The Upstate Vibe

Exploring and discovering the culture and interdependence with the Catskill Mountains.

Sunset: The Reward of Waiting

The Sunday Drive September 13, 2026 by Robert Brune As summer begins to wind down, there comes a brief pause in the northern Catskills. The busy weekends of July and August have passed, while the autumn leaf-peeping season still waits a few weeks down the road. For a...

Margaretville Fire Dept Field Days – Two photographers

The Margaretville Fire Department will host their 2026 Fourth of July Field Days carnival from Tuesday, June 30th, through Saturday, July 4th, located at Margaretville Village Park – behind Freshtown on Bridge St. 2026event planning This annual 4th of July fair...

Sunday Drive: May 24, 2026

The #SundayDrive By Robert Brune The morning air in the northern Catskills carried a chill as this week’s drive set out around the Pepacton Reservoir. It looked like spring, though it felt closer to fall, with temperatures holding in the mid...

About Us

      Welcome to Catskills Arts and Leisure Living, your comprehensive guide to the vibrant arts, culture, dining, and lodging experiences that define the Hudson Valley and Catskills region.
    From the creative energy of the Hudson Valley along the Route 28 corridor to Cooperstown and the surrounding towns, our mission is simple: to connect people with the ever-growing community of art galleries, artists, restaurants, and distinctive places to stay that make this region so extraordinary.
     The Catskills and Hudson Valley have long been a haven for creativity, natural beauty, and independent spirit. Today, the region is experiencing an exciting renaissance, with new galleries opening their doors, chefs redefining local dining, artisans sharing their craft, and welcoming accommodations offering memorable stays. We exist to bring all of these elements together in one trusted, thoughtfully curated resource.

What Sets Us Apart

       What distinguishes the Upstate Vibe from other upstate New York resources is our commitment to depth, storytelling, and connection.
We will be producing extensive, high-quality video features led by Alan Powell, designed to help viewers experience and understand this remarkable region in a way never imagined previously. These are not quick clips or surface-level highlights, they are immersive explorations that give audiences real insight into the people, passion, and purpose behind the businesses and creative work shaping our communities.
       Our editorial approach will also carry forward the tradition of in-depth interviews that became a hallmark of the Mountain Eagle Newspaper under the leadership of Robert Brune. Through meaningful conversations with business owners, artists, chefs, and community leaders, we aim to capture the authentic voices and personal stories that define this region.
We believe that when people understand the story behind a place, its challenges, triumphs, history, and vision,they form deeper, more lasting connections.

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Our Mission

      At “The Upstate Vibe.com”, we are dedicated to supporting a healthy, thriving creative economy. We believe that strong communities are built through collaboration, visibility, and shared success, especially during challenging economic times.
Our platform serves both patrons and businesses equally:
• Helping visitors and locals discover exceptional artistic and leisure experiences
• Providing artists, restaurateurs, and hospitality professionals with meaningful exposure
• Strengthening the cultural and economic vitality of the region

 

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Our Team

     Our team is made up of artists, photographers, and writers who live and work in this dynamic part of upstate New York. We are deeply connected to the region we cover, not just as observers, but as active participants in its creative life.
We understand that behind every gallery exhibition, carefully prepared meal, and thoughtfully restored inn is a story worth telling. With professional marketing insight and a genuine passion for community, we shine a light on the people and places that make the Catskills and Hudson Valley so special.

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More Than a Guide

The Upstate Vibe.com is more than a directory, it’s a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, seeking new artistic inspiration, or looking to support local businesses, we invite you to explore, connect, and experience all that this remarkable region has to offer.