The Best Places to Visit in the Catskills This Fall

Fall vibes only.

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The Catskills area is just a 2-hour drive from New York City, but with a distinguished culture of its own, including a growing number of hip hotels and a booming culinary scene. Some time away from the city lights—perhaps on the endless hiking trails admiring the fall foliage?—will serve you good. So pack up the Jeep, bring along your fluffy friend (K-9 friendly hotels are more common than not), and escape for the weekend (or longer, should you be so lucky) to any of these cool Catskill destinations.

1.Eastwind 

This year-round boutique hotel is especially idyllic come fall: changing leaves, an outdoor sauna, and live concerts hosted on the property. Minimalist Scandinavian design, reclaimed wood interiors, and panoramic mountain views make the 19-room hotel picture-perfect. With access to loads of nearby adventure, be it hiking, swimming, or skiing, Eastwind is a great basecamp to venture into the great outdoors.

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2.Troutbeck

Historically a destination for artists and poets (including Mark Twain to Ralph Waldo Emerson) Troutbeck is a rustic retreat set on 45 acres in upstate New York— technically located in the Hudson Valley region. Designed by renowned Portuguese interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud, the estate has everything you need, from tennis courts and a pool to polished communal spaces and secluded nooks. Spend your days hiking the grounds and your nights sipping on a house made cocktail in the rustic living room.

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3.The DeBruce

Situated along the Willowemoc Valley, The DeBruce is the place to try your hand at fly fishing in their own stretch of private river. Or, alternatively go for a bird-watching hike on the tree lined property. Gather around the fire in The Great Room for an aperitif before heading into dinner. The inn is known for their multi-course meals inspired by local ingredients and the spectacular views of the mountains ahead and valley below.

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4.Scribner's Catskills Lodge

Founded with a mission to welcome a new generation of urban explorers, this year-round lodge will give you Brooklyn vibes. A hub for swimming, waterfall hiking, and skiing (in colder seasons), there's plenty to do outside. But Scribners also has a cool contemporary design, cozy indoor fireplaces, parlor games, and a pool table. Text your friends—it's particularly great for groups.

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5.Deer Mountain Inn

Surrounded by almost 200 acres of hiking trails and mountain views, Deer Mountain Inn is a romantic place to duck away from city life. Spend the morning biking, trail running, bird watching, or meditating and the afternoon partaking in a mountain top wine tasting. For dinner, make a reservation for a multi-course meal prepared by acclaimed chef, Ryan Tate. Afterwards, cuddle up in a blanket and roast s'mores over the outdoor fire pit or catch movie night on the lawn.

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6.Farmhouse Catskills

This 100-year-old farmhouse-turned-boutique hotel is the ideal new-meets-old getaway, with rustic bones and restored interiors. Spend time reading on the expansive terrace and have a glass of wine in the garden. Visit the restaurant for a farm-to-table menu before stopping by the bar—reminiscent of a 1930s speakeasy. For a glam twist on a traditional camping experience, stay in one of the A-frame cabins hidden amongst the tree tops.

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7.Collective Retreats

Not one for camping? Bet we can change your mind. Collective Retreat's is a luxury campsite located on a secluded working farm, comprised of uniquely designed tents featuring locally sourced furniture and equipped with a full range of amenities—from four-poster beds to high thread count sheets, full electricity, en suite bathrooms, and wood burning stoves. Take a short drive to breathtaking waterfall hikes or unwind on the property and dine amongst the stars.

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Sara Holzman
Style Director

Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, covering runway trends and tracking down the latest finds to buy and wear. When she’s not writing about fashion, she pens about the best places to jet-off to. Over her six years with Marie Claire, Sara has reported on the ever-evolving world of fashion— covering both established and emerging designers within the industry. Sara has held fashion positions at Lucky and SELF Magazine and was a regular contributor to Equinox’s Furthermore website, where she wrote across their style, wellness, and travel verticals. She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and currently resides in Manhattan. Follow her along at @sarajonewyork.