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WHERE RIP SLEPT AND COLE PAINTED |
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| At one time, Catskill's reputation as one of the great crossroad towns of the Empire State and burgeoning nation of the early 1800s led to its leading pub becoming famous as one of the key places to meet people. Moreover, the Bulls Head Tavern's fame grew to such heights that it ended up with not one but two advertising signs to draw its clientele, one painted by the great Hudson River School founder Thomas Cole and the other by Cole's equally famous student, Frederic Edwin Church. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Why was Catskill known as a crossroad? Because it was here one stopped enroute to Albany or Montreal. From here the traveler might take a ferry across the River and horse drawn coach eastward to the Berkshires and Boston or west toard the Great American West. Later, the mountains looking over the town became known as America's first wilderness playground, home to some of its greatest hotel retreats. Catskill became the place to stay overnight before or after a vacation.In the early 20th century, Main Street boasted five hotels. As a result, it raised its level of hospitality with its inns, eateries, saloons, and entertainment spots. Local restaurants were known for their fish and, as the region's top meatpacking center, its vast range of fine meats. Because its many local merchants, traded with Europe and the West Indies, Catskill had the wines, rums and good English gin people loved. It also featured the proper teas and one of the first coffee houses north of New York. Look at today's beautifully restful inns, from the classic Day House to the elegant Clark House B & B to the comfortable Caleb Street Inn, and it's easy to see what made soon-to-be president Martin Van Buren choose Catskill for his wedding. After getting a proper Catskill welcome, Revolutionary War hero General Lafayette ended up counting our town among his favorites throughout America. Catskill has always done hospitality right, from superb lodging to fine food offerings and continuing a tradition of great entertainment, including one of the region's last remaining classic movie houses, the historic Community Theatre. |
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The
Thomas Cole National Historic Site (Cedar Grove) |
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Walking Tour: To take self-guided walking tour of Main Street Catskill, click here. Lodging: To find a lodging facility, click here. Dining: To find a dining facility, click here. |
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