The "Borscht Belt" refers to a region in the Catskill Mountains of New York that became a popular vacation destination for Jewish families, particularly from the 1920s to the 1970s. Named after the beet soup borscht, a staple in Eastern European Jewish cuisine, the area was known for its summer resorts, hotels, and entertainment venues that catered to this community. During its peak, the Borscht Belt featured famous comedians and performers, contributing to the development of American comedy. Many resorts offered activities like swimming, hiking, and dancing, creating a vibrant social scene. The decline of these resorts began in the 1980s, as travel patterns changed and new vacation destinations emerged.