Documenting the Borscht Belt

My documentation of the many and long vacant properties within the Borscht Belt Region of upstate New York.

These images were taken over the course 2024-2026. I’ve explored hotels, bungalows, houses, gas stations, diners, and whatever else has been left to decay in the forgotten paradise known as the borscht belt.

The region rose in popularity in the 1920s with Jewish Americans as they faced countrywide exclusion from mainstream hotels. And its fame kept rising up to the 1960s becoming the hub of American comedy. Names like Joan Rivers, Jerry Lewis and even Jerry Seinfeld. Once air travel became more accessible to the general population. It quickly lost its traction and most places were closed or switched a number of owners before closing in the 70s and 80s. With the last staple “The Kutshers Hotel” closing its doors in 2013.

These trips will forever hold a special place in my heart. Researching for countless hours to find the tucked away places, hiking through chest high weeds and waist high snow, even running away from a mean rottweiler.

Maybe I will return here one day, but with recent repeated fires to the major staples being so devastating redevelopment efforts have hastened quite a bit. And an important part of American cultural history will be lost of time once again. Remember to treat your spots with respect, these were all someone’s favorite places one day.