Fall in the Catskills

Oh, so this is what "fall" is all about...

Vibrant red leaves, fog-capped mountains, true apple picking, and the faint smell of smokey fireplaces... My recent trip to the Catskills enveloped me in cozy fall goodness like your favorite chunky sweater.

Just a 2 hour drive from Manhattan, the Catskills region is the perfect escape from the frenetic (albeit, wonderful), energy of the city. Laced with winding rivers and foliage-dense rolling hills, it's no wonder why this area has been a favorite vacation spot for city dwellers, and the background of many movies and famous works of art.

And fall in the Catskills? There's absolutely nothing like it... I'm already planning my return next year.

I'll now let the photos do the talking and share my favorite spots that you won't want to miss...

Stay:

Wylder Hotel

I can't say enough about this charming hotel nestled in the darling town of Windham. With it's attention to detail, beautiful setting, and gorgeous design, I instantly fell in love. Pickleball courts surrounded by falling leaves, wood-fired saunas looking out over lush fields, a s'mores station next to adirondack chairs draped with cozy wool blankets, a cookie decorating class... I mean, come on!

Eat:

Deer Mountain Inn

You must eat dinner here... and just after the sun starts to go down. No, really. It's an experience. When the outdoor lights go on, the indoor fireplaces are lit, and the vintage lighting reflects off of the bar... the whole place glows with warmth. Cozy is an understatement. Go early to have one of their signature cocktails at the bar.

Feast & Floret

I loved everything about this place – the bouquets of flowers to buy, the custom vintage rose-stripe seat cushions tied to custom iron benches, the exposed original brick... and of course, the food. They are known for their house-made sourdough and pastas, but really – anything on the menu is good. Especially the meatballs. And I am a meatball connoisseur.

Prospect

Nestled into the hills of Hunter, Prospect is within the Scribners Lodge. We went for a drink and stayed once we read "homemade butter trio" on the menu. Gorgeous views, delicious food, and lovely ambiance.

Babblers

Inside of Wylder hotel, Babblers has a cafe with solid breakfast and lunch options. The first morning I had avocado toast with yolky eggs on it... way better than any I've had in San Francisco (which takes their avo toast seriously!). I also stopped by each day for mid-afternoon soft serve.

Do:

Visit the town of Hudson

Just a 30-minute drive from Windham (where Wylder is located), is the incredibly charming town of Hudson...

If I were a town, I'd want to be Hudson. We went expecting a block or two of quaint shops and restaurants, but were greeted by quarter mile of beautifully restored storefronts and homes, New York caliber coffee shops, cafes and restaurants and countless bespoke flower, clothing, home and kids shops.

Hike

(Or walk) The scenery is why you visit this place, so just go outside and you'll fill your day. Truly, the slower pace is part of the reason for the magic, so stroll, sit on a bench or stump and just watch the leaves fall.

If you're feeling the need to balance all the fine dining, there are miles upon miles of trails. Our favorite was the Kaaterskill Falls trails, but you can read more about all of the regions paths here.

Apple Pick

Whether you can actually transport all the picked apples back home is of little concern. Apple picking in this region – this time of year – is all about the experience. And at most orchards, you'll be able to enjoy freshly made cinnamon doughnuts, wine, spiced nuts and pies. We loved Stoneridge Orchard, but there's plenty around the Hudson Valley.