High up in the Catskill Mountains there is valley surrounded by towering peaks. From this valley the town of Windham, NY began in the late 1700s. A town with two nicknames - "Gem of the Catskills" and "Land in the Sky," Windham attracts many tourists on a year round basis. Actually, tourists have been coming to this mountaintop as early as the 1820s, traveling by stage up steep mountain roads. While Windham had a few drovers’ taverns and hotels for traveling salesmen, it didn’t become popular with visitors until the 1860s when farmers began to take in summer boarders to supplement their meager incomes. The cool summers offered a pleasant respite from sweltering heat they experienced in the cities.
Today the main tourist attraction is the Windham Mountain ski resort. However, skiing should not the only item on your to do list when visiting Windham. Winter or summer there are plenty of activities for you to try out during your vacation stay in Windham. Whether you like to play golf, traverse nearby hiking trails, spend some time kayaking, taking an evening bike ride, or trout fishing, our mountain location gives a visitor plenty to do. Scenic views abound and nature lovers will find much to see. Our streams and rivers provide the angler with a variety of fish, and hunters will find deer, wild turkeys and other game abound.
Anytime an area holds an international sporting event tourists are sure to flock to the closest town that offers lodging, entertainment and meals. Windham is blessed to have such an event. The world's best professional mountain bikers will return to Windham Mountain for a stop on the 2015 World Cup Circuit. The Mountain Bike World Cup is a series of races in cross-country and downhill racing disciplines. Many community events have been planned for the 2015 including cross-country and downhill racing for all levels of ability, a block party and a concert to involve racers and spectators alike in celebrating the uniqueness of the Windham area.
Windham is filled with locally owned quaint country stores, art galleries, gift shops, bed and breakfasts, and a variety of restaurants that will please the most discriminating palate. Visitors enjoy the down home feel of Main Street and the friendly atmosphere displayed by the locals makes you feel welcome.
There you have it; Windham, NY, a town with much to offer vacationers in the summer or winter. Believe it or not but this does not come close to telling you about the many activities in this neck of the woods. Come see for yourself. You’ll be back, guaranteed.