Bethel town is situated 90 mi (144 km) from New York City and extends to the hamlets of White Lake, Kauneonga Lake, Smallwood, Hurd Settlement, Bushville, Briscoe, and Bethel. It earned its popularity from being the host of the first Woodstock Festival held between August 15 and 18, 1969 with artists like Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix performing. The town remains to be the ideal destination for art lovers and there are plenty of fun things to do in and near Bethel Woods Center for the Arts which consists of the Woodstock Festival Museum and an outdoor performing arts centre. The town also features the Heritage Trail and the Sullivan Catskills Dove Trail. If you are in town or are planning a trip to the town, look for a comfortable hotel or Airbnb to stay in. Here is a list of the top things to do in Bethel, New York.
1. Explore the historic Bindy Bazaar Trails
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Bindy Bazaar: what was once a marketplace and trail system during those three days in August 50 years ago is now a...
Posted by Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Cared for by Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, a non-profit organization founded at the site of the Woodstock Festival, Bindy Bazaar Trails was once a hub of activity. During the festival in 1969, it functioned as both a marketplace where attendees could haggle and a connection between two major areas of the festival. Today, it stands as a beautifully preserved reminder of the past and is a great area for calming strolls. While here, you can also admire exhibits set up by artists to bring out the energy of the late 19th century.
Don’t forget to visit the Museum At Bethel Woods, which is also in the area and organizes large-scale exhibitions that tell visitors about Bethel’s past.
Bindy Bazaar Trails
Address: Bethel, NY 12726, United States
2. Pay homage to the famous Woostock Festival at Woodstock Monument
An ode to the Woodstock Festival of 1969, the Woodstock Monument was completed in 1984 and stands as a testament to the popularity of this legendary event. On August 15, 16 and 17, a dairy farm in Bethel saw over 450,000 people walk through it to attend what was advertised as “An Aquarian Exposition in White Lake, NY: 3 Days of Peace & Music”. Numerous fan-favourite artists of the time, such as Richie Havens, Sweetwater and Tim Hardin, performed at the festival.
As the years passed, people came to the site to commemorate the event and, eventually, built the monument seen today. It has the logo from the original poster along with the farm owner’s names along with a list of performers and is a must-visit site for those interested in musical history.
Woodstock Monument
Address: USA, 532 W Shore Rd, Swan Lake, NY 12783, United States
3. Experience the thrill at Bethel Woods Museum
This museum is one of the best attractions in Bethel, New York, and has exhibits of the festivals that occurred in Bethel in the ‘60s, such as the 1969 Woodstock festival. This festival occurred at Max Yasgur’s dairy farm in Bethel, and over 400,000 fans appeared for the event, an unexpected attendance considering that the event was expected to have 50,000 at most. The three-day festival featured legendary performers like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin and was labelled the Bethel Rock Festival. Have a guided tour that features both audio and visual exhibits and a movie theatre, and imagine the thrill of being part of the electric crowd cheering on to the performances on stage.
Museum At Bethel Woods
Address: 200 Hurd Road, Bethel, NY 12720
Website: Museum At Bethel Woods
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed from Mon-Wed)
Price: 17 USD onwards
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4. Tour Catskill Distilling Company at the Dancing Cat Saloon
The Dancing Cat Saloon is a restaurant located near the Woodstock Festival site. It is a fine establishment, serving you with simple yet elegant dishes, and has a venue that is both kid and dog-friendly. You also have access to free WiFi connection ensuring you keep in touch with friends or family those that are not close. You will be served with delicious cuisines, and the company of soothing live Jazz music at the venue is what you would want when enjoying a romantic evening meal. You can also take a tour of the Catskill Distilling Company, Catskill Distilling Company’s sister restaurant and learn about the distilling process of spirits.
Dancing Cat Saloon
Address: 2037 NY-17B, Bethel, NY 12720.
Website: Dancing Cat Saloon
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
5. Swim at the beach in Lake Superior State Park
Lake Superior State Park is situated along Dr. Duggan Road. Its a 1409 acres (570.2 hectares) parcel of land that features the lake and Chestnut Ridge Pond. The massive state park opens its gates up for swimming on weekends and lets you enjoy the beach area. You can also enjoy your weekdays using other facilities offered by the state park including picnic areas and playgrounds which are especially suitable for outdoor activities.
Lake Superior State Park
Address: 342 Dr. Duggan Rd, Bethel, NY 12720
Website: Lake Superior State Park
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
6. Enjoy beer at Hector's Inn
Hector’s Inn is always the center of attraction for most folks who like outdoor craft beer parties and events. The vibrant setting, the cool space and the live music performances are what attract the crowd in their masses. If you are looking to catch a live performance, and enjoying some beer in traditional beer steins then this is just the place for you.
Hector's Inn
Address: 14 Dr Duggan Rd, Bethel, NY 12720.
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 12.30pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat:12pm - 11pm; Sun, Wed & Thu: 12pm - 9pm
7. Catch a live performance at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Watch stunning performances at Bethel Woods Center for Arts, an amphitheatre situated at Woodstock Music & Art Fair site. The centre features performing arts by a team of live performers, actors and actresses. Get the company of your friend and be part of the audience enjoying while the stage is set ablaze with electrifying performances. For this unique experience, you can check the site out. You will love it!
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Address: 200 Hurd Rd, Bethel, NY 12720.
Website: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
8. Take a scoop of sweetness at Bethel Market Cafe
Bethel Market Cafe is home to delicious hot bakes in Bethel. Whether you are there to get a cake flavoured and tailored to meet your needs, or just enjoying the cafe while having a taste of sweetly baked muffins with coffee, you will be welcomed and served by the friendly staff. This spot is a local favourite because of the homemade recipes they use, the cool vibe and peaceful setting. Bethel Market Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy that morning breakfast you missed at home or lunch.
Bethel Market Cafe
Address: 2020 NY-17B, Bethel, NY 12720.
Website: Bethel Market Cafe
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 7:30am - 3pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
9. Visit the Stray Cat Art Gallery
Amongst the many fun things to do on the weekends in Bethel, New York, is a visit to Stray Cat Gallery. Open during the weekend, the gallery gives the artist or the art enthusiast in you the chance to feast your eyes on unique portraits and other artworks as well as get a one-on-one with the artists that created the masterpieces. The rich collections of art also include the memorabilia, and photographs of the artists that graced the town with their music during the three-day epic Bethel festival held in 1969. This a must-visit for all lovers of art and creativity.
Stray Cat Gallery (art gallery)
Address: 2032 NY-17B, Bethel, NY 12720
Website: Stray Cat Gallery
Opening hours: Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 12am–5pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
10. Get on horseback at Rolling Stone Ranch
Ever wanted to ride on horseback, or do the kids love horses and want an experience of riding them? Then a visit to Rolling Stone Ranch is just what you need to make your dream a reality. The immaculate facility has professional instructors to aide your learning so that you can enjoy the ride. Make fun and lasting memories with family and friends.
Rolling Stone Ranch LLC
Address: 282 W Shore Rd, Bethel, NY 12720
Website: Rolling Stone Ranch LLC
11. Buy organic food supplies at Bethel Livestock Farm
Bethel Livestock Farm is your best choice to pick on your own rich organic food supplies like vegetables for the house. The farm offers feeds for animals if you are a farmer as well as provides live livestock like goats and poultry. Preparing good food with some of the freshest farm produce in the land is every chef’s dream. Check it out!
Bethel Livestock Farm
Address: 522 Happy Ave, Swan Lake, NY 12783, United States
Website: Bethel Livestock Farm
12. Source dairy products from Hofstee Dairy
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Posted by Hofstee Farms on Friday, 17 May 2019
Bethel is well-known for its dairy products. Its dairy farms are several and located in almost every corner of the town. A visit to Hofstee Dairy will bring you to the home of the freshest dairy products in Bethel. It is preferred by locals to be the source of high-quality products like yoghurt, cheese and butter. The farm is a must-visit if you want the best. Check it out!
Hofstee Dairy
Address: 2017 NY-17B, Bethel, NY 12720
Things you should do in Bethel
The historic town of Bethel in Sullivan County is the destination you would definitely want to experience. Get a taste of the festivals, and art performances and visit the museums in town. With these and many more provided by the town, you will realize that there are many exciting things to do around Bethel, New York, and that it has just about everything for everyone.
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