Spotlight: The Catskills

Credit: Anthony Mulcahy / Mulography

If you’re looking for a quick retreat into the Catskills, head to Woodstock, the namesake of the festival that left a trail of peace, love, and rock and roll in its wake. You'll get the sense that the good old days are still within reach. Start off with a hike up Overlook Mountain, which, as its name suggests, has some far-out views of the valley. 

Afterward, head down to Tinker Street to treat yourself to a post-hike sweet at Overlook Bakery and continue browsing all of the artisanal offerings—you’ll find everything from pricey boutiques to antique shops and pop-up hippie memorabilia stands. You've probably worked up quite an appetite, so head to Silvia for wood-roasted meats, hearty vegetables, and dishes that put the region's farms to great use! Then it's time to experience the Catskills' buzzing arts scene: take in a show at Levon Helm Studios, the music venue whose namesake founder helped make Woodstock a destination for world-class musicians (check the schedule and buy tickets in advance if possible). 

Saturday

Spend the day at North-South Lake (pictured), the biggest state campground in Catskills Park. The grounds are home to historic, diverse trails and two lakes for swimming and fishing, along with rental facilities for kayaks, canoes, and other water-sport gear. Hike to an overlook for sweeping views of five states, fish for largemouth bass, or play a pickup volleyball game at the beach. If you’re traveling with a resident grillmaster, a picnic lunch is easy with an on-site picnic pavilion and charcoal grill rentals.

After working up an appetite, head into Tannersville, home of a charming main street lined with shops and restaurants. Local favorites include the casual comfort-food emporium Mama's Boy Burgers, and the kitschy Last Chance Antiques & Cheese Cafe with crowd-pleasing fondue. Tannersville is also home to a surprisingly hopping nightlife scene, especially in the winter when the après-ski crowd from Hunter Mountain takes over—so don't be surprised if you end up spending the night.

Sunday

If the thought of spending a few hours floating down a river on an inner tube sounds a little too slow for you, you’ll be perfectly at home amongst the white-water chasers that head to the Esopus Creek each summer. Thanks to a reserve that’s released from the Schoharie Reservoir, creek-goers revel in the adrenaline rush as they navigate whitewater class II/III rapids each weekend. Though the water’s cold, fear not; you’ll still work up a sweat. 

To reward yourself for the surge of courage that saw you through the rapids, head to the rustic and elegant lodge at Deer Mountain Inn (pictured) for dinner. This beautiful boutique hotel is simultaneously rugged and modern, blending old mountain charm with on-trend fine dining. Sample from locally sourced, country-inspired fare and enjoy handcrafted cocktails by the fireplace.