Gifting is so much fun. But the classic ideas can always stand an update. After all, a partridge in a pear tree takes up the entire living room, shipments of milkmaids and drummers need to be housed (to say nothing of a gymnasium space for all those leaping lords), and calling birds just keep calling...and calling...and calling.
But you, you lucky soul, have the Catskills at your disposal. And these hills are packed with delicious foods, life-enhancing objects, fantastic fashion, life-changing experiences and mouthwatering edibles. So we’re hoping you’ll do your shopping locally, among the small independent merchants where your dollar makes a big difference.
Here are 12 local Catskills gift ideas for this holiday season.
On the first day of Christmas the Catskills gave to me:
A massage with aromatherapy
Emerson Resort and Spa in Mount Tremper offers specials on spa treatment combinations on a regular basis. Come in and get your kinks (the physical ones, anyway) all worked out by the experts.
On the second day of Christmas the Catskills gave to me:
Two watercolors
and massage with aromatherapy
Above: Blue Flower Target by Laura Sue King.
Roxbury Arts Group Small Works Show is ongoing through Jan. 9, featuring an eye-popping selection of Catskills-made fine art. Lots of local small businesses and galleries hang local works that are for sale.
On the third day of Christmas, the Catskills gave to me:
Three great books
Two watercolors,
And massage with aromatherapy
Above: A tiny slice of the offerings at Hobart Book Village.
Hah! We tricked you just a tiny bit, because you won’t stop at three. The Hobart Book Village, open most weekends in the winter and by appointment during the week, has five bookstores packed with everything from rare antiquarian finds and local lore to cookbooks, kids’ books and pop fiction. You’ll find art, antiques, historic old maps and friendly, intelligent hospitality all over town.
On the fourth day of Christmas, the Catskills gave to me:
Four snuggly scarves
Three great books
Two watercolors
And massage with aromatherapy
Above: Hand-crocheted cowl scarves at Juda Leah, modeled by Lenora.
Juda Leah in Saugerties is one of the places you’ll find fine fiber and wearable art that will make any special person
feel cuddled all year long. There are Manhattan gals and guys who actually prefer to do their fashion-finding in
Saugerties these days. Just sayin’.
On the fifth day of Christmas, the Catskills gave to me:
Five kinds of cheese
Four snuggly scarves
Three great books
Two watercolors
And massage with aromatherapy
Above: A wheel of St. Placide, Cave-Aged Tomme from Betty Acres, the perfect pairing with today’s craft beers and lagers.
Betty Acres Farm in Delhi is the home of Modern Milkmaid Farmstead Cheeses, a selection of spreadable and sliceable goodness carefully crafted from their own herd. Delaware County has been dairy country for generations, and it just keeps getting better.
On the sixth day of Christmas the Catskills gave to me:
Six pitchers pouring
Five kinds of cheese
Four snuggly scarves
Three great books
Two watercolors
And massage with aromatherapy
Honey Hill Pottery, where world-renowned ceramicist Ayla created the pitcher above, is just one of nine masterful studios on the Sullivan County Pottery Trail. Buy a pot or a pitcher from a local artisan; they’re as individual as fingerprints, and all embody a commitment to fine quality and creative inspiration.
On the seventh day of Christmas, the Catskills gave to me:
Seven teas a-brewing
Six pitchers pouring
Five kinds of cheese
Four snuggly scarves
Three great books
Two watercolors
And massage with aromatherapy
Above: Persian Rose tea from Tay Tea.
What does your loved one really want? How about a pot of Persian Rose or a steaming cup of Better Than Sex? Tay Tea in Andes is where you’ll find the hand-blended creations of Nini Ordoubadi, along with all the finest wares and accessories to make and serve them in style.
On the eighth day of Christmas, the Catskills gave to me:
Eight slopes to shred on
Seven teas a-brewing
Six pitchers pouring
Five kinds of cheese
Four snuggly scarves
Three great books
Two watercolors
And massage with aromatherapy
Pictured above is one of many life-changing moments experienced on the slopes at Windham Mountain, one of the Catskills' four ski resorts. You’ll find stunning views, helpful pros, mega-love for boarding and tubing, fresh-made powder and lift ticket deals all through the region and all through the season.
On the ninth day of Christmas, the Catskills gave to me:
Nine sparkly baubles
Eight slopes to shred on
Seven teas a-brewing
Six pitchers pouring
Five kinds of cheese
Four snuggly scarves
Three great books
Two watercolors
And massage with aromatherapy
Above: Necklaces arrayed for your pleasure at Mahalo Gift Shop in Catskill.
Masters of silver, gold and crystal are plentiful in these parts, and you’ll find their works displayed at local stores in nearly every downtown you visit, selling one-of-a-kind bling to make ‘em gasp.
On the tenth day of Christmas, the Catskills gave to me:
Ten bottles pouring
Nine sparkly baubles
Eight slopes to shred on
Seven teas a-brewing
Six pitchers pouring
Five kinds of cheese
Four snuggly scarves
Three great books
Two watercolors
And massage with aromatherapy
Above: Assorted offerings available along the Schoharie County Beverage Trail.
From southern Ulster County, home of the first craft distillery in New York, all along the wine trails and up to the northern and western Catskills, we’ve got folks who know how to make ambrosial beverages of all sorts. Fine wines, cider, craft whiskey and honey mead. Help a friend through those long chilly nights with the perfect bottle.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, the Catskills gave to me:
11 bakers baking
10 bottles pouring
Nine sparkly baubles
Eight slopes to shred on
Seven teas a-brewing
Six pitchers pouring
Five kinds of cheese
Four snuggly scarves
Three great books
Two watercolors
And massage with aromatherapy
Above: A cupcake at Two Old Tarts.
Catskills bakers are some of the finest in the world. Find out why at any of a long list of places where the art of baking is practiced fresh daily. Try Two Old Tarts in Andes, Bread Alone in Boiceville, Woodstock, and Kingston, or Hartmann’s Kaffeehaus in Round Top.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, the Catskills gave to me:
12 nights of dancing
11 bakers baking
10 bottles pouring
Nine sparkly baubles
Eight slopes to shred on
Seven teas a-brewing
Six pitchers pouring
Five kinds of cheese
Four snuggly scarves
Three great books
Two watercolors
And massage with aromatherapy
Above: Learning some new steps at the Rosendale Cafe.
Whether you’ve always wanted to polish your formal moves or love to freestyle your heart out to a hot bass line, The Catskills music scene has been cutting-edge since before Woodstock happened in Bethel. DJ parties, live shows, festivals and lessons abound. Come swing with the folks at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, or spice it up Latin-style at a Salsa Thursday at the Rosendale Cafe.
Happy holidays, and don't forget to buy local.
