Locals Guide: Barryville and Narrowsburg

Guide to Barryville and Narrowsburg

If you haven’t explored the towns along the Delaware River in Sullivan County yet, well, hop to it. The river makes an incredible backdrop, and there are more and more great indie places to shop and eat every day. Barryville and Narrowsburg are about a 20-minute (very beautiful) drive apart, making it easy to explore both. Shoutout to Jessica Maloney - Narrowsburg native - for a lot of these tips.

River trips

Let’s get to the good stuff first! Landers River Trips (Narrowsburg) and Indian Head Canoes and Reber River Trips (Barryville) offer very fun river stuff. You can float or paddle to enjoy the scenery, do a little whitewater rafting, or book party rafts and tie your tubes together for a super fun group activity.

Swimming

One of the most scenic places to swim or sunbathe anywhere has to be Skinner’s Falls. Lake Superior Beach also has a small public area plus kayak/canoe/paddleboat rentals on a 1,400-acre non-motorized (aka quiet and clean!) lake.

Hiking

Tusten Mountain Trail, between Narrowsburg and Barryville, is a moderate 3-mile trail with great views at the top. Mongaup River Walk is pretty much flat and around 2 miles - for the people who like their nature chill.

Eating

In Narrowsburg, everything mentioned here has river views and outdoor seating: The Heron (longtime favorite, farm-to-table with a great brunch), La Cigogne (fantastic Alsatian food - think French and German - and beautiful interiors), The Laundrette (pizza and cocktails, always a hit), and Tusten Cup (cafe with looooots of great options for breakfast and lunch). In Barryville, you’ve got River’s Edge, Barryville Oasis (great food plus live music and dance parties!), and Hungry Goat (cafe and ice cream stand with a huge menu).

Drinking

Coffee first: Stickett Inn in Barryville and 2 Queens in Narrowsburg are must-stops. Now that I’m energized - cocktails (or wine, beer, local cider) are always second, and most of the restaurants above serve great ones. Bar Veloce has a great happy hour and wine selection, River’s Edge “makes one hell of a martini” says Jess, and Stickett Inn’s got their own cider plus cocktails and snacks. Cochecton Pump House, in an open-air shell of a brick building from 1879, is a super scenic spot for drinks, snacks, and events - most involving dancing.

Shopping

Narrowsburg has a weirdly high number of really special vintage/antique/homegoods shops, some founded by interior designers. Faves: Maison Bergogne, Velvet Maple, Madame Fortuna, and Tinker and Edge. Also love One Grand Books  selections from authors/thinkers/creatives) and Wise Peony (lovely plant shop).

In or near Barryville: Cottage Wine Shop (organic, biodynamic, vegan wines), River Town Sound (vintage vinyl), Bad Goods Vintage, Sullivan Public (ceramics, vintage, and homegoods) and Hall Space (ceramics and gallery) - plus Barryville Emporium and Clobr (men’s clothing), if I’ve got time.

Farmer’s Markets

Both towns have fun and beautiful riverside farmer’s markets - live music, food vendors, local goods, and great people.

Listings

If this sounds like your vibe, we’ve got listings! A striking new build in Narrowsburg,  a vintage restaurant/bar/motel + 2 apartments and an historic riverfront home in Barryville, and a fixer upper with large pond in Bethel.