Holidays happening at the Astor House

***Holiday party this Saturday December 19***

Join Santa Claus at the Astor House between 12 Noon and 4PM. Kids will make ornaments, enjoy lunch and hot chocolate. There will be a reading of The Night Before Christmas at 1PM, 2PM and 3PM. This will be a warm and festive occasion for local and visiting families so don’t hesitate to stop by.

The Astor House will be open Christmas Eve until 9PM!

The holidays are here inside and out! The Astor House is Christmas Central in Tannersville, from Christmas Trees for sale outside to festive shopping inside. Look for:

• Biagi Beads (build your own bracelet with sterling silver charms and all that glitters – or build one for someone else!
• Check out Thomas Locker’s artwork and illustrated books for children – on view and on sale at the Astor House now.
• Browse the selection of books and maps covering local history, trails and Catskills lore.
• Holiday Party Central – stop here for Party Paper (invitations, cards, paper plates, cups, gift baskets and more)
• Wreaths and Kissing Balls from the nearby Platte Clove Community

After all that, relax with coffee and fresh baked goods from resident baker Chris Cade. Use the free WiFi to let your friends know about the Astor House! They will thank you.

Snow arrives, bringing Christmas Trees

Trees now on sale

The holidays have arrived in Tannersville! Snow is falling, Christmas trees are waiting to find a home, and the hot chocolate is on the stove. With Hunter Mountain opening later this week, skiers will no doubt stop at the Astor House before and after the slopes to warm up and even do a little holiday shopping. To reach the Astor House, just call (518) 589 -9500. Open every day through the New Year.

Tannersville’s tanning business collapsed in the mid-19th century. It was gradually replaced by the summer resort trade, which reached its peak in 1882 when the railroad came to Tannersville. However, the rise of the automobile in the early 20th century led to a steady economic decline, as travelers were no longer rooted to one spot for an entire summer. [1]

Tannersville has experienced a revival in the 21st century. This can be attributed largely to the efforts of the Hunter Foundation. For example, the Foundation has implemented the town wide “Paint Program”—the vision of Elena Patterson, a local artist— with the help and support of corporate sponsors and local residents. The Paint Project involves painting downtown buildings in multi-colored pastels, often with cartoon-like pictures on the shutters. It has attracted waves of tourists who come to see the dramatic paint schemes, and continue to annoy local residents who have been quoted as saying, “they look ridiculous”. The project prompted much attention when it was publicized in The New York Times (May 28, 2003). [2] The project was also featured on NBC’s Today Show, CNBC, and all three of the local Albany-based networks.