New Plans for Abandoned Catskills Resort That Inspired ‘Dirty Dancing’

The Catskill's resort that inspired the movie Dirty Dancing may have new life with a complete rebuild as a year-round luxury resort and residential destination. This is the up and down story of the legendary Borscht Belt resort, Grossinger's.

At one time, Grossinger's attracted Hollywood Stars, legendary athletes such as Yogi Berra, comedy kingpins and regular folks like you and me. Well over 100,000 people would visit each year. Now we have some insight on the future of this "Queen of the Catskills".

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According to Florida real estate and commercial developer PPG Development, the Liberty, NY property is being reimagined bringing together championship golf, equestrian facilities, hospitality, wellness, dining, recreation, and luxury residences.

The restoration and development expects to include the historic Big G golf course, boutique hotel accommodations, private residences, spa and wellness, restaurants, and a broad range of recreational amenities. It sounds like former hostess Jennie Grossinger (pictured below) would approve.

Evening Standard, Getty Images

At Grossinger's Catskill Resort Hotel it was not unusual to see Lucille Ball, Elizabeth Taylor, Milton Berle and other celebrities. Some were there to perform while others went because it was the place to be seen. The resort itself became famous in 1952 when they were the first resort to use artificial snow on their slopes.

Like all of the classic resorts in the Catskills, times changed and business suffered. As the 80's rolled into the 90's air travel became more accessible and many younger vacationers started heading to more tropical locations and Grossinger's closed it's doors in 1986.