In the Heart of the Catskills

Bear House Catskills is located in Cairo, New York in Greene County, a quiet Catskills town close to popular destinations.

Nearby:

• 15 minutes → Catskill
• 25 minutes → Hudson (restaurants, galleries, Amtrak)
• 30 minutes → Hunter & Windham ski mountains

Cairo (pronounced “Care-oh”) is a small town in Greene County, New York, located in the northern Catskill Mountains about 40 miles south of Albany and roughly 2–2.5 hours from New York City. The town blends rural Catskills scenery with a few surprising and creative local attractions.

Below are some of the distinctive things that make Cairo a little unexpected.

A Town Named After an Egyptian Capital

The Town of Cairo was established in 1803 and renamed “Cairo” in 1808, inspired by the famous city in Egypt. Despite the spelling, locals pronounce it “Care-oh.”

This pronunciation difference is one of the first things visitors notice when they arrive.

Source: Greene County historical records and New York State historical marker documentation.

Storybrook Hollow: A Castle in the Catskills

One of Cairo’s most unusual landmarks is Storybrook Hollow.

This distinctive castle-style stone building houses a small craft brewery, event venue, and artisan market. The property was designed with a fairy-tale aesthetic and is used for gatherings, weddings, and community events.

Finding a castle-like venue in a rural Catskills town is part of what makes Cairo memorable.

A Small-Town Main Street with Creative Businesses

Cairo’s Main Street is home to a small but growing collection of local businesses.

Notable stops include:

The G Spot – a 21+, LGBTQ+ cocktail lounge and tapas bar with Karaoke, Drag Brunches and Mahjong Lessons

Red Star Cafe & Bakery – a popular local café and bakery

See & Be Kitchen – a casual restaurant known for brunch and sandwiches

These locally owned spots reflect the town’s mix of long-time residents and newer small-business owners drawn to the Catskills.

Seasonal Public Art in the Catskills

During warmer months, Cairo participates in regional arts initiatives organized by the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County.

These programs have included outdoor sculpture and decorated bear exhibits placed throughout Greene County communities. The installations rotate seasonally and highlight local artists.

Catskills Nature Just Minutes Away

Cairo sits close to several outdoor destinations in the northern Catskills, including:

Cairo Round Top – a 2,142-foot peak in the Catskill range

Local parks such as Angelo Canna Town Park

The town serves as a quiet base for exploring hiking, mountain scenery, and farms across Greene County.

Why Visitors Find Cairo Interesting

Cairo isn’t a large tourist center like Woodstock or Hudson. Instead, it offers something different:

A historic Catskills town with roots dating to the early 1800s

Unexpected attractions, including a castle-style brewery

A small but evolving Main Street with cafés and cocktail bars

Easy access to mountains, hiking, and rural landscapes

For travelers looking to experience the less-commercial side of the Catskills, Cairo offers a mix of history, nature, and a few quirky surprises.