiable June through September).
  • Water shoes for creek swimming.
  • Layers for evenings (mountain nights stay cool even in July).
  • Board games (we have a collection, but bring your favorites for rainy days).

Book Your Summer Weekend

Peek-a-Blue sleeps 8 across 3 bedrooms. Private sauna, fire pit, wraparound deck, 3 acres. Book direct and save ~14% compared to Airbnb.

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