Property at a Glance: Pine Ridge Dude Ranch

There’s a lot of fun to be had at the all-new Pine Ridge Dude Ranch. This resort is located in the foothills of the scenic Catskill Mountains. The ranch has miles of wooded trails for horseback riding. There are many indoor and outdoor facilities, including a bounce pillow and two swimming pools with double-flume water slides.

• Eat, drink, and be merry at the hotel’s country-inspired restaurant.
• Cozy space: Economy rooms, located in the Nevada wing.
• Nightly entertainment includes country line dances and live DJs, as well as family-friendly games.
• Campfires create a picturesque scene for stargazing.
• Good for kids: pony rides, meeting farm animals at the petting zoo, and daily scheduled activities
• Just for adults: a newly renovated bar and nightclub (alcohol not included)

Ulster County, New York: Small Towns in the Catskills

Ulster County lies in the southeastern portion of the Catskills. The county’s numerous small towns—including High Falls, New Paltz, and Woodstock—are worth checking out for their family-owned restaurants, wine bars, and antique stores.

Kerhonkson, a sleepy hamlet in the Shawangunk Mountains, has some of the state’s best rock-climbing spots. Weather permitting, experienced climbers can scale parts of the ridge at nearby Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Kerhonkson is also home to “Gnome Chomsky” at Kelder’s Farm, one of the world’s largest garden gnomes at nearly 14 feet tall.