Locals Guide: Barryville and Narrowsburg

The Sullivan Catskills hold a special place in our hearts (and there's good reason why several of our agents have come to call them home). The towns along the Delaware River, located along a stretch of Route 97 that might just be one of the most beautiful drives in the region, have a particular kind of magic to them.

If you haven’t explored the river towns of Barryville and Narrowsburg yet, it's time to hop to it. Barryville and Narrowsburg are about a 20-minute (very beautiful) drive apart, making it easy to explore both. 

Shoutouts to Upstate Curious agents Jessica Maloney (a Narrowsburg native herself!) and Eddie Rabon for a lot of these tips.

River trips

In spring and summer, the Delaware River is the place to be. Landers River Trips (Narrowsburg) and Indian Head Canoes and Reber River Trips (Barryville) offer very fun river adventures. 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.

Eating

In Narrowsburg, it feels like almost everything 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). Newer addition Bridge & Main serves up elevated American food and has quickly become a local favorite.

Between Narrowsburg and Barryville along Route 97, Blue Fox Motel is worth a stop for American-Portuguese food—and in the summer they host lively pool parties and community fundraisers. (Fun fact: the second season of the Netflix show The Four Seasons was filmed there!)

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. For cocktails (or wine, beer, local cider), 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, and Madame Fortuna. Also love One Grand Book (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.

Farmers Markets

Both towns have fun and beautiful riverside farmers markets in the warmer months, with live music, local food vendors, crafts, and some of the friendliest small-town energy around.

Listings

If this sounds like your vibe, we’ve got a few listings to recommend! A perfectly petite ranch in the Narrowsburg Flats, and a charming Arts & Crafts cape just down the road in Callicoon Center. If a seasonal rental is more your style, we've got an expansive lakefront gem in Barryville and, over in Glen Spey, a picture-perfect A-frame just steps from Mohican Lake.