M + J’s Catskills Guide
Our by-no-means-exhaustive list of favorite places to eat, mountains to climb, shops to bop, and sites to see in the area ♡
to eat
Peekamoose Restaurant & Taproom |
Big Indian, NY The most charming mounain taphouse in the middle of nowehere, thoughtfully decorated with quirky art and taxidermy. This spot has been around for 20 years serving quintessential upstate farm-to-table fare. Mel’s favorite french fries in the area. Where we went to celebrate our engagement ◡̈
Woodstock Brewing | Phoenicia, NY
Just down the road from Phoenicia Diner. Local spot with picnic tables, mountain views, and your favorite brewery bites. Great option for an easygoing group dinner before our welcome party.
Sylvia | Woodstock, NY
Jenna’s favorite place to dine after bopping around all of the groovy shops Woodstock has to offer. Warm and inviting vibe with an open kichen and wood-fired grill. Cozy ambiance with a farm-to-table seasonal menu.
Tabla | Tannersville, NY
A cozy, creekside Mediterranean spot known for its shareable tapas-style plates and inventive pizzas. Family-run, Brooklyn-vibe with fantastic cocktails.
Phoenicia Diner | Phoenicia, NY
The inimitable highway destination for country diner food run by some of the sweetest old ladies you’ll ever meet. The site of our Welcome Party and nearby to some of our favorite hiking spots. Also, pancakes!!
Fellow Mountain Cafe | Hunter, NY
The best coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches in the area. All locally sourced ingredients!
Alegrio Breakfast Restaurant | Windham, NY
Hyper-local breakfast spot for those staying in Windham. Sunday-after-church vibes with wholesome food and patio seating to match. Try “The Duffle” and then go run the Windham Path. This place is sneaky good.
Mama’s Boy Burgers | Tannersville, NY
That cute roadside burger and ice cream joint that you’ve never actually stumbled accross. This is a great stop on your way back from Kaaterskill Falls.
to hike
Diamond Notch Falls (via Diamond Notch Road)Our favorite hike in the area, where Mel proposed to Jenna. The climb will get your booty burning but it’s nothing too strenuous. The vibrant neon green hues of this forest will live rent-free in your mind for weeks. Ends at a beautiful waterfall & swimming hole. Treat yourself to a cold plunge.
Kaaterskill Falls
One of the most popular destinations in the Catskills. Drive to the upper viewing platform and hike down to the bottom without having to worry about the crowds that come from the other side.
Black Dome
Difficult and strenuous but not terribly excruciating. Absolutely the best views of any hike in the area but you have to earn it! There are plenty of side trails and different ways to go up so do a little research beforehand.
Windham Path
A mostly flat, hard packed trail perfect for an easy run or hungover coffee stroll. It’s uncommonly peaceful and beautiful, winding along the Batavia Kill with open views towards Windham Mountain.
Hunter Mountain Fire Tower
Some of the best views in the Catskills can be found at the top of the fire tower. Enter from the ski side at Becker Hollow for a relatively easy 2.5 mile roundtrip hike or go full send and hit the 7 mile Spruceton trailhead and treat yourself to some well-earned beers at Wes Kill Brewery afterwards.
**We higly recommend downloading the app AllTrails to find a trail that suits your fancy + fitness levels. Don’t sleep on some of the most magical forrests (featuring an abundance of delicious moss-covered rocks) in the northeast!
+ more on our google maps guide