What Is the Name of the Famous Resort in the Catskills?

By Michael Ferguson

The Catskills, a mountainous region in southeastern New York State, is well-known for its scenic beauty and numerous resorts. Among these resorts, one stands out as a symbol of the region’s heyday in the mid-20th century: Grossinger’s.

Grossinger’s was founded in 1914 by Asher Selig Grossinger and his wife Malke. The resort began as a small boarding house with just a few rooms but quickly expanded to become one of the largest and most famous resorts in the Catskills.

Some of Grossinger’s most famous guests included Jackie Robinson, Milton Berle, and Elizabeth Taylor. The resort was also known for its top-notch amenities including an indoor ice-skating rink, golf course, tennis courts, and even an airstrip.

But perhaps Grossinger’s most lasting legacy is its role in popularizing the “Borscht Belt,” a term used to describe the string of resorts in the Catskills that catered primarily to Jewish families from New York City. These resorts were known for their lavish entertainment options including comedians, musicians, and other performers.

Unfortunately, as the years went on Grossinger’s began to decline. By the 1980s it was clear that the resort was struggling financially and it eventually closed its doors for good in 1986.

Today little remains of Grossinger’s except for memories and a few crumbling buildings. But for those who remember it during its heyday, it will always hold a special place in their hearts.

In summary, Grossinger’s is the name of the famous resort in the Catskills that played an important role in popularizing the Borscht Belt and attracting countless visitors over several decades. While it may be gone now, its legacy lives on as a reminder of a bygone era.