LEEDS, N.Y., Sept. 9, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Great Northern Catskills of Greene County are home to exciting fall festivals, annual traditions, scenic hiking trails and special fall lodging packages – all the ingredients needed to create the perfect New York State fall getaway.
Located just two hours north of New York City and three hours west of Boston, beat the leaf-peeping crowds and enjoy the Catskills' top fall attractions, Bavarian festivals, art events and more.
For Art Aficionados:
Hike amid the colorful foliage in the 700,000 acre Catskill Park, along the Hudson River Art Trail for a unique outdoor adventure tying scenic vistas and art history together. Stop by the Thomas Cole National Historic Site in the historic town of Catskill for more information about the Art Trail, contests and the history behind America's first painting masters and art movement.
For Golfers:
The Great Northern Catskills are not only home to some of New York's top golf courses, but also boasts one of the longest golf seasons in the Northeast, with championship courses boasting lush fairways alongside stunning views of fall foliage. Book a Greene County golf getaway at one of the top resorts and enjoy package perks such as unlimited golf, special discounts and delicious meals. Fall's Best Catskills Golf Packages:
- Ladies' & Gents' Golf Getaways at Sunny Hill – Package includes unlimited same-day replay golf at Sunny Hill Resort & Golf Course in Greenville, overnight accommodations and free cart for $99 per person, per night. Book mid-week and enjoy breakfast and dinner. Valid through October 31, 2013.
- Fall Golf, Stay & Play Package at the Thompson House – Package includes overnight accommodations at the Thompson House in Windham, breakfast and lunch, 18 holes of golf at the Windham Country Club or Christman's Pleasant Valley Golf Course with cart for $101 per person per day. Available through October 11, 2013.
- Midweek Stay & Play at Wolff's Maple Breeze Resort –Package includes overnight accommodations Monday through Friday at Wolff's in Catskill, breakfast and dinner and 18 holes of golf with cart at the Catskill Golf Club. Valid through October 31, 2013.
For Everyone:
While visiting Greene County, look for Adventure Passport Contest locations, snap a photo and enter to win incredible prizes worth up to $3,400! Simply take four photos at participating Greene County Adventure Passport Contest attractions, log onto contest.GreatNorthernCatskills.com and upload your photos for a chance to win prizes, including an all-inclusive vacation, a brand new mountain bike, golf passes, gift certificates to Greene County businesses and more.
Awaken to Adventure in the Catskills with family-friendly events that make the most of the changing seasons and Greene County's unique attractions and traditions. Top festivals for fall in the Catskill Mountains include:
- Catskill Mountain Thunder Motorcycle Festival at Blackthorne Resort in East Durham, September 12-15, is the largest motorcycle festival in upstate New York. Watch motorcycle stunt shows, rodeo games, listen to live music and enjoy a vendor exposition and bike show where you can enter to win cash prizes.
- Sunny Hill Resort Viking Obstacle Race at Sunny Hill Resort & Golf Course is slated for September 28. The race offers challenging obstacles and rugged terrain across five miles and costumes are encouraged. Register online at www.SunnyHill.com/VikingObstacleRace now and save $30, and book one of the resort's discounted lodging packages and enjoy family-friendly entertainment, meals, wagon rides, apple picking, fishing, golf and more.
- Color in the Catskills at Hunter Mountain, October 4-6, is a great way for motorcyclists to enjoy the fall foliage, scenic and uncrowded roadways, as well join in industry seminars and test ride new motorcycle models. Relax under sunny skies during crisp autumn days, ride on scenic roads and enjoy live music, arts and craft vendors, food and more for free.
- Oktoberfest at Hunter Mountain, October 5-13 – Held over two peak fall foliage weekends, celebrate the finest in German food and drink, dance and enjoy scenic gondola rides. This event is free for all and features a kid's tent with games, entertainment and a wildlife show.
About Greene County:
Greene County is located in the Great Northern Catskill Mountains and the verdant Hudson River Valley. The region is home to five of the 10 highest Catskill Peaks and the Catskill State Park and is known as the nation's first wilderness. Renowned as the home of Thomas Cole's Hudson River School and the inspiration for Washington Irving's literary legend, Rip Van Winkle, the Catskills are a haven for outdoor recreation and artistic inspiration. Visit www.GreatNorthernCatskills.com for more information.