Only a few hours outside of New York City, the Catskills are an entirely different world. Step back to a time when farms produced the community’s main food supply, railroads were the primary form of transportation, and you could spend hours staring up at the night sky.
Start the weekend off with a hearty breakfast. Many resorts in the Catskills offer a full American breakfast, free of charge, with your room. If you’re looking for something extra, though, try the Muddy Cup. This area cafe offers a tantalizing line of coffees and hot chocolates to begin the day. Check out http://www.muddycup.com/catskill/index.html for additional details.
After breakfast, get to know your new surroundings with a ride on the Delaware and Ulster Railroad. Hop on in Arkville for an hour-and-a-half trek through seven towns and a glimpse of stunning mountain views on this 1866 line. But be sure to call ahead. The Rip Van Winkle Flier runs through early fall, weather permitting. See http://durr.org/ for more information.
Searching for even more old-fashioned transportation? Older children will enjoy saddling up at one of many horse farms in the area. Bailywicks Ranch includes a guided trail tour that leads to lookouts over four separate states. Equestrians under seven can hang out at the petting zoo to meet the horses at feeding time. Check out http://www.bailiwickranch.com for further details.
AFTERNOON
If you’ve worked up a healthy appetite by now, try Downsville’s Old Schoolhouse Inn. Registered as a National Historic Place, this eatery features offerings that will satisfy the most intense hunger pangs with Texas longhorn burgers, steamed mussels and a kids’ menu full of grilled cheese, boneless pork chops and an array of smoothies. Peek at http://www.oldschoolhouseinn.com for more information.
After your meal, take in a feast for the eyes. The Kaleidostore at Emerson Resort and Spa in Mt. Temper boasts the world’s largest kaleidoscope; daily shows even include music from a popular local composer. As an added perk, children under 12 are free. Reminder: Pack a little cash to bring home a pocket-sized version of the kaleidoscope. Check out http://kaleidostore.com/ for further details.
EVENING
Have a uniquely Catskills bite at your next stop – the Peekamoose Restaurant. Between kitschy lodge décor and a children’s menu with organic chicken drumsticks and homemade macaroni and cheese, this is one popular restaurant for families; call ahead for reservations. See http://www.peekamooserestaurant.com for more information.
One activity that should not be missed during a night in the mountains is looking up at the sky. We often take for granted the sheer amount of stars that blanket the heavens, particularly when bright city lights overshadow them. Bring along a sky map, like the one at http://www.astroviewer.com, and schedule some time to stargaze with your children. Also peek at http://www.astroviewer.com for additional tips.
MORNING
There are some fantastic bakeries hiding in the Catskills, and all of them will present you with a warm breakfast that’s also fast for families on the go. The best example is Heimeke’s Bakery, which boasts treats such as prime lukshen kugel (noodle pudding pastry) and warm challah bread. See http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=1785 for some reviews.
With challah in hand, make your way to Cooperstown for the big attraction your little sports fans have been waiting for – the National Baseball Hall of Fame! Interactive games, try-on jerseys and a scavenger hunt are just a sample of the activities at this year-round museum. Check out http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/ for the whole scoop.
Alternately, your little hero-in-training may want to stop by the FASNY Museum of Firefighting in Hudson. Fire warden badges, original leather fire caps from 1740, carriages and wagons are merely a few examples of the memorabilia that will inspire young visitors. Moving 9/11 memorials will captivate mom and dad, as well. Peruse http://www.fasnyfiremuseum.com/ for additional information.
AFTERNOON
Living in NYC, it’s easy to forget that there is a whole world out there beyond the city that comprises the great state of New York. The New York State Museum brings families back to Earth with native bird exhibits, geological trophies from state parks and more. Admission to the museum and its famed carousel are free. Check out http://www.nysm.nysed.gov for further details.
Make your last activity before heading home a simple one. Visit an area farm like Burn Ayr Farm, where you can both look into the harvest culture and munch down a lunch of local cheeses and free-range eggs, among other treats. Pack a bag of Catskill specialties (such as banana bread) for the ride home. Visit http://www.burnayrfarm.com for more information.
Sunny Hill Resort and Golf Course
Supervised day camps and oversized three-bedroom accommodations are just a few reasons to stay at Sunny Hill. Daily activities, all-inclusive food options and rates from a mere $120 per night are the rest. Book in advance, though, as this resort is a popular fall stay.
Web Site: http://www.sunnyhill.com
Location: 352 Sunny Hill Road, Greenville, NY 12083
Contact Information: 518.634.7642
The Country Place Resort
Choose from spacious studios or one-bedroom or two-bedroom family suites at this popular resort that starts at $350 per night. With on-site activities like karaoke and a nightly bonfire, families need not leave the premises. If mom and dad want to slip away for some alone time, however, concierge can make babysitting available.
Web Site: http://www.thecountryplace.com
Location: Shady Glen Road, East Durham, NY 12423
Contact Information: 800.888.3586
Mohonk Mountain House
A night or two at the Victorian castle known as Mohonk may seem pricey, but if you choose this mountaintop resort with sprawling foliage views, you may never want to leave. Pick from meal- and activity-inclusive specials, which are tailored to feature on-site adventures such as horseback riding, snow tubing, ice skating and more, from $500 per night.
Web Site: http://www.mohonk.com
Location: 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, NY 12561
Contact Information: 800.772.6646
Region
The Catskills are just beyond New York’s Hudson Valley and can be reached by traveling the New York State Thruway (I-87 North) to Green County.
Weather
With most of the fall leaves stripped from the trees, there’s little wind pulling through the Catskills in November, but it is still chilly. Pack thick-layered clothing like sweaters and long-sleeved shirts and also consider bringing gloves, hats and mittens. Don’t forget sunscreen either: Areas without leafy trees leave visitors susceptible to the rays of the fall sun.
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