Green Lake Resort

In the heart of the Catskill Mountains, the Green Lake Resort opens its doors year-round to guests looking for a getaway among the stunning lakes and lush forests of southeastern New York. Established in the 1890s as a boarding house, the Green Lake Resort has evolved into a sprawling property that includes lodging, a banquet hall, and pool.

The Resort’s main building was built by the Guteriis family while it was still a boarding house. Many folks passed through its doors, but none as famous as American singer and comedian Jimmy Durante. Best known for his musical act from the 1920s to the 1970s, Durante spent his time at Green Lake as a singing waiter before hitting it big in New York.

While Durante made it big in New York, Green Lake moved on to new ownership. The resort changed hands many times, passing to the Ritz family, then two generations of McGifferts, Bruggemann finally landing in the dedicated hands of the Cippitelli’s – Ida and Chef Enzo – in 1968. Ida Cippitelli, affectionately known as the “Hostess with the Mostess” left an indelible mark on Green Lake with her hospitality that still enchants the resort today.

Through the decades, the resort continued to expand to include six lodging options and ultimately evolving into a full-fledged resort. In 2012, the resort was taken over by a non-profit organization, which is keeping the core values from the past alive; the website still proclaiming, “Hospitality at Green Lake Resort isn’t just a word…it’s our tradition”.