We spent weekends near Ellenville when I was young. My childhood memories of the area are pretty crummy. It’s been run down for so many years, it’s depressing. But then again, I kind of like that. Because when you’ve hit rock bottom, there’s no where to go but up. So, I find Ellenville fascinating and inspiring. And it certainly seems as if it’s on the upswing!

The town is nestled in the mountains. In fact, old timey New Yorkers like myself may remember going to Ice Cave Mountains as kids. Now managed by the Nature Conservancy, this area is known for it’s scenic hiking trails, including Sam’s Point. It doesn’t get much better than this as far as outdoor activities: mountain climbing, biking, hiking and hang gliding.

Walking through the village, you may encounter a couple of people without teeth and some sitting on their porches with shotguns. But that’s what gives the place character! Seriously, Ellenville is an interesting place, but if you’re more of a Hamptons person (you wouldn’t be reading my blog), you’ll be disappointed.

Dinner and A Show:

Aroma Thyme Bistro has “married holistic and gourmet cuisine”. There are plenty of vegetarian options to choose from. That’s all it takes to make me happy. The restaurant offers live music, wine dinners, a beer club and even a gay and lesbian night (I told you Ellenville is on the upswing).

The Shadowland Theater, a restored 1920 art deco vaudelville house, is a highly regarded not for profit theater. This season, performances included “The Criple of Inishmaan” and “How I Learned To Drive”.

For the goof:

How can I talk about Ellenville without mentioning the Nevele (FIY: Eleven, backwards. Because it was started by 11 brothers) or Fallsview? The Catskill Borscht Belt hotels are nearly all gone and those that still exist have reinvented themselves, but it’s still a good laugh. Like going on a cruise, only you’re in Ellenville.

The Gunks
Friends of the Shawangunks
Mountain Wings
Ellenville Flight Park