The Great Northern Catskills in New York: Weekend Itinerary
Looking for a stress-free weekend trip with something for every traveler? Head to the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County for adventures, relaxation, and culinary delights. Plus, it’s located just 2.5 hours north of New York City!
FRIDAY
We checked-in at newly-opened Hotel Lilien in Tannersville after an easy 2.5-hour drive from the city. Designed by Field Theory, the hotel is a restored 1890s estate that features 18 unique rooms, a full bar & restaurant, and an outdoor pool for the summertime. Each morning, guests can enjoy a thoughtfully-curated complimentary breakfast served by the kindest hotel staff. I loved the various common spaces for lounging in comfort when we had downtime (or the pool table when we felt a bit more competitive).
After settling into our room and exploring the property, we drove five minutes to downtown Tannersville for dinner at Tabla. This family-run spot serves creative small plates, many of which resemble the tapas dishes you would find in Spain. Standouts included the conservas platter and the albondigas.
SATURDAY
Our morning started with a 25-minute drive to Ambrosia Diner for a classic brunch en route to downtown Catskill. Once we reached Catskill’s Main Street, we took a stroll through the charming shops and galleries that are unique to the area:
The Foreland is a former 1800s mill that now houses contemporary art galleries, a collective workspace, and a coffee shop. It is located along the Catskill Creek for an impressive exterior view, too.
Catskill Chocolate Co. will satisfy all your caffeine or sweets needs with its handmade treats.
Kaaterskill Market offers sustainable and locally-made homewares and gifts. It is hard not to make a purchase here!
Magpie Bookshop is a charming store that specialized in used (or “nearly new” books.
Following our stroll through Catskill, we drove another 15-minutes to the just-as-charming downtown Coxsackie. Here you can find another group of curated shops set within a town that looks as if it could be a movie set.
Shipwrecked Books is a one-stop shop for books and coffee that feels extra cozy.
Mansion + Reed General Store offers a thoughtful selection of goods and groceries sourced from New York state and the Northeast.
Reed Street Bottle Shop has an impressive selection of wine and spirits. We picked up a lovely lambrusco!
As a bonus, spend some time enjoying the views at the waterfront park just next to the shops. There are plenty of picnic tables if you choose to bring your lunch, too!
After a relaxing morning we decided to take a short nature walk to Riedlbauer Falls in Round Top. The trail is a relatively flat 0.8-mile out and back route, so it’s a great option for various skill levels.
Following our hike we explored more of the hilltop town of Round Top with happy hour at Glen Falls House. The hotel is quirky but cozy and located perfectly for those looking for some outdoor adventure.
We spent the remainder of the evening playing pool over cocktails back at Hotel Lilien. Stop by on Saturdays for a live DJ too!
Dinner was at Stewart House in Athens, a stunningly moody restaurant that serves farm-sourced dishes and locally-distilled spirits. We were as impressed with the menu as we were with the hand-painted murals that covered the restaurant walls. I recommend the lamb chop and fried pickles!
SUNDAY
It felt fitting to wake up to an endlessly rainy day on Sunday. We were sad to leave so soon! After our last continental breakfast at Hotel Lilien, we checked-out and drove to downtown Tannersville for some shopping. The town has everything from retro eateries to both antique and modern shops.
Shandaken Bake is a charming bakery serving coffee and decadent pastries. I recommend the chocolate banana bread!
Sundry offers a lovely collection of home goods, apothecary items, and modern lifestyle essentials.
Last Chance Antiques & Cheese Cafe is such a fun spot for drinks, charcuterie, and bar bites. We sat on the terrace here to enjoy the liveliness of Tannersville!
On your drive home, stop by Circle W Market for delicious sandwiches and a final grocery run. We loved discovering all these gems in the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County and already want to return in future seasons. There is a little something for every traveler!