I recently read an article in Travel & Leisure referring to the Catskills as “the new Hamptons” with its stylish restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. Right in our NYC backyard, you can quickly escape from anyone and everyone to this secluded jewel of New York State. Around the time the hurricane passed through Manhattan, my parents swooped me up en route to their Middlebury, VT destination to drop my brother off for college. After staying in the Catskills area for two nights, I realized that this place is so easy to get to and would be the perfect weekend getaway for Bonjour + Hola readers!
What I loved?
-Driving through Woodstock, NY {I even spotted Grandfather Woodstock while I was there! He’s a legend in the town since he was at the original Woodstock music festival}, and popping into the most quaint little shops.
-Staying at The Roxbury, which is a “boutique motel” filled of the most innovative rooms I’ve ever laid eyes on. My family couldn’t decide between the “Genie’s Bottle” room or the “Amadeus’ Bride” room, but we finally went with the “Bride” room for it’s lady-like features {at my suggestion}. Phew!
“Genie’s Bottle” room
“Amadeus’ Bride” room
-Dining at Peekamoose restaurant, which was started by Devin and Marybeth Mills, who moved up to the area after working at prestigious restaurants in Manhattan such as Le Bernadin, Gramercy Tavern…Well, you catch my drift! I loved the laid back atmosphere filled of friendly faces, gentle flavors, and memorable service. We went bananas for the:
– Organic Chicken Pate with Picked Red Onions / Pork and Garlic Sausage with Spicy Mustard & Housemade Goat Cheese Gnocchi
-Roasted Loin of Pork & Fresh Norwegian Salmon
-Oven Roasted Free-Range Organic Chicken & Hudson Valley Organic Farmer’s Vegetable Plate
-Caramelized Fresh Peach Tart & Strawberry Panna Cotta
Even if you only have one night to get away from the city, the Catskills will immediately put you at ease. Great hiking trails, breathtaking scenery, charming towns, miles of green grass, no honking horns, and genuine personalities. Plus, the Catskills are easily accessible by just picking up the phone and calling a rental car company! It’s a short drive to Nirvana! I cannot wait to go back once it snows up there…
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