Rip Van Winkle

Rip Van Winkle is the title character of Washington Irving's famous 1819 short story. Set in the Catskills, the tale follows the life of Rip - a charitable, but unconventional man who has an aversion to professional labor. He is loved by all in town, especially children to whom he tells stories and gives toys.

One day, Rip wanders off to escape his nagging wife and unwittingly follows the ghost of Henry Hudson's men into the woods, imbibes a "magic potion" and falls asleep for twenty years. He wakens to discover that he has aged, his wife has died, the American Revolution has taken place and he no longer recognizes anyone in town.

Rip returns to the village and it isn't long before he finds his place among the people and resumes his habitual idleness. His tale is repeated and solemnly taken to heart by hen-pecked husbands who wish they could share in Rip's good luck.

Today, Rip Van Winkle's legacy persists and is infused throughout the region in the form of Catskills events, commemorative statues, numerous business names and wonderful paintings at many of the historic lodges and resorts. Hit nine golf courses through the Rip Van Winkle Golf Trail or explore the Catskill Mountains' legendary "cloves" where Rip took his marathon nap. View the colorfully painted statues placed around the mountain-top region or hike to the top of Hunter Mountain and discover a near-finished sculpture of Rip Van Winkle.