AREA INFORMATION
Menla is 1500 feet above sea level and set on a 320-acre private nature reserve. Peaking at 3720 feet above sea level, the peak of Panther Mountain is one of only five mountains in the Catskills with peaks above 3000 feet. Menla is located in a region of the Catskills renowned for its unspoiled beauty, variety of wildlife, abundance of rushing streams and rivers, and ancient rounded mountains.

The Catskills are one of the oldest mountains in the world and used to be connected to the Alps before the continental divide. Aside from its natural splendor, the area offers such activities as canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, and cross country skiing. For avid downhill skiers, the noted Belleayre and Hunter Mountain resorts are within easy reach. For cultural pursuits, Menla Mountain is located near the famous town of Woodstock, noted for its art galleries, music, and shopping.

CATSKILL WILDLIFE
The Catskills cover more than six thousand square miles and six different counties, with almost half of this land dedicated to the Catskills Park and Forest Preserve. Menla is home to many different animals, including those below. This woodland valley is an authorized Audubon Society bird sanctuary.

Larger Mammals
The white-tailed deer is the most plentiful of the large mammals living in the Catskill Mountains. It is not the only member of the deer family found in this region, however, as a rare moose sighting does occur.

The Catskill ecosystem is also home to the bobcat, coyote, and fisher cat. The rivers, ponds and streams of the Catskill Mountains are also home to beaver, the largest rodent found in the United States.

The black bear is a native of the region, though there is no cause for alarm, as they are rarely seen and tend to be more afraid of humans than humans are of them.

Smaller Mammals Smaller mammals living in the Catskill territory include the mink, woodchuck, muskrat, red fox, gray fox, and opossum. Various types of moles, such as the eastern mole and the star-nosed species, inhabit this section of New York, as do meadow and woodland voles.

Reptiles and Amphibians
Turtles, such as the snapping turtle, bog turtle, painted turtle, and box turtle also reside on the Menla grounds. Bullfrogs, tree frogs, green frogs, newts, salamanders and snakes can be found as well.

Catskill Birds
In 2006 Menla was officially recognized as an Audubon Important Bird Area. So far our list includes well over a hundred different kinds of birds, including the elusive Bicknell’s Thrush (one of the Holy Grails of bird watchers) which is mysteriously found only on or very near the neighboring Slide Mountain.

LOCAL ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS WITHIN EASY DRIVING DISTANCE

1) The Catskill Forest Preserve is 300,000 acres of unspoiled woods, which the New York State constitution has deemed “Forever Wild,” never to be commercially developed. The Catskills offer numerous hiking trails, from easy strolls through the woods to very challenging hikes with rewarding views. Maps are available at Morne Imports and the Phoenicia Library.

2) Tubing down Esopus Creek is the most popular activity in Phoenicia. There is a relaxing, calm section of the creek for family fun and a enjoyable view, and wilder whitewater rapids for the more adventurous, totaling five miles of tubing pleasure. The Town Tinker Tube Rental is located in central Phoenicia.

3)  There is also horseback riding on Indian paths and old logging trails in the beautiful Forest Preserve.  The Saddle Up Ranch offers year-round riding daily. They have a shop selling tack and western wear, including boots and hats. They also sell American made jewelry, dream catchers, and leather goods. Sign up for riding lessons or day camps, or go snowmobiling in the winter.

4)  Fly-fishing in the Esopus Creek is known to provide rainbow trout in the spring and native brown trout in the fall. There’s even a fly-fishing tournament in May. For those of you who have always wanted to try fly-fishing, a local guide gives lessons at Morne’s Imports on Main Street in Phoenicia.

5)  In the wintertime, you can go snowtubing or skiing. Tubers should head to Romer Mt. Park, off Route 28, about a mile south of downtown. The closest place to ski is Belleayre Mountain, the highest skiing peak in the Catskills. Ski and snowboard rentals are available from the Belleayre Ski Shop. Two-day packages, group rates, season tickets and specials are available too. Hunter Mountain also offers great skiing and is close to Phoenicia.

6)  The Catskill Mountain Railroad offers a 45-minute scenic rail ride along the Esopus Creek on weekends and holidays during summer. One of the train’s stops is the Empire State Railway Museum, located in the 1899 Ulster & Delaware railroad station, where you can catch a glimpse of the rich history of the railroad. Perfect for children!

For more information, please visit escapemaker.com.

LOCAL RESTAURANTS

1) Brio’s offers something for everyone. Order omelettes or pancakes for breakfast, or burgers and sandwiches for lunch. For dinner choose from Tex-Mex, seafood platters, barbecued ribs, New York sirloin strips, gourmet pizzas, and much more. Right next door, you’ll find the Sportsman’s Alamo Cantina Tex-Mex Bar and Grill.

2) Ricciardella’s is a fine-dining establishment. Sample entrees include pine nut crusted swordfish, pan-roasted fillet of grouper, spinach fettuccine, sliced grilled skirt steak and lobster stuffed with a king crab stuffing. Sunday is all you can eat seafood and Italian buffet day, but remember, they’re closed on Tuesdays.

3) Sweet Sue’s is our top pick for breakfast or lunch. They are locally famous for their enormous and incredibly tasty pancakes.

4) Al’s Seafood Restaurant has been serving delicious seafood for over 60 years. This family owned restaurant starts serving dinner at 4 pm daily. Don’t miss the coconut shrimp dinner!

5) There are wonderful and more upscale restaurants and shops in nearby Woodstock.

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