Fall Foliage, Festivals and Folklore in the Great Northern Catskills

GREENE COUNTY, N.Y., Aug. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Great Northern Catskills are celebrating the fall season with several fun festivals, fairs and autumn events for families and friends of all ages!  This fall, as the lush green landscape is overtaken by vibrant reds, yellows and oranges, the Great Northern Catskills invite visitors to enjoy the incredible fall foliage and taste the fruits of the fall harvest.

During the autumn season, there is no shortage of Catskills events and outdoor activities to explore -- from pumpkin picking and hay rides, to music and entertainment, to fishing tournaments and motorcycle festivals, to scenic tours on the Hudson River.  Take in the fall foliage and crisp mountain air while enjoying a few rounds of golf at one of the area's many golf courses.  Discover the mythical home of literary legend Rip Van Winkle, visit the birthplace of the first great American art movement and explore the many scenic locales that have long inspired artists of all genres.

Opportunities to celebrate the season abound.  On September 17, head to the Wine and Brew Fest at Hunter Mountain and sample fine microbrews and wines of the Hudson Valley and beyond.  Over Columbus Day Weekend, check out the Apple Harvest Festival in Cairo for savory foods, produce and a variety of vendors.  Families can enjoy hay rides, pumpkin painting, contests, live entertainment -- and all the apples you can eat.

Fall foliage events include:

Catskill Mountain Thunder, Sept. 15-18

Experience the 14th Annual Catskill Mountain Thunder motorcycle rally - the largest motorcycle festival in Upstate New York! Enjoy stunt shows, rodeo games, a vendor expo and bike show with cash prizes. Spaghetti wrestling and aerial burnouts top the four-day event schedule. Enjoy a live concert on Saturday the 17th with 38 Special and more bands.

Color in the Catskills, Sept. 30-Oct. 2

Tour scenic mountain landscape on un-crowded country roads and take in the colorful fall foliage. The event includes live music, arts and craft vendors, food and more.  Riders can participate in seminars, test drive new motorcycle models and shop for accessories with local vendors.  

Oktoberfest at Hunter Mountain, Oct. 1-2, 8-9

This popular festival will feature fine old-world tradition featuring German-American music, Austrian music and local bands and family activities including pumpkin painting and crafts – all for free! Taste locally produced goods at the farmer's market, and shop for fashion accessories and gifts from a variety of vendors.

Whatever Catskills events you choose to attend this fall, enjoy the crisp mountain air, incredible fall foliage, food, golfing, culture and entertainment.  The Great Northern Catskills are a four-season, affordable family vacation destination offering popular New York all-inclusive family resorts, fun attractions and endless opportunities for outdoor exploration.  Awaken to adventure in the Great Northern Catskills!

About The Great Northern Catskills of Greene County:

Greene County is located in the Great Northern Catskill Mountains and the verdant Hudson River Valley, two hours from metro NYC and three hours from Boston.  The region is home to five of the 10 highest Catskill peaks and the Catskill State Park.  Greene County is renowned as the home of Thomas Cole's Hudson River School of Landscape Painting and the inspiration for Washington Irving's literary legend, Rip Van Winkle, and was named in honor of American Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene.  This 286,000-acre wilderness offers abundant year-round outdoor recreation and unique cultural events.  For more information please visit www.greatnortherncatskills.com or connect with the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County on Facebook.

Contact:
Emily McGuire
Inphorm
518-523-9258
Lake Placid, NY

SOURCE Greene County