Dispatch: Another Incredibly Easy Weekend Getaway in the Hudson Valley and Catskills
Where to eat, drink, and disconnect in upstate New York
Hi everyone,
When was the last time you truly connected with your body? I’m not talking about staring in the mirror with guilt or pushing its limits through exercise. I mean making a real mind-body connection.
“But Carly, isn’t this supposed to be a weekend guide? I don’t want to work out on vacation. Just tell me where to find the fun stuff.”
I hear you. We’re getting there. Stick with me for a moment.
Here’s the thing about travel and leisure: if you’re stressed out before you even start, it’s hard to relax and enjoy. You can’t control the weather or every detail of your trip, but you can control your mindset. Regaining control over your mind and body helps you truly enjoy your vacations. No one wants to be that person having a meltdown at the airport or stressing over work at a winery. Sometimes we need a little encouragement to disconnect and refocus within. That’s why I’m here!
Breathing and listening are fundamental, yet many struggle with these basics whether doing Pilates or in daily life. Strengthening your mind-body connection through any practice requires daily commitment. It’s about reclaiming your brain and body to maximize your time.
As much as I love touting the benefits of cannabis, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution for health and wellness. Cannabis is just one part of a holistic approach to health, and even then, it doesn’t necessarily “take the edge off” for every person. There are plenty of unchill stoners, including many in the cannabis industry, who could benefit from reassessing their breathing and listening skills beyond the puff-puff-pass routine. When you’re not chill, you contribute to a tense environment. This negativity is particularly infectious when taken out on hospitality workers, who then pass it along to guests, contributing to an endless cycle of haterade in the travel and leisure industries that have a global impact.
Improving your breathing and listening skills is about being mindful and staying present. Be part of the change you want to see in the world, starting with yourself. Show up with the best version of yourself and with the intention to leave even better than you started.
Easier said than done, I know. Sitting hunched over a phone or computer all day is the modern norm, making concentration difficult and the idea mind-body engagement uncomfortable and laborious. It’s true, distractions are everywhere. Half of my sessions involve reminding people to sit up straight and relax their shoulders because this is the default disposition of “tech neck”—a completely unnatural phenomenon of physical discomfort from holding devices all day long. It might take a few sessions to start changing this mindset, and it’s encouraging that many of my clients are middle-aged men. It’s never too late to learn new tricks!
It doesn’t matter if you use apparatus or not, work in classical or contemporary styles, breathing and listening are fundamental in Pilates and why I love it so much. Learning to breathe and listen changed my life, probably even more than CBT—and I still practice that, too. Teaching Pilates and helping others rediscover their own focus and concentration is incredibly rewarding for that reason. How will you pass along your new outlook?
Pilates is more than getting a six-pack; it’s a challenging exercise in self-awareness and control. It’s about embracing humility and the willingness to try, rather than seeking perfection. Not everyone is capable of doing this very simple baseline exercise, which is so much harder than simply having a solid core or doing a modified version of the Hundred. Adopting this practice strengthens your resolve and patience, and improves your mood so you can tackle the day or that vacation you’ve been looking forward to.
The good news is Pilates never gets easier—it’s a lifelong learning exercise. Committing 45 minutes to an hour of Pilates can free your mind to focus on other things, like reading or writing that book, sending thank you notes, or creating art. Disconnecting from the internet and electronics allows you to reengage with yourself and the world positively. Many people leave a Pilates session feeling taller, less stressed, energized, confident, and proud, addressing mental health issues like ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
It’s no wonder Pilates is becoming common in wellness retreats alongside yoga and meditation, especially in places blessed with limited WiFi like Hudson Valley and the Catskills. These retreats are designed to help you disconnect, reflect, and restore. I often feel as refreshed after a Pilates session as I do after a weekend getaway.
While many travel writers seek far-off adventures, I’ve been enjoying the adventure of sticking close to home. Travel can be stressful on the brain and body, so I appreciate the easy weekenders throughout New York State. Even as an expert on the Hudson Valley and Catskills, there are still many places I haven’t explored. That’s the beauty of New York: you can live here your whole life and still not see everything. Every place has a story. There’s enough here to fill a book, which still holds up as both regions have thrived post-COVID and continue to expand.
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As soon as you leave New York City, there is an immediate vibe shift. Time slows down and the landscape unfolds in a variety that belies the state’s size on the map. In the past month, I’ve had quick escapes to Sullivan County in the Catskills, a 24-hour jaunt to the Shawangunk Mountains, and a trip to the edge of the North Fork in Greenport, Long Island without breaking the bank. I’m also gearing up for another visit to the Catskills over Juneteenth. Each trip took under three hours each way, which could easily be done in a day, and left me feeling refreshed and inspired. (If you’re heading to the Finger Lakes or Adirondacks, you’ll need at least another day or two for travel—practically as long as it takes to get to Europe).
That said, even short trips upstate require alertness. A wrong turn on a country road could lead to an unexpected flat tire, and midweek travel without proper research might mean missing out on culinary hotspots only open part of the week. Disconnecting from the internet might force you to ask a stranger for directions, and driving at night can be nerve-wracking if you’re not careful—this is where those breathing and concentration exercises come in handy. Venturing out of our comfort zones to places that reward us with fresh air and boundless inspiration challenges us to regain focus, strength, and intuition to “figure it out,” especially in an era where we are constantly force-fed information and convenience is always at our fingertips.
This is your reminder to check in with yourself. When was the last time you made the mind-body connection? When was the last time you were intentional with your breath? Where is the closest place you can go that will feel far away? How can you replicate that feeling by activating your sense of imagination? Where will it take you next?
Explore the beauty and offerings of your local area. Embrace the opportunity to disconnect, rediscover, and enjoy the simple pleasures right around the corner.
Get started by pinning few choice destinations below as you plan your next adventure:
What To Eat, Drink, and Do in the Catskills
Last month I attended the second annual Catskills Cuisine weekend at Bethel Woods Center for Arts, featuring Food Network stars like Scott Conant, Michael Symon, Andrew Zimmern, Marcus Samuelsson, Anne Burrell, Melba Wilson, and Geoffrey Zakarian. While it was a star-studded event, I was a bit disappointed not to see more local talent that’s putting Sullivan County on the map. How great would it be to see places like Seminary Hill Orchard & Cidery, The Kaatskeller, Northern Farmhouse Pasta, Catskills Provisions, Upward Brewing, and The Laundrette all in one spot? I’d definitely travel for that. In the meantime, Bethel Woods has also recently introduced glamping, which I’d love to know if anyone attending the Megadeth concert later this summer plans to try it out.
During my trip, I discovered Weissman Farms, a charming off-road farmstand perfect for grabbing meat and dairy on the go. Bring cash, as it operates on an honor system (there is a camera for security). I wish I had brought more money because the prices were fair and the products exceptional.
Don’t miss a visit to the Catskills Provisions Tasting Room in Callicoon, where you can sample spirits and locally made honey (including irresistible honey bourbon truffles) from the wonderful proprietor and distiller, Claire Marin. Across the street is Black Walnut, a stunning cocktail bar and retail shop with a bespoke Regency farmhouse-inspired parlor vibe, offering a menu of New York-based spirits, wines, ciders, and beers.
If the weather cooperates, book a guided outdoor excursion with naturalist Laura Chavez Silverman of The Outside Institute. She offers regular nature and foraging walks, as well as workshops on botanical fermentation, natural dyes, and other nature activities. The Catskills are also prime for fly fishing, with many operators and educational stops to get you started. And don’t forget to visit the alpaca farm!
Should you happen to forget your guidebook, swing by Drooz + Company in Livingston Manor, a delightful general store with lots of quirky gifts and souvenirs including signed copies! It’s right around the corner from Main Street Farm, where you can pick up local groceries, sandwiches and snacks; Homestedt, a Catskills curated concept shop; and Upstream Wine & Spirits.
Mark your calendars:
June 25: Pride isn’t over yet, and the Catskills plan to make every minute count. High Voltage Creek Bar in Mountaindale has been hosting an under-the-radar monthly Catskills Queer Party with music, food, and community in a magical woodland disco—the perfect way to cap Pride month in the mountains.
July 27-28: The Borscht Belt Festival returns to Ellenville for its second year, featuring stand-up comedy, art, live music, film, educational programming, and food, with proceeds going towards the funding of the future permanent home of the Borscht Belt Museum, opening next year. The museum will celebrate the vibrant history and culture of the Catskills famous Borscht Belt Resort era—a vacation reprieve and community for many post-war Jews who faced exclusion from other hotels due to rampant antisemitism, immortalized in pop culture on series like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
What To Eat, Drink, and Do in the Hudson Valley
Not even a day after returning from the Catskills, I was on another bus headed to Benmarl Winery—the oldest vineyard in America—for a tasting showcase of entirely Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc wine producers. Watching the shifting viticulture landscape of the Finger Lakes on the heels of the cultural rise of farmhouse production spurred by the craft beer movement and supported by the New York Farm Bill Law, I was eager to see how this would influence the new generation of winemakers. Verdict’s in: I’m impressed!
New York claims some of the oldest vines, but its reputation as a wine producer has only recently improved as ambitious winemakers explore mineral-rich soils and favorable climates at more affordable costs. Historically, distribution limitations pushed many winemakers to meet local market demands, producing those sweet, viscous fruit wines that any modern wine drinker would probably consider undrinkable minus the rare creative bartender interested in a Chopped-style challenge. However, as consumers become savvier and the market more saturated, winemakers are now experimenting with varietals and upgrading production and tasting facilities. (Wait until New York’s cannabis industry matures—hospitality is about to get wild!)
Benmarl has a pretty excellent tasting room with sweeping views of the ‘Gunks and Hudson River. Fjord Vineyards is another must-visit; their tasting room wasn't around when I wrote my guide, but their wines were worth mentioning anyway. Whitecliff Vineyard, with its inland views and excellent wines, is also nearby. Quartz Rock Vineyard formerly Glorie Farm Winery, is now run by WOC co-owner Jacqui Ferrari Heavens and her husband, Dan Heavens, featuring outdoor seating, live music, tarot readings, and Caribbean food pop-ups. On the north end of the trail, Robibero’s tasting room serves wood-fired pizzas on Saturdays and an experimental white Cab Franc—almost like a cross between an unoaked Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc that will appeal as an entry-level gateway wine for staunch sweet wine drinkers to try something a little more sophisticated.
Across the river is Millbrook Vineyards, just below one of my favorite B&Bs, Wing’s Castle. Millbrook offers a great Tocai and incredible sunset views from the tasting room’s second floor. New on the scene is Milea Estate Vineyard, which boasts a luxury tasting room and impressive releases from winemaker River Allan, plus enviable views of the Hudson.
While you’re in town: While you’re in town, consider booking a stay at Buttermilk Falls Inn, a secluded 75-acre estate in Milton with a luxury day spa, animal sanctuary, and Henry’s, an upscale farm-to-table restaurant. Even if you don’t stay, it’s worth visiting for brunch or dinner. The food is fabulous, and the wine list is surprising! It’s not every day you’ll find a Robert Sinskey, M. Chapoutier, and Domaine Chanzy alongside a sparkling from Oregon, a Cab from Arizona, and Hudson Valley Chardonnay. The scallops were perfectly seared and the lamb couldn’t have been fresher.
What’s the Deal with Cannabis?
All those trees might make you wonder where the nearest dispensary is? Good news: they’re finally starting to pop up and stocked with some of the Valley’s finest greens. Check out seven of the latest ones to visit on your next trip upstate.
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