The Ashokan Center is proud to be named the 2026 Tourism Business of the Year by the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce! On Thursday, October 22, members of the Ashokan community gathered with fellow local businesses and organizations at the Chamber’s Annual Business Recognition Awards Dinner at Diamond Mills in Saugerties to celebrate the people and places that make Ulster County special.
This recognition celebrates more than a destination. It honors the people, programs, and shared experiences that make Ashokan a meaningful place for visitors, students, musicians, families, and community members throughout the year.
A Place Where Nature, Music, and Community Meet
Established in 2008, the Ashokan Center is an independent nonprofit dedicated to inspiring learning and building community through shared experiences in nature, history, music, and art. Located on 385 acres in the Catskills, Ashokan welcomes school groups for educational field trips, brings people together through public events and festivals, hosts Music & Dance Camps, and provides a memorable setting for retreats, conferences, and weddings.
Ashokan’s historic campus has welcomed generations of people. From its deep connections to the land and its earlier history as a place of gathering, to its role in the region’s musical and educational traditions, the property holds stories that continue to shape the experiences of those who visit today.
Whether a child is discovering something new on a school field trip, a musician is learning a traditional tune at camp, or a family is gathering for a festival, Ashokan creates opportunities for people to connect—with one another, with the natural world, and with the history of the Hudson Valley.
A Team and Community Behind the Mission
At the heart of Ashokan is a dedicated team of educators, musicians, naturalists, cooks, maintenance staff, event organizers, and stewards who work together to make every visit special. Their work helps create a welcoming environment where people of all ages can explore, learn, and feel at home.
That commitment extends to caring for the land itself. Ashokan operates its campus on solar energy, works to reduce food waste, and encourages respect for the people and resources that make its programs possible. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to sustainability and to preserving this remarkable place for future generations.
As a nonprofit, Ashokan reinvests its resources into its mission, supporting educational opportunities, musical traditions, environmental learning, and community experiences that bring people together.
Celebrating Ulster County Together
The Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Business Recognition Awards celebrate the organizations and individuals who contribute to the region’s economic vitality and quality of life. This year’s gathering recognized businesses, community organizations, and local leaders whose work helps make Ulster County a wonderful place to live, work, visit, and grow.
We are honored to be included among this year’s recipients and grateful to the Chamber for recognizing Ashokan’s contribution to the region.
Most of all, we share this award with the people who make Ashokan what it is: our staff, volunteers, musicians, educators, donors, community partners, and the thousands of visitors who join us throughout the year. Your support makes it possible to keep these traditions alive and create meaningful experiences for generations to come.
Thank you for being part of the Ashokan story. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Center to discover something new, reconnect with familiar faces, and experience the nature, music, history, and community that make Ashokan special.