Since the 1990s, when hipsters discovered this tiny hamlet—formerly boondocks—Phoenicia has been undergoing a transformation. The number of creative individuals who have found the natural world narcotic and have settled here, establishing funky boutiques and fine restaurants, is growing. Many out-of-towners come to Phoenicia to go tubing down Esopus Creek, and the Hunter and Belleayre ski resorts are an easy trip through the High Peaks area from here.