Discover Phoenicia: Market, Railway and Esopus Creek

Phoenicia combines a seasonal farmers market with railway history, theater and experiences on Esopus Creek. This gives you different ways to shape your stay: you can plan around a Sunday market, learn about historic buildings and railway equipment on guided tours, or explore activities on the river. If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Phoenicia, this selection can help you narrow down the focus of your trip—whether that’s food and market life, culture or outdoor activities.

A Sunday market with a seasonal schedule

The Phoenicia Farmers Market takes place at Parish Field on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from the third Sunday in May through the last Sunday in October. This set schedule makes the market a concrete part of a stay during this period. If you visit Phoenicia on a Sunday, you can include the market as a dedicated activity; outside the stated season, it does not fall within the described schedule.

You can put together a picnic from the goods on offer. A visit to the market lets you explore what’s available locally and assemble a meal from the market produce yourself. For travelers who value food and regional markets, this focus may be a factor in choosing Phoenicia. The clearly stated market hours and seasonal limit are useful points of reference when planning your trip.

Experience railway history: from the station building to the engine house

The historic Phoenicia Station was built in 1899. Guided tours let visitors see the building’s three interior rooms. Those interested in the history and rooms of a railway station will find a different way to explore railways here than in a collection of vehicles. The interiors are specifically included in a guided visit, connecting the building’s historic character with a specific sightseeing opportunity.

The Empire State Railway Museum also offers a look at railway history. Group and bus tours are available by appointment. They include access to the engine house, which contains full-size railway equipment in various stages of restoration. The collection includes steam locomotive No. 23. The two railway-related experiences therefore differ in what they cover: guided tours of the station focus on its three interior rooms, while museum tours include access to equipment and the locomotive.

Theater history and educational programs

The theater at the Phoenicia Playhouse was built in 1887 by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The building thus has a specific historical origin as well as a role today: the Phoenicia Playhouse is home to the Shandaken Theatrical Society. The nonprofit organization has been active for 50 years and is dedicated to community theater in Shandaken and the surrounding communities.

The Phoenicia Playhouse also offers workshops for young people and adults, providing educational opportunities. If you’d like to include culture in your trip planning, you can consider these workshops alongside the theater’s history. The market, railway and theater appeal to different interests; you can decide which of them matters most for your stay in Phoenicia.

River experiences and the Catskills landscape

The Rail Explorers River Run starts at the Rail Explorers Depot in Phoenicia and heads east along Esopus Creek. Along the way, you’ll see views of the Catskills’ forests and river landscapes; you can also look out for bald eagles. This makes the River Run a way to take in the river and landscape together, without assuming that you’ll spot any wildlife.

Tubing on Esopus Creek is also available in Phoenicia. If you’re interested in water activities, you can consider this option when choosing a destination. The River Run and tubing are different activities on the creek: the River Run travels east along the river, while tubing is offered as a separate activity.

More town pages: Boiceville, Stone Ridge, Clintondale, Lake Katrine, Highland, Saugerties, Shandaken and Hurley.

For the broader travel overview: Ulster.