Ever since I moved to New York, one of the things I was advised to do is spend a weekend outside of the City. Specifically, I was told to go upstate, a region popular with its natural landscapes, food and the numerous activities it provides. It has always been on my mind, and finally this year, I got the chance to do it.
In fact, in October, my friends planned a weekend trip to the Catskills. The Catskills is a mountainous region 2h north of Manhattan. It has stunning natural views due to its numerous trails and parks, a handful of towns, great food options and lots of other exciting attractions. Our weekend getaway was an amazing break from the City; fun and serene, exactly what you need for a change in scenery and a boost in energy. So, if you are interested in such a trip (and I encourage you to!) follow along for some recommendations and tips.
WHEN TO GO
Honestly, it is always a good time to go to the Catskills – however, you should know that every season is going to provide you with something different. I went during the Fall, and I loved it, but here are some other observations:
Fall – October/November: If you like to see the foliage; this should be the best time for you to visit. The different orange, red, and yellow leaves in the Catskills are enough to take your breath away.
Winter – January/February: If you are the type to find winter and snow magical, this is your time to go. The Catskill mountains are going to be covered in white, allowing you to immerse yourself in beautiful sceneries and even ski on its couple of slopes.
Spring – March/May: This time is perfect for hiking, with cool weather and a growing flora and fauna providing beautiful sights. The cooling temperature is very inviting to spend time outdoors as well as discover the small towns.
Summer – June/August: If you are looking to escape from the humidity of NYC in the summer, this is the best place to go. The weather will be so agreeable and there will also be many festivals, and other attractions occurring at that time of the year.
The Catskills in the Fall
WHERE TO STAY
Spending time outside of NYC is a whole different experience, and there are different ways to go about it, especially when it comes to accommodation. One thing is for sure: there are plenty of lodging options in the Catskill region.
If you are looking for a full local experience, my recommendation would be to take an Airbnb. Depending on the size of your group, you will be able to find all sorts of cabins and cottages in the middle of the forests, with bonfire, beautiful patios and balconies. Many of these provide extensive amenities such as jacuzzis, or an entertainment floor full of games. You can go as big as you would like. Our Airbnb was huge (for ~15people) and in between the trees, it literally felt like we were the middle of the forest, I really enjoyed it.
For a more traditional experience, there are also plenty of boutique hotels in the region, some of which are a bit further away from the Catskill mountains, but if you have a car, it should be fine. Some options are: Piaule, Wildflower Farms, The Maker, The Chatwal lodge, Norsdale and Deer Moutain Inn. You will definitely not go wrong with any of these breathtaking hotels – pick the location and get ready for an adventure!
Our Airbnb
WHAT TO DO FOR A WEEKEND
First off, I highly recommend having a car with you. You can definitely uber to your stay and back, but renting a car will help you move around the region, between different towns, hikes or restaurants more easily.
There is so much to do around the Catskills so here are some of the things my friends or I have tried and have absolutely loved during our weekend:
Hiking – If you are a big nature lover and hiker, this is one of the best activities to do while you are in the Catskills. The region provides so many trails with beautiful waterfalls, you literally can go on a different hike everyday throughout your stay. I am not a big hiker, but some of the best hikes that I have heard of are: Kaaterskill falls, Sam’s point, Bear Hill Preserve, Huckleberry Point and Overkill.
Catskill town – You really can’t go to the Catskill mountains without visiting its cute little town. The town is small with streets filled with local shops and restaurants. I wouldn’t say it is a full day’s plan, but definitely something you could do for a few hours. Hop in and out of cute coffee shops and local stores for small souvenirs. A very good coffee shop that we really liked is Fellow Mountain Cafe, the Focaccia and some of their cakes are to die for!
Hudson town – An hour away from the Catskill mountains, this beautiful cozy town is a must visit. You will be able to spend a couple of hours, roaming around its streets filled with local vintage shops, coffee spots as well as restaurants. The Maker’s hotel is found there and has a beautiful restaurant if you are interested to eat in a nice place. Some other restaurants that seemed cool are Lil’ Deb’s Oasis, characterized by a very fun retro vibe (you will feel like you are entering an art installation), and Feast & Floret an upscale Italian restaurant.
Hudson town
OMI art – A little over 40mins away from the Catskills, OMI art is an outdoor art installation, with around 70 permanent and temporary exhibitions. The space is huge and free of charge, so definitely a great activity to do on one of your days. The tour is well mapped and curated, there are some very fun and interesting exhibitions. While walking up and down the hills, and through gentle paths in the woods, take the time to pause and enjoy the art, sit on a bench, breathe in the beautiful view of the landscape. This was one of the highlights of my weekend. Definitely a must-do!
OMI art outdoor exhibition
Beacon – Another cute town half-way to Catskills. Honestly, we didn’t have a chance to explore that town extensively, but my friends and I stopped there for lunch, on our way back. As we were walking, it did seem that Beacon is home to great art, culture and food scenes; in fact, upon research my assumptions were validated. The town has a large contemporary art museum Dia Beacon, that has received a lot of fame recently. There is also a lot of art around the town itself, with many known murals such as “The Son of Man” mural, which you will see as you stroll through the streets.
Naturally, Beacon is also beautiful. As you walk around town, you can’t miss the little Fishkill waterfall dam in the downtown area. The waterfall is very charming and a great way to take a moment to refresh your mind as you look at it. There is also the Roundhouse restaurant overlooking the water. The restaurant has an outdoor area but also an indoor space with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the waterfalls. The food is great, the ambiance is even nicer, definitely a nice place to stop by, eat and take a fresh breeze of air as you head back to the City.
Roundhouse restaurant & the Fishkill waterfall
There is definitely so much more to do in this beautiful region of New York – but we were tight on time with only one weekend. Let me know in the comments below if you have ever been and what has been some of your favorite activities to do in the Catskills.
