Phoenicia, NY

 

This tranquil little Catskills town, a little over 100 miles from Manhattan, is the perfect year round retreat.  Ski in the winter, hike in the spring, swim in summer and do whatever you like in the fall.  Buses out of port authority make it accessible for all!

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Brand spanking new Graham and Co has a pool, free bikes, and a campfire.  The rooms are clean and minimal, the grounds are tidy and the location is private. 

 

Menla Mountain Retreat is an eco-friendly, Buddhist hotel meets wellness center.  Take yoga, get a massage and enjoy three vegetarian meals a day.  The grounds are pretty expansive at Menla - there are hiking trails, a pool and tennis courts - you wont ever have to leave.

Kate's Lazy Meadow, owned and operated by the B 52's Kate Pierson, is as quirky and vintage divine as she is.  You get to chose from a room, suite, or cabin, all amazingly curated and special. 

Catamount is an old lodge/motel that got swallowed up by a modern hotel in the 90's, called the Emerson.  You can still stay at the Catamount, referred to as "The Lodge", in all its rustic splnedor.  The Catamount restaurant serves quality comfort food stream-side on the Esopus Creek.  Next-door at The Emerson, take advantage of the spa and gift shop. And don't miss The Worlds Largest Kaleidoscope. 

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The recently revamped Phoenicia Diner has people crossing county lines to try their scrumptious breakfast, which they respectfully serve all day.  Personal faves include the polenta and the Arnold Bennet skillet. 

Brios serves delicious wood-burning oven pizza, salads, and other standards, and has outdoor dining in summer.

Sweet Sue's takes pancakes to a whole new level.  Definitely expect a crowd on weekends.

Sportsman's Cantina is Phoencia's local and somewhat of an an unofficial biker bar.  Ample outdoor seating, both in front (great for people watching) and out back (peaceful with pretty views of the mountains).  They serve tasty mexican food with the option of ordering off of Brios' menu.  Win win!

Hanover Farms farmstand, on Route 28, has locally grown produce, cheese, pies and cider donuts, which they make in house.  You can always find a great selection of apples, in the fall. 

 New to the scene, Mama's Boy coffee shop can handle all your java needs.  As well as make you lunch, bake you some dessert and scoop you some ice cream.

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Walk, run or bike the Ashokan Reservoir for miles of quiet beauty.  Open year round.

Peekamoose swimming hole, aka Blue Hole, may have gotten its name from the color of the water or the color it turns your lips.  Either way, its breathtaking and immaculate.  Well worth the visit.

A bit more family friendly than Blue Hole, Pine Hill Lake has bathrooms, parking and a lifeguard.

There are many high peaks in this area, i recommend the 4 mile hike to the top of Whittenburg Mountain.  Absolutely breathtaking views, you can see as far as the Hudson River.  Especially beautiful in the fall, when the leaves have begun to change.

Town Tinker tube rental has been around since i was a kid in the 80's.  Still the best way to stay cool in the summer.  

Hunter is the largest and most popular ski mountain in the area.  All that traffic affords them the ability to consistantly make snow and keep the over 30 trails well groomed.  They have more than a half dozen chair lifts and a modern, spacious lodge.  In the fall, they celebrate Oktoberfest and many flock here for the outdoor music festival Mountain Jam, in June.

I am partial to the smaller Bellayre Mountain, it's where i learned to ski when i was very little and not much has changed since.  They too make snow, but have about half as many trails as Hunter and only 2 - 3 lifts.  Bellayre is where the locals and the second homers ski, vs Hunter, which buses folks in from the city.  They too celebrate Octoberfest and have live music some summer evenings (Bellayre Music Fest).

Phoenicia hosts The International Festival of The Voice, every July/Aug.  They have workshops and lectures, as well as outdoor concerts at night.

Ride the Catskill Mountain Railroad, an old-timey train that takes you on a scenic ride along the Esopus Creek.


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Where else can you get fresh fudge, a pocket knife with your initials on it and a pair of Moccasins?  The Nest Egg.

Swing by Mystery Spot Antqiues.  An inspiring hodgepodge of vintage clothing, records and tchotchkes for your home.  

If you want to do some slightly more serious shopping, Scandinavian Grace has furniture, lighting, pillows and Swedish clogs.  Stay for coffee and a sweet treat in the owner operated cafe.


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