The homey hamlet of Livingston Manor combines small-town charm with boundless natural beauty of the surrounding Catskill Mountains. This quiet but vibrant community offers world-class fly fishing, renowned dining, endless hiking trails, winding rivers, craft breweries, assorted shops, and more. Explore our 48 hour guide to discover the best of what to do, eat, and see in Livingston Manor.
FRIDAY
3pm: Settle in at The DeBruce
Credit: @thedebruce on Instagram
Tucked within the alluring Catskill Park, The DeBruce offers an immersive escape into nature, comfort, and culinary excellence. Overlooking the Willowemoc Valley, this cozy 12-room inn spans three floors, with some rooms featuring clawfoot bathtubs, others boasting sweeping views of the valley, river, and surrounding mountains. Step outside your door to explore 600 acres of private land across two mountains, including a half-mile of riverfront along the Willowemoc River. Relax in peaceful lounging areas throughout the inn, take a dip in the private pool, and engage in Social Hour each Saturday evening. Enhance your stay by dining on-site at The DeBruce, a 2024 James Beard Foundation Award semi-finalist for Outstanding Restaurant.
4pm: Take a Jaunt Up Beer Mountain
Take a scenic 10 minute drive to Upward Brewing Company and stroll up “Beer Mountain”, an easy, family-friendly hike that begins and ends at the brewery. Set on the brewery’s 120 acres in the heart of the Catskill mountains. The trail winds through forested paths and up to a clearing with stunning views at 1,870 feet.
5pm: Cheers with Beers at Upward Brewing Company
Credit: @upward.brewing on Instagram
After soaking in the views from the summit, head back down to enjoy award-winning beers at Upward Brewing Company. Crafted with pure Catskill Mountain spring water, their crisp, clean, brews are the perfect post-trek reward. Settle into an Adirondack chair by the firepit, gather around a picnic table, or relax indoors in the Instagram-worthy taproom, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame mountain vistas.
630pm: Dine at Threshold
Credit: @sullivancatskills and @thresholdcatskills on Instagram
Experience authentic Korean cuisine at Threshold, where every dish is rooted in deep flavor, community and working-class values. The menu is designed to be affordable and accommodating to all palates, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Showcasing locally sourced produce and Korean ingredients, choose from dishes like scallops with acorn jelly, vegetable fritters, cured trout, pork belly, and stuffed squid.
8pm: Karaoke at Van Smokey
Cap off your night with karaoke at Van Smokey, a restaurant and bar that serves up great food, delicious drinks, and weekend entertainment to keep the good times rolling all night long. Need a little liquid courage before stepping up to the mic? Sip on their signature cocktails like the mysterious “Magic Margarita” or the spirited “Mellow Go Maniac.”
SATURDAY
9am: Grab Breakfast at The Walk In
Credit: @thewalkinmanor on Instagram
Start your morning right at The Walk In with comfort food classics. They’re famous for their buttermilk biscuits, crafted from a cherished four-generation-old recipe. Keep it classic with a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit paired perfectly with a rich drip coffee. For a little kick, savor the spicy hot honey and butter biscuit or the biscuit of the week, alongside a creamy housemade chai latte.
10am: Go Fly Fishing
One of the Catskills’ greatest claims to fame is its world-class fly fishing. With an abundance of lakes, reservoirs, ponds, rivers, streams, and creeks, it’s no wonder this region is home to “Trout Town USA”, or Roscoe, if you’re checking a map. You’ll find Junction Pool, where the Willowemoc and Beaverkill Rivers meet, offering some of the most coveted fishing in the area.
Before you reel one in, gear up at Dette Flies, a Livingston Manor institution for nearly a century and the oldest family-run fly shop in the world. This full-service shop has everything you need, from premium gear and fly tying materials to rentals, expert advice, lessons, and guided trips.
Just a few minutes away, the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum offers a deeper dive into the history and craft of the sport, with exhibits, memorabilia, and programs to lure in any level of angler.
12pm: Enjoy Lunch at The Kaatskeller
Credit: @thekaatskeller on Instagram
Head to The Kaatskeller for a laid-back lunch with a view. Grab a table in the bucolic outdoor garden, or find a spot in the rustic yet modern indoor dining area. The star of the menu is their wood-fired thin-crust pizza. Try the best-selling Margherita, topped with local mozzarella, DOP San Marzano tomatoes, Agrarian Feast micro basil, and a drizzle of EVOO. For something more unique, try the Saltwater, a New Haven-style white pizza topped with littleneck clams, arugula, and a hit of lemon.
2pm: Shop on Main Street
Main Street is lined with one-of-a-kind shops you won’t want to miss. Step into Corners for curated art, design books, and unique paper goods. Browse Nest for stylish home decor, or gear up at Old Souls with outdoor apparel and equipment. And don’t forget to visit DROOZ and Company (pictured), a treasure trove of fun, quirky souvenirs.
330pm: Get an Ice Cream Cone at Evelyn’s
Credit: @evelyns.icecream.bar on Instagram
After all that shopping, treat yourself to homemade soft serve at Main Street’s beloved mom ‘n’ pop ice cream shop, Evelyn’s! They make their soft serve using all natural flavoring, dishing out classics like vanilla and chocolate or specialty flavors like salted caramel and mint. Taste your way around a tempting list of sundaes, soft serve cookie sandwiches, and more.
4pm: Check out Catskill Art Space
Just steps from Evelyn’s, immerse yourself in the arts at Catskill Art Space (CAS), a 4,500 square-foot venue featuring two floors and four galleries. CAS supports both established and emerging artists through an annual call for proposals, offering a rotating lineup of exhibitions alongside permanent collections. Beyond visual art, CAS hosts music and dance performances, artist talks, film screenings, lectures, and a wide range of engaging events.
6pm: Dinner at Stumble Out Bar
Credit: @stumbleoutbar on Instagram
Stumble into Stumble Out Bar, a lively bar and restaurant located just across the street from The Walk In. Enjoy elevated cocktails and beautifully crafted dishes in a casual and colorful setting. Known for its standout seafood, it’s the perfect place to dine al fresco at cherry-red tables or settle into the stylish, neon-lit interior. The menu features small plates like salmon tartare and seabass brandade to mains like steak frites, tarragon chicken, and squash with polenta. Make sure you save room for their famous key lime pie dessert.
8pm: Unwind at The Junction
Credit: @thejunctionroscoe on Instagram
A glowing trout sign invites you into The Junction, perched smack dab in Trout Town, USA. This beloved Roscoe hangout is the perfect spot to pull up a barstool and unwind after a day on the water. Enjoy craft cocktails, local brews, savory snacks, and a laid-back, small-town vibe.
SUNDAY
10am: Grab a Bite at Main Street Farm
Credit: @liz_west77 on Instagram
True to its name, Main Street Farm sits right on Main Street in the heart of Livingston Manor, blending a charming local market with a cozy café. During the day, savor signature sandwiches like trout salad or ham salad, alongside scratch-made soups including minestrone or tomato and smokey tofu bisque, paired with specialty espresso and tea beverages. The market side offers a curated selection of local produce, dairy, meats, baked goods, Catskill craft beer and cider. In the evenings, the space shifts into “After Four,” a relaxed burger and side-dish spot featuring a wine and espresso bar.
11am: Peruse the Roscoe Farmer’s Market
Browse the Roscoe Farmer’s Market any Sunday from May through October at Niforotis Field. Select from farm-fresh offerings like herbs, vegetables, baked goods, eggs, organic meats, and plants. The market also features handmade jewelry and pottery, along with live music and food trucks.
12pm: Shop Around
Photo courtesy of Marta Zielinska
Stroll down Roscoe’s Main Street for a little shopping. Discover Underground Fashion Outlet, where curated designer and vintage clothing can be found at outlet prices. Browse Taylor & Ace for eclectic vintage housewares and furniture, and find your new favorite read at The Hound Books, the town’s only independent bookstore.
1pm: Get Sippin’ at Do Good Spirits
Sip your way through award-winning vodka, gin, and bourbon that showcase the best of New York State agriculture at this veteran-owned distillery. Recently awarded one of the “Top 5 Craft Vodkas in the World” by Travel + Leisure, Do Good Spirits makes doing good more than a motto. 100% of guided tasting proceeds goes to the Third Option Foundation, supporting the families of fallen heroes. The tasting room is open year-round, and in the warmer weather you’ll also get to enjoy live music, food, and handcrafted cocktails on-site.
GETTING THERE
By car:
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From NYC: 2 hours, 15 minutes
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From Syracuse: 2 hours, 15 minutes
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From Philadelphia: 3 hours, 30 minutes
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From Boston: 4 hours
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From Lake Placid: 4 hours, 15 minutes
By plane:
By train:
By bus:
Greyhound has a station in Fleischmanns. From there it is a 50 minute drive.
