Escape to the Catskills: A Guide to New York’s New Top Destination

The Great Western Catskills is just 2 hours from New York City and offers gorgeous mountain views, charming small towns, a hip craft beverage scene, nature-immersed adventures, and authentic farmstead glamping.

The area seems to be gaining buzz and traction, and after experiencing it first-hand, I can see why. For many city dwellers, especially post-pandemic, it offers the perfect blend of unspoiled nature, community, and emerging culture, without being too remote. With the convergence of trends, opportunities, and cultural shifts, it may, in fact, be turning into the next “it” destination. Yet it still feels under the radar, as if you’re part of a movement rather than a destination.

Check out these hidden gems for the ultimate Catskills weekend getaway. including where to stay, explore, and eat.

Where to Stay: Unplug, Slow Down, and Dig in at Stony Creek Farmstead

Slow down, unplug, and experience real farm life at Stony Creek Farmstead, nestled in the heart of the Catskills in Walton, NY. This peaceful, off-the-grid gem is the perfect way to disconnect and sink into picturesque nature and farm life.

Cozy canvas tents, wood-fired cooking, and starry nights set the stage, while farm tours, fresh produce, and pizza nights connect you to the land and community. It's rustic yet comfortable, family-friendly yet peaceful, and filled with simple pleasures -- from collecting eggs in the morning to gathering by the campfire at night.

Upon arrival, your host Kate escorts you to your rustic, fully furnished canvas tent with plenty of comfy beds for large families, a toilet, and wood cookstove. The kids will love gathering firewood for the stove and eggs from the guest chicken coop for your morning breakfast. Order the breakfast basket from the Farm Store for a delicious, farm-to-table organic breakfast that you can prepare back at your tent.

On Saturday mornings at 11am, Kate offers farm tours for guests, where she guides you through pastures and vegetable gardens. Along the way, you’ll learn about running the farm and pasture management, such as rotational grazing, while you feed the pigs, herd the sheep, meet the livestock guard dogs, and join in other farm routines. 

One of the highlights of our stay was the farm fresh pizza night, only available on Saturday nights when the weather permits. It’s the perfect blend of food, community, the outdoors, and the slow magic of farm life. At dusk, everyone gathers at communal picnic tables while the smell and glow of the wood-fired brick oven serves as a backdrop. Kate and the crew toss pizza dough and craft made-to-order pies and fresh garden salads. Afterwards, enjoy a campfire, stars, and the warm, communal vibe (BYOB).

What to Do: Adventure at Every Turn

The Great Western Catskills offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and explorers. Hikers can traverse trails at Bear Spring Mountain while paddlers can float down the Delaware River amid the beautiful landscape.

• Kayaking. For a small-town outdoor adventure with back-to-nature charm, visit Al's Sports Store in Downsville, NY and rent kayaks to paddle on the Delaware River. This rustic outdoor staple offers kayak and canoe rentals, along with fishing gear and outdoor supplies. The owner, Al, is friendly and knowledgeable and provides useful instructions for navigating the river.

  As you paddle along this calm, quiet section of the Delaware, take in the gorgeous scenery, rolling hills, and covered bridge. It feels like an authentic, small-town experience. Check the weather and water levels before you plan your trip. The Delaware River's water levels are regularly managed to help control droughts, flooding, and local water supplies.

• Hiking. Bear Spring Mountain in Walton, NY is a quiet, rustic park with hikes of various lengths, ranging from 4–5-mile shorter loops, to mid-length 6–8-mile hikes, and longer ridge or full loop options that are around 9 miles. Elevation gains are moderate, ranging from 500 - 1500 ft, so there's an option for everyone. There are campgrounds and day-use areas, which includes Launt Pond. So, plan a post-hike picnic with a water view.

Where to Eat: The Catskills Craft Scene

The Catskills craft beverage scene is becoming a vibrant mix of flavors and landscapes -- from the unique hard cider flavors at Awestruck, to the craft beers at Muddy River Farm Brewery, to the rare grape blends at Dear Native Grapes. After a day of adventure, pick up a flight of cider, taste a new ale, or sip a wine against gorgeous mountain views.

• Awestruck Ciders. Visiting Awestruck Ciders feels like stepping into a locally cherished taproom with soul. The Sidney, NY interior has a cozy, rustic-industrial vibe, where locals sip cider and play games aboard a repurposed bus in the center of the taproom (there’s another taproom, Awestruck Mill, located in Walton, NY).

  Sample one-of-a-kind ciders, like hibiscus ginger or lavender hops, and pair them with delicious flatbreads and boneless wings. What's best, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, offering tours to showcase Awestruck's fermenting and canning process, which makes it truly awe-inspiring. Be sure to try the Hibiscus Ginger cider and a prosciutto, pear, and honey flatbread.

• Dear Native Grapes. This small Catskills vineyard and winery in Walton, NY is a unique and special place, rooted in heritage and craft. As you enter the wide and welcoming tasting room doors, the owners, Alfie and Deanna, pour generous samples as they share their mission to revive America's forgotten grapes. They moved from New York City with a vision to restore native grapes that were nearly lost to history, and they officially opened their doors in July 2025.

  Outside, overlooking scenic mountain views, indulge in a fresh food pop-up (such as Chinese hosted by Molto Molto Community Coffeeshop owners), giving you something bold and comforting to pair with a crisp, wild wine, like the ‘24 Delaware sparkling white. Before leaving, checkout the onsite grocery that features local produce and products. It’s a relaxed, sensory-rich place where wine, food, and nature meet.

• Muddy River Farm Brewery. Visit this riverside brewery, located in Unadilla, NY along the Susquehanna River, for a laid-back community vibe. The brewery grows its own hops and sources ingredients locally, so every pint feels rooted in the region. The atmosphere is relaxed, with big open doors, lawn seating, a food truck, and kids playing on the lawn. It feels like an authentic taste of local flavor and community.

• Hamden General Store. After a day of outdoor adventures, visit the Hamden General Store -- a local hub for food, community, and craftsmanship in Hamden, NY. Try the locally roasted coffee and sip it on the front porch with some locals, then grab a house-baked cookie for the road. The vibe is warm and welcoming, it feels like a cozy, community-oriented place to meet a neighbor for coffee or simply rest on your journey through the Catskills.

• Daisy Queens Ice Cream. Treat the kids to a cone at Daisy Queens Ice Cream back in Walton, NY. This charming local spot offers classic cones, sundaes, and shakes. Along with their ice cream menu, they also serve fun extras like hot dogs and smoothies. What's best, there's plenty of airy indoor seating with open garage doors.

Bottom line, there’s a fresh, modern vibe spreading throughout the Great Western Catskills. It’s a vibrant place where local entrepreneurship, creative energy, and the great outdoors are perfectly aligned. So, add this trending destination to your travel bucket list.