Woodstock, one of the most famed music festivals of all time, took place in Sullivan County.
Sullivan County, New York, is less than two hours from New York City. The county is famed for the Beaverkill River, which is where American fly-fishing began, and for being the home of the Catskill Mountains. Individuals and families have both indoor and outdoor activity choices in Sulllivan County, New York.
Eagle Watching
As early as February, the eagles begin to arrive to nest.
The Eagle Institute, a non-profit organization run by volunteers, hosts public programs during the winter months when about 150 to 200 bald eagles migrate to Sullivan County. Due to the knowledge of the volunteers and for the safety of the birds, it is recommended that eagle watching be performed during a guided tour. The tour takes place in a heated bus, and you are taken directly to the viewing areas while learning about bald eagles from the trained guides. Wearing waterproof boots and dressing warmly is recommended, as is bringing along binoculars. Check the Eagle Institute calendar of events to learn when and where eagle-watching events take place.
The Eagle Institute
P.O. Box 182
Barryville, NY 12719
845-557-6162
eagleinstitute.org
Activities on the Delaware River
The Delaware River has areas for both novice and experienced rafting and canoeing.
Since 1941, Kittatinny Canoes has been providing tubing, kayaking, canoeing and whitewater rafting trips down the Delaware River. According to the Kittatinny Canoes website, no experience is necessary for the whitewater rafting activities. The river is kept flowing all year due to dam releases of five different reservoirs. While on the river, guests enjoy the clear water, mountain views and local wildlife.
Also available is a 250-acre, wooded campground featuring stream- and river-front campsites, a trout-stocked stream and mountain hiking. Located on the grounds are are camping and fishing supplies, a store, a grill and a deli.
Formed on the mountain top above the Delaware River are Kittatinny's paintball fields. All supplies you'll need for a spirited game of paintball are provided, as is a ride up the mountain in a military troop truck.
Reservations are necessary. The establishment is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. April through October and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. November through March.
Barryville Base and Kittatinny Campgrounds
3854 Rte. 97
Barryville, NY 12719
800-356-2852
kittatinny.com
Vineyard Visit and Wine Tasting
The Pinot Noir grape is a parent of the Marquette grape used by Basha Kill Vineyards.
The first commercial winery in Sullivan county, BashaKill Vineyards launched in 2005 by growing two different kinds of grapes, Noiret and Cayuga White. Both grapes are disease-resistant, allowing for green growing practices using no chemicals. In keeping with the vineyard's chemical-free practices, all trellises used are made from a hard wood native called Black Locust wood, which requires no treatment to outlast treated lumber.
In 2007, the vineyard started planting a cold-hardy, disease-resistant grape called the Marquette. In 2010, the vineyard expects to release a new red wine made of a combination of the Marquette and the Noiret called The Bald Eagle, according to the vineyard's website.
Wine tasting is available in a room off of the renovated garage that is now used as a winery. You can bring your own lunch and enjoy your wine on the outdoor patio. The patio is closed off and heated with two wood stoves during the cold months. In May, 2010, the winery began providing live music every Saturday, and will continue to do so through October 2010.
From Memorial Day to the end of October, the winery is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Otherwise, the winery is open on Saturdays only from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
BashaKill Vineyards
1131 South Rd.
Wurtsboro, NY 12790
845-888-5858
bashakillvineyards.com
Tags: Delaware River, Sullivan County, County York, Eagle Institute, about bald
