Where We've Been: The Catskills

Just a short drive from NYC, the Catskills feel a world apart from Manhattan thanks to outstanding mountain views, challenging hikes, and a laid-back atmosphere that's perfect for summer weekends. Known in the nineteenth century for luxurious "mountain houses"-- popular summer retreats for East Coast city-dwellers-- the Catskill region remains a peaceful getaway filled with gorgeous natural sites and inviting towns. The area has also been experiencing a recent renaissance of rustic B&Bs, great food, and artists' enclaves. Our Director of Ecommerce, Lacey S., recently headed north for a relaxing weekend in the mountains.

Lacey says, "I spent the weekend visiting some pals in Accord, NY-- an awesome little spot on the west side of the Hudson River between New Paltz and Kingston. It was the perfect combo of being super active, but also building in some time to relax. We spent the first morning of the weekend kayaking in Kingston; there's a beautiful little waterfall that you can kayak right up to. In the afternoon, we all grilled and hung out by the pool. My friends' pool is surrounded by huge echinacea and amazing wildflowers-- it was the best setting to relax. On Sunday, we stopped into this wonderful little antique shop called Downtown Antiques and shopped around. By the end of the weekend, I definitely didn't want to leave."