Grossinger’s Resort was once a popular destination for families and celebrities alike. Located in the Catskill Mountains of New York, the resort offered a wide range of activities, from skiing to golfing to swimming. But when did Grossinger’s Resort close its doors for good?
The Rise of Grossinger’s Resort
Before we dive into the closure of Grossinger’s Resort, let’s take a look at its history. The resort was founded in 1919 by a Jewish immigrant named Selig Grossinger. It started as a small boarding house with just 20 rooms, but over the years it grew and expanded into a massive resort with over 1,200 rooms.
Grossinger’s Resort became famous in the 1950s and 60s as a hotspot for celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Robinson, and Eddie Fisher. It even inspired the movie “Dirty Dancing,” which was set at a fictionalized version of the resort.
The Decline of Grossinger’s Resort
Unfortunately, the glory days of Grossinger’s Resort were short-lived. In the 1970s and 80s, air travel became more affordable and people started venturing further from home for their vacations. The Catskill Mountains fell out of fashion as people flocked to warmer climates like Florida and California.
Grossinger’s Resort struggled to keep up with these changes. The owners tried to modernize the resort by adding new amenities like tennis courts and an ice-skating rink, but it wasn’t enough to entice visitors back.
In addition to changing travel trends, Grossinger’s Resort also faced financial difficulties due to mismanagement and family feuds among the owners. The resort went bankrupt in 1985 and was sold at auction for just $1 million.
The Closure of Grossinger’s Resort
After changing hands several times over the years, Grossinger’s Resort finally closed its doors for good in 2018. The property had been sitting vacant for years, and efforts to revive it as a hotel or resort had failed.
Today, the once-grand resort is a shell of its former self. The buildings are crumbling and overgrown, and the only visitors are urban explorers who come to take photos of the abandoned structures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Grossinger’s Resort was an iconic destination that played an important role in the history of American tourism. However, changing travel trends and financial difficulties led to its decline and eventual closure. While it’s sad to see such a beloved institution fade away, we can still appreciate the memories that were made there and the impact it had on generations of vacationers.