There’s something about the Catskills that feels like an exhale. Just a couple of hours north of New York City, you trade taxis for trailheads, noise for birdsong, and takeout for twilight dinners under the stars.

This isn’t just a mountain getaway—it’s a reset button for your soul. With cozy cabins, indie bookshops, winding hikes, and creeks you can actually hear, the Catskills invite you to slow down and breathe deep.

Here’s how to spend the perfect weekend tucked away in New York’s dreamiest mountain towns.

How to Get to the Catskills from NYC

Getting to the Catskills is half the fun—and just far enough to feel like a true escape.

By Car

The easiest and most flexible option. Just hop on I-87 North, and depending on your destination (like Woodstock, Phoenicia, or Livingston Manor), you’ll be there in about 2.5 to 3 hours. Take the scenic route when you can—especially in fall when the foliage is unreal.

By Bus

Trailways and Greyhound buses run regularly from NYC’s Port Authority to towns like Phoenicia, Kingston, and Woodstock. It’s budget-friendly and relaxing (especially if you snag a window seat and a good playlist).

By Train + Rental Car

Take Amtrak to Poughkeepsie or Hudson, then rent a car for the final stretch. It’s a great way to break up the trip and still get those Catskills views.

Pro Tip: If you’re staying in a remote cabin, you’ll want a car for trailheads, coffee runs, and general meandering.

Friday Evening — Arrive and Unwind

Roll in just before golden hour, windows down, and that crisp mountain air already working its magic. Whether you’re staying in a retro motel, a creekside cabin, or a design-forward Airbnb tucked in the woods, the vibe is the same: warm, quiet, and endlessly cozy.

After you drop your bags, head to dinner at a spot like Brushland Eating House in Bovina or Peekamoose in Big Indian—places where the food is local, the lighting is soft, and the menu changes with the season. Think roasted veggies, house-made pastas, and cocktails that taste like late summer.

End the night with a blanket, a fire pit, and a sky full of stars.

Saturday — Hike, Wander, and Savor the Quiet

Start your day slow. Sip coffee on a porch or balcony, maybe with a warm pastry from Bread Alone or a breakfast sandwich from a general store that’s been around since before you were born.

Then it’s time to hit the trails. The Catskills are full of hikes for every level—from easy strolls like Kaaterskill Falls to lung-burners like Overlook Mountain (complete with ruins and sweeping views). Don’t forget your camera—or your sense of wonder.

After your hike, head into a nearby town like Phoenicia, Livingston Manor, or Tannersville for lunch, vintage shopping, and maybe a cold local cider. These towns feel equal parts sleepy and inspired—where old buildings house new ideas and every corner has a little story.

Wrap up your afternoon at a swimming hole, a tucked-away lake, or maybe a nap in the hammock you didn’t know you needed.

Saturday Night — Dinner and Drinks, Catskills Style

The evenings are where the Catskills really shine. There’s something magical about watching the sky fade to pink over rolling mountains and forested hills.

Book a table at The DeBruce, a tasting menu experience in a modern lodge setting that feels like dining in a dream. Or keep it low-key with pizza and craft beer at a roadside taproom—West Kill Brewing, anyone?

If there’s live music at a barn venue or bonfire poetry readings, say yes. But even if it’s just a glass of wine and a good book on the porch, that’s more than enough.

Sunday — One More Stroll Before You Go

Wake up slow. Stretch. Wander to a local café for coffee and a last bite of something warm and buttery. Upward Brewing Company in Livingston Manor offers trails and good coffee—two reasons to linger a little longer.

Before you head home, stop by a farm stand or general store for maple syrup, handmade candles, or a loaf of something crusty to take the Catskills with you.

The drive back is quiet. Your phone will buzz again. Life will pick up. But part of you will still be there—in the hush of the woods, the flicker of firelight, the echo of creek water over stone.

What to Pack for a Catskills Weekend

Packing for the Catskills is like prepping for the best kind of camp—one with good food, soft beds, and starry nights.

Pack this:

• Comfy layers (for crisp mornings and chilly evenings)

• Hiking boots or trail shoes

• Swimsuit for wild dips or hot tubs

• Cozy flannel or oversized sweater

• Reusable water bottle and your favorite snacks

• A camera or journal

• Bug spray, sunscreen, and a good book

Optional but delightful: your favorite tea, a headlamp for late-night walks, and wool socks that feel like home.

Local Shops, Markets, and Bookstores to Explore

Between hikes and hammocks, carve out time to browse some of the Catskills’ cutest small businesses.

Where to Shop:

• The Nest (Narrowsburg) – dreamy vintage and curated finds

• Phoenicia Supply Co. – Catskills-themed gifts and pantry staples

• The Antique Warehouse (Livingston Manor) – treasure hunt heaven

Markets & General Stores

• Saxon’s General Store (Claryville) – woodsy charm and deli classics

• Catskills Harvest (Callicoon Center) – local produce, baked goods, coffee

• Spruceton General – tiny, personal, perfect

Bookstores with Soul

• The Golden Notebook (Woodstock) – an indie favorite

• Ravenwood (Kerhonkson) – part shop, part creative haven

• Barner Books (New Paltz) – the kind of bookstore you could get lost in for hours

Ready to Escape?

Whether it’s a romantic weekend, a solo recharge, or a getaway with friends, the Catskills deliver on everything you didn’t know you needed.

Book the cabin. Pack the flannel. Let the mountains do the rest.