Happy Monday, everyone! I just got back last night from a fabulous overnight getaway to the Catskills. It was a delightful weekend, and it was the perfect place to relax and recharge before kicking off the school week.Ever since Jax began his new job in the city, his schedule has been packed with work, leaving him with limited time off. I traveled with our friends Carol and Tommy to meet him in the Catskills which was a close driving distance from Buffalo and NYC. If you are in the area I would highly recommend planning a trip. In today’s post I’m sharing everything we did during our stay as well as some photos that capture what a beautiful weekend it was!

If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Phoenicia, NY offers the perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and delectable cuisine. Here’s a detailed itinerary to help you make the most of a weekend getaway in this charming Catskills village. We stayed during the summer so you might plan a little differently if you plan on visiting during the colder months!

 

 Saturday Morning: An Adventurous Start

Kick off your weekend early on Saturday morning. Aim to leave your home early enough to arrive at Giant Ledge by mid afternoon so you can make the most of your day. Make sure to get your directions to County Road 47 in Phoenicia prior to leavening in case you lose service on the way. The trail offers breathtaking views that make the climb well worth the effort. The trail is moderately challenging but rewards you with stunning panoramic views of the Catskills. The hike took us a total of 2 hours and was the perfect way to start the trip. 

Saturday Afternoon: Classic Diner Lunch 

After your hike, head over to the Phoenicia Diner located at 5681 State Route 28. This iconic diner serves up delicious comfort food made from locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty burger or a fresh salad, there’s something on the menu to satisfy every palate. The diner is so charming and had incredibly kind staff! We all got sandwiches which were the perfect fuel after our hike. 

Saturday Evening: Unwind and Dine

After hiking and lunch you’ll be ready to check into The Henson which is a stunning luxury boutique hotel in the Catskills. You’ll be treated by a welcoming staff and a stunning arrangement of fresh flowers when you walk in the door! Take a moment to freshen up and relax in your room- which is impeccably decorated and cozy. The Henson offers a charming and inviting atmosphere, making it the ideal base for your weekend adventures.

Before dinner, unwind with a drink in The Henson’s beautiful garden. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy a glass of wine or a refreshing cocktail while reflecting on the day’s activities. It’s also an ideal location to capture a few photos to cherish the memories of the weekend!

We found The Henson through our friend Becca @peachpitpottery– she made the most darling plates for their restaurant Matilda. We made a reservation prior for dinner at 7PM and headed over to Matilda for a delightful dinner experience. The restaurant offers a sophisticated menu that features seasonal ingredients and innovative dishes. My favorite dishes were the Roasted Onions, Dauphine Potatoes, and the Raviolo- although I don’t think you can make a wrong decision from their menu! 

After dinner we had a nightcap by the bonfire which was so cozy! They have an honor bar with a variety of snacks and beverages incase you need it!

Sunday Morning: Relax and Explore

A great way to start the day is with a workout or in The Henson’s sauna. It’s a wonderful way to rejuvenate after yesterdays hike. The property is quite beautiful between the shared spaces, garden, rooftop, and more so be sure to enjoy the space while you’re there! We loved sipping on tea and coffee out of the cutest handmade mugs. 

For breakfast, make your way to Eat Day June. We loved how warm and inviting the space was and everything we ordered was divine. I am still dreaming about the breakfast burrito and blueberry lemon pancakes- hopefully I’ll be able to recreate both at home! 

Before heading out we stopped by Para Casa to get one of their famous cinnamon rolls to go—they’re such a treat! It’s a cute shop with some great souvenirs, local foods, coffee, and pastries. 

Sunday Afternoon: Local Shopping

Depending on how much time you have, you can squeeze in some local shopping and explore some other areas in the Catskills. We popped into a few antique stores and a flea market! There is also some great shops in Livingston Manor, NY which isn’t too far! A few stores I love there are Concrete + Water, Homestedt, Nest, DROOZ and Company – and if you work up an appetite pop into Main Street Farm Market Cafe or visit Upward Brewing Company.

Thanks for reading! Happy travels!