If you’re looking for a perfect weekend escape to enjoy nature, delicious food, and a little adventure, the Catskills is calling! Whether you’re a foodie, outdoorsy person, or just want a relaxing getaway, here’s my ideal itinerary for a weekend trip!
Friday: Arrival and Unwind
Afternoon:
Once you’ve arrived in the Catskills and settled into your Airbnb or hotel, take a moment to soak in the peaceful views of the mountains or unwind with a drink in hand or just a breath of fresh Catskill mountain air.
Dinner at The Chicken Run
For your first evening, head to The Chicken Run, an absolute Catskills staple! This lively, family-friendly spot serves up all the comfort food you need to kick off the weekend. Whether you’re craving some juicy fried chicken or a classic burger, they’ve got something for everyone. The laid-back atmosphere will have you feeling like a local as soon as you walk in. (My absolute favorite thing here is the ribs!!!!!!)
If you’re looking for a nicer dinner option, I recommend Deer Mountain Inn (pictured below) or Lilly’s Steaks & Cocktails.
Evening Options
After dinner, you have a few options to wrap up the night:
- Catch a movie the Windham Theater a local theater if you’re feeling low-key.
- Hit a local bar like Tipp Tavern for a nightcap or soak in true Catskills nightlife at Slopes.
- Or, simply enjoy a quiet evening at your accommodation, maybe by the fireplace or in the hot tub if you have one!
Saturday: Adventure and Scenic Beauty
Breakfast at Phoenicia Diner
This is one of the most iconic diners in all of the Catskills. The Phoenicia Diner, a favorite by locals, has a unique and delicious menu alongside some of the best pancakes I have ever had. With real maple syrup from upstate. You have to get them when you are in the Catskills.
Pedal your way through a scenic view!
Book a tandem Rail Explorer while you are in Phoenicia as well, there’s many different ride options to choose from all in the Catskills! There are options like a 4 or 8 mile course, during golden hour, by the river and more!
Or Hike to Kaaterskill Falls
After breakfast, it’s time for some outdoor adventure! Head to Kaaterskill Falls, one of the most iconic spots in the region. This two-tiered waterfall is breathtaking and worth the (moderate) hike to see it up close. Wear good shoes, pack water, and get ready for some of the sweetest views in the Catskills. (Towards the bottom near the falls we definitely noticed it getting slippery, so please be careful!)
Alt idea. Scenic skyride at Hunter Mountain offers breathtaking views from the top of the mountain and you get to take the ski lift up. Explore as much as you want on the top, find the Rip Van Winkle statue and even hike your way down if you want! (but really take the Skyride down, the view is unmatched when the leaves change colors.)
Celebratory Brew at Hunter Mountain Brewery
Post-hike, reward yourself with a cold beer at Hunter Mountain Brewery. After conquering the falls, there’s nothing better than sitting back with a cold beer in hand. Their beer selection is fantastic, and the relaxed vibe makes it the perfect stop to unwind.
Dinner at Pancho Villa’s
After freshening up, head over to Pancho Villa’s for a delicious Mexican dinner. The tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas will hit the spot after a long day of adventure. It’s a casual but flavorful way to end the evening!
Sunday: A Relaxing Send-Off
Breakfast at Pantry on Main
On Sunday morning, grab breakfast and coffee at Pantry on Main.This is one of my favorite spots in all of the Catskills. I highly recommend the Turkish Eggs or Bread Pudding French Toast. You truly can’t go wrong with any of their dishes!
Antiquing & Shopping
Before you head out of the Catskills, spend some time exploring the local antique shops. The region is known for its unique finds, from vintage décor to collectibles.
Stop at the Country Store
Look through a massive array of homemade and local made goods at the Catskill Mountain Country Store in Windham. They seriously have everything. Homemade jams and jellies, honey, sauces, syrups and more! Baked goods, breads, fudge, condiments, pickles, and so so much more! This is a non-negotiable stop every time I am in the Catskills. I always find something new and delicious to try.
There is also a dining area, ice cream, coffee bar, and even a farm out back with animals you can go look at and a teeny, tiny maple museum that’s worth peaking your head in.
I recommend stopping here last cause it is an easy place to grab a bunch of stuff to take with you back home.
My boyfriend’s family has had a house here since he was born so he has shown me all of his favorite spots he went to growing up, and some we’ve discovered on our own. All of these spots are local to Hunter Mountain in Hunter, NY as that is where we ski.
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