For some New Yorkers, Upstate is an abstraction, a giant blob of green that sits north of us on the map. But if the thought of that vastness scares you, you'd do well to hone in on the Catskills, specifically the area around Hunter, which has untapped nature while still maintaining access to world-class food and accomodations via its small, charming town.
One of the crown jewels of this part of the world has long been Scribner's Catskill Lodge, a three-star hotel with a pool, a dreamy library-slash-co-working space and a quirky sauna crafted from a massive wood barrel. They also have a very impressive restaurant, Prospect, whose dinner menu has items like suckling pig. That operation is currently run by Mexican chef Alejandro Reyes Herrera, who previously worked at a Three-Michelin starred restaurant in Barcelona before settling in the mountains north of the city.
Why go now? If you needed an excuse, there's the recent opening of The Rounds. Located in a secluded area near the main lodge, Scribner’s sister property features yurt-like luxury structures that can be rented out privately. Each cabin features a curated collection of contemporary and vintage furniture pieces, private outdoor cedar "Japanese" soaking tubs and showers, and a central oculus—which also serves as a conversation pit—optimal for stargazing. When I was there, herds of deer approached the property at all hours of the day and night, and I soaked for at least an hour in the outdoor tub, with nothing but the stars and the rustling of nighttime critters to keep me comapny. It was an otherwordly experience I still reminisce on. If there was ever an appropriate use of "glamping," then it should be used to describe The Rounds.
Neighborhood
You'll definitely want to have a car if you want to enjoy the best of the surrounding area—the town of Hunter, with all its cute cafes, is just a three minute drive away. You're also in the shadow of Hunter Mountain, a massive hill you can ski on during the winter.
Nearby
- Fellow Mountain Cafe: A cozy business with yummy baked goods and coffee.
- Hunter Mountain Brewery: A brewpub with an extensive selection of beers from the area and as well as other parts of the state. Randomly, they also have Indian food.
- Phoenicia Diner: If you're down for a 20-minute drive, this beloved diner is worth the trip. Expect American classics with a contemporary twist.
Time Out tip
If you're down to splurge, definitely stay at The Rounds. You still have access to all the amenities from Scribner's with added privacy and a much more luxurious experience overall.