Travel

Set among the rolling hills and farmland of Delaware County, Franklin is one of the western Catskills’ quiet creative hubs — a small historic village where antique shops, artist studios, farms, and longtime cultural institutions line a compact stretch of Main Street. Unlike some of the Catskills’ busier weekend towns, Franklin moves at a slower pace. A day here might mean antiquing, talking with local artists, catching an evening theater performance, or driving scenic backroads between neighboring hamlets and farms. Though modest in size, the village has quietly built a reputation for its concentration of deeply personal businesses and creative spaces — the kind of places that feel more like collections, workshops, or studios than traditional retail stores. Plan a slow afternoon or full weekend escape with our guide to the best things to do, eat, and explore in Franklin, NY.