Franklin Trapp
Franklin Trapp
Tell us about yourself and what you do for a living?
I am the owner and Producing Artistic Director of The Forestburgh Playhouse. In my past life I worked as an actor out of NYC, working regionally and touring nationally. After about 6 years in that business, I decided to leave the theatre and went to law school at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. I then moved to Atlanta, GA and practiced law for a corporate law firm for 6 years. In my 5th year of practice, I received a phone call from the former owner of the Forestburgh Playhouse (where I had worked as a young actor) and he mentioned that he was selling the theatre and thought I might be interested in taking over the business. After much thought, and thanks to the encouragement of my husband John, the call of the theatre and the Catskills proved irresistible and here I am today! In addition to running the Playhouse, I am also the owner of the Forestburgh Tavern, which is adjacent to the Playhouse and is a restaurant/bar/event space where we perform cabarets, host events, and hold our annual Fall Series which includes live music, drag shows, comedy, and our annual production The Rocky Horror Show live!
How long have you been living in Sullivan Catskills?
I moved in 2014 to the Sullivan Catskills when I became owner/Producer of the Forestburgh Playhouse.
If you moved from somewhere else, what influenced your decision to move here?
I moved to the Sullivan Catskills form Atlanta, Georgia and was drawn here because of the opportunity to become a small business owner and live in a gorgeous area.
What are your favorite places to go for a cocktail and/or dinner?
We love to go to Cochecton Fire Station for craft cocktails and wonderful food. In addition, we love Henning’s Local, which is a farm to table restaurant, and The Heron, which is a fabulous restaurant right on the Delaware River. For a fun night out, it is always a blast to go to the bar at the Stickett Inn in Barryville. We are extremely lucky up here as the list of great eateries is pretty long. More of our favorites include The Debruce, and Solaia, which is a charming Italian restaurant. Of course, one of our favorite spots is the Forestburgh Tavern, but we are a little bit biased!
What cultural attractions are a must see for visitors?
Visitors to Sullivan County should make sure to visit Bethel Woods Center for the Arts to enjoy the site of the Woodstock Concert (the Woodstock museum is a gem); enjoying the natural beautify of the Delaware River and our gorgeous lakes; and bald eagle watching is a must. We have a plethora of distilleries and small craft businesses to explore as well.
A friend is coming to Sullivan Catskills for the first time… Please describe the perfect weekend.
Drive along the scenic by-way of the Delaware River to one of our charming Castkills bed and breakfasts; Ecce is a marvelous B&B nestled high on a cliff above the river with unparalleled views. An afternoon floating down the river, followed by a delightful meal at one of our many farm to table restaurants, and of course a show and cabaret at the Forestburgh Playhouse. On Sunday, enjoying one of our many farmer’s markets is a great way to start the day, followed by brunch and a hike or a zip line adventure.
What are the best places to truly enjoy the natural beauty of the area?
Scenic-byway of Delaware River, Swinging Bridge Lake for eagle watching and boating, Roscoe and Livingston Manor for incredible fly fishing and mountain views.
What is your favorite time of year in Sullivan Catskills and why?
Fall. The magic of the vibrant leaves and crisp cool weather makes Sullivan County an ideal destination.
What’s one souvenir to bring back for friends or family?
A spirit from Prohibition Distillery—the bourbon is amazing.
