The fresh mountain air of the Catskills has long attracted New Yorkers seeking to escape the city, and winter is a perfect time to head there for a snowy sojourn. The region’s cool cred has been upped thanks to a crop of microbreweries and wine bars, as well as the debut of a stylish new hotel. Get your fill of the crisp outdoors on the slopes, and then warm up by antiquing or cozying up inside a theater. Although bus service is available from Manhattan, you’ll need a car to explore the area.
WHERE TO GO
Pack your skis and take your pick of ski resorts, from Hunter Mountain (64 Klein Ave., Hunter, 518-263-4223, huntermtn.com) to the less-crowded Windham Mountain (19 Resort Drive, Windham, 800-754-9463, windhammountain.com). If cross-country skiing is more your speed, try the track around North-South Lake (County Road 18, Haines Falls, dec.ny.gov/outdoor).
Warm up at the tasting room inside the Hudson-Chatham Winery (closed Monday-Wednesday; 6036 Main St., Tannersville, 518-589-4193, hudsonchathamtannersville.com) then browse for bargains and quirky décor at the Tannersville Antique & Artisan Center (closed Tuesday-Wednesday; 6045 Main St., Tannersville, 518-589-5600, tannersvilleantiques.com).
Catch a live performance at The Orpheum (6050 Main St., Tannersville, 518-589-4056, catskillmtn.org) or The Woodstock Playhouse (103 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock, 845-679-6900, woodstockplayhouse.org).
WHERE TO EAT
Carbo load before a day of skiing at the retro Phoenicia Diner (closed Tuesday-Wednesday during the fall; 5681 Route 28, Phoenicia, 845-688-9957, phoeniciadiner.com).
Mama’s Boy Burgers (6067 Main St., Tannersville, 518-589-6667, mamasboyburgers.com) is known as the Shake Shack of the Catskills, thanks to its grass-fed burgers and frozen custard.
Listen to live music while eating comfort food at the new Hunter Mountain Brewery (closed Tuesdays; 7267 Main St., Hunter, 518-263-3300, huntermountainbrewery.com).
Order a knish-wich at Last Chance Antiques & Cheese Cafe (closed Monday-Thursday; 6009 Main St., Tannersville, 518- 589-6424, lastchanceonline.com), a hybrid restaurant-general store where just about everything lining the walls is for sale.
WHERE TO STAY
The brand new Scribner’s Catskill Lodge (13 Scribner Hollow Road, Hunter, 518-628-5130, scribnerslodge.com) is near Hunter Mountain. The décor is a mix of modern and vintage, and some rooms have fireplaces. The in-house Prospect restaurant and bar uses ingredients sourced from the Hudson Valley for its menu.
