Spring in the Catskills is about fresh air, connection—and this year, stories.
We’re so excited to be part of the Catskills Book Trail 2026, a two-week celebration of independent bookstores, literary spaces, and the joy of reading across the region. And even better? We’re teaming up with the incredible Dragon Wagon Book Mobile to bring a truly special experience to our community.
What is the Catskills Book Trail?
The Catskills Book Trail kicks off on Independent Bookstore Day (April 25, 2026) and runs through Mother’s Day (May 10, 2026).
It’s designed as a fun, interactive bookstore crawl across the Catskills:
- Pick up a Book Trail passport at a participating location
- Visit as many indie bookstores and literary spots as you can
- Collect stamps along the way
- Win prizes while discovering hidden gems throughout the region
It’s part adventure, part celebration—and a beautiful way to explore the Catskills in spring.
Meet The Dragon Wagon: A Mobile Bookstore with Heart
A wagon full of dragons? No, it’s a wagon full of books!
Dragon Wagon is a mobile children’s bookstore that pops up in rural Delaware County, NY and surrounding areas. Their shelves feature brand-new titles for everyone from babies to teens. Each reader who visits the bus gets to take home one free book to keep, and their books are for sale, too.
The Dragon Wagon was launched in 2023 by Tracey West, author of the bestselling Dragon Masters series, and her husband, Billy Hancock. They had inherited a broken-down mini school bus from a beloved friend and wanted to do something cool with it. After a conversation with a local librarian about how rural kids seldom get to visit children’s bookstores, Tracey came up with the traveling bookstore idea. Billy supervised the renovation of the bus and is the man behind the wheel at events.
As an author, Tracey knows that for kids to become lifelong readers, three things are important: book choice, availability, and diversity. The Dragon Wagon allows kids to discover books they might never find in their library. And stocking the Dragon Wagon with diverse books ensures that all kids will be able to see themselves in stories–as well as open windows to new worlds for them, too.
Join Us at Octagon Acres
We’re bringing the magic of the Catskills Book Trail and The Dragon Wagon together right here at Octagon Acres.
Whether you’re:
- Exploring the Catskills for a weekend getaway
- Traveling the Catskills Book Trail with your passport in hand
- Or simply looking for a meaningful, family-friendly outing
This is a stop you won’t want to miss.
Come wander the property, soak in the mountain air, and let your kids experience the joy of choosing a book that’s truly their own.
Make a Day (or Weekend) of It
Turn your visit into a full Catskills experience:
- Stay overnight at the Inn at Octagon Acres for a cozy spring escape
- Visit nearby towns and other Catskills Book Trail stops
- Grab coffee, browse shops, and enjoy the slower pace of the season
It’s the kind of simple, memorable day that feels like a deep exhale.
Support The Dragon Wagon
If you’d like to support The Dragon Wagon’s mission, you can:
- Purchase books directly at their pop-up events
- Shop online via Bookshop.org and select The Dragon Wagon as your bookstore
Every purchase helps put more books into the hands of kids who need them.
Plan Your Visit
Mark your calendar:
- April 25, 2025 visit The Dragon Wagon at Octagon Acres
- Visit Catskills Book Trail locations across the region through May 10, 2026
- Submit your Passport to be entered into a the grand prize giveaway – $25 gift cards to every book shop on the trail!
We can’t wait to welcome you, share this experience, and celebrate stories—both on the page and right here at Octagon Acres.
