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Local Guides | New York City

What to do around Getaway NYC

Public Transportation
Your cozy escape from the city can be accessed a variety of ways on public transportation if you don’t have a car:

  • From Penn Station, you can take Amtrak to the Hudson, NY stop, then grab a cab (we recommend Pronto Taxi, 518-822-9500, cash only) for about a 20-25 min ride to your Getaway House.
  • From the NYC Greyhound station, you can take it to the Catskill Park & Ride, then take a taxi from there.
  • From Grand Central, you can take MetroNorth to Poughkeepsie, and you could Uber over from there. It’s an hour ride and will probably be pricey (about $150), so it’s a better option if you split it with friends.

Walks in the Woods
Want to remove the walls between you and nature? Take a trip down one of these nearby hiking trails just a short drive away.

Kaaterskill Falls
Distance: 2.5 miles, about 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs allowed

This hike is short, though it is also steep and can get rocky. But all the effort is totally worth it when you reach the gorgeous waterfall.

Overlook Mountain Trail
Distance: 4.8 miles, about 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed on-leash

The stunning view from the top of this hike makes you forget about the strenuous slog to get there. You’ll also find an old fire tower and ruins of a former hotel at the summit, and at the start or end of your hike, you can visit a Buddhist temple.

North South Lake
Distance: 4.1 miles, about 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed on-leash

Follow Mary’s Glen Trail to enjoy the views from Artist’s Rock, Sunset Rock, Newman’s Ledge, and North Point, then reward yourself with a dip in the lake. Or simply skip the hike and enjoy the water!

Exploring Nearby
Spend your day further afield and come back to your cabin to relax after your adventures.

Mountain Top Arboretum
Immerse yourself in the nature of the Catskills at this public garden which curates a collection of native plants and trees, and is less than 30 minutes from your tiny cabin. Discover natural meadows, wetlands, and forests along the trails and boardwalks of the arboretum, and be on the lookout for local birds.

Thomas Cole National Historic Site & Olana State Historic Site
For your art fix, head about 20 minutes west to Thomas Cole National Historic Site, where you can learn about the history of the Hudson River School of landscape painting. Just a few minutes across the Hudson River, you’ll find Olana State Historic Site, where you can take a tour to see more of this style of art or simply walk the grounds of the gorgeous estate.

Windham Mountain
About 30 minutes away, Windham Mountain is a great escape in any season. In winter, ski, snowboard, and snowshoe the trails around the resort. In summer, ride through the mountain bike park or take the chairlift to have a picnic at the summit.

Road Trip Curiosities
Start to disconnect from your daily life and explore something new before you even reach your tiny home by visiting these destinations along the way.

Storm King Art Center
1 Museum Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553

This spectacular outdoor sculpture park is definitely worth a slight detour on your way up to the woods. Walking around the grounds is the perfect way to stretch your legs, and you might lose track of time with all the amazing art around. Be sure to bring your camera!

Opus 40
50 Fite Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477

For another sculpture park with a very different vibe, visit Opus 40 along your way. A quarry transformed into beautiful art by Harvey Fite, this labyrinth of stone is a special place to explore.

Photo by Tanya Binford

Lighthouse Park
255 River Road, Esopus, NY 12487

Stop for some fresh air and a view of the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, or take the trail to Esopus Meadows Preserve for more hiking and river views.

 

Sustenance & Snacks
If you’re in need of extra supplies, you can find several stores nearby to fulfill your needs and fill your belly.

Catskill Country Store
430 Main St, Catskill, New York 12414

This quirky local shop sells everything from candles to fudge, and you can pick up local jams, dressings, and sauces to top off your own meals and bring a taste home with you. They also have an ice cream counter and serve breakfast all day.

Last Chance Cheese
6009 Main St, Tannersville, New York, 12485

You’ll find so much more than just cheese here! Sit down for a meal at the tavern, search for treasure among the antiques, peruse the gourmet offerings in the shop, and choose from a huge selection of beer and, of course, cheese.

Hannaford
223 Main St, Cairo, NY 12413

Hannaford is a full supermarket where you can stock up on essentials.

On the Local Menu

Mike’s Diner
6306 Route 32, Cairo, NY 12413
7 AM-2 PM, Daily

Stop by this classic road side diner and chat with the waitress that has worked there for 47 years and enjoy the company of the locals reading at the counter every day.

Circle W Market
3328 NY-23A, Palenville, NY 12463
7:30am-5:00pm Mon-Fri, 8:00am-5:00pm Sat & Sun (kitchen closes at 4:30pm every day)

Locals love this little spot for its fantastic sandwiches. Circle W also serves a simple breakfast and has shelves of other snacks to save for later.

Fernwood
341 Malden Ave, Palenville, NY 12463
5:00pm-10:00pm Daily

If you want a feast, head to Fernwood for a hearty meal. The menu skews Italian, but they also have specials like Taco Tuesdays, so you’re sure to find something delicious among the eclectic offerings.

The New York Restaurant
353 Main St, Catskill, NY 12414
11:00am-10:00pm daily (closed on Wed)

Authentic Polish fare in a cool vintage setting featuring live music is the draw at The New York Restaurant. Sample house-made pierogi, kielbasa and golumpki or go for a more American take with a tasty burger. For vegetarians, there are plenty of options: cauliflower wings, a curry rice bowl, and a veggie burger.

 

Notes on Nature

  • The Catskills are made up of 98 peaks, and they were shaped by waterways and sediment deposits, meaning that geologically they are considered a dissected plateau, not mountains.
  • Bobcats do live in the region, and many people believe that is what inspired the name Catskills, though that hasn’t been proven to be true.
  • Golden eagles, bald eagles, and a variety of hawks are common in the area, so you might spot them soaring overhead.

Ready for an upstate adventure? Book your Getaway now.