Looking for a mid-winter pick-me-up? Skip the city streets and head to the Upper Catskills for a wintry weekend away.
TO STAY:
Scribner’s Catskill Lodge has been a getaway destination for travelers and watering hole for Hunter locals since 1966. With 38 guest rooms, over 20 acres of mountainside to explore, and perpetual property programming, Scribner’s Catskill Lodge is the ideal basecamp for an upstate jaunt.
Settle into this snug Scandinavian-inspired lodge, stylishly ornamented with vintage art and furniture plus modern linens and appliances. For an “almost camping” experience, opt instead for Eastwind Hotel Windham’s Lushna cabins. This intimate “glamping” experience allows visitors to bask in the natural wonder of a tranquil winter snowfall without leaving the comforts of the cabin.
TO EAT:
Perched on the hills of Tannersville, Deer Mountain Inn feels doubles as a rustic cottage and culinary destination. Dine in what feels like the polished den of an accomplished gamesman while enjoying Executive Chef Corwin Kave’s perfectly-executed dishes. Chef Kave partners with neighboring regenerative farms to provide the freshest meat and produce, altering the menu monthly, if not weekly, depending on what’s available.
Inspired by the hearty and plentiful flavors of the Catskills, Prospect restaurant at Scribner’s Catskills Lodge is another restaurant that proves locally- and seasonally-sourced ingredients are supreme. The dining room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of Hunter Mountain, polished wood chairs and booths, and a large circular bar right in the center. Westport chairs and fire lots remain on the adjoining porch all year round, making Prospect a favorable après-ski spot in the wintertime.
Babblers is the intimate and refined yet approachable restaurant at Wylder Hotel Windham, with seasonal comfort food and local fare galore. The bar and dining room are buzziest through the weekend, and the expansive outdoor dining space is adjacent to the Batavia Kill. Each morning, the neighboring Babblers Bakery serves joe, signature pies such as strawberry rhubarb and chocolate, as well as breakfast sandwiches.
TO DRINK:
With over 40 wines by the glass and a team of expert sommeliers, connoisseurs, and gastronomers, it is no surprise that Ze Windham Wine Bar is consistently rated one of the top bars in Upstate New York. Embracing the Nordic “come as you are” mindset, there are no reservations, but ample space is available among the cozy couches indoors, or outside on the Scandinavian-inspired patio.
Jagerberg Beer Hall & Alpine Tavern
Much of the Upper Catskills is an ode to German alpine life and cuisine, and Jagerberg is a testament to just that. The bi-level space hosts the beer hall downstairs, where New York State beers, wines, and spirits are served at long communal tables. The restaurant—run by a CIA-trained chef—offers classic German and Alpine plates with a contemporary twist.
TO VISIT:
Explore the local storefronts
Boutique shops filled with handmade goods and fresh comestible tidbits line the streets of each town in the Upper Catskills. Upstate dwellers specifically travel near and far to Catskill Mountain Country Store, a family-run one-stop-shop for crafts, fresh produce, and gourmet foods. For years, it has also doubled as a restaurant, serving up homemade treats, all made with recipes from the owner Natasha’s great grandfather, “Pop Pop” Siegfried.
Five State Lookout
Along Route 23 in Windham, the Five State Lookout is a scenic dedicated viewpoint where visitors can take in sweeping views of five different states. In times of snow or sunshine, the view is spectacular.
The Windham Path
Just a short walk away from the discerning travelers’ favorite boutique hotels in Windham, this trail was created to connect residential, business and activity centers all around the towns adjacent to the Batavia Kill. In the wintertime, the trail is accessible by cross country ski or snowshoe, and in the summer by bike or on foot.
Ski Windham or Hunter Mountains
For those who enjoy skiing but may not be ready for the slopes in Vail or Aspen, Windham and Hunter Mountains boast the most variety of ski trails in the region. In addition to skiing, both peaks offer snowshoeing, tubing, and other wintry activities.
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