WHY WE LOVE IT HERE | The Catskills are a magical mountain range and region of Upstate NY that hold a dear place in our hearts. It's where I spent some magical childhood vacations and also where my husband and I got hitched. Year over year new Inn's are popping up, old motels are being refurbished and festivals, diners, restaurants and boutiques are opening all over the various counties. Children will love being in the great outdoors, and the opportunity to be wild and free.
BEST TIME TO GO | All four seasons offer something unique, but our favorite time to visit is from June - October so you can enjoy all the refreshing swimming holes, hikes, seasonal produce and local activities/programming.
WHAT TO PACK | The days can be hot while the evening mountain air can be cool throughout the Spring and Fall. Bring some cozy knits for nighttime star-gazing but be sure to pack a swimsuit for any daytime pond-hopping. The vibe is decidedly casual so denim will always do.
TIPS | You'll definitely want to have a car for exploring the regions little towns, farm stands, hikes, Inn's, flea markets and cafes.
SLEEP
While the Hudson Valley is certainly a four season destination, this little gem is recommended specifically for the summer, but be sure to book your dates early as this little teepee books up quickly.
Graham & Co - a gem of a property, they have successfully created lodging and a community all at once. The little details really set this former motel apart - vintage vhs revival films projected in the garage for evenings in, military issue wool blankets for cool nights, fire side chats (s'more ingredients available on request), help-yourself-hot fair trade coffee daily, a beautiful pool deck, and all this set to the most perfect soundtrack to ease even the most weary weekenders into relaxation and revery
EAT: BREAKFAST
Phoenicia Diner (Phoenicia) - the creative folks behind this gem maintained the charm of the original highway truck stop while successfully adding a gourmet Brooklyn edge.
Twin Peaks Donuts (Tannersville) - this is a must-stop for piping hot coffee and fresh (yes - they’re made-to-order) donuts hot out of the deep fryer.
ENERGIZE
Overlook Mountain - take in all the views and a buddhist temple on this epic hike
Belleayre Conservatory - visit in all four seasons. The beach beckons during summer months, as does the Belleayre music festival, Fall is the perfect time to watch the vibrant leaves, but be sure to hit the mountain and the slopes for winter powder - downhill, cross-country or snow shoeing
SNACK
Juice it up at: Little Apple Cafe - they also serve delicious acai bowls and healthy lunch options like homemade soup and salads.
Peace, Love & Cupcakes for sweet cravings - this groovy little hippy-run cupcake shop was the Food Network’s Winner for the Best Cake in the Country! The Johnny Winter was a personal fave.
PLAY
Town Tinker Tubing (Phoenicia) - for warmer days and older children, lazing down the Esopus Creek and braving the rapids.
Hike to Kaaterskill Falls, a two-tier cascade near Palenville.
EAT: LUNCH
Provisions Deli (Woodstock) - local fare, made on-site with pasture-raised meats and seasonal produce. Their homemade focaccia is always a homerun!!
Mamas Boy Burgers (Tannersville) - their menu of burgers is plentiful, but if you’re in the mood for an alternative to the Big Daddy (double patty), be sure to try the Happy Camper - organic turkey with rosemary crispy kale, Swiss cheese and a tomato herb mayo and we promise you’ll leave, well… a happy camper!
FROLIC
Antiquing - lots of great weekend flea markets and vintage shops in nearby Woodstock where you can uncover a perfectly thread bare Grateful Dead tee, or sweet vintage denim that MAY have been worn to the original Woodstock.
CAFFEINATE
Outdated Cafe (Kingston) - Full of curiosities, (damn fine) coffee and cakes - this retro cafe has something for everyone.
INSPIRE
Kingston - explore this funky little town full of history, beautiful pre- and post-Revolutionary buildings, quaint boutiques & cafes. Don’t miss a wander along Wall Street and Fair Street. On Saturdays during season, be sure to spend some time at the Smorgasburgh- a weekly market at the historic Hutton Brickyards overlooking the Hudson River.
ÖR Gallery and Tavern, (Hudson) - a unique space (former auto garage) in the middle of town offering stiff drinks and sustenance by Talbott & Arding. Gallery walls are full of photographs by artist and co-founder Jennifer Tzar’s work while the shop is stocked with leather goods and a curated selection of handmade statement pieces produced by Adam Loomis, her partner.
EAT: DINNER
Dinner at Cucina in Woodstock was a trip highlight. A quintessential front porch table gave us a breathtaking view of the gorgeous sunset. And as the sun dipped below the mountains we enjoyed some local fare, prepared by an anything-but-local chef. (They offer highchairs)
Peekamoose - part lodge, part creekside restaurant, part highway diner, Peekamoose is a fun and delicious family-friendly institution. With some friendly looking taxidermy adorning the walls and a menu heavy on local brews and comfort food, we immediately felt right at home. Visit highlight was definitely the help-yourself s'mores out by the firepit.
Brios Pizzeria (Phoenicia) - a casual, local vibe - come for the cold pints and sesame-crust pizza.
DATE NIGHT
Brunette Wine Bar, Kingston - an elegant little boîte serving small plates big on flavour and a perfectly curated wine list.
Butterfield at the Hasbrouck House - a new addition to the Hudson Valley dining scene, it’s name inspired by the settlers who were surrounded by lands so rich they compared them to butter. Humble, delicious local fare paired with craft cocktails.
