The most romantic things to do in the Catskills

This restaurant in Big Indian is adorned with rustic tree bark and twinkling lights, which totally sets the mood for a romantic dinner with your boo. Before snuggling outside by Peekamoose Restaurant's outdoor fire pit with a glass of vino, gorge on savory bites such as the wild mushroom risotto or the stout-marinated wood-grilled hanger steak.

You’ll get a killer view of the mountains as well as the Willowemoc Valley while sitting inside this hospitable hotel’s glass-wall dining room. The DeBruce’s simple but elegant earth-tone decor offers a peaceful setting for sharing a meal with your sweetheart. Come on a Saturday night to enjoy a beautiful nine-course meal created by talented chef Aksel Theilkuhl. (The man makes a mushroom starter look like a work of art.) Reservations are required. 

This beautiful restaurant has a homey feel, which is fitting as it’s located inside a quaint and historic house in Bovina. The farm-to-table menu includes a hefty wine list as well as drool-worthy items such as cast iron chicken, hand-rolled pasta and a brown butter blondie for dessert. Take a moment to sit with bae on the porch of the Brushland Eating House after dinner to admire the bucolic outdoor views and brambly hills. You might even spot a few hooved animals frolicking in the fields. 

In the heart of the Catskill Mountains, Copperhood Retreat and Spa is the perfect oasis for revitalizing after an action-packed day outdoors. And you don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the amenities of a spa vacation. Book their Escape for a Day treatment for $200 (per person), which includes specialties from facials to massages, lunch and access to the facility’s sauna, eucalyptus steam room, swimming pool and more.

Sign up for an afternoon of full-body pampering at Emerson Resort and Spa boasting oversized windows that expose stunning views of the Catskill mountains. At the serene and modern spa, splurge for the VIP Couples Soak and Massage (prices are $360-$400 per couple dependent on length of treatment), which includes a peaceful Himalayan Salt Soak and seasonal aromatherapy. For an added bonus, you get to enjoy an artisanal cheese platter and champagne while you relax. But that’s not all: The treatment ends with a full-body massage that will leave you feeling fully rejuvenated and restored after hiking in the woods. 

Treat yourself (and your significant other) to the Romantic Couple’s Harmony Package at River Rock Health Spa. This modest but tranquil spa that offers you a lot of luxury for your buck. The deal ($459 for two people) includes side-by-side warm stone aromatherapy massages (75mins) followed by a catered lunch in the spa’s private dining room. You are welcome to use the steam room, sauna and relaxation room while nibbling on snacks and tea. And all spa guests leave with a goodie bag, so you can bring even more rest and relaxation back to your hotel room, no matter where you are staying for the weekend. 

This art deco–inspired bar, with its vintage booths and 1920’s light fixtures, feels a bit like a speakeasy as it’s housed in the secluded basement area of a restaurant called The Heron. Emerald Ballroom is a great spot for sipping unique cocktails while seeing a show—local rock bands, comedians and more perform on any given night of the week so check the schedule to see what’s on tap. 

Dinner and dancing at Dancing Cat Saloon is the perfect combination for a romantic night out with bae. Kick off the night with a delicious steak dinner at this saloon, then boogie down to some live music, which happens every weekend. If you’re looking to make an afternoon of it, stop in next door between noon and five for a free tour of the Catskill Distilling Company—an on-site farm distillery, which produces NY State craft and sprits—before enjoying a cocktail in the tasting room.

Enjoy a flick for under $10 at one of two theaters—Doctorow Center for the Arts and Orpheum Film and Performing Arts Center—in the Catskills. With titles ranging from new releases to independent and foreign films, there's always something new to see. Films currently run on the weekends (Friday–Sunday) but check out the theaters’ schedule for expanded listings during holidays and summer months. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase in case you and your date get the munchies.  Doctorow Center for the Arts 7971 NY-23A, Hunter and Orpheum Film and Performing Arts Center 6050 Main St, Tannersville (518-263-4702, )