Jason Ryan

Sep 16, 20236 min read

Water, Rocks and Cat...skills

Updated: Sep 19, 2023

Catskill Mountains, New York

Join my mom and me this month in Shandaken and surrounding towns as we explore more of the Catskill Mountains. Every September my mom and I take a trip to hike, zipline, cliff jump, and more. This year we headed to the Catskills to hike, ride the rail line, shop, and eat.

All the towns in the area we went to are smaller and close together making exploring a few easy! We got our place off Airbnb, and it wasn't too far from the town (note it was as dark as possible out so getting there at night wasn't the best). If you're not good at driving at night I would shoot for any of the hotels on Route 28.

On the first day, we hiked around the Ashokan Reservoir. Fun fact: This beautiful area is actually how drinking water gets to NYC. Built in the early 1900s it brings millions of gallons of water a day to NYC. Since this area is off-limits to swimming and fishing, we do see a lot more wildlife. One noticeable thing is the eagles. As you are walking you will see many signs saying protected eagle nest and if you look up you will see them! Making this a great place on the New York State Birding Trail.

As we drove to our next hiking location, we stumbled upon The Emerson Resort and Spa. The sign-out front got us "World’s Largest Kaleidoscope". What is this and how large? I will say it is worth it! Inside an old farm silo, through tapered mirrors, the Kaleidoshow images are transformed into fractal figures and the storytelling begins. This was beautiful and peaceful. They have five different shows, and it is only $5 a person a show (if you are a hotel guest it is free). After the show check out The Shops, more on them below.

After this, we headed to the West Kill Brewery (rating below) and did some hiking. There is a smaller waterfall a mile down the road. Park in the designated area, walk down the road to the end, and look for the round markers. The falls are about a mile in (don't go for the trail at the parking lot) and have a few large rocks to rest on and enjoy the view.

That night we went to Peakamoose and had an amazing meal (check out the review below)!

The next day we woke up early to get breakfast and some hiking in before an adventure. We stopped at the well-known Phoenicia Diner. Heads up not much in this town opens too early. After eating we headed to Big Indian to go hiking. We made a small mistake and drove by the hike we originally wanted and ended up at Slide Mountain (the highest peak in the Catskills). This trail took us through streams and up a very rocky path. We only did about an hour before turning around.

Are you ready for a ride?

We checked out the Rail Explorers, "River Run". If you're looking for a unique way to see the Catskills, this is for you! This 8-mile journey utilizes the abandoned Ulster & Delaware Railroad tracks take you on a journey along the creeks, through the mountains and woods. This tour takes about two hours, with a 15-minute break! The cars come in two or four-seaters and have a basket to keep any bags in. Don't forget to pack and snack and water for the break. Website

Right down the road from the Rail Explores is the town of Phoenicia. We went here to get a quick lunch and to walk around the town! The town downtown consists of just one street (Main Street) Filled with antiques, shopping, sweets, and Brio's Restaurant where we ate (see the review below). After a few hours, we headed back down Route 28 to the Woodstock Brewing before heading to the Airbnb. We had to get back to the Airbnb a little earlier because it was the Town of Olive Bicentennial, and they were closing a road near our place. Once home we decided to check out the festival and get dinner there. They had a chicken barbeque, music, vendors, and more!

Restaurants/Breweries

Food and beer are not something the Catskills are missing! From fine dining to diners, breweries, and more! Check out some of our top stops!

Bread Alone- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you want some amazing homemade bread and pastries, plus a place with a mission then you need to stop here! I first learned of Bread Alone at the 82 St. Farmers Market on Saturday here in NYC! After that, I knew it had to be on my list. If you need a place to work while visiting this is the place to go, plus they also serve lunch inside and pizza outside. Website

Peakamoose - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🍸 - Great Cocktails

If you're looking for amazing food and a beautiful ambiance this is the place. We could not decide on what to get so we split a few dishes! Very different and seasonal specials. The Tavern is also a great place to grab a drink and relax. End the man with some warm chocolate chip cookies! Website

Phoenicia Diner- ⭐⭐⭐⭐

🎵- Live Music (check schedule)

🐶 - Dogs allowed

Located on Route 28 this diner is a great place to start your day. From simple sandwiches to delicious specials and breakfast all day. Also features "The Lot" a great outdoor space, with live music and an airstream trailer! Note I am a sucker for pins, and they had pins of the diner! Website

West Kill Brewing- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🎵- Live Music (check schedule)

🍺- House Brewed

🐶 - Dogs allowed

This brewery was a little hike from town but worth it! If you're looking for a fun place to relax and drink beer in nature this is the brewery for you! They do have wine, cider, and NA drinks. A few snacks on the bar and most weekends a food truck! Also don't forget to say hi to Teddy the brewery cat! Website

Woodstock Brewing- ⭐⭐⭐⭐

🍺- House Brewed

🐶 - Dogs allowed

Located right on Route 28 this brewery has a great indoor or outdoor space! Flights are available so you can try a variety of beers. Plus, they have liquor, wine, and food! Grave a few packs to go as well! Website

Brio's Restaurant- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Located in downtown Phoenicia this was a great lunchtime spot. They have pizza, burgers, wraps, and tex-mex. Fast service with a cute outdoor space. They also have a big take-out counter if you're looking to get it and go. Note: best fries ever (shoestring with salt and pepper). Website

Shopping

The small, cute shops in these towns are everything! All the locally made goods! From candles, candies, art, antiques and more!

Emerson - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This resort offers a section called "the shops" filled with different rooms offering a wide variety of items with many made in New York! I bought candles, tree ornaments, snacks, and more! Great place to stock up on different gifts! Website

Catskill Visitor Center- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tons of info on all the good places to go in the Catskills! The workers were great at giving suggestions. Also, the place features one of my friend's art (@lionheart_graphics on insta).

If you want a great town to experience the Catskills, then this area is for you!

US Open - Queens, NY

This year me and my friends went to the US Open! Getting to the stadiums is easy with taking the 7 from Grand Central! You get dropped off right next to the stadium! The key to going is to buy tickets at the end of May when single tickets go on sale. You won't know who is playing yet but the seats are around $55. We bought tickets to round 2 for Arthur Ashe at 7 pm. Not knowing who is playing could pay off. For us, we ended up seeing Carlos Alcaraz winner of the 2022 US Open and 2023 Wimbledon Championships.

Yes, we got a Honey Deuce cocktail, for me it was tad too sweet. Didn't make it to the game make one at home.