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The Borscht Belt

The Catskill Mountains were once the premier summer destination for NYC Jewish families that wanted to get away from the city. They built bungalows and resorts and had loads of fun in the sun. Humorously, it became known as "The Borscht Belt". At its peak, it used to attract 150,000 guests a year. You may recognize this area fromDirty DancingandThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Famous comedians would come and try out their material there, and it was just the place to be. Until it wasn't.

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Why did it decline? Many reasons, probably. But largely, according to Time Magazine: "Railways began cutting service to the area, the popularity of air travel increased, and a younger generation of Jewish-Americans chose other leisure destinations."